Can people recite and pray together without attending in person?

Yes. We have experience of joining online and in-person participants in recitation and prayers for blessings. People do not all have to gather in one place. They can recite sincerely at the same time from different locations and dedicate the merit together.

During the pandemic, Sheng Zhen Men arranged a blessing ceremony in which fellow practitioners on site and members online recited the Heart Sutra, the Scripture of Clarity and Stillness, the Great Compassion Mantra and sacred names, dedicating the merit to Taiwan. Everyone was deeply engaged and sincere. Feeling that strength, I thought we could invite more friends to recite sacred names together and offer blessings for Taiwan.

When everyone’s intentions connect, they are like a net of shared intention. At the time, I also saw people who played singing bowls using their skills to pray for Taiwan, which moved me deeply. When Taiwan needs help, everyone contributes their own care and effort. That is precisely what we hoped to do.

The later invitation to recite sacred names also aimed to dedicate merit to Taiwan’s land and the people living here. I said at the time that the aim was not to make the pandemic disappear instantly. Rather, we hoped people would be less affected, receive support in difficulty and be free from terror. Alongside prayers, practical protective measures still needed to be carried out properly.

Dao Fan also shared that their mother found sacred names simpler and easier to recite, so she included the practice in her daily routine at home. After the business reopened, she continued reciting. Seeing friends from other religions settle their minds through prayer, Dao Fan also felt there were points in common. These blessings can begin with a practice we are able to sustain, putting our hearts into what we can do.