Seattle Ling Shen Ching Tze Temple Year-End Grand Cleaning
Purifying the Mandala, A Perfect Completion
(Seattle Ling Shen Ching Tze Temple News)

In order to welcome the auspicious energy of the coming New Year, Seattle Ling Shen Ching Tze Temple held its annual year-end mandala cleaning on Wednesday morning, January 28, 2026, at 9:30 AM. Led by the Abbot, Master Lian Yin, together with Masters, Reverends, and volunteer practitioners, everyone participated with reverence and joy, respectfully serving the deities of the mandala. Through dusting and purification, the golden images of the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Dharma Protectors in the main hall were restored to radiant brilliance, bringing renewed purity and solemnity to the entire temple as it steps into a bright and vibrant new year.
 
Before the cleaning began, Abbot Master Lian Yin respectfully made offerings before the mandala, requesting the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Vajra Protectors, and celestial beings to temporarily abide in space. The Abbot and the Superintendent, Reverend Lian Zan, then outlined key points and assigned tasks, reminding everyone that every statue and ritual object is an offering field. Hands should be gentle, minds attentive, and every movement as careful as safeguarding one’s own mind. With these teachings in heart, everyone rolled up their sleeves and began the work in an orderly and harmonious manner.
 
The main hall mandala, with its multi-tiered platforms and intricate arrangements, required the greatest coordination and care. Experienced Reverends and practitioners first worked at higher levels under safe support, proceeding section by section. Clean dusters were used to gently brush the golden images and halos, followed by soft cloths to carefully wipe the altars and offering tables. Meanwhile, those on the ground organized offerings, sorted ritual implements, assisted with handling and support, and cleaned carpets and corners. Each movement was slowed with deeper reverence; with every layer of dust removed, the radiance of the mandala deities became increasingly vivid. From afar, the Seven Buddhas and the assembly of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Dharma Protectors shone with golden splendor, inspiring awe and a profound sense of compassionate light illuminating body and mind.
 
In addition to the main mandala, teams were assigned to clean other sacred spaces and facilities throughout the temple, including the Kṣitigarbha Hall, Tai Sui Altar, Longevity Altar, Indian Deities Shrine, and the Dragon King Pavilion. The Eight Offerings, incense burners, mandala plates, ritual instruments, and altar ornaments were respectfully removed, wiped, organized, and returned to their proper places. All areas worked simultaneously, supporting one another in a busy yet orderly atmosphere. Everyone remained focused and mindful, knowing that this was not merely cleaning, but a form of spiritual practice—offering through action to the Three Jewels and safeguarding the sacred space.
 
Upon completion, all ritual objects were restored, and the mandala appeared as orderly as before, yet with an added sense of freshness and clarity. A group photo captured the shared smiles of accomplishment and the collective wishes for a flourishing temple and the liberation of sentient beings in the coming year. The Dharma joy did not arise from dramatic changes, but from each person contributing with a single heart and shared direction, manifesting solemnity and purity through sincere effort.
 
This annual year-end grand cleaning is not only the removal of external dust, but also a reminder to clear away inner fatigue, afflictions, and habitual tendencies accumulated over the year. Through collective aspiration and cooperation, everyone gently lets go and begins anew. Under the compassionate blessings and protection of the Root Lineage Guru, Grandmaster Living Buddha Lian Sheng, may Seattle Ling Shen Ching Tze Temple in the new year beat the supreme Dharma drum, flourish in Dharma activities, and may Grandmaster and Grandmadam’s enjoy good health, longevity, and freedom, with the Dharma wheel ever turning to benefit countless sentient beings.