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!”落成十週年慶祝法會的開幕式，大專青年禪學會一百零八位學子組成的「摩訶啦啦隊」，在雄壯威武的擊鼓聲中，以整齊劃一的動作，激昂了全場觀眾的情緒！自己有幸親睹練習的過程，北區各大專院校的同學們在住持法師的帶領下，以近一個月的時間密集訓練，展現出如此令人讚歎的成果。正是這樣「對事以真」的精神，從靈泉至中台，一路堅持。只要我們依教奉行，直下承擔，沒有辦不到的事，也沒有達不到的目標。
“We are family! We are family!”落成十週年慶祝法會的開幕式，大專青年禪學會一百零八位學子組成的「摩訶啦啦隊」，在雄壯威武的擊鼓聲中，以整齊劃一的動作，激昂了全場觀眾的情緒！自己有幸親睹練習的過程，北區各大專院校的同學們在住持法師的帶領下，以近一個月的時間密集訓練，展現出如此令人讚歎的成果。正是這樣「對事以真」的精神，從靈泉至中台，一路堅持。只要我們依教奉行，直下承擔，沒有辦不到的事，也沒有達不到的目標。