A Record of the 2026 Lunar New Year Pilgrimage at Kongshan Temple

On February 22, 2026, Kongshan Temple joyfully hosted the Lunar New Year Pilgrimage for the Year of the Horse.

The theme of this year’s assembly was "Offering of Prajna," featuring ten distinct types of offerings. The event was meticulously designed with profound spiritual meaning, seamless proceedings, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

The assembly commenced with a New Year discourse by the Elder Venerable Juhui. The Venerable shared an inspiring story of a novice monk whose diligent practice in purifying karma and accumulating merit earned him the blessings of Guan Yin Bodhisattva, leading to the attainment of the "Dharani of Non-forgetfulness." He encouraged the assembly to practice diligently, purify their obstacles, and integrate the teachings into their daily lives.

Following the discourse, four monastics from the Geshe Class, who have just completed their first round of study on the Five Great Treatises, presented a Debate Offering. They explored the profound question: "Are the natures of Ultimate Truth and Conventional Truth ultimately the same or different?" Even if the audience did not fully grasp the philosophical nuances, the opportunity to hear and contemplate "Emptiness" at the beginning of the New Year was an exceptionally rare and auspicious occasion.

The journey continued through ten offering stations, including incense, flowers, lamps, pure water, and beautiful music. The most popular station was the "Food Offering." By sincerely offering a single candy, participants could receive a blessed item from the "Food Pool." This practice illustrates the principle that even a small seed of virtue sown in the "field of merit" can yield immense blessings, bringing joy to both adults and children alike.

At the "Writing Offering" and "Aspiration Stations," participants inscribed verses from the "Dedication Chapter" of the Bodhicharyavatara (The Way of the Bodhisattva) onto prayer plaques, along with their personal wishes for the year, hanging them within the temple to be blessed by the wind. Additionally, monastics provided hand-written Spring Couplets for guests to take home.

The event also featured an "Ask Me Anything" session, where Venerable Xingguang and Venerable Yuandao provided on-site guidance to help participants navigate challenges in their spiritual practice. Notably, after receiving guidance, seven new friends signed up for the Dharma Study Classes, aspiring to delve deeper into the Master’s teachings alongside the monastics—a rare and precious karmic connection.

During lunchtime, everyone gathered in the Grand Dining Hall for a bowl of warm "Peace Noodles," praying for safety and smooth progress in both body and mind on the path of Dharma. The monastics also prepared homemade lemon and cinnamon cookies for guests to share with friends and family, spreading the joy of the Dharma.

In the afternoon, before departing, the participants gathered before the Great White Pine Tree to receive a special gift titled "Early Fulfillment of Aspiration" (a wordplay on the ingredients). The gift included Red Dates, Longans, Peanuts, and Pistachios. This tradition dates back to the Master’s time, who always treated guests with these items during the New Year. The Master used to say:

• Longans: Represent "Perfection and Completion" (Yuan-man).

• Peanuts: Also known as "Longevity Nuts," representing "Long Life."

• Pistachios: Represent "Opening the Heart to Joy" (Kai-xin).

Nearly 140 students, family, and friends attended the event, beginning a new chapter of practice for the year through the "Offering of Prajna" and welcoming the New Year with joy.

Kongshan Temple Editorial Department February 23, 2026