Light Transference Ceremony

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In this ceremony, devotees hold a lit candle after sunset as they pave around the perimeter of a temple, holy object or monument in walking meditation as they chant mantras or the Buddha's name in praise of Him.

The ceremony represents the passing of the light of wisdom (sharing of the Truth) to every direction of the world to dispel the darkness if Ignorance. On personal level, it has the significance of lighting up one's inner lamp of Wisdom.

The indefinite passing on of the light to countless others without one's own flame dying illustrates that Wisdom can be shared without loss on one's part. The burning of the wick with the melting of the candle reminds us of the impermanence and transience of all conditional things, including our own lives.

Reflecting so helps us to treasure every moment alive without attachment. Mindfulness is practiced in not letting the flame be extinguished. This is symbolic of the constant guarding of the Mind against negative factors detrimental to the spiritual life.

In this ceremony, it is most inspiring to see a single flame illuminate a sea of darkness into an ocean of lights that bring brightness to each other.

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