On the eighteenth of December, 2020, we had the privilege of receiving teachings regarding the profound significance of the drum during our Dharma assembly. When the sound of the drum begins—a rhythmic, resonant thumping—it serves as a powerful signal that vibrates through the very fabric of space. Upon hearing this call, countless spirits from all realms gather in orderly lines, preparing to participate in the Dharma assembly. The energy is so intense and the number of spirits so vast that they fill the entire Buddha hall, leaving no space unoccupied.
The drum serves several vital purposes in our practice:
Gathering the Beings: It acts as a beacon, calling spirits from every corner of the Dharma Realm to assemble.
A Call to Readiness: It reminds all participants, both visible and invisible, that the ceremony is about to commence and that they must prepare their minds.
A Warning and Vigilance: The sound carries a cautionary tone, urging all present to remain focused and respectful.
When Practitioner Su strikes the drum, the energy produced is extraordinary. The sound pierces the clouds, reaching into every dimension and space, ensuring that all sentient beings are aware of the opportunity for . Whether it is the noon offering or the first, second, or third sessions of the , the drum sounds at every stage. Each time it rings, it signifies that a group of spirits has been successfully led by the Buddha to the of Ultimate Bliss.
Order and Devotion in the Dharma Assembly
Once the spirits have been purified and led away, they seize the precious time to return again, eager to participate in the subsequent sessions. Because of this, the pace of our work is intense and continuous, moving forward with great momentum. As the spirits become increasingly focused, the drum sounds conclude, followed by ten recitations of the name of . Practitioner Su then explains the teachings of the Buddha and the guidance provided by Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju to the assembly. Every spirit, whether they are listed on a memorial tablet or are simply attending to seek liberation, listens with the utmost reverence.
Sangharama is responsible for maintaining the order of the entire assembly. To ensure the ceremony proceeds smoothly, he must coordinate the spirits, guiding them to enter the Buddha hall in an orderly fashion. Only after all the memorial tablets of the benefactors have been recited does the formal Dharma assembly begin.
The Unmoved Practitioner Su
At the beginning of the ceremony, the order is impeccable. However, as the spirits become anxious to chant the name of Namo Amituofo and attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, they begin to crowd together. We observe the fourfold assembly chanting with deep sincerity. Many spirits, in their eagerness, attach themselves to the bodies of these disciples. Some disciples may sway back and forth, while others, feeling the weight of the spirits, may lack the physical strength to move, yet they continue to follow the procession.
Throughout this entire process, Practitioner Su remains completely "unmoved." He stands at the forefront, engaged in Dharma-Body Visualisation Deliverance. He travels to various realms to perform Chao Du, his countless manifestations leading vast numbers of spirits toward the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Practitioner Su is the busiest person in the hall, and he possesses the most powerful energy. His voice rings out, high and resonant, carrying immense spiritual strength.
The Path to Deliverance
The spirits turn toward Practitioner Su, drawn by his and power. With a wave of his sleeve, he guides immeasurable and boundless beings to chant Namo Amituofo, bringing them before the Buddha to be received and led to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. For those beings who arrive too late, they gather in anticipation of the next session, chanting the Buddha's name with the singular goal of rebirth. Consequently, the number of beings delivered in each session is beyond calculation.
The responsibility of Sangharama Bodhisattva is to safeguard the order of the entire hall, ensuring that no external interference disturbs Practitioner Su as he performs his work. Through this unwavering focus and the collective effort of the assembly, the Dharma work continues, ensuring that the path to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss remains open for all who seek it.
