A Dialogue on Chinese and Tibetan Buddhist Practice in Silicon Valley: DDM Monastics Share Their Learning Journey at Sravasti Abbey

In early spring this March, the Dharma Drum Mountain Silicon Valley Center invited Venerable Guo Yih (果毅法師), Director of the Laity Education Department of the Public Buddhist Education Center, and Venerable Chang Sui (常遂法師), Executive Officer of the Curriculum Office of the the Laity Education Department, to introduce the book "When the Apple Tree Blooms: A Dialogue on the Practice of Chinese and Tibetan Buddhism." They shared the experience of ten Dharma Drum Mountain bhikshunis who traveled to Sravasti Abbey in inland Seattle, USA, for study and exchange.

In May 2024, Venerable Guo Yi led the group to Sravasti Abbey for a cross-cultural learning journey that bridged differences in countries, Buddhist traditions, cultures, and languages. This marked a deep exchange by the second generation of Dharma Drum Mountain monastics, following the historic 1998 dialogue between Master Sheng Yen and the 14th Dalai Lama on Chinese and Tibetan Buddhism. This exchange emphasized the integration of understanding and practice. Guiding the exchange is the aspiration that, amidst a rapidly changing world, both sides could sustain the wisdom-life of the Dharma, cultivate themselves while benefiting others, and continue the lineage. Discussion topics included: from bodhicitta to the bodhisattva practice, Master Sheng Yen's "map of the bodhisattva path" for his disciples, and methods of Chinese Chan Buddhism.

Venerable Guo Yi noted that the participating monastics came from different generations and age groups, forming an "organic whole" that fostered mutual learning and growth. Upon arriving at Sravasti Abbey and witnessing Venerable Thubten Chodron establishing the monastery in the West, she deeply appreciated the effort required to transmit the Dharma. Venerable Chang Sui indicated that when Venerable Thubten Chodron introduced Sravasti Abbey in what was once an empty space, she was reminded of the hardships that Master Sheng Yen faced in founding Dharma Drum Mountain. This made her cherish even more the blessings of being part of its Dharma community.

The concept of "building a Pure Land on Earth," proposed by Master Sheng Yen, was new to the monastics at Sravasti Abbey and was well received. During the dialogue, some participants shared that their diligent practice was motivated by the aspiration to secure favorable conditions in future lives to continue learning the Dharma. Venerable Chang Sui expressed how fortunate it is that access to Chinese Buddhist teachings is so readily available. Everyone can practice, and in fact, this treasure lies within Dharma Drum Mountain.

Venerable Chang Sui also mentioned that at Sravasti Abbey, one often hears about generating bodhicitta. Each morning, members of the monastic community take turns leading the group in generating bodhicitta, sharing personal inspirations to encourage others to generate bodhicitta as well. They even compose aspiration texts tailored to different work duties, using these reflections to calm the mind and give rise to bodhicitta. This practice is similar to Dharma Drum Mountain’s tradition of reciting the "Four Great Vows" after communal work periods. However, it also prompted reflection: does repeated verbal recitation risk losing inner awareness? Are the recited words truly being integrated into daily life?

Venerable Guo Yi expressed gratitude for everyone's support in making this exchange possible, and concluded with an encouragement: "Learning Buddhism is precious—Buddhist teachings must be applied to oneself and also shared with others." Despite coming from different Buddhist traditions and using different languages, all continue their efforts in guiding sentient beings, thereby walking together on the bodhisattva path of benefiting oneself and others.
 
Original text in Chinese：Peggy Chang
Photos：Jean Li
Translation：Patricia Yang 
Editing：Keith Brown