February 3rd, 1st Day 1st Chinese Lunar Month marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year or also known as the 'Spring Festival'.
It is celebrated not only by the Chinese but also other communities like the Koreans, Vietnamese and even the Mongolians worldwide.
This day is traditionally also in honor of Maitreya Bodhisattva, the Future Buddha.
From the Chinese Mahayana Liturgical Chant:
Praise to Maitreya Bodhisattva
From past aeons, a Celestial, ‘Luminous Wisdom’, is He,
Wonderfully unutterable was His Samadhi of Great Kindness,
From a southern adorned Land, ‘Ocean Coast’,
Ascending to Tushita Heaven, a Buddha next, in His Successive Birth,
Perfected mind and consciousness, its clarity resonates the Tenfold Directions’ Realms,
Cultivated merit and virtue, in His Nature, concurrently fulfilling,
In the Inner Courtyard, many have taken birth,
At the Dragon Flower Assembly, obtaining a First Augury
Homage! One of Inner Courtyard of Tushita Heaven, of Ten Thousand Virtues,
Future Arriving, Anticipated Next Birth, Maitreya, Honoured Buddha.
Namo Future Arriving, Anticipated Next Birth, Maitreya, Honoured Buddha!
(Recite while circumnambulating)
The Great Maitreya Gatha
Maitreya Buddha!
A disguised simpleton,
Awaiting street sojourners,
Bearing a cloth sack and smiling widely,
With a wide open mouth and an exultant heart.
The Triple Realms of Existence, a perilous place.
Will iron trees blossom?
Daily, He sits anticipating the Future,
When He ascends to His rightful Lotus Terrace!
Daily, He sits anticipating the Future,
When He ascends to His rightful Lotus Terrace!
Here's wishing all who will celebrate it auspiciousness & fulfillment for the Lunar New Year