Chuan Fan, Ocean Sky Chan Monastery
In 2014, I finally found the true teachings in Ocean Sky. From then on, every term I attended 10 classes a week—all the levels in the English and Chinese meditation classes. At that time, I could only understand about 20% Mandarin; however, I was not discouraged. I never got tired of repeating each class over and over because it helped me deepen my understanding of the truth, our inherent buddha nature.
Going to Ocean Sky every day helps me practice diligence, both in action and in mind, with vigor and enthusiasm. Whenever possible, I learned the various volunteer jobs so I can help the Three Jewels in all aspects with Dharma joy. In the temple, we study the Dharma and perform good deeds. We also practice being mindful, to always stay with our present mind, and to not be affected by outside conditions.
Practicing the Bodhisattva Way, I want to introduce wisdom to more sentient beings, to make a difference in their lives and help them find their inherent buddha nature. So every term, I persistently find ways and means to invite family, friends, colleagues, employees, and even strangers to attend meditation classes. I have also sincerely invited the Abbess to give a Dharma talk at our office to let those who cannot attend classes establish an affinity with the Dharma. These efforts through the years resulted in more than 200 employees attending the classes. Many are at least in level three and have taken the three refuges and five precepts. Some of them have volunteered as class coordinators, and some even actively recite sutras every week to dedicate their merits during this pandemic. I am filled with joy that the seed of Dharma has been instilled in them. It is truly moving to see them sincerely practice Buddha's teachings.
Even without going to Ocean Sky in this pandemic, I encourage myself to be diligent and persistent every day. Reciting sutras gives me comfort and strength. Furthermore, it gives me great joy and fulfillment in dedicating merits to all sentient beings. Reading and reflecting on Dharma articles help me conquer fear and adversities. Meditation aides me in overcoming delusions and develops my wisdom to constantly stay with the present mind.
To help myself and all sentient beings learn Buddhism, my ultimate mission in life is the foremost Mahayana path. Right diligence is an essential factor in the long and uphill journey towards buddhahood. With vigor and enthusiasm, I vow to diligently abide in our Grand Master's teachings: to protect and support the monastery, to propagate the true Dharma, and to help all sentient beings raise no deluded thoughts and find their inherent buddha nature.