The Boundless Vow: A Letter from Venerable Master Sheng Yen
The Fortieth Letter of Venerable Master Sheng Yen
Recorded by the disciple Shi Faxi on July 27, 2017
This is the fortieth letter from the late Venerable Master Sheng Yen. Having sought deliverance through the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia, the Master now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This message, which serves as a profound reflection on the nature of true vows and a stern, compassionate guidance to his disciples, was recorded by the disciple Shi Faxi on July 27, 2017.
Venerable Master Sheng Yen speaks:
"Namo Amituofo. 'The void may have an end, but my vow is boundless. Sentient and insentient beings shall together attain the perfect wisdom of the Buddha.' Today, the reality of living out such a vow is becoming increasingly rare. Such an Ultimate Vow requires a truly great heart, a great mind, and the great of the Buddha. The Buddha’s teachings are meant to save people and to lead them to . Should we not all pause for a moment to examine our own practice? Is our resolve truly sufficient? It should never be enough.
The Weight of a Boundless Vow
From a young age, my aspiration was to preserve all the teachings of the Buddha and the true essence of the , so that everyone could become a practitioner with correct knowledge and views. Because of this, I wrote over a hundred books throughout my life. This was indeed the vow I made in my youth. My initial intention was simply to help the masses understand and recognise the Buddha’s teachings. However, I realise now that my vow was still not enough. The void is immeasurable and boundless, and there is that second part of the verse: 'Sentient and insentient beings shall together attain the perfect wisdom of the Buddha.' What a monumental vow that is! It is much like the vow of Ksitigarbha : 'Until the hells are empty, I shall not become a Buddha.' Perhaps there are similarities there.
You cannot be taught how to make a vow; it must come from within. I can only tell you what I know: you must make a vow, and you must remember that the vow you make is never enough. You must constantly follow up on it and deepen it. Every person has immeasurable and boundless sentient beings connected to them by karmic affinity. Therefore, every individual has both the ability and the obligation to save these immeasurable beings. Only then is such a vow truly real.
The Danger of a Narrow Mind
If you are still clinging to the fear of death, or if you are still holding onto your own personal position, then your resolve is false. You will even be eliminated very quickly. The way you are eliminated may not be in a way you currently understand; it may happen in the invisible realm. This is a truly terrifying truth. Monastics, in particular, must make a vow, and that vow must be great. Your mind-capacity must be vast. What I see now is simply not great enough. Within your vows, there is still 'self.' My children, you must quiet yourselves and investigate your own true heart. What your Master says is correct.
A Master's Heartfelt Plea
My twelve Dharma heirs were the foundation upon which I personally transmitted the Dharma lineage, hoping that the Zen teachings would continue and flourish forever. But if your vow is not great enough, how can you transmit the true Dharma lineage? I understand. I am no longer in this world. Given your seniority in the monastic order, you are all leaders now, and it has become difficult to guide you. Unless I were still in this world, there is no one left to point out your faults. There is only endless flattery, applause, and reverence. If you children still think this is a good thing, your Master is truly heartbroken. I can only watch helplessly as you must face the that follows. This is the truth.
The Essence of the Precept-Heart
To study the Buddha’s teachings, one cannot be sickly; one must be physically strong and robust. If you are not, you have already strayed from the path. What a monastic must uphold is not merely the individual written in the precept books; the fundamental essence is the 'precept-heart.' Have you upheld the precepts? I have looked at every one of you, and I see that there is still much you have not let go of. I hope that I still have the ability to adjust all of this, to guide you children onto the path of successful practice, and to send you to the ultimate Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. I am here, waiting to meet my disciples. The Dharma Drum Mountain needs the bright Buddha-light to truly shine upon it.
Only a true vow is truly compassionate. Namo Amituofo."
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
Venerable Master Sheng Yen reflects on his past life, the weight of his karmic debts, and his profound gratitude for the deliverance offered at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
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.
More by Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
The Final Curtain Call of Chu Ke-liang
A candid reflection from the late Taiwanese entertainer Chu Ke-liang on his life, his career, the karmic weight of his influence, and his ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The Soul's True Equality: A Conversation with Mahatma Gandhi
This is a record of an interview with Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and his journey to the Pure Land.
A Reflection from the Western Pure Land
This is a record of an interview with Zhao Puchu, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life in the 20th century. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa Hui, on April 18, 2026.
The Truth Behind My Rebirth: A Message from Liu Suqing
Liu Suqing, the elder sister of the renowned practitioner Liu Suyun, shares her harrowing journey through the spirit realms and her ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss through the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
The Burden of a Historical Name
This is a record of an interview with Lin Biao, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life approximately 54 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on May 18, 2026.
The Poet’s Journey to the Western Pure Land
A reflection on the life, tragedy, and ultimate spiritual liberation of the ancient statesman Qu Yuan, who found peace through the teachings of Practitioner Su.
About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library