In the face of global unrest in 2025, the Ling Jiou Mountain (LJM) World Avalokitesvara Association, upholding Guanyin’s compassionate vow to respond to cries of suffering, joined hands in interfaith cooperation with the historic Tainan Grand Mazu Temple on May 6 to host the “Guanyin Public Welfare Joint Prayer Ceremony.” The event sought blessings of peace and harmony for Taiwan and the world under the dual protection of Guanyin and Mazu.
LJM’s Guanyin Dharma Series Tours Taiwan, Spreading Prayers to Transform Turmoil into Tranquility
Across the globe, humanity faces mounting challenges—from the ongoing conflict between Israel and its neighbors to escalating hostilities along the India-Pakistan border, compounded by intensifying economic and trade disputes. In Taiwan, the recent earthquakes in Hualien have once again stirred a deep sense of nature’s impermanence. Since 2021, Ling Jiou Mountain has held the annual “Earth Dragon Appeasement Dharma Rituals” at the Mazu Shrine of Tzunan Temple by Liyu Lake in Hualien, praying for the victims of the quakes. This year, the compassionate vow continues to expand across Taiwan, as Guanyin’s Dharma practices are performed to transform suffering into joy and misfortune into blessings.
The Dharma gathering on May 6, held at Tainan’s revered cultural sanctuary, was co-organized by the LJM World Avalokitesvara Association, LJM’s Tainan Branch, and the historic Tainan Grand Mazu Temple. This marked the second stop in the “Guanyin Public Welfare Prayer Dharma Series,” following the inaugural event at Taixingyan Temple in Meishan, Chiayi, on February 14. The series will continue on to Taoyuan, Changhua, Hualien, and Taitung—linking hearts across Taiwan and cultivating collective virtue through shared prayers and joint Dharma practice, guiding sentient beings from unrest toward inner peace.
Chang Wen-hui, the newly appointed Chief Executive of the Tainan Grand Mazu Temple, expressed his heartfelt regret over the passing of his predecessor, Tseng Ji-lien, who had initially coordinated the arrangements for this joint Dharma event. Fulfilling the late Mr. Tseng’s wish by carrying the ceremony to completion, he said, served as the most meaningful tribute to his memory. He also offered special thanks to Brother Su Jie-chuan, a member of the temple’s standing committee, for his essential support in ensuring the smooth execution of the event. The rare and auspicious convergence of Mazu and Guanyin in this joint prayer service stood as a powerful testament to interfaith harmony and the enduring legacy of cultural traditions.
Preparatory Rites Ahead of the Tainan Liang Emperor Dharma Assembly Highlight Blessings and Filial Devotion in Harmony
"Faith is not a comfort for escaping reality, but a source of light that pierces the darkness," declared Sakya Rinpoche of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, who was specially invited to lead the ritual along with several accompanying lamas. Addressing the assembly, Rinpoche urged all sentient beings to cultivate the right faith and practice, to awaken their inner wisdom and compassion. He prayed for the blessings of Dharma protectors to dispel calamities and help restore peace and harmony in society.
The LJM Tainan Branch will host the Emperor Liang's Repentance Dharma Service&the Yaga Flaming Mouth Ceremony from May 7 to May 11, with the Guanyin Dharma event on May 6 serving as a perfect prelude. Master Shih Cheng Jih, the branch supervisor, warmly invites followers from all realms to join in this practice. Following the Tribute to Heaven for Successful Ritual Completion on May 10, a Mother's Day gratitude celebration will be held on the 8th floor of the branch, merging the auspiciousness of the Dharma event with the spirit of filial piety, offering a dual blessing of both spiritual and familial gratitude.
An Interwoven Web of Faiths Illuminates Compassionate Actions for Humanity
LJM Founding Abbot, Dharma
Master Hsin Tao, remarked that 2025, the Year of the Snake, symbolizes adaptability and change, making it easy for people's hearts to be disturbed by external turmoil. In such times, the value of Buddhist teachings becomes even more profound. Through Dharma events and the chanting of sutras, we not only pray for world peace but also guide individuals to rediscover inner tranquility, facing present and future challenges with compassion and mindfulness.
The joint event was not only a spiritual connection that transcended religious boundaries and regions but also a catalyst for compassionate action. As the protection of Mazu and the compassion of Guanyin intertwined, the deep energy of faith in Taiwan became even more evident, bearing witness to the spiritual light that cultural integration brings.