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Transformation of a Bodhisattva,
Footsteps of an Ascetic Monk
1977 Golden Gate Park -- February.
Dharma Gathering for Rain in Marx Meadow
Procession into Golden Gate Park where services were held to try to end a two-year drought that had left California barren and desperate for rain.
Recitation of Guanyin Bodhisattva's name (the Bodhisattva who hears the sounds of the world) and of the special mantra for seeking rain were done alternately. Dharma talks explained simple principles of cause and effect. "Why hasn't it rained? Because we have been too selfish and greedy and we have wasted water. If we admit our mistakes and change, the sincerity of our repentance and reform can evoke a response." The crowd of participants grew and joined in the chanting, kneeling, and prostrations. Even while the mantra for seeking rain was being recited the clouds gathered and the wind picked up.
Did it rain? Yes it did. Early the following morning, rain was reported in Mendocino County (in the area around the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas), northern California. By 11:30 a.m. rain pelted San Francisco and the news reporters who had covered the Dharma Gathering for Rain returned to Marx Meadow for an on-the-spot report. "Right there was the altar where the Buddhists prayed for rain," she reported. "Now it was raining, just as they had sought, and where the altar had stood was a huge puddle of water." The Master did not go to Golden Gate Park. He stayed back, behind the scenes, directing the entire Dharma Assembly.
