Celebration for Living Buddha Lian Sheng’s “18th” Birthday – A Joyous Vajra Song-and-Dance Gala Full of Laughter
By Lian Yan / Seattle Report

On the 18th day of the fifth lunar month, disciples around the world traveled from afar to gather at Ling Shen Ching Tze Temple in Seattle and celebrate the birthday of Living Buddha Lian Sheng, the emanation of the Great White Padmakumara. It was a moment of joy shared by both heaven and earth. Birthday wishes echoed throughout the day, expressing the deep bond between Master and disciples—truly moving!

The grand birthday evening celebration on June 13th began with a piano performance by Master Lian Yin, followed by an array of delightful programs including a Sichuan opera face-changing act, a joyful “cooking dance,” and an original song by disciples from Indonesia titled “Grandmaster, We Deeply Thank You.” Laughter filled the entire venue.

The highlight of the evening featured Jade Pond Golden Mother inviting Grandmaster into the celestial Jade Pond realm. Lady Yunhua led Golden Mother's graceful maidens—Shao Luan, Qing Luan, and You Luan—in a dance to guide Grandmaster and Master Lianxiang to the heavenly gathering. Along the journey, many celestial beings arrived with blessings: drumming immortals, the magical Ji Gong, and fairies cultivating golden elixirs. Accompanied by a red carpet and surrounded by radiant masters and disciples, the procession shimmered with love and reverence between Grandmaster and students.

The entire gala unfolded like a heavenly feast, woven with music, dance, laughter, and theatrical performances. Highlights included a royal Thai dance, the Seattle fairy troupe's rendition of the Dunhuang dance Kalavinka, and a plate dance performed by True Buddha School masters. The Prairie Dance Troupe presented “At 18, You Lifted Us for a Lifetime.”

Sister Huiting from California played guzheng classics Butterfly Lovers and Spring Comes to Lhasa. The Celestial Harmony Chorus performed “Padmakumara Descends to Earth.” A unique segment featured the Taiwanese group’s “Hokkaido Fisherman Dance,” where senior citizens—over 65 years old and holders of senior passes—danced energetically to a vibrant fishing tune, sparking hearty laughter from the audience for their spirited effort.

Next came a younger generation of Padmakumaras performing a rhythmic “cup song” with only their hands and a single cup—bringing back childhood memories and symbolizing the eternal spirit of being “forever 18,” offered as a gift to our Root Guru.

In the dramatic arts segment, the Ming Zhao Chapter of Spain led a multicultural cast from the UK, Canada, and Spain in “Little Dragon Girl’s Journey to College,” followed by a comedy skit from Brazil’s Zhen Di Temple titled “Xiao Ming’s School Adventures.” This performance was a collection of Grandmaster’s favorite Xiao Ming jokes brought to life. Both Grandmaster and the audience were in stitches. Master Lianhe portrayed the mischievous Xiao Ming, dramatizing his journey from ignorance to awakening in Buddhist cultivation.

The pinnacle of the evening was none other than the awe-inspiring performance of the Vajra Staff by the Great White Padmakumara—Living Buddha Lian Sheng Grandmaster Lu himself. He was then joined by Shimu and their family for a celebratory moment, unveiling two gifts from the temple that symbolize both literary and martial excellence.
The “literary” gift was a giant scroll cascading from above, featuring a towering collage of Grandmaster’s published works—piled higher than a person, reaching the height of buildings! The “martial” gift was a 3D-printed statue of Grandmaster wielding the Vajra Staff, symbolizing the profound essence of Dharma in the iconic one-legged stance of the Golden Rooster. How fortunate we are to live in the same era as our Root Guru, able to draw near and learn the Buddhadharma directly from him.

The evening slowly came to a close with the entire audience singing “Gratitude to True Buddha.” Everyone held lotus lanterns or phone lights, forming a sea of stars. As they walked the red carpet “Starlight Avenue” back to the inner courtyard, fairies holding lanterns led the way. Grandmaster gazed into each disciple’s eyes with deep spiritual connection. Time seemed to stand still. What would normally be a three-minute walk stretched into over ten minutes—every step brimming with the profound love and blessings between Guru and disciple. May Grandmaster dwell in this world for a long time, healthy, peaceful, and free. His grace is as vast as a mountain. Let us walk the path together with one heart and one vow.