Master’s Letter to Dharma Protectors and Friends 2011

Dear Dharma Protectors and Friends,

An auspicious new spring to you all!

As another year draws to a close, a new year springs about. With the earth deducing from the principle that all phenomena are impermanent, it means there is a new atmosphere. We can give up the old and change to the new, but also reflect on the past and look forward to the future.

Last year was another busy year. There were days when I took an afternoon flight to Nanjing after having just visited the Buddha Memorial Center construction site in the morning. On other days, I would be on a flight to Hong Kong before the calligraphy I wrote in the morning even had time to dry up. My disciples told me that last year, I gave about 120 invited talks, had about 150 batches of visitors, and did around 30 interviews on television, radio broadcast stations, and by the media. In addition to invited events, I attended over one hundred activities such as lessons for my disciples, construction meetings, Dharma services, meetings, discussions of Chan over a vegetarian meal, and Refuge Taking and Five Precepts Ceremonies. I also wrote for the Merit Times Daily News column everyday, gave unscheduled talks, wrote articles, and went in and out of airports numerous times. With the encouragement of people from around the world, I received five awards including a Doctor of Social Sciences honoris causa from the University of Hong Kong. I often say, “I am only one person, one life, and one heart.” It is not that I could not refuse, but that I could not bear to let sentient beings suffer. As a monk, “doing only what the Buddha does” is what the (FGS) Order abides by, and a principle which my disciples and Buddha’s Light members around the world follow.

Speaking of the Buddha Memorial Center, I visited the site whenever I had time in Fo Guang Shan. My disciples were amused by me visiting the site thrice a day or even a hundred times, and still not tire of it. This is a sacred Buddhist site that gathers the contribution from “thousands of temples and millions of people” in order to complete. After ten years of planning, two years of rushed construction, the plan is to have it completed by the end of this year. To celebrate this grand event, during the first to fifth of the Chinese New Year, we will once again organize the Underground Palace Treasures Enshrinement Ceremony, entombing artifacts of this time period underground for later generations to see. Also to celebrate the Republic of ’s Centennial, the Council of Cultural Affairs has decided to co-organize an Interfaith Centennial Celebration – Praying for Love and Peace Concert. We welcome all of you to participate in this event!

Last year, my One-Stroke Calligraphy Exhibition was displayed in , Chiayi, Yilan, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. After the exhibition at the National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in Taipei, curator Cheng Nai-wen hung the calligraphy of “Give Others Confidence, Give Others Joy, Give Others Hope, Give Others Convenience” inside the Main Hall. It is the first Buddhist art and cultural exhibition inside the National Art Museum of China in Beijing, the United Nations in Vienna, and Albertina Museum in Vienna. I am 85 years old this year. Having been at many exhibitions and seen my calligraphy being exhibited, I feel I don’t deserve it. I feel fortunate that it is not disliked by others. Last year, we also exhibited them in the National Museum of History in Taipei, and Tianjin, Xi’an, and Jiangxi in Mainland China. I cannot be like the Arhat Who Bares his Heart Open and use supernatural power to give my heart to everyone. It is not my calligraphy or me you should look at, but at my heart. On another note, do not even look at my heart, but see the Dharma in the writings.

I realize that amongst those who have brought my calligraphy home, some sought the Dharma through the writings; some treated it as an heirloom for their children; some joyfully took it as a way to financially support the Venerable Master Hsing Yun Public Education Trust Fund and make affinities. In order not to disappoint everyone’s kind intentions, I put effort into writing them. No matter where I travel, One-Stroke Calligraphy is my daily task. In this, I hope to contribute my part to social welfare.

Last year, Venerable Master Hsing Yun Public Education Trust Fund organized the Tenth Power Teacher Award to award outstanding teachers in creating better education quality. Also the Second Hsing Yun’s Award for Contribution to True, Good, and Beautiful News was organized to encourage the media to seek the ‘truth’ and exalt ‘good’ happenings in order to create a ‘beautiful’ society and change the environment that is full of offenses. But I am grateful that during the award ceremony, there were media from the cross-Straits, Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. Usually, they would be fighting for news and struggling to make the front page, but on that day, all were harmonious. They vowed to strive for clean media. The Public Trust Fund has also planned the Three Good Deeds Family, Three Good Deeds School, and literature awards to encourage everyone to take on the mission of making a purified society happen sooner.

In terms of environmental preservation, the earth’s condition has continued to worsen year after year. Last April, I invited Professor Charles Kao, Ms. Sisy Chen, Ms. Allison Eun Joo Yi, Consultant at the International Department of Norsk Energi, and Environmental Protection Administration Minister Stephen Shen to attend An International Forum on Ecological Awareness: How Nations Take Stewardship of the Commons. “Earth Rescue Operation” planned by Fo Guang Shan and filmed by Phoenix Satellite Television was nominated as People’s Choice Award at the 2010 International Media Excellence Awards in England. Organized by the Association for International Broadcasting, the program won over CNN, BBC, and other television programs in “Best Coverage of Climate Change.”

In October, I set the theme “Environmental and Spiritual Preservation” for the 2010 Buddha’s Light International Association General Conference. As Buddha’s Light members we should be proactive in environmental and spiritual preservation. As long as everyone has the heart and vow to use their strength, the earth’s worsening conditions will decrease. Let us turn the 21st century into a beautiful time of mental and physical preservation.

Compared to previous year’s natural disasters, last year was a time of recovery. Unfortunately, some serious natural disasters still occurred. In April, Yushu in Qinghai, China was struck by a 7.1-magnitude earthquake. Nearly all the houses were destroyed. When the news came, I wrote “A Prayer for the Yushu Earthquake in Qinghai,” having thought of the number of people who were grieving over the loss of family members or sinking in fear. Thus, I initiated branch temples around the globe and Buddha’s Light members to pray for the deceased and survivors of the quake during morning and evening chanting services.

In August, a Hong Kong tour group was held hostage in Manila, Philippines. BLIA Philippines Chapter members and FGS Mabuhay Temple immediately began organizing visits to various hospitals to bring solace to the victims. They also went to the scene to pray for the victims who were killed. A thousand people attended the Dharma service including Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Philippine government officials, and a representative from Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry who thanked Buddha’s Light members for responding to the cries of suffering in such a short time.

In September, Typhoon Fanapi struck Kaohsiung in , causing serious flooding. Then on October 22, Typhoon Megi hit Su-ao Township in Yilan County, Taiwan. FGS Compassion Foundation, Nan Ping Temple, Lanyang Temple, Ren Ai Senior Citizens Home and Buddha’s Light members immediately rushed into the disaster area to console the victims. With Ren Ai Senior Citizens Home as a relief center for taking care of victims, Buddha’s Light members handed out large amounts of meal boxes. We are unwilling to see more disaster occurring; however, I am grateful that Buddha’s Light members around the world are so proactive. It is good to have you!

In regards to education and culture, there is some good news. The Centre for the Study of Humanistic co-established by FGS Foundation for Buddhist Education & Culture with Chinese University of Hong Kong, has started a second five-year contract. The Institute of Chinese Cultural Studies was established by Nanjing University to spread traditional Chinese culture. Out of happiness, I donated my royalties of thirty million dollars (NT) to build the Buddha’s Light Building. In addition, the Australian government gave permission to Nan Tien Institute to start enrolling students for the master’s program in February of this year. FGS also continued to foster many talents through training programs for media communication, administrative secretaries, Buddhist text editors, aesthetics, hospitality, social welfare, and the Srimala Institute.

Last year was the 20th anniversary of the . Professor Wu Chin-shun who was previously Vice-president of the National Sun Yat-sen University, became president of the University of the West. Under the efforts of president Chen Miao-sheng, construction of ’s gymnasium commenced. The professors and students will soon have access to an indoor activity center. At the 10th anniversary of , besides thanking former president Weng Cheng-I for his efforts in promoting the school’s administration, we are honored to have former Minister of Education Yang Chao-xiang as the new university president. In October, the university awarded Professor Chi Pang-yuan an Honorary Doctorate of Literature. In December, when His Eminence Cardinal Paul Shan Kuo-Hsi, S.J was awarded an honorary doctorate, I believed both God and Buddha were smiling in joy at that moment. These schools were built through the kind contributions by millions of people. With the completion of FGS Memorial Center for the Million-member Education Fundraising Campaign, the million hearts that helped build the universities will have their names engraved in the center.

In terms of cultural endeavors, since the establishment of the Merit Times Daily News, it has followed the objective of “new knowledge, lifestyle, good and beautiful, and purified” for a decade. With the support from our readers, devotees, and encouragement from society, we are confident of its continued publication for many more decades to come. Last year, my book Singing in Silence which I published sixty years ago in the style of personification to introduce Buddhist Dharma instruments, was republished by Gandha Samudra Culture Company. In addition, The Heart Sutra in Our Daily Life and : The Secret to Success were published by Route Culture, both of which became bestsellers in the first week. Generosity, Honesty, and The Wisdom of Tolerance 2: A Good Cultivation for the Mind published by Phoenix Publishing and Media Group also received wide acclaims. This shows that the power of words can enable the Dharma to keep up with the steps of time and remain compatible with the human minds of every era. An endless array of guests greeted me throughout the year. Be it public figures, scholars, professionals, or virtuous ones, I always gave a warm welcoming and a good farewell. In particular, devotees Tzu Fang (Sun A-hsing), Tzu Yin (Yang Chu-lian), and Tzu Zhi (Chen Hsiu-zu) who have followed me since early times, came to visit me at Fo Guang Shan. Ever since I was invited to Kaohsiung from Yilan to give Dharma lectures in 1953, they have followed one master and one path. Although we have not met for many decades, I was still able to call them by name. Fifty years ago, when I traveled between the south and north, leading the Yilan Buddhist Chanting Association while constructing the Kaohsiung Buddhist Hall, they were still young ladies. They were willing to devote their time to the newly established Kaohsiung Buddhist Hall. Not only was it an extraordinary effort by them, they were also witnesses to the hall’s establishment.

The Fo Guang Ancestral Temple – Dajue Temple in Yixing has entered its second phase of construction. Enshrined within the majestic Great Hero Hall is a jade Buddha statue that is flanked by a fragrant wooden pagoda, and colored jade carvings of the Eastern Lazurite Pureland and Western Ultimate Bliss Pureland. The entire temple stands in the middle of Lion Mountain, Whale Mountain, and Yuanbao Mountain. In addition of the Cloud Lake and ocean of bamboos, the broad and majestic scenery is also a beautiful sight of Jiangnan. For this I especially composed a verse, “A dual world of One Buddha and Two Pagodas. Three-faced white jade the knower of the secular world. Hundreds and thousands of monastic and lay disciples cultivate merit and wisdom here. Pilgrims come from the Five Continents, and the Seven Classes and Ten Directions.” In the near future, a relief of Buddha’s life, statues of the Eighteen Arhats, and a multi-jeweled Buddha pagoda will also be under construction.

With gratitude to all the support, since its opening, Jian-zhen Library in has been praised for its speakers at the Yangzhou Forum, as well as the orderly venue. Daming Temple in Yangzhou is the place where Venerable Master Jian-zhen lived. In November, the Yangzhou City Government organized a homecoming ceremony for the return of Venerable Master Jian-zhen’s statue to Jian-zhen Library from Japan’s Todaiji Temple. This was indeed another milestone in the history of cultural and Buddhist exchange for China and Japan.

Throughout last year, I traveled between the two shores like the shuttle of a loom. From Beijing to Nanjing, from the Southwest to the Northeast, my 84-year-old body does not have the strength to keep up with all the invitations to events and talks, and the promotional work required for my ancestral temple. However, the thought of the Chinese descendants who experienced the turbulent era and are in dire need of spiritual support gives me the strength to forget about my old age. Even the tremendous fatigues of travel are forgotten. At the age of twelve, I went to Qixiashan Monastery because of a promise that I made. After seventy springs and autumns, I am only grateful to have the opportunity to repay the kindness of my master and Buddha. All may seem like a miracle, but we, in fact should thank the gradual arrival of peace between the two shores.

As part of my lifetime dedication to propagate , in order to bring the Dharma into homes and society, “to purify human minds through spiritual cultivation” has become one of Fo Guang Shan’s Four Objectives. Fuhui Home for Spiritual Cultivation was established last April as a world headquarters for collective cultivation. The home should serve as a model that holds weekly events with different themes. Hopefully the wheel of collective cultivation will be set in motion, so that everyone can place equal emphasis on practice and understanding, and be sufficient in both merit and wisdom.

In May, Buddha’s Birthday Celebration was held in front of the Presidential Office for the second time. Sprinkles of rain that were like nectar purified the venue. President Ma Ying-jeou expressed his recognition and wishes in front of a crowd of one hundred thousand Buddhists, and led the participants from all walks of life in taking the Three Good Deeds pledge. The celebration became a cause for the Humpty Dumpty Institute’s President and Founder, Ralph Cwerman and US-UN Program Manager Capera Clement to visit Fo Guang Shan. After witnessing morning chanting and formal Buddhist meals, they were astonished by Fo Guang Shan’s rules and system that are non-existent in western countries. They were confident that BLIA’s work in humanity and care, as well as religious promotions will enhance exchange and cooperation with the UN in the future. This year, we shall meet again on the peaceful Ketagalan Boulevard for the national Mother’s Day and Buddha’s Birthday celebrations.

Buddha’s Light members were active across the globe last year. On an average of one thousand participants per event, BLIA members attended activities such as Advisors’ Exchange and Training Program, National Reading Expo, Board of Directors and Elder Advisors Joint Conference, International Buddha’s Light Youth Conference, National Teacher’s Summer Camp, Short-term Monastic Retreat and many other events. Greetings of “Ji-xiang” (Auspicious Blessings) were heard everywhere, as if though it was a gathering for virtuous ones. In particular, the International Youth Seminar on Life Education was attended by one thousand outstanding youths from more than 150 regions and 400 universities around the world.

On September 24th, under the support of Lai Wei-cheng, President of the Three Good Deeds Sports Association and Buddha’s Light cheer squads, the 2010 BLIA International University Women’s Basketball Tournament kicked off inside Fo Guang University’s Huai’en Gymnasium with eight university basketball teams from six countries: Japan, Korea, Canada, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Fo Guang University’s women’s basketball team came second place under many years of leadership by coach Lee Hyung-sook. Many people are aware of my fondness for basketball. In fact, basketball is actually a sport that advocates compassion. In the game, players are trained to admit their faults bravely, and to respect teamwork. They are even taught to be grateful to their opponents, because without them, they would not have anyone to play against. This is a sport of friendship.

In October, I was invited by Venerable Ching Hsu of Ling Chuan Temple in Keelung to act as the Sila Acharya for the Triple Platform Full Ordination Ceremony. Founded one hundred years ago by Venerable Master Shang Hui, Ling-chuan Temple was one of the earlier temples that I stayed at in Taiwan. Venerable Ching Hsu was a student of mine when I taught at Ching Tsao Lake in Hsinchu more than fifty years ago. With this teacher-student connection, and it being a grand event in Buddhism, I was happy to oblige. After that, I traveled to Tokyo for the Benefactor’s Gathering and Committee Training Seminar in Japan. In December, I was invited to Nanjing University, National Taiwan University, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University to give talks on “Chan and Life,” and “The Journey and Reflections of My Life.” I was also invited to give a talk at the Taipei Flora Expo, to which I was more than happy to contribute a part.

The end of one spring is followed by another, while flowers and grass continue to bloom, the year 2010 has passed very quickly. 2011 is the centennial year of the Republic of China. May all friends and Dharma protectors cherish the physical body given to them by their parents, repay society for a life that is connected to all, sublimate one’s own life of nature and faith, and attain the eternal life of the Dharma body. Together, let us bu ild a pureland that is blessed by family harmony achieved through deference, interpersonal harmony achieved through respect, social harmony achieved through cooperation, and world harmony achieved through peace.

May all be blessed with skillful wisdom and an enlightened mind; and peace and auspiciousness to you all.

Hsing Yun New Year’s Day, 2011