The Water and Land Dharma Function of Shaolin Temple in Xinchou Year entered the 4th day on May 23, 2021. The ceremonies of the invitation and offerings to the Triple Gems, the Heaven and holy ones were hosted at the inner shrine. 

Masters were invited to give dharma teachings at the inner shrine of the Water and Land Dharma Function in Shaolin Temple at 3 am. Inside or outside the inner shrine, articles used for the invitation of masters to give dharma teachings including Buddhist flags, fairy bridge, bathing pavilion, bathtub, washing bowl, holy water, incense, flowers, kindles, fruits and other offerings which were all delicate and beautiful. The three masters walked to the shrine to invite all Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and other holy ones to give dharma teachings. Monks followed masters to chant sutra and offer sacrifice to plead all Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and other holy ones to give dharma teachings. Then all benefactors followed masters presiding over the assembly to burn incense, scatter flower petals outside the shrine to invite all Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and other holy ones to attend the dharma function.

Fine offerings including agarwood, flowers, kindles, incense paste and Buddhist music were set at the inner shrine to hold the ceremony at 8 am. It was only hoped Buddhas and other holy ones could bless and protect all beings, joyfully accept offerings and brighten ancestors’ possession.

At 10: 30 am, there were believers who devoutly invited master Yongqian, chief monk of Shaolin Temple, to give dharma teachings. Master Yongxin accepted the invitation, climb up the throne to preach Buddhist dharma. Prayed for all protectors and lay Buddhists used these merits and virtues to grow wisdom, extend life, improve the ability of accumulated merits and virtues and so on.

Both academicians Yuan Longping, the “father of hybrid rice”, and Wu Mengchao, the “father of hepatobiliary surgery”, passed away on May 22. The whole world plunged into grief. Lotus seats of both scientists were set at the inner shrine of Shaolin Temple. (Report by Ma Ang, photographed by Yue Long, Liu Shengkai and Gong Wuwei and edited by Zou Xiang)