2026 New Year’s Day Grand Dharma Assembly for Lighting the Lamps of Wisdom and Radiance
Chinese Content prepared by: Hsieh Ming-Yuan, Hsieh Ai-Chu
On New Year’s Day 2026, while northern Taiwan experienced light rain, the rest of the world remained gripped by war and economic turmoil. At this time of global political and economic upheaval, Zen Grandmaster Wu Chueh Miao-Tien, the 85th generation Grandmaster of the Buddhist Zen school, upheld his long-standing commitment to promoting “Buddhaland on Earth.” Honoring his mission to save the world, he sought the blessings of the Chakra-varti-raja (Wheel-Turning King) of the Earth for global peace. His prayers focused on four pillars: the safety of the Earth, the security of all living beings, the realization of world peace, and the total eradication of war.”
On the morning of New Year’s Day 2026, the Guanxi Bhaiṣajyaguru Buddha (Medicine Buddha) Zen Temple in Hsinchu hosted the “2026 New Year’s Day Grand Dharma Assembly for Lighting the Lamps of Wisdom and Radiance.” In the afternoon, the Guanxi Tzuhang Guanyin Zen Temple also held a “Grand Dharma Assembly for Lighting Lamps and Praying for Blessings.” Zen Grandmaster Wu Chueh Miao-Tien was invited to personally preside over both ceremonies. During the assemblies, he performed the consecration and blessing rituals for the participants’ Wisdom Radiance Lamps, Seven-Star Array Lamps, and Fortuitous Radiance Heart Lamps. On that day, thousands of disciples and believers from across Taiwan—spanning generations from the elderly to the very young—gathered in Guanxi, Hsinchu, early in the morning. Though the day began with overcast skies, the clouds eventually parted to reveal the sun, mirroring the spiritual awakening of the event.
This morning at the Bhaisajyaguru Buddha Zen Temple, Zen Grandmaster Wu Chueh Miao-Tien began by reverently inviting the Chakra-varti-raja of the Earth to bestow blessings and empowerment upon all of humanity. Following this, the Zen Grandmaster imparted Zen meditation Heart dharma, encouraging disciples and believers to begin with the purification of the inner heart. He emphasized that by attaining high-level cosmic life energy and supreme life-wisdom energy, one can work toward the ultimate goal of creating world peace.
New Year’s Day is a moment to welcome great fortune. As the Dharma assembly began, the Zen Grandmaster first asked everyone to set their minds at ease. He noted that although the world situation is turbulent and unstable, we are fortunate that the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of the Buddhaland on Earth are protecting us at all times. “We can pass through this safely,” the Grandmaster said.
Frequent In Touch with Spirituality
Regarding spiritual practice, the Zen Grandmaster points out from the very beginning that one must first understand what they are practicing for. This is because many people engage in spiritual work without truly grasping the ultimate goal.
The Zen Grandmaster said, “Since we have come into this world, everyone hopes to live a life of peace, health, and freedom from worry—to live a long and fulfilling life. As disciples of the Buddhist Zen School, it is even more vital to be clear about the true purpose of your practice.”
What is the purpose of spiritual practice? The Zen Grandmaster expounded: “If a person does not practice Buddhism, their destiny is left to drift with the tide. However, those who practice Heart-Imprint Buddhist Zen can safely forge a path of light. On this path, we can achieve better health and longevity, for we are practicing the way of everlasting youth (long life without aging). Furthermore, we cultivate wisdom—Prajna wisdom—which must begin with the practice of purity.”
How do we achieve purity? Zen Grandmaster Wu Chueh Miao-Tien has instructed his disciples on the Ten Great Dharma Seals of Zen (note). The Zen Grandmaster taught that practicing purity means adhering to these Ten Great Seals; the first eight items focus on the cultivation of the eight consciousnesses, while the last two focus on the cultivation of wisdom. “The ninth is the cultivation of purity. Beginning with purity, we then proceed to the tenth: the cultivation of Prajna wisdom. Prajna wisdom is the wisdom of the Buddha.”
(Note) The Ten Great Dharma Seals of Zen: 1. Not being misled by self attachment. 2. Not being confused by form attachment. 3. Not being deluded by fame and fortune. 4. Not being tormented by material desires. 5. Not being swayed by illusions. 6. Not being angered by evil forces. 7. Not being trapped by infatuation. 8. Not being disturbed by worldly affairs. 9. Having a bright and upright heart. 10. Possessing vast and boundless wisdom.
The Zen Grandmaster instructed that the wisdom of the Buddha exists throughout the entire Void; it is the most primordial life energy and wisdom energy of the entire universe. “Since the birth of the universe, these Holy Spirits have already existed.”
Our human bodies are just like the universe. The Zen Grandmaster said, “Whatever exists in the universe also exists within our bodies. (As in the macrocosm, so in the microcosm.)” In the mother’s womb, every person begins as matter—a fertilized egg. After ten months of the transformative power of “Zen,” a perfect human being is naturally formed. We are not artificial creations; this is the Way of Nature, the Way of Life.
The Zen Grandmaster instructed that this Way of Life not only grants us life but also bestows us with wisdom. However, after coming into this world, we are shaped by our environment. Some learn to be good, while others fall into bad habits. For instance, growing up in a positive environment with a good education can lead one to become a person of integrity and wisdom. Conversely, those in harsh or negative environments might end up as bad actors, such as scammers or criminals. This is all governed by the law of cause and effect.
As the saying goes, “Bodhisattvas fear the cause, while sentient beings fear the consequence.” Because ordinary people do not understand causality, they fail to see the “cause” and only recognize the “result.” They only feel fear once the bitter fruit of their actions has manifested. Today, as practitioners who understand these causal relationships, we must learn to sow virtuous causes to reap virtuous fruits, and to sow Buddha-causes to attain Buddha-fruits.
The Zen Grandmaster exhorted his disciples that those who practice Heart-Imprint Buddhist Zen are different from the average person; they must stay in constant touch with their inner spirituality. “This is because our spirituality has already been sublimated into the pure Buddha-nature, which possesses not only the highest life energy but also supreme wisdom. Therefore, during Zen meditation, one must enter a very pure Dharma Realm to receive the baptism of the Buddha’s Light. Let every cell and every organ of the body receive the Buddha’s empowerment and the blessing of the Buddha’s Light. This allows us to progress smoothly from the start of our practice to the realization of our Buddha-nature and the attainment of Buddha-wisdom. Thus, every individual holds the potential to attain Buddhahood.”
Grandmaster Wu Chueh Miao-Tien, the 85th-generation Grandmaster of the Buddhist Zen School, bestows blessings and empowerment upon the offerings of fruit and longevity peaches at the Medicine Buddha Zen Temple in Guanxi.
Heart-to-Heart Imprint is to Connect with the Great Energy of the Universe
Many years ago, the Zen Grandmaster proposed the concept of “Buddhaland on Earth.” As early as 2,500 years ago, when the World-Honored One was in this world, He had already established a Buddhaland above the Earth; now, the Zen Grandmaster seeks to manifest this Buddhaland directly upon the Earth. The Zen Grandmaster says, “There are many Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in the Buddhaland on Earth protecting us. Therefore, we must feel gratitude from our hearts. We must stay in constant touch with our hearts and our spirituality to feel the Great Majestic Power that the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas bestow upon us.”
“During Zen meditation, you must feel this incoming energy. It enters our brain, our blood, and both our spiritual and physical bodies in a very subtle way, granting us everlasting youth. Therefore, Zen meditation is not just sitting there in silence; you must be able to perceive and experience this energy.”
The Zen Grandmaster instructed: “Heart-to-Heart Imprint is the act of receiving this energy. Whether you are connecting to Shifu’s energy or the energy of the universe, it is all accessible to you.”
The Zen Grandmaster shared His own experience: On New Year’s Eve, around 11:00 PM, He lay in bed communing with the energy of the cosmos. “You can feel this energy entering your body and realize how truly powerful it is. Especially when you open your palms, there is an immediate sensation like an electric current, flowing in continuously and reaching every part of the body until you are completely filled with energy. I didn’t fall asleep until after 1:00 AM, yet when I woke up at 6:00 AM, I felt exceptionally refreshed and energized.”
The Zen Grandmaster shared that he resonates with the universal energy in this way every night before sleep, and he publicly revealed the secret: when you align your body’s frequency to be close to—or even identical with—the vibrational frequency of the universe, you will discover the immense power of that resonance. “Doing this is profoundly beneficial for both our physical bodies and our spirits; you will feel filled with the Buddha’s Light and the Holy Spirit.”
“Therefore, when you are in Zen meditation, do not merely focus on sitting still. You must know how to receive, how to feel, and how to understand the state of your entire being. Life has an ‘outer’ and an ‘inner’ aspect. The ‘outer’ involves minimizing contact with external pollutants and negative energies; the ‘inner’ is about allowing your Yuan Shen (primordial spirit) to purely receive the energy of the universe’s Infinite Life (Amitayus), Infinite Light (Amitabha), and Infinite Buddhas. Once received, your body will become healthier day by day and will not age.”
The Zen Grandmaster shared that although He is in his nineties, His hair is thicker than before, which He attributes to receiving this great universal energy. He instructed that the energy from food is limited, while the energy of the universe is vast—it is the true, primordial life energy of nature. One must be able to receive these energies during Zen meditation; this is the original life and wisdom energy of the universe, which is formless reality (Substantial Formless) rather than manifested form. He added, “In Buddhist practice, one must learn to apply these teachings dynamically to life.”
The Zen Grandmaster gave an example: one can often visit natural places filled with spiritual energy and sit down to connect with it. As long as you remain still, the energy will enter naturally—there is no need to “inhale” it through the eyes or mouth as in some Daoist practices. “Simply sit down, focus on the Zen Chakra and the Heart Chakra, and then connect to the two kidneys (Kidney Chakra), you will then connect with the universe. Once you are linked to Heaven and Earth, the surrounding spiritual energy will naturally flow in. Meditate in this way and feel that energy; that is the true energy.”
Grandmaster Wu Chueh Miao-Tien elucidates that the Buddhist Dharma is the high life energy and high wisdom energy of the universe, rather than a mere Buddhology of forms and phenomena.
While most people enjoy traveling abroad, the Zen Grandmaster believes that staying in Taiwan is even better. In terms of spiritual energy, Taiwan can be described as a “precious land”—it is filled with the life energy of the universe. Places like Zhuzihu on Yangmingshan in Taipei, Alishan, Sun Moon Lake, Yushan (Jade Mountain), and the Confucius Temple in Tainan are all sites with intense spiritual power and energy.
It is evident that Taiwan is truly a “precious island,” where universal energy flows directly. Because it is so rich in spiritual energy, living in Taiwan is a blessing of happiness and peace. Many of the world’s powerful and wealthy nations may not necessarily possess the same level of energy and spiritual Qi as Taiwan. Furthermore, the people of Taiwan are warm-hearted and kind, which is why so many foreigners are drawn to visit.
The Grandmaster observed that Chinese culture, with its five millennia of excellence, places profound value on benevolence, righteousness, and ethics. “In antiquity, Grandmaster Bodhidharma brought the Heart-Imprint Buddhist Dharma—the true transmission of the World-Honored One—to China, which is why we have the opportunity to inherit this lineage today. After receiving transmission from the 84th Generation Grandmaster, Shifu was further bestowed Heart-Imprint by the World-Honored One’s Dharma Body. It is through this that the ‘Heart-Imprint’ energy was realized, allowing me to transmit the Heart-Imprint Buddhist Dharma, Heart-Imprint Zen Dharma, and my personal cultivation insights with all of you.”
“These are profound realities, solid and true—not illusions or fleeting dreams. They dwell tangibly within us, enabling us to align with the frequencies of the entire universe.”
The Grandmaster taught that only through such authentic cultivation can one attain the state of Bodhisattvahood and Buddhahood. This is the path to transforming Earth into a paradise and forging lasting world peace.
“This is the divine mandate and mission of everyone. Do not lose sight of this mandate; do not forget that the true purpose of our cultivation is to reach out to all sentient beings who suffer. We must enable them to share in the same spiritual blessings we enjoy—physical health, mental joy, and a life of happiness. It is not enough to cultivate for oneself; we must lead all beings to attain enlightenment and achieve Buddhahood together. This is our sacred mission; this is our destiny.”
Hence, bridging others to the Dharma is of paramount importance; we must ensure that Heart-Imprint Buddhist Zen Dharma is widely popularized and transmitted throughout Taiwan. The Grandmaster encouraged us: “The deeper your understanding, the greater the sense of mission you will feel. In turn, you will experience an even greater Majestic Power bestowed by the universe. These two are mutually reinforcing. Furthermore, the higher your level of cultivation, the more these blessings will naturally manifest, even if you seek nothing for yourself.”
The structure of the human body is identical to the universe.
Following the assembly at the Medicine Buddha (Bhaiṣajyaguru) Zen Temple, the Grandmaster traveled to the Tzuhang Guanyin (Avalokiteśvara) Zen Temple in the afternoon to preside over the Blessing and Lamp-Lighting Ceremony. There, he offered further teachings on the methods for synchronizing with the energy of Heaven and Earth.
The Grandmaster taught, “The most vital aspect of practicing the Heart-Imprint Buddhist Zen Dharma is to connect with the energy of Heaven and Earth every day. Before doing so, one must frequently make contact with the Heart Chakra. By linking the three chakras—Heart, Zen, and Kidney—one can establish a full connection with Heaven and Earth.”
The Grandmaster continued: “Since these chakras are within us, our spiritual body will spontaneously resonate with them, giving rise to an energy field. Once connected to Heaven and Earth, the energy discharges throughout the entire body, allowing us to receive the power of the whole universe. This is how Zen meditation must be practiced in reality.”
The Grandmaster taught that many people, unsure of how to truly practice, turn to reading sutras, chanting, or reciting the Buddha’s name. In reality, that is not true cultivation because it is directed outward. True cultivation must be directed inward; it is about transforming oneself—changing the human heart into the Buddha Heart and evolving human nature into Buddha-Nature. Only then can one connect with the energy of Heaven and Earth.
“Our bodies are inherently identical to the universe,” he added. “The way the cosmos was formed is how our bodies were formed. Nothing within us is artificially created.”
All human behaviors, emotions, and subtle mind-body activities originate from Yuan Shen within. This Yuan Shen contains spiritual electricity that reaches our sensory organs. Because the human structure mirrors the universe, the World-Honored One discovered in deep meditation that his own cells and organs emitted light, just like the celestial bodies in the cosmos.
In other words, the human body mirrors the cosmos. Our breathing frequency is remarkably close to that of the universe. Once these frequencies achieve resonance, universal energy flows naturally into the body. “There is no need to ‘grab’ or ‘inhale’ it forcefully; in Zen meditation, the energy enters spontaneously. You can then direct it anywhere you wish, guided entirely by your spiritual body. This reveals just how sublime and vital our Dharma truly is.”
The Grandmaster earnestly exhorted his disciples to practice diligently and seek true practice and realization. He emphasized advancing from the technique of “focus” to the stage of “contact.” “For example, when focused on the Heart Chakra, one should not merely ‘look’ at it, as that creates a spatial distance. Instead, one must actually ‘contact’ it. Once your focus generates an energy field, you must make direct touch with the chakra, evolving your practice from focus into direct contact.”
Cultivation is far more than just focusing on chakras during meditation. The Grandmaster meticulously analyzed its deeper meaning: the essence of cultivation is the transformation of a person’s physical organism—altering both the biological body and the spiritual body. How is this achieved? Through purification; specifically, the purification of our entire life energy.”
“What is purification? It is the direct contact with Yuan Shen. Yuan Shen is our True-nature, which will eventually evolve into Buddha-nature. Since Buddha-Nature carries Prajna wisdom, once our True-nature transforms into Buddha-Nature, we attain this supreme wisdom. Cultivation is the practice of ‘attaining Prajna wisdom to achieve Buddhahood’; it is not merely about exerting effort on the physical body.”
The Grandmaster emphasized that cultivation is about practicing direct purity. Through purity, one enters into wisdom, thereby connecting with energy of the universe and achieving resonance with the cosmos. Once in resonance, you become one with the universe; your body’s frequency aligns with that of the cosmos. At this stage, the energy transforms—it is no longer merely “Qi,” but the energy of “Light.”
This energy of “Light” is a fusion of life energy and wisdom energy; it is a unified living entity. This unified living entity exists within our “Body, Mind, and Spirit,” merging all three into a singular Unity.
Grandmaster Wu Chueh Miao-Tien performs the consecration and blessing of the offered lamps at the Tzuhang Guanyin Zen Temple in Guanxi.
Integrating the Heart and Brain
The Grandmaster taught that the heart and the brain must be used in tandem; one must maintain frequent contact between them, just as one uses both hands—neither can be dispensed with. “Regardless of what you are doing, you must maintain contact between the Heart Chakra and the brain. When the ‘Heart and Brain’ are linked, you are far less likely to make errors.”
How do we use the heart and brain together? The Grandmaster explained that upon waking, you should immediately make contact with the Heart Chakra. Within the Heart Chakra resides the “True Self”—a spiritual body that, though invisible, possesses immense power. This power is a form of energy with subtle transformations that are often imperceptible. Therefore, you must attend to it frequently. Especially during Zen meditation, you must first contact the Heart Chakra and then interface it with the three chakras in the brain.
The Grandmaster taught that we should make contact with all ten chakras, receiving the energy of Heaven and Earth to radiate upon and strengthen each one. By fortifying these specific energies to achieve robust health, the body experiences a sense of profound lightness.
“Especially now that the weather is turning cold, every part of our body can become a power plant. By generating ‘electricity’ from the Heart Chakra or the palms of your hands, you will no longer feel the chill. This makes Zen meditation incredibly fascinating—the dynamic interplay between the body and cosmic energy is truly sublime.”
The Grandmaster shared his own personal experiments, explaining how he directed the energy of Heaven and Earth into his white hair, which significantly reduced the need for hair coloring. “Whether you feel your skin is dull, lacks refinement, or needs more radiance, you can supplement it with the energy of Heaven and Earth to make it vibrant. You can learn to control these effects yourself. Once you become proficient, you will discover how to extend life and achieve longevity. Then, you will understand the meaning of true liberation and the wondrous benefits of this Dharma.”
The Grandmaster imparted that if someone asks where is the Buddhaland on Earth, can I go see it. The answer is certainly yes. However, it is not seen with the “human eyes”, but through our spirit, our spiritual body. “This is not something a ‘human’ can achieve through physical effort; it happens when our spiritual body, our Buddha-nature align with the universe, generating that divine energy to ‘see’ it”
The Grandmaster explained that the most vital aspect of cultivation is to remain unbound by worldly pressure. Do not let your heart generate the negative energy of resentment or dissatisfaction. Let everything go and keep your heart completely empty. “Although ‘human’ remains on Earth, the ‘heart’ can reside in the heaven, transcending the mundane world. You must perceive this with your heart and mind—this is the true cultivation of a practitioner.”
The Grandmaster reminded everyone that in your cultivation, expand your heart and open your mind until they are as vast as the universe; then, you will achieve Oneness. Spend more time in nature, for it offers immense energy and support. Allow yourself to be truly at ease. “Just as plants live in perfect spontaneity and freedom, we too can achieve such a state of being.”
Before the conclusion of both assemblies, the Grandmaster specially invoked Vaisravana (the Heavenly King of Wealth) to bestow blessings upon the gathered believers and disciples. With the sacred mantra, “Om Zambala Zalendraye Soha,” the Grandmaster blessed everyone with family peace and boundless prosperity.
On this New Year’s Day, spanning from morning to afternoon, Grandmaster Wu Chueh Miao-Tien presided over two grand lamp-lighting ceremonies. Despite the cold rain falling from the sky, everyone’s heart was filled with a warm current. Enveloped in the blessings of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, they joyfully welcomed the year 2026.
English Translation: Chueh Miao Dao-Lian and Chueh Miao Gong-Ming
