Opening Ceremony

The arrival of sacred relics is an event of the highest spiritual significance in the Buddhist tradition. On the morning of July 25, we gather together — monastics and laypeople, Buddhists and seekers of all backgrounds — to welcome the relics of the Buddha and his great disciples to Chicago for the very first time.

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Blessing Chanting from Different Buddhist Traditions
The Opening Ceremony will feature blessing chanting led by monastics from multiple Buddhist
traditions, reflecting the universal and unifying spirit of the Dharma. The chanting of the
Buddhist Sangha is an act of reverence, a purification of mind, and a sending forth of merit and
blessings for all beings.
The coming together of different Buddhist traditions in a single ceremony is itself a beautiful
expression of the Buddha’s teaching on unity and compassion. We warmly invite practitioners of
all traditions and all who are curious about Buddhism to join us.

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Blessing Walk Circling Chinatown
The Blessing Walk is open to all.
Following the opening chanting, monastics and participants will practice mindfulness and metta
(loving kindness) by engaging in peace walk circling the streets of Chinatown. This mindful
circumambulation is an ancient Buddhist practice, symbolizing respect and the spreading of
merit and peace throughout the community.
The peace walk is open to all. Whether you join as a devoted practitioner or a curious neighbor,
you are warmly welcome to walk alongside us.

Schedule:

9:30 am : Welcoming guests and VIPs
10:00 am : Blessing chant in the Theravada tradition (20 mins)
10:20 am : Speech from Master Jiru, IBFA president
10:25 am : Speech from government officials (25 mins)
10:50 am : Lion dance begins at Sacred Relics Veneration Pavilion
12:40 pm : Blessing walk around Chinatown

1:30 pm : Brief introductions from each Buddhist tradition (5 mins each) (Vietnamese
tradition, Thai tradition, Sri Lankan tradition, Chinese tradition)
: Blessing chant in the Vietnamese and Chinese traditions (30 mins)
2:30 pm : Ceremony ends