Passing on Dharma Dawning Awareness- Master Hsin Tao’s journal collection from 2010 retreat

During the April retreat, there had been a fruit fly who accompanied me every night. Interestingly, another fly came in last night, hearing my invitation perhaps. It flew around the room and suddenly “collapsed” on my desk. I thought it might have died at first...

Just as I began to grieve, it flew up again towards the flowering shrubs and disappeared. I have always enjoyed observing the nature and the habitat of different lives. It is very enthralling to watch.
Tonight, I reminded the students about the Buddhadharma that we’ve learned. It has been passed down from Buddha Shakyamuni for over 2500 years. This lineage has continued without interruption. The principle of Buddhadharma would never change. It is a lineage of universal truth, whether you believe it or not, learned it or not, it is always there.

Hence, we must preserve and pass on the lineage properly. Continue on the lineage is an expression of gratitude towards the Buddha. It is also a meritorious act that connects us and future beings. Learning Buddhadharma is to solve the fundamental problems of life, to be liberated from afflictions and the samsaric ocean of living and dying. That way, we can truly acquire the ultimate happiness free from suffering.

My vision for the Ling Jiou Mountain Buddhist Society is to uphold a great lineage. Organize the system and culture to function properly. Adhere Buddhadharma and bring beneficence to sentient beings.