The 23rd installment of Free Vegetarian Tasting Series at Guan Yin Citta Paris Chapter

Swift fly the years. It’s been over two years since Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door Buddhist Association of Paris started the first Free Vegetarian Tasting Series in 2016. Being held in a regular basis, the event has become one of most favorable thematic activities served for the local communities and neighborhood. On July 8, 2018, the 23^rd installment of the event successfully took place at Guan Yin Citta Paris Chapter, attracting over 200 Buddhist friends both old and new. It offered one of the best platforms to bring the Buddhist teachings to life and spread the benefits of vegetarian eating to people.

“The Introduction of Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door” is the theme of this event that mainly served to the new beginners and first-time visitors to Guan Yin Citta Paris Chapter. Volunteers first thoroughly introduced the origins of the six Buddha and Bodhisattvas worshipped at Guan Yin Hall, including Guan Yin Bodhisattva, Nanjing Bodhisattva, Tai Sui Bodhisattva, Guan Di Bodhisattva, Zhou Tsang Bodhisattva and Guan Ping Bodhisattva. The introduction effectively increased attendees’ cognition about the Dharma Door and ultimate goal of Buddhist practice. Subsequently, detailed descriptions of how to make incense offerings, how to prostrate and pray to the Bodhisattvas, and how to set up altar at home were made. It provided useful information and practical ways for new beginners to avoid mistakes in daily practice.

During the event, two practitioners presented heartfelt stories in their experience of Buddhist practice. One of the practitioners said he was once a terminal cancer patient, who defeated the disease and made a miraculous recovery by practicing the “Three Golden Gems” according to the teachings of Master Jun Hong Lu. Right now, he is physically strong and mentally sound. With a heart full of gratitude, he is now one of the volunteers at the Guan Yin Citta Paris Chapter, guarding the teachings of Buddha. Another Buddhist friend shared how she released from the suffering of severe migraine headache by performing life liberation, making vows, and reciting Buddhist scriptures. She said, “Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door and its “Three Golden Gems” in Buddhist practice are real and effective. After I started the practice according to the Master Jun Hong Lu’s teachings for a very short of time, the headache disappeared without any treatment. I was so grateful to Guan Yin Budhisattva and Master Jun Hong Lu.”

Many of the Buddhist friends coming to the event this time had really deep karmic affinities with Buddha. They enjoyed watching the videos of Totem Inquiry and listening to Master Jun Hong Lu’s Dharma Talk. In spite of the hot weather in Paris, some attendees made their trips to the chapter far from other communities and places. They initiatively asked volunteers how to start the practice and requested books to read. Many new Buddhist friends even expressed their ardent expectation to experience the great compassion from Master Jun Hong Lu and listen to his live Public Talk in the next year’s Dharma Talk in Paris.