A Call to Dharma Drum: A Message from the Western Pure Land
The First Letter of Venerable Master Sheng Yen
Venerable Master Sheng Yen, the founder of Drum Mountain, delivers this urgent message from the of Ultimate Bliss. Seeking to guide his successor and the followers of his lineage, he shares his insights on the true nature of practice and the necessity of attaining rebirth in the Western Pure Land. This message was recorded on June 6, 2017, at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
Venerable Master Sheng Yen speaks:
"I hope the people of Dharma Drum will unite to face this critical crisis together. I, Sheng Yen, am waiting here. Come and find me. Namo Amituofo."
A Message from Beyond
"Venerable Guo Dong, you are a disciple who has inherited the Dharma and a successor of the Dharma Drum lineage. The Buddha’s teachings are truly inconceivable; genuine practice yields real results, and the skills one develops are a true, inherent ability. Here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, my spirit—the spirit of Sheng Yen—has truly achieved rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
Looking back and reflecting upon the situation, I see that within Dharma Drum Mountain, there is not a single person who has truly attained the goal. Although the scale of the organisation is vast and impressive, it seems to have stopped at the level of the worldly. Our true purpose should be to lead people to transcend this world entirely. I wonder, Venerable Guo Dong, if you can trust the words I speak now, coming truly from the Western Pure Land?"
The Lesson of Suffering and the Path Forward
"I spent the latter half of my life enduring the torment of illness. Now, I can speak clearly and truthfully: one should not truly be sick. As practitioners, we must change our approach. Above all, we must ensure our rebirth in the Western Pure Land. I hope that the future direction of Dharma Drum Mountain can be steered toward the West. This place is truly magnificent. I hope you can send people to investigate and study here. Regardless of the perceived effectiveness or benefits, at the very least, you must come to understand what the true practice of realising one's true nature is.
The scale of Dharma Drum Mountain is significant; I hope it can be used to save this group of people, not to lead them astray. Guo Dong, I have already made my mistakes; I hope you do not follow in my footsteps. Come here, take a look, and it will surely be of help. I am Sheng Yen, and I am waiting for you here, along with all the disciples. Your Master does not often speak such serious words, but the problems within Dharma Drum Mountain must be resolved. If everyone is unable to attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land, what is to be done?"
A Final Plea for Unity
"I hope the people of Dharma Drum will unite to face this important crisis together. I, Sheng Yen, am waiting here for you. Come and find me. Namo Amituofo."
This message from the Western Pure Land was recorded by the Buddhist disciple Shi Fa.
More from Master Sheng Yen
The Truth Beyond the Dharma Drum
A candid reflection from the late Venerable Master Sheng Yen on his life, his journey through the afterlife, and his urgent plea for his followers to seek rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
Breaking Through the Karmic Conditions of the Past
Venerable Master Sheng Yen reflects on his life, the weight of his karmic debts, and his profound gratitude for the opportunity to deliver sentient beings through the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
The Burden of a Master's Legacy
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The Cycle of Reincarnation: A Final Warning
Master Sheng Yen reflects on his past teachings, the limitations of self-power practice in the Dharma-Ending Age, and the urgent necessity of the Pure Land Dharma Gate for true liberation from the six realms of rebirth.
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library