This trip gave me the opportunity to re-realize those Dharma Masters and benefactors who made Buddha Gate Monastery(BGM) possible and who continue to make possible the establishment of Chan Buddhism centers worldwide. A dream of many years is being fulfilled through the selfless contribution of Grand Master’s vision, of all the Shifu’s efforts and of many benefactors financial and material support. I am deeply grateful for BGM and will continue to support our Shifus and NOT take for granted the source of its existence.
The unique experience for me was the opportunity to greet and offer flowers to the president of Taiwan. After I heard this news, my monkey mind started to jump around. But then while I was standing there waiting observing the Dharma Masters preparing and waiting for the arrival, my mind calmed down. They reminded me to be focused on the present. The atmosphere around the Dharma Masters was very calm and very organized, yet joyful in anticipation. My thoughts then shifted to being grateful for this opportunity. I wanted to be sincere in my welcome and in offering the flowers.
I then started thinking about the meaning of giving flowers. Aside from formality, I thought about the teachings from acolyte class. Flowers symbolize the "CAUSE" and fruit symbolizes the "EFFECT." So I made a wish that these flowers symbolize "cause" and the effect will be the president's choices and actions will be fruitful in benefiting all the people of Taiwan.
The tour of Chung Tai was the most awe-inspiring time of the trip. It is still difficult to imagine how such a gigantic and beautiful structure could have been designed and built in such a brief time. The detail of each image and the grand scale of the building, rooms and displays is the use of exquisite works of art. The Ceremony of the Transmission of the Three Refuges and Five Precepts, presided over by the Grand Master, was absolutely wonderful and emotionally inspiring! It was very impressive to learn how much emphasis there is on learning multiple languages. Would that our American schools could do as much in such absolutely beautiful schools as Pu Tai Elementary, Junior High and High School; what lovely buildings and extensive curricular offerings.
“We are family! We are family!”落成十周年庆祝法会的开幕式,大专青年禅学会一百零八位学子组成的“摩诃啦啦队”,在雄壮威武的击鼓声中,以整齐划一的动作,激昂了全场观众的情绪!自己有幸亲睹练习的过程,北区各大专院校的同学们在住持法师的带领下,以近一个月的时间密集训练,展现出如此令人赞叹的成果。正是这样“对事以真”的精神,从灵泉至中台,一路坚持。只要我们依教奉行,直下承担,没有办不到的事,也没有达不到的目标。