The Seven Stars Ritual is an incantation in Taoism that invokes the energy and spirits of the universe centered on the Big Dipper, and contains content that wishes for health, longevity, and good fortune.
The Dharma Assembly on the Seventh Night of the Seventh Month is a Buddhist ceremony that wishes for the harmony of couples and happiness of families through the love story of the Cowherd and Weaver Girl, and prays for the fulfillment of all sentient beings' wishes.
The Dharma Assembly on the Seventh Night of the Seventh Month aims for wish fulfillment, family harmony, peace of mind, and the accumulation of merit. You can check the Dharma Assembly schedule and participate by contacting a nearby temple.
The Seventh Night of the Seventh Month - The Meaning of the Seven Stars Ritual - Cowherd and Weaver Girl - Dharma Assembly - Wish Fulfillment
The Beidou Nine Stars mantra is a mantra in Taoism that invokes the energy and spirits of the universe, with the Big Dipper as its center. The Big Dipper is considered a sacred constellation that governs human lifespan and destiny. This mantra is meant to invoke the power of the Big Dipper to pray for health, longevity, and good fortune. Interpretation of each verse of the mantra
北斗九辰中天大神 上朝金闕下覆崑崙: This means that the Great God of the heavens, centered on the Big Dipper, is paying homage to the Golden Gate and covering Mount Kunlun, emphasizing the majesty and sacredness of the Big Dipper. 調理綱紀統制乾坤 大魁貪狼巨門祿存: This means that the order of the universe is governed by the Big Dipper, and the great stars like Tanlang, Gemu, and Lu Cun control the heavens and earth, representing the cosmic power of the Big Dipper. 文曲廉貞武曲破軍 高上玉皇紫微帝君: This means that the Wenqu, Lianzhen, Wuqu, and Pojun stars are alongside the Jade Emperor and the Ziwei Emperor of the high heavens, showing the connection between the Big Dipper and other sacred beings. 大周天界細入微塵 何災不滅何福不瑧: This means that it permeates every corner of the vast universe, from the finest dust, eliminating any calamity and bringing all blessings, representing the infinite power of the Big Dipper. 元皇正氣來合我身 川罡所指晝夜常輪: This means that the true energy of the primordial emperor is merged with my body, and the energy of the stars protects me day and night, emphasizing the influence of the Big Dipper's energy on individuals. 俗居小人好道求靈 願尊儀永保張生: This means that a small person dwelling in the mundane world seeks the Tao and spiritual power, praying that the noble spirits will forever protect me, reflecting the individual's fervent wish. 三台虛精六淳曲生 生我養我護我身形: This means that the energy of the Three Platforms and the energy of the Six Pure Stars give birth to me, nourish me, and protect my body, emphasizing the life force and protective power of the Big Dipper. 괴작관行필보표 존재 急急如律令 娑婆訶: This is a fervent prayer to perform sacred deeds and receive the reward, a powerful call to conclude the mantra.
The effects of the mantra It was believed that chanting this mantra would receive the sacred energy of the Big Dipper, leading to a healthy, long, and happy life. It was also believed to have various other benefits, including healing illnesses, warding off evil spirits, and fulfilling wishes. Modern interpretation In modern society, this mantra can be interpreted as more than just a mantra, but as a philosophical statement that encapsulates a profound desire for human health and happiness, as well as awe for the universe. Caution: Beliefs regarding religious meaning and effect may vary depending on individual faith, and there is no scientific basis. The 7th month and 7th day, a special day for making wishes The 7th month and 7th day is a traditional festival celebrated in many East Asian countries, including Korea. It is known as the day when the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl meet once a year, and there is a legend that wishes made on this day will come true. The concept of the 7th month and 7th day ceremony The 7th month and 7th day ceremony is a Buddhist ceremony that combines these folk beliefs with Buddhist teachings. It is a time to pray for marital harmony and family happiness through the beautiful love story of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, and to practice Buddhist compassion to fulfill the wishes of all beings. Items used during the 7th month and 7th day ceremony
Prayer: A text containing prayers to the Cowherd and Weaver Girl to fulfill wishes and requests for the Buddha's grace during the 7th month and 7th day. Vow: A text containing wishes for the elimination of all suffering and the happiness of all beings. Sutras: Recitation of sutras related to the 7th month and 7th day to purify the mind and listen to the dharma. Examples of common sutras include the Diamond Sutra and the Heart Sutra. Paintings: Paintings related to the 7th month and 7th day, such as the Cowherd and Weaver Girl and the Milky Way, to create an atmosphere for the ceremony and help participants focus.
The process of the 7th month and 7th day ceremony
Paying respects: The ceremony begins by paying respects to the Buddha. Sutra recitation: Recitation of sutras related to the 7th month and 7th day. Prayer: Praying to the Cowherd and Weaver Girl to fulfill wishes and requesting the Buddha's grace. Vow: Making wishes for the happiness of all beings. Tea ceremony: Participants gather for tea and discuss the dharma, sharing their thoughts and feelings with one another.
Reasons for participating in the 7th month and 7th day ceremony
Fulfilling wishes: Just like the beautiful love story of the Cowherd and Weaver Girl, one can make wishes to live happily with their loved ones. Marital harmony: Pray for marital harmony and family happiness, strengthening family bonds. Peace of mind: Purify the mind and find peace through listening to sutras and praying. Accumulating merit: Make wishes for the happiness of all beings, accumulating merit and practicing the Buddha's teachings.
Where can I participate in the 7th month and 7th day ceremony? The 7th month and 7th day ceremony is held at most Buddhist temples. Contact nearby temples to confirm the schedule and participate. Caution: The 7th month and 7th day ceremony is a Buddhist event, so a basic understanding of Buddhism will make your participation more meaningful.