On Sunday, July 21, 2019, Guan Yin Citta Vancouver organized a large-scale free vegetarian event at Continental Restaurant in Richmond to celebrate its 5th anniversary and Guan Yin Bodhisattva’s Enlightenment Day. Hundreds of Buddhist friends and local politicians attended this gathering. Honorable Alice Wong, the Member of Parliament for Richmond Center, and Michael Lee, the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Vancouver-Langara, gave special thanks to Guan Yin Citta Vancouver for its years of contribution to promote community harmony in the Province of British Columbia. They both handed over the certificates of congratulations to Ms. Jing Yu Lee, the head of Guan Yin Citta Vancouver, and praised the positive influence of practicing Buddhism on people’s lives.  

Ms. Jing Yu Lee said, “It is a very exciting time for us to celebrate the milestone of Guan Yin Citta Vancouver. First of all, we are of course celebrating our 5^th anniversary as an organization. We also have emerged as a leading voice in local communities in support of promoting traditional Chinese culture and core values of Buddhism. And, most visibly to all of you here this morning, we have so many Buddhist friends and practitioners who have changed their lives by following Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhist teachings. ”

As a registered non-profit organization, Guan Yin Citta Vancouver is committed to promoting Buddhism and Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhist teachings. It regularly organizes free vegetarian events in local communities and provides free Dharma class for kids to learn Buddhism and traditional Chinese culture. Master Jun Hong Lu also visited Vancouver for 2 times in the past few years and gave Dharma Talks to local people for free. Through practice and learning Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhist teachings, many Buddhist friends have overcome life challenges and found the true meaning of life.  

The event features live performances, free vegetarian food, and a review of the past and present development of the Guan Yin Citta Buddhist practice center in Greater Vancouver area. Some young kids from Guan Yin Citta performed the recitation of the Great Compassion Mantra. And some volunteers took the audience on an emotional journey with their rendition of several popular songs, including the Verses of Guan Yin Bodhisattva. The dancer from Guan Yin Citta performed traditional Chinese dancing piece and added variety to the already mesmerizing programs with their splendid performances. In the meaning time, delicious vegetarian meals were served and many attendees were impressed with the delicacy, great taste, and packed nutrition of the food.

Another highlight of the event is the lucky draw session. Many lucky attendees were thrilled to harvest free gifts and shared the happiness with their families and friends. At the end, the ceremonial cutting of the celebration cake led up to the event climax. It is such a meaningful and happy activity that it provides both a fabulous photo opportunity and symbolizes the success of the event. The volunteers of Guan Yin Citta Vancouver will redouble their efforts and spread Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door to more sentient beings.