In the Tripinaka (the Buddhist canon), there is a story you and I are familiar with about a poor lady who lit a light and offered it to Buddha, and in turn received great blessing. Is there another meaning with respect to lighting a light besides receiving great blessing?

Venerable Master Sheng Yen mentioned in his book remarking about the《Sukhāvatīvyūha-sūtra》that lighting lights is to glorify the Dharma centre, in turn to develop respect to Buddha Dharma in sentient beings. Also, lighting lights symbolizes that bright wisdom is capable of eradicating the darkness of vexation.

When speaking of lighting lights, what light is being lit? It’s the light of wisdom, the light of eradicating misery, and the light of longevity. That is, what one wishes for in one’s prayers will be answered if one lights lights and recites Bodhisattva Guanyin《Pu Mng Ping》(《普門品》,《The Universal Gate Chapter》) and Bodhisattva Guanyin’s name.

Lighting lights is the giving of alms and making of offerings and is one of the ten offerings. Also, the merit of lighting lights represents brightness, hope and vows.