What’s happening in the world right now is unsettling and challenging. Do you find yourself stressed? Anxious? Suffering from insomnia? Chronic pain? Helplessness? We’re here to help. Besides our meditation techniques, we offer other ways that will help you and your loved ones stay calm.
I. Bodhi Meditation Candle Lighting
What is candle-lighting?
At the Bodhi Meditation Center, we provide a service whereby we light candles for those who have a wish or a request for Buddha. We can light a candle for ourselves, our family and friends, our ancestors, and our karmic creditors. When we do this, we ask Buddha graciously for his blessing and to grant our wishes.
Our candles are electric (for safety) and they sit in front of a large, ancient Buddha. Volunteers care for them daily.
Candle lighting, for which there is a fee, shows how sincere we are and how much faith you have when we ask for help. Offering a candle with sincerity opens our heart to wisdom and compassion. It is another tool to becoming happier and healthier.
A candle can be lit for 3 days, 7 days, 15 days, 49 days, 108 days or a year.
What is the benefit of candle lighting?
Every candle lit is a symbol of light and wisdom. When a candle is lit in front of the Buddha, we create positive energy and show our respect and gratitude. As the “flame” burns upwards, it carries negative karma and drives away darkness and ignorance.
Candle lighting is a way to solve problems beyond human capacity. Buddha’s energy and his blessing envelop the wish or request as well as the light emitted by the candle. When we offer a candle for others, we offer it for ourselves as well. Our blessings multiply.
One meditation practitioner who is a real estate agent lights a candle for each of her clients, asking that they find the right purchaser and that they find the right place to move into. Because of her intention and sincerity in asking, she says that the process of selling and buying is successful and her clients are happy and satisfied.
What do I do before I request a candle to be lit?
Set an intention before requesting candle lighting. You can ask for protection or ask for healing energy to those who are suffering from illness or a difficult situation, or for any other particular purpose. Call the Center at 778-938-2348 to place a candle order.
How to choose a candle?
- A red candle is for those who are alive; yellow for the deceased.
- Consider your financial situation and how much you are able to give.
- If money isn’t an issue, light a one-year candle. You will receive a blessing every day.
History of candle lighting
For thousands of years, candles have been used for spiritual insight. The Buddha said that offering a candle before Buddha is a quick path to liberation. In the Buddhist sutras it is written, “If we light hundreds and thousands of candles, our negative karma will leave.”
Today, Grandmaster JinBodhi tells us that one candle can light thousands, which then lights millions.
II. Bodhi Meditation Chanting
What is chanting?
Chanting is used to connect to the most powerful divine energy in the Universe. The special combination of sound waves channels Universal energy and the resonance produces positive changes for body and mind.
Why do we chant?
When we chant Bodhi Meditation’s sacred mantras with purity of heart and sincerity, we experience an enhanced sense of confidence and courage, and we enhance our energy levels and well being. We can chant for ourselves, for our parents, our family, our ancestors, and we can chant for the world. We can also chant for the future.
People often struggle to get out of a generational circle of suffering, and this is impossible to do without deep intercession such as chanting to the Buddha, because generations are entwined. Chanting gets to deeper issues that have been held for a long time. Through chanting, we can let go of them, relax, and attain calmness and peace of mind.
Who are we chanting to?
There are several chants that we do at Bodhi Meditation. We chant to Medicine Buddha, Sakyamuni Buddha, Guan Yin Bodhisattva or Earth Store Bodhisattva.
How do we chant?
First of all, sit comfortably, crossed-legged on a cushion on the floor, or in a chair. Place your hands together in front of your chest, or place them on your knees, palms up and open. When you chant, you can chant in a loud voice, quiet voice, or silently.
It’s important to be relaxed. And sincere. Grandmaster JinBodhi says, “The more sincere you are, the more you will benefit.” Suffering, affliction, and emotional upheavals are released.
Can I put my name on the chanting list?
Yes. Simply fill out the form with the name of the person you wish to receive the benefits of chanting, whether that’s you or someone else. There is a fee for this service, which depends on how many days you wish to be on the list. Call the Center at 604-242-0646 to place a chanting request.
III. Grandmaster JinBodhi’s Live YouTube Sessions
During these uncertain times, Grandmaster JinBodhi is offering live online sessions that include teachings on “Fate” and “Family Precepts”, as well as energy healing, chanting and compassion for all. If you miss a session, or what to start at the beginning of a teaching series, you can find it on his YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe.
