Taiwan Soka Association Holds Memorial Services

During March and April 2009, some 8,000 Taiwan Soka Association (TSA) members gathered for Buddhist memorial services to offer prayers for their deceased relatives and ancestors at TSA's Ci-En Memorial Hall in Yunlin County. In the Chinese tradition, the Qing Ming Festival is held every year in spring, during which families visit their ancestors' graves and pay their respects to the deceased.

On March 21, TSA General Director Lin Chao attended a service together with some 100 TSA representatives. They recited portions of the Lotus Sutra and prayed for the repose of their ancestors and deceased relatives as well as for the happiness of all humanity.

[Adapted from articles in the March 31 and April 14, 2009 issues of Harmony Press, Taiwan Soka Association; photo courtesy of Harmony Press]