Dharma Drum Vancouver Centre Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary - DDM Former Abbot President Offers Loving Care and Encouragement to Local Devotees

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the inauguration of the Dharma Drum Vancouver Centre, DDM former Abbot President Venerable Guo Dong (果東法師) was specially invited to meet with and offer loving care and encouragement to local devotees on the morning of Buddha Day, May 24. Under the theme "Vows and Actions in the Human World, Freedom Through Contemplation", Venerable Guo Dong shared with more than 200 representatives of devotees how Chan practice, Buddhadharma, and cultivation of the mind can inspire wisdom in life.

How can one learn to observe the mind and attain genuine inner peace amid an unsettled environment? Venerable Guo Dong emphasized that "true cultivation in life cannot be separated from compassion and wisdom." Although the wisdom spoken of in Buddhism is not worldly cleverness, innate prajna wisdom can only be realized through experiences and challenges encountered in the human world.

For this reason, all Buddhas attain Buddhahood in the human realm. Human life is the best place for spiritual practice, and the countless beings we encounter all serve as conditions for cultivating blessings and wisdom. Therefore, whether in favorable or adverse circumstances, one should learn to respond with great compassion, appreciate all changing phenomena with gratitude, remain proactive without becoming impatient, and maintain patience and stability so that "the mind may be like a clear mirror."

How can one sustain a positive outlook of "actively fulfilling vows without ever growing weary" and create limitless value in life? The former Abbot President quoted the teachings of Sheng Yen: "Everything is already complete; everything is whole; everything is fresh; everything is beautiful." He encouraged everyone not to allow irrational attitudes toward life, which can lead to an irresponsible way of living. Although life is never perfect, as long as one gives one's wholehearted effort, there will be peace and stability.


Throughout the talk, Venerable Guo Dong repeatedly encouraged devotees to use the understanding of cause and effect as motivation for diligent practice, for this gives rise to endless hope. By contemplating causes and conditions, one can become broad-minded and at ease in life, without excessive attachment or forceful striving. If one still finds it difficult to let go, he advised practitioners simply to recite the sacred names of Amitabha Buddha or Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. With repeated practice, familiarity gradually develops, afflictions diminish, and wisdom naturally arises.

The former Abbot President further urged everyone to "remain unconfused by the worldly world without distancing oneself from it, and while living amid the mundane world, give rise to bodhicitta vows." He encouraged practitioners to cherish the precious opportunity of practicing together at the Vancouver Centre and to make vows grounded in benefiting all sentient beings.


Finally, Venerable Guo Dong offered his blessings. He wished that whatever devotees may do and wherever they may be, they may remain peacefully grounded in the present moment, without being impacted by external circumstances. To continually make vows, pray, and fulfill those vows in every moment and every place—that is truly "bringing vows into the human world and attaining freedom through contemplative awareness."

Original text in Chinese and photos: Dharma Drum Vancouver Centre
Translation: Patricia Yang 
Editing: Keith Brown