Ullambana is a transliteration of the Sanskrit word which connotes "deliverance from suffering," and specifically refers to the salvation of anguished souls in Hell. This concept originates from the Ullambana Sutra in which the protagonist Mahaudgalayana learns that his mother's ghost is being tortured in Hades by starvation and hanging and thus embarks on a grueling journey to the underworld bringing food to mitigate her hunger. When he finally succeeds in finding his mother, he offers the food to her but it erupts into flames before she is able to swallow. Despairingly, he begs Shakymuni Buddha to show him a way to bring salvation to his mother who then tells him, "The past sins of your mother are too great for you alone to save her. You must make offeings to the Sangha on the 15th day of the seventh moon." Heeding the Buddha's instructions, Mahaudgalayana succeeds in releasing his mother from hell. This legend has been passed down through the ages and is today is celebrated annually by Buddhists around the world, holding ceremonies of charity so that the outcast and famished spirits may cross over to salvation. Thus, the 15th day of the seventh moon has become an occasion for teaching the virtues of filial piety and for us to garner merits for our parents. 
 

 

楞 嚴 佛 學 會

Shurangama Buddhist Society

(formerly Buddhist Books Distribution Centre -         )

203B, Lavender Street, Singapore 338763 Tel: 62930928

Email Address: bbdc2000@singnet.com.sgWebsite: www.bbdc2000.org

 

 

 

Date: 6 August 2006 (Sunday)     農曆2006 713 (星期日)

Celebration of Ullambana

慶祝盂蘭盆

 9.30  am

-

10.45 am

Great Compassion Mantra Recitation

(21 times)

The Buddha Speaks The Ullambana Sutra Recitation.

上午

9.00

10.45

誦持大悲咒

(二十一遍)

讀誦佛說盂蘭盆經

11.00 am

-

12.30 pm

Meal Offerings & Lunch for Assembly

上午

11.00

12.30

佛前上供及

大眾用齋

  1.00 pm

-

 5.30 pm

Compassionate Water Samadhi Repentance Ceremony

下午

 1.00

 5.30

慈悲三昧水忏

 6.30  pm

-

  7.30 pm

Evening Recitation 

下午

 6.30

 7.30

晚課