By Lee Yi-lun, Wu Shih-chang, Lin You-wei, Wang Tso-ming,journalists of CNEWS
THIMPHU, BHUTAN / TAIPEI, TAIWAN
The largest “World Peace Grand Prayer Ceremony” in Bhutan in four centuries was recently held in the capital, Thimphu. Personally presided over by His Majesty the King of Bhutan, the ceremony gathered eminent monks and Buddhist scholars from around the world to chant sutras, make offerings, and dedicate prayers for global peace and well-being.
Venerable Master Da Hui, Chairman of One Buddha One World, Abbot of Guangxiu Monastery, and Chairman of the Taichung Buddhist Association, was invited by the Prime Minister of Bhutan to attend as the representative of Chinese Buddhism. During the event, he led the recitation of the Avatamsaka Sutra and the Heart Sutra, demonstrating the solemnity and wisdom of the Chinese Buddhist tradition.
During the ceremony, Venerable Master Da Hui also met for the first time with His Eminence Dyd Khambo Lama Tsyren Dondukbayev, Deputy Khambo Lama of the Buddhist Traditional Sangha of Russia. The two discussed the direction of contemporary Buddhist propagation and the shared vision of world peace.
Venerable Master Da Hui presented His Eminence with his calligraphy work “World Peace” and the English edition of The Diamond Sutra Explained in Plain Language, symbolizing the cultural bridge and spiritual dialogue between Chinese and Russian Buddhism in jointly promoting the ideals of “Spreading the Authentic Dharma and Upholding Right View.” Both sides expressed hope to establish a long-term Buddhist exchange platform to bring peace and hope to hearts around the world.
The core ritual of the ceremony, known as the “Four Hundred Offerings” (Zhundui Ritual), dates back to the time of Shakyamuni Buddha. It symbolizes offerings made upward to the Buddhas of the ten directions and downward to all sentient beings, transforming karmic obstacles into auspicious blessings through fourfold offerings that subdue the demons of desire, death, aggregates, and delusion.
In front of the mandala altar, Venerable Master Da Hui led the assembly in chanting and prayers, dedicating merit to dispelling disasters and wars across the world, praying that all beings may be free from suffering and attain peace and happiness. This great assembly—uniting over four hundred monasteries worldwide—was regarded as one of the most significant Buddhist prayer gatherings in modern times.
During the event, Venerable Master Da Hui also had an audience with His Majesty the King of Bhutan, expressing the deep respect of the Taiwanese Buddhist community for the King’s compassionate efforts toward world peace. His Majesty stated his hope that through the power of religion, humanity may once again return to a state of serenity and harmony.
In an interview with CNEWS , Venerable Master Da Hui shared: “Attending this magnificent ceremony in person in Bhutan was truly an eye-opening experience. Buddhism is inherently diverse; each lineage manifests the Dharma in its unique way. This ceremony represents an offering to all Buddhas above and a giving to all sentient beings below, allowing every being to experience joy and happiness.I am deeply grateful to the King of Bhutan for holding such a grand Dharma assembly dedicated to world peace and the cessation of war. May all sentient beings be free from suffering and attain bliss. Amitabha.”
Venerable Master Da Hui also expressed gratitude to H.E. Tulku Kunga Tenzin Rinpoche for his recommendation, which made this journey possible: “It is an immense honor to represent Chinese Buddhism and lead sutra recitations at this sacred mandala, dedicating merit to world peace. This is a rare and precious karmic connection. To gather here with eminent Buddhist masters from around the world in this lifetime deeply moves me. I sincerely thank Rinpoche Tenzin for his thoughtful arrangement.”
Rinpoche Tenzin remarked: “His Majesty the King of Bhutan compassionately organized this World Peace Grand Prayer Ceremony, inviting people of all religious traditions to pray for all beings. I am especially happy to have been able to invite Venerable Master Da Hui to participate.”
Venerable Master Da Hui also led the Taiwanese delegation to the Royal Nuns’ Monastic College of Bhutan, where he conducted an offering ceremony for the Sangha. He praised the event, stating: “This is not only a great religious gathering but also an embodiment of compassion and respect. When female monastics are given equal opportunities to study and practice, the light of Buddhist compassion will shine even more brightly upon the world.”
In addition to participating in the prayer ceremony, Venerable Master Da Hui actively promoted the global teaching initiative of One Buddha One World, emphasizing the vision of “One World, One Buddha, One Family of All Beings.”He concluded:“Through the continued promotion of One Buddha One World, may all beings be freed from suffering, attain happiness, and ultimately realize Buddhahood.”
Photo Credit: CNEWS Reporter Lee Yi-lun
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