The Ullambana Ceremony is a traditional Buddhist observance held during the seventh lunar month to honor and repay the kindness of our parents and ancestors—both from this life and past lives. The term Ullambana comes from Sanskrit and means "deliverance from suffering," reflecting the ceremony’s compassionate aim to free beings from the torments of the wretched realms.

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During the ceremony, devotees make offerings to the Three Jewels—the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha—and engage in virtuous practices such as chanting sutras, offering food, and dedicating blessings to the deceased and to all sentient beings.

More than a ritual for liberation, the Ullambana Ceremony is an expression of filial piety, gratitude, and compassion. It reminds us to honor our roots and to cultivate kindness and generosity in our daily lives.

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Dharma protection means safeguarding the true teachings of the Buddha. It is the embodiment of the Bodhisattva’s vows, the nurturing of the bodhi seed in the hearts of all beings, and most importantly, the protection of one’s own present mind.

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While monastics dedicate themselves to spreading the Dharma, lay practitioners support and uphold it. Together, they unite followers from all directions, forming dedicated teams to help carry forward the Buddha’s teachings. Lay Buddhists willingly take on responsibilities, apply their unique strengths, and assist in temple affairs and various Dharma events.

Through these efforts, they not only support the Dharma externally but also integrate its spirit into their daily lives—deepening their own cultivation with every step.