Merit field after-class sharing
Two years ago, I purchased a few books from a bookstore in Taipei International Airport to read during my flight back to Vancouver. One of the books was the Chinese version of Footprints In the Snow—a biography on Master Sheng Yang—which was originally written in English. I am embarrassed to admit that, prior to purchasing this book, I was not familiar with Master Sheng Yang, and had only heard the name “Dharma Drum Mountain” in passing. In fact, I picked up that book simply out of curiosity, because I had seen it several different bookstores during my brief stay in Taiwan. I could not have anticipated the impact this book would have on my life.
Initially, I thought of this book as merely something to keep me entertained during hours of boredom aboard my flight. However, upon opening up Mr. Sheng Yang’s biography, I became transfixed on every word very quickly. I read about his youth with great curiosity, and learned about his education, his life in New York City, and the founding of Dharma Drum Mountain with great interest. I found myself agreeing with everything Master Sheng Yang said—from his traditional Buddhist point of view on life and death, to his wise suggestions on how to create a sustainable environment in today’s world. His words were succinct, yet behind every word laid the great wisdom of a truly respectable scholar. All of his statements were clearly explained in simple language; in addition, with every statement, he provided effective evidentiary support by citing other influential scholarly works, and by including accurate historical facts. His sincere words brought tears to my eyes: I admired him for being true to his own principals and living by the highest moral standards, by his strength in overcoming the many adversities he faced during his lifetime, and by his generosity in sharing his wisdom with his disciples and with all others around him. After reading this book, I understood why Dharma Drum Mountain become one of the most respected Buddhist organizations in the World, with its followers growing by the minute, all of whom were equally as motivated as I was to live by the words and philosophies of Master Sheng Yang.
Not long after I finished reading the book, I began attending Beginner Chan Meditation Classes at Dharma Drum Mountain Vancouver Centre. Everything about this center, from its elegant architecture, to its immaculate interior, reflected the simple-living philosophy of Master Sheng Yang. In addition, true to the Master’s scholarly spirit, the Vancouver Center had a large library filled with a wide variety of Buddhist literature. Everyone in the center, from the Resident Masters to the volunteers, embraced all visitor and new comers with warmness and kindness. The more I visited the center, the more people I talked to, and the more things I experienced, the more I realized that the Dharma Drum philosophy was the true philosophy in life, and I wished to live by this philosophy and create happiness within myself and for others.
I strongly recommend to everyone, who may be interested in visiting this center or in reading Mr. Sheng Yang’s literary works, to do so without fear and hesitation. I am confident that everyone will benefit the Dharma Drum Mountain Philosophy, just as I have.
俐穎合十
留言列表
