In times of widespread catastrophe and suffering, the spirit of compassion inherent in Buddhism reminds us of the urgent need to extend blessings to all sentient beings. The Blessing and Peace Dharma Assembly held at the Holy Miracles Temple in Pasadena, CA, on October 13, 2024, served as a response to the overwhelming challenges facing our world today. During this gathering, Buddhist disciples united in their devotion to the teachings of Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III, coming together with the intention of sending healing and hope to those affected by various disasters. This assembly reaffirmed the Buddhist commitment to alleviate suffering for all.
As attendees came together to chant The Lotus Sutra’s Universal Gate Chapter on Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. The assembly was presided over by the Abbess of the Hua Zang Si Temple, Ruzun Ruohui.
This year saw a series of significant catastrophes unfold across the globe. In the United States, August marked the arrival of Hurricane Helene, which tore through Texas and Louisiana, flooding homes and displacing thousands. The damage was compounded by Hurricane Milton, which followed just weeks later in September, wreaking havoc in Florida and Georgia. With back-to-back hurricanes battering the country in quick succession, communities struggled to recover.
In July, Europe experienced one of its worst floods in recent history. Torrential rains hit countries like Germany and Belgium, with rivers swelling beyond their banks, flooding entire towns and causing widespread devastation. Meanwhile, across the western United States, wildfires became an annual crisis, with major outbreaks in California and the Pacific Northwest this year. Vast stretches of forest were consumed, and countless homes were lost as residents fled the infernos.
Adding to this string of natural disasters, Mauna Loa in Hawaii erupted, sending ash and lava flowing through nearby areas and oceans. The volcanic activity posed a severe threat to those living beings in its path and forced evacuations.
In Asia, the Philippines was struck by Typhoon Dindo in September, causing extensive flooding and landslides across the region, particularly affecting Luzon. Thousands were evacuated as homes were submerged, and infrastructure suffered severe damage. Additionally, in Nepal, a devastating earthquake struck in June, claiming numerous lives and causing significant destruction in remote areas, further complicating recovery efforts.
In addition to these natural calamities, the war in Ukraine escalated throughout 2024, with heavy fighting ravaging cities like Kyiv and Mariupol, leaving behind destruction and a humanitarian crisis that continued to grow. In the Middle East, Syria’s ongoing conflict brought renewed violence to places like Aleppo and Damascus, further adding to the suffering of civilians already weary from years of war.
At the Dharma Assembly, participants united their hearts and voices in a shared intention. As the verses of The Lotus Sutra’s Universal Gate Chapter on Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva echoed through the temple, the prayers extended to those affected by these disasters, sending out a call for healing and relief. Together, they offered their hopes for the displaced, the injured, and those who had lost their homes. And in the face of war, their prayers sought peace and comfort for the victims, wishing for an end to the suffering.
In this gathering, the power of faith joined with the compassionate spirit of Avalokitesvara, offering light to all those touched by this year’s tragedies, near and far. The assembly served as a profound reminder that, through collective compassion and action, we can nurture a world where all beings can experience peace and healing.
Published by: Josh Tatunay
