Seattle Ling Shen Ching Tze Temple Holds Annual Tai Sui Farewell and Welcome Ceremony
Seattle Ling Shen Ching Tze Temple News
 
Shortly after the arrival of Lichun (the Beginning of Spring), while Seattle still carried the lingering chill of winter, the Founding Temple, Seattle Ling Shen Ching Tze Temple, was already filled with the joy of Dharma as it celebrated the annual Tai Sui Farewell and Welcome Ceremony. To express gratitude for the protection bestowed by General Wu Sui, the Tai Sui Deity of the Year of the Wood Snake, and to respectfully welcome General Wen Zhe, the newly appointed Tai Sui Deity for the coming year, the temple solemnly conducted the ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on February 11, 2026.
 
The ceremony was presided over by Elder Master Lian-Man, with the support of Elder Master Lian-Chuan, Abbot Master Lian-Yin, Master Lianhua Pi-Chen, Master Lian-Wang, Master Lian-Sheng, Master Lian-Yang, Master Lianhua De-Hui, together with the reverends, Dharma instructors, and numerous volunteers. Many disciples and devotees also participated wholeheartedly, gathering in gratitude and prayer to accomplish this important annual Dharma ceremony.
 
Early that morning, the temple carefully prepared a magnificent altar adorned with steamed prosperity cakes and an abundance of auspicious offerings. Incense, flowers, lamps, tea, fruit, joss paper, lotus flowers, and a variety of exquisite food offerings were meticulously arranged before the shrine. Each offering represented not merely ceremonial formality, but the sincere gratitude of the congregation toward the Tai Sui Deity for reducing obstacles, increasing blessings, and transforming misfortune into auspiciousness throughout the past year. At the same time, everyone prayed for the newly appointed Tai Sui Deity to safeguard the temple, protect all practitioners and their families with peace, health, and harmony, and strengthen their resolve on the path of Dharma practice.
 
Before the ceremony officially commenced, Elder Master Lian-Man led the assembly in offering incense and paying homage according to the complete liturgy of the True Buddha Tantric tradition. The masters, reverends, and Dharma instructors worked together in perfect harmony as they chanted sutras and mantras, presented offerings, and dedicated merits with solemn dignity throughout the ceremony.
 
During the central ritual of "bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new," the congregation respectfully expressed gratitude to General Wu Sui for faithfully fulfilling his responsibilities over the past year before ceremonially sending him forth. They then reverently invited General Wen Zhe to assume his duties as the new Tai Sui Deity protecting the temple, praying that everyone who had registered for the Tai Sui Blessing Ceremony would receive the Tai Sui Deity's protection throughout the coming year and that all wholesome aspirations and endeavors would be blessed and fulfilled.
 
According to the traditional Chinese calendar, 2026 is the Year of Bing Wu (Fire Horse). Those born in the Years of the Rat and Horse are considered to be in direct conflict with Tai Sui, while those born in the Years of the Rabbit and Rooster are considered to be in indirect conflict. Therefore, individuals born under these zodiac signs are especially encouraged to participate in the Tai Sui Blessing Ceremony and to light a Wisdom Lamp. Nevertheless, anyone may participate, as everyone wishes for peace, auspiciousness, good fortune, and success throughout the year.
 
Throughout the ceremony, fragrant incense gently filled the shrine hall as the continuous chanting of sacred mantras created a serene and reverent atmosphere. With palms joined in prayer, everyone wholeheartedly recited the Tai Sui Mantra with deep concentration and sincerity. It was a moment of profound inner stillness, allowing participants to set aside the burdens and uncertainties accumulated over the past year while entrusting themselves to the compassionate blessings of the Root Lineage Guru, the Three Jewels, and the protective virtue of the Tai Sui Deity.
 
For this reason, the Tai Sui Farewell and Welcome Ceremony is far more than a traditional ritual. It represents a collective expression of faith, aspiration, and merit dedication. Through Dharma practice, participants dedicate the accumulated merits to all sentient beings while seeking external protection and cultivating inner purification. By transforming one's fortune, one transforms the mind; by transforming karma, one transforms one's destiny.
 
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Elder Master Lian-Man performed the final dedication of merits, praying that the newly appointed Tai Sui Deity would illuminate and protect the temple throughout the year. Blessings were also extended to all sponsors who had participated in the Tai Sui Blessing Ceremony, lit Wisdom Lamps, or established Longevity Blessings, praying that they would be free from calamities and obstacles, receive assistance from benefactors, remain free from harmful influences, enjoy auspiciousness every day, accomplish all wholesome aspirations, make steady progress in Dharma practice, and ultimately attain enlightenment.
 
Seattle Ling Shen Ching Tze Temple also united in prayer for the continued good health, longevity, and well-being of Living Buddha Lian-Sheng, Grandmaster Lu, and Shimu Master Lian-Hsiang, wishing that the Dharma Wheel may continue to turn unceasingly for the benefit of all sentient beings.