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The monks at a mountain temple play these instruments at both the morning and evening ceremonial services. By listening closely to the sounds of these instruments, attendees attain a tremendous sense of tranquility. As soon as the last of the four, the large bell, has been struck a number of times, a small drum or bell is struck inside the Main Buddha Hall to announce the beginning of the chanting service. A monk will then recite the Bell Chant as a substitute voice of the Buddha's teaching. This stunningly beautiful Bell Chant is done in hopes of freeing beings who are suffering in hells and torment, and in leading them into the world of light. It also beckons people to awaken from their illusions and delusions.
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The homage service then begins with the Five Fragrances Chant:
Gyehyang, Jeonghyang, Hyehyang, Haetalhyang, Haetalchigyeonghyang
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This chant symbolizes the reappearance of Buddha's eternal Dharma Body, filling the world with thefragrances of the precepts, meditation, wisdom, liberation, and the realization of liberation. The chant is also a vow of those chanting to literally become the embodiment of these five fragrances.
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This is then followed by the Chant for Offering Incense and then the Prayer of Homage, which begins "Jishim guimyeongnae" or "I fervently pray with all my heart." With all their heart, the attendees pay homage to the Buddha, the Bodhisattvas Manjusri (Wisdom) and Samantabhadra (Universal Practice), Bodhidharma (the father of Seon), and all the Buddhist predecessors. Attendees perform a series of full prostrations and bows throughout the Prayer of Homage, and each is done with the utmost attention and care.
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The Prayer of Homage is then followed by another prayer, and then all turn to face the Guardian Painting and recite the Heart Sutra. Some then file out of the Main Buddha Hall while others stay to recite the "Sutra of 1,000 Hands" to Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of Perfect Compassion.
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This is how the day begins at a temple. It is highly impressive, very moving, and highly inspirational.
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