Understanding the Flaming-Mouth Ceremony (Yankou) in Chinese Buddhism

The Institute of Chinese Buddhism (ICB) warmly invites you to a two-part public lecture with Dr. Hun Lye, as he explores the rich meanings, practices, and contemporary relevance of the Flaming-Mouth Ceremony (Yankou) in Chinese Buddhism.

What is the Flaming-Mouth Ceremony, and why has it remained such an important ritual across Chinese Buddhist traditions?

In this two-day lecture, Dr. Hun Lye unpacks the historical roots, symbolic meanings, and lived practice of this profound ritual. Moving beyond surface-level understanding, he will explore how Yankou functions as both a ritual of offering and compassion—bridging the visible and invisible worlds, and expressing core Mahayana values in action.

Drawing from both academic study and firsthand ritual experience, this lecture offers a rare opportunity to understand how ritual, philosophy, and practice come together in Chinese Buddhism today.

📅 22 August 2026 (Saturday) — 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM (Part 1)
📅 23 August 2026 (Sunday) — 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM (Part 1 continues)

📅 29 August 2026 (Saturday) — 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM (Part 2)
📅 30 August 2026 (Sunday) — 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM (Part 2 continues)

📍 Poh Ming Tse Temple, Singapore
🎟 Admission: By donation ($20 per day suggested)
Free for students and monastics.

🔗 Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/fuFbGvAqAj

🔥 The origins and development of the Flaming-Mouth (Yankou) ritual
🪷 Its symbolic meaning within Mahayana Buddhist thought
🙏 How ritual expresses compassion for unseen beings
📖 The relationship between text, chant, and performance in Buddhist practice
🌏 Why Yankou remains relevant in contemporary Chinese Buddhism

Dr. Hun Lye is a scholar of Chinese Buddhism specializing in ritual studies and Mahayana traditions. With a strong academic background and longstanding involvement in ritual practice, he brings both experiential insight and scholarly depth to his teachings.

Known for his engaging and clear style, Dr. Lye presents complex Buddhist practices in an accessible and meaningful way for diverse audiences.
✨ All are welcome — no prior knowledge needed.
Come with curiosity and discover how ritual, compassion, and wisdom come alive in the Buddhist tradition.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Institute of Chinese Buddhism