If I were to summarise our mini pilgrimage to Taiwan, it would be 悲欣交集 (intertwinement of sadness and happiness). The Dharma is still strong and flourishing in Taiwan. Could it be because they have strong Dharma leaders who not only lead, preach but walk the talk too? Basically, there are four shining gems in Taiwan who are popularly likened to the ‘Four Heavenly Kings of Taiwanese Buddhism. They are:
* North (Jinshan, Taipei): the late Master Sheng-yen (聖嚴, d. 2009) of Dharma Drum Mountain (法鼓山)
* South (Dashu, Kaohsiung): Master Hsing Yun (星雲) of Fo Guang Shan (佛光山)
* East (Hualien): Master Cheng Yen (證嚴) of the Tzu Chi Foundation (慈濟基金會)
* West (Nantou): Master Wei Chueh (惟覺) of Chung Tai Shan (中台山)
What exactly do I mean by intertwinement of sadness and happiness? Well, I felt kind of sad that I don’t live in Taiwan, where the Dharma and vegetarianism flourish well and is more widely accepted by its people. I can only console myself that Taiwan is only four and half hours flight journey away Singapore, though it’s not cheap to fly. But for those who truly see the need to purify the mind, it is worth it. This reminds me of one of the seven parables in the Lotus Sutra, where a clueless beggar lived life in utmost poverty when he had this precious gem sewn into his sleeve all along. Of what use is this gem if it was not even noticed?
Nonetheless, I’m truly happy for Buddhists in Taiwan. They do not lack spiritual advisers or places to cultivate and nurture their spiritual callings. As we took our time to walk through the monastery premises with experienced guides, it filled our six senses with Dharma bliss. What more for those who are very fortunate to be able to totally immerse in this great Dharma atmosphere often.
We know that everything is a fleeting illusion, while what can really stand the test of time is none other than Buddha’s Dharma. Taiwan has not only one major gem but four! And it is very touching and rejoicing to know that these four organisations are doing their utmost best, which is packed with great compassion to spread their wings all over the world to reach out to you and me. So have you caught the Dharma draft yet?
Next Taiwan Adventure:
https://moonpointer.com/new/2010/07/taiwan-adventure-13-paradox-of-rules
Previous Taiwan Adventure:
https://moonpointer.com/new/2010/07/taiwan-adventure-11-artefact
Amituofo! We are actually very blessed in Singapore too, to be in a place where we are spoilt for choice to select which Dharma centre’s activities to participate over a weekend.
We are educated to be bilingual to learn Dharma from both English & Mandarin medium.
Located in a stragetic geographical location with good infrastructure whereby we could easily travel within & outside Spore to reach out to Dharma. 😆
Gratitude to such a good environment that grooms good Dharma Teachers (including layperson)like bro Shi’an & many other Dharma enthusiatics. 😆
Amituofo!
😀