This is a record of a message from Venerable Master Sheng Yen, who now resides in the . This message, addressed to the students and faculty of the Sangha University, was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxi, on June 29, 2017.
Venerable Master Sheng Yen speaks:
". To the students, faculty, and all members of the Sangha University and the educational system—you are the rising stars, the future leaders of the Sangha. You must be even more diligent and strive for breakthroughs. Only then will the beings of this worldly realm have a chance to be saved.
The True Essence of the Buddha’s Teachings
The vast and majestic power of the Buddha’s teachings is built upon the foundation of saving others. It is absolutely not something that exists merely on paper or in written words. I have written many books, but it seems I did not fully grasp this truth during my time in the world. I thought I was transmitting the and providing education, but I had overlooked the fundamental difference between the Buddha’s teachings and worldly methods. In the future, you may all have the opportunity to become leaders. You must change your own hearts and lead through the influence of your own transformed character.
The essential element of a true bodhimanda is the peace of the heart. There are so many places today that are not in accordance with the Dharma. But before we point fingers and say others are not practising correctly, we must ask ourselves: are we practising correctly? If your personality has not changed, you are not practising correctly! I know that many monastics and lay practitioners have not fundamentally changed their personalities. In the past, I did not pay much attention to these things, but now, after my passing, I see everything with absolute clarity. You must change! If you do not change, your practice is in vain!
The Mirror of the Afterlife
Jealousy, competitiveness, arrogance, attachment to gain and loss, anger, stubbornness, laziness, scheming, depression, emotional volatility, and deep-seated attachments—these are all obstacles. A lack of , a narrow mind, and hypocrisy—these are all present within you. I am simply listing a few; there are many more I have not mentioned. If a practitioner possesses these traits, they have not even entered the Buddha’s gate. Even I, your teacher, possessed these traits, which means I, too, was not truly practising. I must change, and so must you!
These habits are often innate, or perhaps cultivated by the environment, but none of them are expressions of purification. Your academic achievements and knowledge of the sutras may be incomplete, but your character and your true nature cannot remain unrefined. Students of the university, you are just beginning your journey into Buddhism. Your character may not yet be mature, or you may be burdened by the habits of your past environment. Let us call these 'pollutants.' They must be washed away. The entire Dharma Drum community must undergo purification. Without this purification, achieving true success is incredibly difficult.
A Vision for a New Dharma Drum
I hope to see a brand-new Dharma Drum. I hope that when you see others succeeding in their studies, you will humbly seek their guidance. Whether it is your teachers coming to see me, or you sending your students to learn, the Dharma Drum people will remain the Dharma Drum people, but they will be a brand-new Dharma Drum—true practitioners.
The current state of Dharma Drum aligns with the state of the world; this is indeed how the human heart is today. But you have learned the Buddha’s teachings, and some of you have even left the home life. This is not acceptable. You must remember the words of your teacher. You must learn to purify yourselves. A pure bodhimanda within the heart is difficult to grasp at first, but you must learn. This is a good place, and I am happy to open it to you. Do not miss this opportunity. Stand up bravely. The only one who benefits from this is yourself. Please, everyone, think carefully."
