The Sacred Burden of Leading a Temple

Venerable Fu Hui, a dedicated monastic, reflects on the profound responsibilities inherent in managing a temple. In this thirteenth letter, she addresses the current administrator, urging a shift in focus from worldly concerns to the cultivation of Wisdom. This message was recorded on August 18, 2017, and highlights the necessity of seeking guidance from Practitioner Su at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia.

Venerable Fu Hui speaks:

"To shoulder the mission of the Tathagata is a sacred and long-term responsibility, yet it is often a thankless task. In this worldly realm, sentient beings have long been accustomed to their habitual patterns of living. When one is surrounded by wealth and glory, the pursuit of the Buddha’s path becomes even more difficult. At Daxingshan Temple, the followers come and go in a constant stream. As a Venerable, I know well that, just as in the past, these followers are primarily concerned with their physical bodies and the pain of their ailments, hoping to find a solution for their suffering. Even today, it remains the same; they come to request the Great Compassionate Buddha Water to take home, hoping to protect their families and secure their own well-being. This has always been the perception and understanding that people have held regarding Daxingshan Temple."

The Priority of Wisdom Over Flesh

"How to shift people's perspectives—to make them realise that nurturing the life of Wisdom is far more important than the cycle of rebirth for the physical body—is a vital mission for the future of Daxingshan Temple. People often focus only on immediate benefits and current situations. When we speak of the worlds that cannot be seen by the physical eyes, how many truly possess correct faith? Delivering lectures and teaching the Dharma seems to be the only path forward. The transmission of the Dharma lineage is something that the current administrator must contemplate with great depth and care. If there are no young monastics to continue the wisdom-life of the Buddha, I worry deeply about the future development of the temple. It must never be allowed to degenerate into a tool for those with ulterior motives to amass wealth."

A Call for Guidance and Responsibility

"As the administrator, one must bear the weight of every minute detail of the laws of karma and cause and effect. Practitioner Su of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia possesses great compassion and an immense mind-capacity. I am certain that he can offer wise suggestions regarding the future development model for Daxingshan Temple. We must view the support and trust of our followers through the lens of oneness; we must treat them as our own family members. Considering the path our family should take in the future is the only responsible attitude to hold."

The Urgency of the Path

"Time passes day by day, and the weight of responsibility grows heavier with each passing moment. Administrator, do not hesitate any longer. Come and meet with me, Venerable Fu Hui, at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia!"

Written by the hand of Venerable Fu Hui.

Recorded by the chief writer, disciple Cao Rudi.