On March 22, 2026, spring sunlight bathed the Holy Miracles Temple in Pasadena, California, as a gathering of faith and devotion took place to honor the Holy Birthday of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva. The Dharma Assembly was organized by the World Buddhism Association Headquarters, Holy Miracles Temple, Hongfa Temple, and Sanger Mission.
As the bell and wooden fish were sounded, the assembly stood in solemn silence to welcome Dharma Master Ruzun Ruohui, the Venerable Abbess of the Hua Zang Si Temple, alongside Dharma Master Juehui, Dharma Master Miaokong, and other eminent monastics. Led by Dharma Master Ruzun Ruohui, the congregation began with a recitation of “The Lotus Sutra’s Universal Gate Chapter on Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva,” a passage highlighting the virtues and benevolence of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva.
According to Buddhist teachings, Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, who has attained Buddhahood as the Correct Dharma Realization Tathagata many eons ago, is believed to continue manifesting as a Bodhisattva. Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, renowned for boundless compassion and kindness, has made sacred vows to assist beings in suffering and alleviate suffering in various forms.
The ceremony continued with a “Great Offering to the Buddha.” Solemn offerings symbolized respect for the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. At the conclusion of the assembly, Dharma Master Ruzun Ruohui, together with Dharma Master Juehui and Miaokong, sprinkled blessed Dharma water upon attendees, a ritual to purify the mind and ease karmic obstacles.
Dharma Master Ruzun Ruohui explained that the Dharma Assembly was dedicated to praying for the well-being of attendees and those suffering from natural disasters and wars around the world. She led the assembly in sincerely invoking blessings and protection of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva and all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of the ten directions, praying for an end to wars and conflicts. She encouraged attendees to follow the teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, Shakyamuni Buddha, and Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, practice good deeds, avoid negative actions, and cultivate merit and wisdom.
Attendees also shared their journeys of learning Buddhism. Ms. Xue, a practitioner for more than ten years, shared that studying the teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and Shakyamuni Buddha helped her view the world’s changes with equanimity and to face life with a compassionate heart. Ms. Guan is a regular volunteer at Holy Miracles Temple. She mentioned that through listening to Dharma teachings, she developed right views, understood the law of causality, and aspired to abandon evil while doing good.
The Dharma Assembly drew attendees from diverse cultural backgrounds. Raul from Sierra Madre attended the Dharma Assembly with his family for the second year. While initially attending to support his wife’s faith, he noted a deeper “spiritual connection” to the Temple and expressed a growing desire to understand how Buddhist values enrich daily life. Jonathan, a frequent visitor, praised the welcoming environment and accessible translations.
These testimonies underscore the Temple’s success in fostering a multi-ethnic community. The Dharma Assembly offered spiritual nourishment to participants and highlighted the congregation’s deep compassion and sincere aspiration for global peace and harmony.
