Dharmaratna Festival

Laba Festival

腊八节简介

腊八节，农历十二月初八，是佛教重要节日，纪念释迦牟尼佛悟道成佛。传统上，佛教徒在这天煮制特殊的腊八粥，既用来供佛，也与大众分享，表达对佛陀教诲的感恩之情。腊八粥，又称佛粥、五味粥或七宝粥，是一道营养丰富的美食。其主要原料包括：

·      谷物：大米、小米等

·      干果：红枣、莲子等

·      坚果：花生等

·      蔬菜：红萝卜等

这些食材不仅象征着丰收和福气，还寓意着佛法的智慧和美德。腊八粥的烹制过程也被视为一种修行。

随着时代变迁，腊八节的庆祝方式也在不断演变。如今，不仅佛教徒，许多普通民众也会在这天享用腊八粥，既传承传统文化，也寄托对美好生活的向往。

腊八粥的缘起

腊八粥源于佛教传说：牧羊女以乳糜供养悉达多，助其恢复体力继续修行。相传悉达多于腊月初八在菩提树下证悟成佛。为纪念这个充满希望的日子，佛教徒延续传统，以腊八粥与世人结缘，传播佛法智慧。

学校的庆祝活动

新加坡佛光山师父和义工老师在阳历一月十六日这一天为我校的师生们提供腊八粥。学生们在周会听了师父讲解“腊八粥” 的意义后，再品尝美味的“腊八粥”，从而懂得惜福、感恩、并感激他们的老师。除此之外，家长会(PATH)的志工家长在那一天志愿服务。他们不仅为我们的学生树立服务社区的好榜样，而且通过与不同行业的人们的合作展示团队精神。

由于“腊八节”在农历的第十二个月，学生受鼓励为新年设定目标。这有助于他们明确方向，集中精力，更好地管理时间，全力以赴实现目标。

Introduction on Laba Festival (Tradition, Gratitude, and Goal-Setting)

The Laba Festival, observed on the 8th day of the 12th lunar month, commemorates Buddha's enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. Traditionally, temples offer 'Laba Porridge' to express gratitude and share with devotees.

At our school, we celebrate this festival with support from Fo Guang Shan Temple (Singapore). After listening to the Venerable's explanation of the significance of "Laba porridge" during school assembly, students then tasted the delicious "Laba porridge" Through this experience, they learned to cherish blessings, express gratitude, and appreciate their teachers. Parents from PATH also volunteer, exemplifying community service and teamwork to our students.

Coinciding with the Chinese calendar's final month, we encourage all students to set goals for the New Year. This practice helps them:

·       Define clear objectives

·       Focus their efforts effectively

·       Improve time management skills

·       Develop commitment to personal growth

Through this celebration, we aim to blend cultural understanding with practical life skills, fostering gratitude and personal development in our students.