An Invitation for All Devotees to Return to Their Roots

[Hu Li-Gui 胡麗桂 / Special Report] "If I were to have a monastery, it would resemble the migratory school where Shakyamuni Buddha first taught," said the founder, Master Sheng Yen, in a late interview, outlining his vision of an ideal Buddhist monastery.
 
In October 2005, the inauguration of the Dharma Drum Mountain World Center for Buddhist Education in Jinshan, New Taipei City, realized this vision of a "migratory school." Master Sheng Yen hoped that the study and practice of the Dharma would not be confined to halls and classrooms, but that the entire world would serve as an education site.
The year 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the inauguration of the Dharma Drum Mountain. It also coincides with the 45th anniversary of the Chung-Hwa Institute of Buddhist Studies, the 25th anniversary of Dharma Drum Sangha University, the 10th anniversary of the opening of Baoyun Monastery in Taichung, and the 500th issue of Humanity Magazine. Together, these milestones reflect the shared original aspiration of the fourfold assembly—both monastic and lay—and carry profound significance. In preparation, the monastic community began planning the "20th Anniversary of the Inauguration of Dharma Drum Mountain" project two years ago, under the theme "The Power of Great Aspiration—Myriad Practices, Original Aspiration." This initiative not only expresses the gratitude of the fourfold assembly for the Master's establishment of the Dharma Drum Mountain but also invites devotees from around the world to return to their roots.
 
 The twentieth anniversary celebration has been unfolding since the beginning of this year, featuring four main aspects: thematic exhibitions, a grand assembly at the headquarters, social initiatives, and system-wide events.

 For the thematic exhibitions, starting in February, the headquarters has successively hosted special exhibitions including "Twentieth Anniversary of Dharma Drum Mountain's Inauguration," "Forty-Five Anniversary of Chung-Hwa Institute of Buddhist Studies," "Twenty-Five Anniversary of Sangha University," and "Net-Zero Dharma Drum: Calm Mind, Pure Heart" curated by the Sheng Yen Education Foundation. These exhibitions are open to visitors until October 19, and everyone is warmly invited to "come home" to share stories of Dharma Drum Mountain from the past, present, and future.

In terms of social initiatives, the "Take a Moment for Yourself" meditation experience and public welfare films will be launched, inviting everyone to reconnect with their inner selves and the environment through a tranquil mind in the midst of their busy lives.
 
For system-wide events, the Dharma Drum Mountain Fellowship and branch monasteries will take turns hosting "Spiritual Environmental Protection Day" in sync with the twentieth anniversary celebrations. At the end of October, the Chung-Hwa Institute of Buddhist Studies will hold the three-day Sixth Chung-Hwa International Conference on Buddhist Studies, focusing on the theme " Asian Buddhist Culture and Modern Society."

In the face of the urgent challenge of global climate change, the Sheng Yen Education Foundation's "Dharma Drum Mountain Net-Zero Project" will successively publish the results and initiatives of Dharma Drum Mountain's response to climate change and environmental protection. Among these, the Four Kinds of Environmentalism campaign advocated by Master Sheng Yen, with Protecting the Spiritual Environment as its core, remains today's most urgent and gentle action in addressing climate change and global carbon reduction.

The "Twentieth Anniversary Gratitude Assembly," dedicated to every devotee, will be held at the headquarters on October 19, and live-streamed to at all branch monasteries.

In 2005, Master Sheng Yen proclaimed "The Rising Great Compassion" as the overarching spirit of Dharma Drum Mountain. Now, as we welcome the twentieth anniversary in a moment of gratitude, we sincerely invite the fourfold assembly to embody great compassion through the power of great vows, making wherever you are a place of compassion and wisdom.


Related articles: 

An Invitation for All Devotees to Return to Their Roots

Inauguration of the Center and Establishing of the Dharma Drum Lineage: A Shared Vow of Inheritance and Innovation

20th Anniversary of the Inauguration of the Dharma Drum Mountain World Center for Buddhist Education

A Blueprint for World Buddhism: Venerable Guo Shing (果興法師) Discusses Master Sheng Yen's Founding Mission

Dharma Drum Mountain 20th Anniversary Gratitude Ceremony "Myriad Practices • Original Aspiration" Program Overview

Resource: Dharma Drum Monthly No. 428
Photo: Venerable Chang Duo (常鐸法師)
Translation: Denise 
Editing: Keith Brown, Venerable Yan Hsiang (演香法師)