Lighting a Lamp, Illuminating the Light

Light a lamp for yourself and your family—a lamp of compassion and wisdom, letting the light of Buddhism illuminate the path of life.

A heart full of prayer, a heart full of blessings—praying for everything to go smoothly and perfectly, blessing everyone with peace and happiness.

Lighting a lamp represents wishes, hope, and light.

Light a lamp for yourself and your family—a lamp of compassion and wisdom, letting the light of Buddhism illuminate the path of life.

A heart full of prayer, a heart full of blessings—praying for everything to go smoothly and perfectly, blessing everyone with peace and happiness.

A lamp is light, a lamp is warmth; we use light to convey our wishes, and the warmth of the lamp symbolizes the power that our wishes can generate; this comes from our sincerity and faith, and that lamp is useful. Lighting a lamp for yourself, for our loved ones, and for our family is useful.

Lighting a lamp symbolizes:

A lamp is light, a lamp is warmth; we use light to convey our wishes, and the warmth of the lamp symbolizes the power that our wishes can generate; this comes from our sincerity and faith, and that lamp is useful. Lighting lamps is beneficial for oneself, one’s relatives, and family.

The Meaning of Lighting Lamps
Through the act of lighting lamps, one’s inner desires are communicated through personal faith and the blessings of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, resulting in a perfect outcome. In other words, lighting one lamp is equivalent to lighting all the lamps before the Buddha; it is also lighting the light of one’s own heart and the world. One should not be attached to which lamp is “mine,” just as the sun shines, illuminating all people; rain nourishes, benefiting all sentient beings. With this aspiration to benefit oneself and others, one dedicates endless light to all enemies and relatives, so that we may all attain Bodhi together. This is the spirit of the Bodhisattva and the most fitting meaning of lighting lamps.

Online Lamp Lighting Instructions

After registration, you will immediately receive a confirmation email and details of payment.

The lamp lighting fee is $200 per year; $100 for half a year.

If you need assistance from volunteers, please call (510) 246-8264 (available during temple opening hours) Email: info@ddmbasf.org