据记载，昔日梁武帝夜梦神僧，神僧告诉他此刻六道四生中有很多众生正在遭受苦难、求出无期，唯有启建水陆无遮大法会才能拔济。梁武帝遂礼请全国高僧依佛典制作仪文，启建水陆大法会。法会燃种种香、点种种灯，准备了各种妙味饮食、衣服、鲜花、水果、庄严的幢幡宝盖等来供养诸佛，并召集众僧诵经施法，以佛法的巨大威力来普利一切众生。

普照寺历史悠久，佛教文化底蕴深厚该寺约建于南朝陈废帝光大元年(567年)，迄今已有一千四百余年，唐朝时为法相宗三祖慧沼大师弘法处。千年古迹，承载着当地信众的历史记忆和信仰情感。方丈释仁昌大和尚和监院释延明法师带领四众弟子广泛参与社会公益活动，利乐有情，受其惠者不可计数。每逢佛事活动，普照寺人如潮涌，香飘十里，佛号梵呗遍满虚空。

The Water and Land Dharma Assembly, also known as the Water and Land Daochang, lasting for seven days and nights, is considered the grandest among Buddhist ceremonies. It serves the purpose of alleviating suffering, rescuing those in need, and delivering salvation to all beings. In 2024, Puzhao Temple in Zibo, Shandong, held the inaugural Water and Land Dharma Assembly as a momentous event to usher in the new year.

This prestigious event was presided over by Ven. Master Renchang, the Abbot of Puzhao Temple, who is also the Vice Secretary-General of the China Buddhist Association, President of the Shandong Buddhist Association, Standing Committee Member of the Shandong Provincial Political Consultative Conference, and President of the Zibo Buddhist Association. Alongside him was Ven. Master Yanming, the Supervisory Abbot of Puzhao Temple, who is also the President of the Zibo Buddhist Association and holds several other esteemed positions. The ceremony also featured Ven. Master Daoxue from Guangdong Province.

The Water and Land Dharma Assembly, a form of Buddhist cultivation, is the most magnificent ceremony in Han Buddhism. It aims to benefit both the living and the deceased, providing salvation across the six realms. The ceremony is based on the principles of offering to Buddhas and sages, with an emphasis on providing abundant offerings and saving beings from the six realms. The assembly is designed to enable attendees to listen to scriptures and teachings at various altars.

According to historical records, Emperor Wu of the Liang Dynasty once dreamt of a divine monk who informed him about numerous beings suffering in the six realms, seeking liberation. The monk suggested the initiation of the Water and Land Dharma Assembly for their salvation. Following this divine guidance, Emperor Wu invited eminent monks nationwide to compile rituals based on Buddhist scriptures, leading to the establishment of the Water and Land Dharma Assembly.

Puzhao Temple, with a history dating back over a millennium, has been a beacon of Buddhist culture. Founded around the year 567 during the Southern Chen Dynasty, it served as a propagation center for Master Huizhuo, the third patriarch of the Faxiang school, during the Tang Dynasty. With such deep historical roots, the temple holds the memories and spiritual sentiments of local believers.

Ven. Master Renchang and Ven. Master Yanming, along with their disciples, actively engage in various social welfare activities, embodying the temple's commitment to benefiting sentient beings. During Buddhist events, Puzhao Temple becomes a vibrant hub, attracting devotees from afar, and the air is filled with the fragrance of incense, echoing with Buddhist chants and hymns.