This is a record of an interview with the spirit of Venerable Master Sheng Yen, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects his reflections on the Sangha University and Drum Mountain. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxi, on June 12, 2017.
Venerable Master Sheng Yen speaks:
". The boundless, vast, and majestic power of Namo Amituofo is truly inconceivable. It is only now, through the magnificent Dharma affinity of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, that I have finally had the opportunity to attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. My dear children, would you believe me if I told you that, without this connection, your Master could not have reached the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss? It is true—I truly could not have made it!"
The Hard Truth of My Own Journey
"Our system at Dharma Drum Mountain has always focused on substantive proof and intellectual analysis. To put it plainly, we have excelled in textual understanding, but our spiritual and intuitive realisation has remained relatively weak. What are the benefits and drawbacks of this approach? The benefits are few—perhaps what the world calls 'strong academic scholarship.' But the drawbacks? We must examine these very carefully. Is it not often said that one should practise the Buddha’s teachings rather than merely study Buddhist philosophy? The current state of the Sangha University is precisely that of studying philosophy, not practising the Buddha’s teachings. Where is the Buddha? For many, the Buddha has become an abstract idol, a figure seen only in the sutras or worshipped during ceremonies. In daily life, the Buddha feels so very distant!
When everyone is filled with Dharma , perhaps you believe the Buddha is by your side, residing within your heart. But the greatest test of one's practice lies in adversity. If you can respond to adversity with the same as you do to prosperity, then you are truly practising the Buddha’s teachings. Because for the Buddha, there is no such thing as adversity. Whether you are a Venerable, a student, a lay practitioner, or a Dharma protectors of Dharma Drum Mountain, and regardless of whether you believe this is truly Master Sheng Yen speaking, I am here. Following the Causal Conditions of this moment, I am open to any response and await any possible echo from those I left behind."
Academic Buddhism vs. The Path to Buddhahood
"In this letter, I wish to convey that the students within our educational system must be saved. The senior Venerables may not wish to take action, but the wisdom-life of these young students cannot be allowed to wither away day by day. Every young student who has resolved to join the Sangha system and has committed to monastic life is a person of talent and virtue. It is a tragedy that they have fallen into the trap of mere academic Buddhism. Do you children realise how difficult it is to transform academic knowledge into the magnificent path to Buddhahood?
You must not harbour a competitive heart! You must not have a desire to show off! You must not be consumed by jealousy or comparison! I am only pointing out a few examples, but how many dark corners remain in your hearts? How many thoughts are you afraid to speak aloud? It is true that Dharma Drum Mountain is rooted in Chan practice, but the 'Purity' of the Pure Land encompasses all schools. This is something that everyone who practises the Buddha’s teachings should possess. Do you children understand how vast this word 'Purity' truly is? To achieve success in your practice, your heart cannot hold onto a single thing! This includes emotion, desires, and even your own thoughts—all must be let go."
The Hidden Dangers of Intellectualism
"The students of the Sangha are all excellent, but you are all far too headstrong. Your personalities are not just 'a little' strong—am I not correct in saying this? And to the Venerables who serve as leaders and mentors: are you truly filled with Dharma joy at every moment? Or do you also have dark corners hidden away? Practising the Buddha’s teachings requires an honest and authentic confrontation with oneself. Achievement and ultimate realisation are the final destinations. If you do not use the methods of 'letting go' to face your true self, achievement is impossible. You will remain unable to escape the summons of birth, aging, sickness, death, and ultimately, you will fail to realise it—the beautiful fruit of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
I hope you will listen to my counseling. Whoever you are, I urge you to step forward and save Dharma Drum Mountain. The problems of Dharma Drum Mountain are not merely external; as I mentioned before, they are latent. These are far more terrifying—they are subtle, persistent thoughts. If I, your leader, could not reach the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss without this special opportunity, and if I had instead fallen into the hells, would you still be willing to follow my teachings? Would you still have faith? The Buddha’s teachings are all good, all virtuous, and the Truth is truly magnificent. But the purity of the heart is what constitutes true dignity. If you do not practise this with one hundred percent sincerity, it is very difficult to achieve anything in this lifetime. Try listening to your Master: examine your own heart."
A Final Plea to My Disciples
"To the educators of the Sangha system: do not overthink. Do not make things so complex. Sometimes, simplicity is the only correct path. When there is too much complexity, the mind is no longer pure, and things become blurred. You think too much, and as a result, your heads are not clear. Some of you even suffer from dizziness or headaches. The subtle aspects of your practice need to be adjusted. I will say no more for now, but I hope someone will have the courage to come and find me. I will continue to wait here for all of you. Namo Amituofo."
Dharma Drum Mountain, Sheng Yen.
Interview message recorded by the Buddhist disciple, Shi Faxi.
