The Truth Behind the Dharma Drum

Venerable Master Sheng Yen, the founder of Dharma Drum Mountain, sought deliverance through the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. This message, recorded on June 8, 2017, by the Buddha's disciple Shi Faxi, serves as his third letter to the fourfold assembly, offering profound guidance on the true nature of practice and the necessity of cellular transformation.

Venerable Master Sheng Yen speaks:

"Venerable Master Sheng Yen does not wish for everyone to follow in his footsteps, for he suffered the agony of death..."

"The truth has been spoken in its entirety, yet no one fully believes it, nor do they have the time to reflect. Is it truly the case that Venerable Master Sheng Yen is like this? Is the Dharma Drum Mountain merely a superficial faith?"

The True Meaning of the Dharma Drum

"Dharma Drum, Venerable Master Sheng Yen; Venerable Master Sheng Yen, Dharma Drum. I wonder when we will finally be able to use the Dharma Drum to reach the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Can you all understand the true meaning of what Venerable Master Sheng Yen is saying? The Dharma Drum encompasses all beings, yet not one has attained true realization. Where is there room for disbelief? Or perhaps, is there still doubt? The late President of the Buddhist Association of China, Zhao Puchu, has already indicated that the fourfold assembly of the Dharma Drum can also participate in this practice. Where can the true, authentic words be found? People in this world create obstacles to the path because they think only of themselves. But is such thinking truly for the self?"

"Why is it that there are still so many sick people within the Dharma Drum? I, Venerable Master Sheng Yen, was the number one patient among them. Yesterday, the Buddha's words were passed on: 'Cellular transformation' is truly important. Venerable Master Sheng Yen did not understand it then, and in truth, I did not know it. If that is the case, where does our practice lead? With a body riddled with illness, the Dharma Drum must not engage in reckless speculation or spread rumours. Before a matter is settled, one must not spread information carelessly. This is the basic ethics of practice. How many people know of these messages? How many hearts are filled with agitation? How many harbor deep suspicion? How could Venerable Master Sheng Yen not know? How could Venerable Master Sheng Yen not understand the character of the Dharma Drum?"

A Plea for Genuine Practice

"Which of these messages was not written for the benefit of Dharma Drum Mountain, out of pure Goodness? If the Dharma Drum is truly so difficult to believe, then Venerable Master Sheng Yen must accept it. My own sins are heavy, but Venerable Master Sheng Yen will not give up. As long as this karmic connection remains, and as long as the Buddha's disciple Shi Faxi is willing to speak on my behalf, these messages are truly transmitted from the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Shi Faxi can clearly see me, Venerable Master Sheng Yen. I am often kneeling on the ground, repenting. Who else is willing to help me with such laborious work? There is no price to be enjoyed. We are both in the Buddha’s gate, and the goal is to lead everyone toward the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss and to correct the atmosphere of Buddhism."

The Path Beyond Illness and Death

"Believing in the Buddha, being obsessed with the Buddha, studying the Buddha, and Buddhist studies—these are different things. Faith is to have no discriminations and no dualistic thoughts. Only when faith is free from attachment can it truly be called 'study.' To study the original intent of the Buddha, rather than falling into mere 'Buddhist studies,' please read the Buddha's words on 'cellular transformation' carefully, word by word. This is the true teaching of the Buddha, the Truth and reality of the Buddha's path. This is something Venerable Master Sheng Yen did not teach everyone before. I, Venerable Master Sheng Yen, am still learning myself. Although I no longer have a physical body, practice continues throughout your many lives; it is unborn and undying. It remains the same."

"Venerable Master Sheng Yen is waiting for those who are willing to come and see me—it does not matter if you are a Venerable, a lay practitioner, or a follower. Venerable Master Sheng Yen has only one simple reason: I do not want everyone to end up like Venerable Master Sheng Yen—dying. Studying the Buddha can lead to a life without illness and without death. The Buddha has clearly stated this. This true reality requires changing your cells, changing yourself, and changing your character. Is this not what practice is all about? But how many people have actually achieved this? The people of the Dharma Drum are worth reflecting upon!"

"Practice is not just about passing one day after another, diligently performing your daily practice, sweeping the floors, participating in a Dharma assembly, or repenting and bowing. If you have cried and repented, you must truly move forward and be willing to let go; that is the ultimate goal. Otherwise, your life has been lived in vain, and you will continue to wander through the six realms of existence. Venerable Master Sheng Yen is actively trying to save you. It all depends on whether the fourfold assembly is willing to grasp the hands I have extended, or if you would rather push Venerable Master Sheng Yen's hands away again and again, preferring to believe in your own attachments. May the Buddha compassionately protect the Dharma Drum and all the earth. Namo Amituofo."

Written by Venerable Master Sheng Yen of the Dharma Drum.

This interview message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi Faxi, acting as chief writer.