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Sunday, June 24, 2012, marked a day of celebration. It was the Ritual of Pen-
ance here at the I-Kuan-Tao Temple in El Monte, CA. On this bright and sunny day,
Tao cultivators, who enthusiastically congregated to what was an infrequent event of
the Ritual of Penance. There were Masters who spoke and inspired us through their
teachings that day. One of the themes I learned about was the importance of right
mindedness. This is where it all begins! The Master spoke with such simplicity and
joy. I was moved to tears. My tears felt like raindrops coming from the heavens. I
could and couldn¡¦t understand it at the same time. This was not a moment of false
sentimentality. It felt like true essence of being.
I was quite mystifi ed as to his words of wisdom that were in reality just remind-
ers of what is beautiful in the world. One can easily forget simple things like kind-
ness and goodness. But it starts with intention. In order to see what is beautiful, right
and sacred in this world, one must rid oneself of wrongs, of regrets and of the past.
This is Penance: to pray and to recall our wrongdoings with sincerity and learning.
This was the ultimate event of the day. After the Ritual of Penance, one lady member
of the temple said to me "You have no idea how lucky you are". I responded to her
"You¡¦re probably right". I could read in her words her meaning. As I recall having
remembered receiving the Tao years prior and it having been a very life-transforming
event, I knew exactly what she meant. This was evident immediately days after in my
activities of everyday daily life. I walked away with a clearer mind and a more aware
mind and a more conscientious mind. I, in turn, resolved a couple of con. icts that
were perturbing me. I was just not in the right mind or had the right perception to see
how I needed to be a better participant and not a judge.
I was fortunate enough to have received the Tao on April 11, 2004. Then on
Saturday, June 23rd, 2012, Master Chen and Master Cheri conducted the Vegetarian
Vow Ritual. This was the prerequisite for the Penance Ritual. Being vegetarian, now
makes me think truly about what I eat and why. I never before connected what I ate
with spirituality. But, what we do to our bodies re. ects our spirituality, health, emo-
tions, behavior and actions.
I felt at one with the group of Tao cultivators participating in the day¡¦s activi-
ties. It was comforting to be in community of people who come to learn, understand
and live by these concepts. Many people helped put this event together, to which I¡¦m
grateful. Every detail in planning from the coordination of uniforms and the much
needed translation to the many other details made this event seamless. And these
same people care and support others in this spiritual journey realized.
The Ritual of Penance
¡·
Alicia Romero
Translator : Eric Chen, Allen Chen
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17
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