Ullambana is a Sanskrit word which means "rescuing those who are hanging upside-down." Traditionally it refers to seeking salvation for anguished souls in hell. The Ullambana festival is celebrated in many countries including China, Japan, and Malaysia. During the Ullambana festival, it is widely believed that the "Gates of the Hell" are opened, and the dead ones visit their loved ones. Therefore, offerings are made to the spirits of hungry ghosts for good luck. It falls on the fifteenth day of the seventh lunar month.

On August 16, 2008, a Ceremony of Blessings and Salvation was hosted by Master JinBodhi in the Bodhi Dharma's Taipei Meditation Hall for more than 1300 departed souls and their families.

Master JinBodhi started the ceremony by offering incense to Buddha, and the attendees followed him to honor Buddha. The Master then sprinkled dew water onto the departed souls and comforted them with great compassion and said, "I know that you have been waiting for a long time. Do not worry, here is water to bathe you and quench your thirst." The Master understood that when the the suffering spirits in the Hell drank water, it erupted into balls of flame and burn them with great pain; therefore, he said, "By Buddha's compassion and by my wish, I give you the clean dew water to cleanse all of your past sins. With Buddha's mercy and blessing you are able to end the torment, be free from pain and sorrow, and your children will have peace of mind."



Besides offering Dharma water, Master JinBodhi offered six coloured grains of rice to feed the hungary souls. This rice is called Fortune Rice, and it is believed that the rice is able to release the spirits from suffering and grant them eternal bliss.

Then Master lit candles for the dead souls to offer them comfort and light. Master introduced a method of chanting for offerings, and he explained the infinite benefits of cleansing sins and redemption. Master inspired: "We offer flowers to Buddha for happiness and beauty, we offer water to gain wealth, we offer clothing for love..."

Master JinBodhi planned to rescue the tormented souls from the Hell and help them to two realms, which were the Oriental Pure Land of Medicine Buddha and the West Pure Land or Amitabha's Nirvana. Kneeling down the Master led the followers to chant the Mantra of Medicine Buddha first, praying for Medicine Buddha to receive the spirits of the dead. Then they chanted the Amitabha Mantra and prayed for the spirits again. The Master paid great respect to Buddha by lowering his forehead to the ground. He concentrated on doing it again and again, in spite of sweat dripping from his shirt to the floor. Many were moved into tears by the Master's efforts and were impressed by his compassion, sincerity, and loving kindness which he dedicated to salvation for the suffered souls.

After chanting and praying for more than an hour, Master led the congregation to bid farewell to the rescued souls from the families they left behind.

Lastly, Master JinBodhi claimed that Taiwan was a precious land, and her people had spiritual merit. Master also shared his exprience and achievement of meditation practice to the audience. "Your faith gives my Dharma power." His words were met with thundering applause. The Master announced that he would hold a Ceremony of Medicine Buddha's Birthday in late October and welcomed everyone to attend.