Pilgrimage and reflection

Sept 21, 2008 marks the 9th anniversary of LYMT Canada. Over two thousand people showed up in the morning to perform pilgrimage, a tradition passed down from monks making pilgrimage (三步一拜, taking three steps and then perform a prostration) to the four sacred Buddhism temples in China. There were 200+ volunteers committed to make this event possible. I was honored to take role in photographing the event. I also took the time to join the second tier of the pilgrimage, despite pain from my knees, I felt it was very rewarding experience, and time sure flies by quickly.

From LYMT pilgrimage

From LYMT pilgrimage

Ok, now I'm done copy and paste from Picasa album =) It's time for my own reflection in my beliefs. I suppose I will begin with my own history with the temple, over 12 years ago, my parents had the chance to encounter two 比丘尼 (nuns if you well) who hailed from Taiwan 靈巖山寺(LYMT) who seeks to establish a branch of the temple in Vancouver. Through varies 因緣 (cause & effect), my family has met with the founder of LYMT taiwan 妙蓮老和尚 (venerable master Miao Lian) and my father was appointed as the project manager for the first phase of LYMT Canada (大雄寶殿). The construction of the temple were made possible by donation many 居士 (those who study Buddhism but are not monk/nun) in Vancouver, especially my father's friend, who donated the land where the temple is located. As the temple approach completion on 1999, my father was told by 老和尚 to set the date of opening in September 21, 2 months ahead of the schedule. With that, I was "volunteered" to help in the construction of the temple in order to meet the new deadline (not the heavy duty works, but laying bricks, and tiles etc). So the temple were completed on time and I also were there to help on the opening ceremony where 老和尚 hosted. If any of you who are reading this and is from Taiwan, then you probably remember the 九二一大地震 (Earthquake of Sept 21st, 1999). The epic center were in 埔里, 台中縣, where LYMT Taiwan headquarter located. The headquarter completely collapsed (it was way grander then LYMT Canada) and yet no 師父 were harmed while they were sleeping. So, did 老和尚 choose the opening date on purpose? You tell me.

Now 9 years have passed, aside from the main hall since 1999, the temple now include two dormitories and a study hall, and hosts 40 師父 (all 比丘尼). Future vision of the expansion would add another array of facilities that would dwarf the current ones.

From LYMT Lifted

Now with history aside... finally time to my own progress of the Buddhism since then. Bringing the time line back to 12 years ago. With my parents continuing involvement LYMT, I was brought to various of 法會 (ceremonies) by hosted by them (at the time, the location of ceremonies were rented, at one point we were having the 法會 in one of the churches..most interesting sight indeed). As an "educated" person brought up in Canada, I naturally have doubts of a foreign beliefs that were introduced to me. Especially when I participated in the ceremonies of LYMT where the event mainly involve with continuous recitation of 佛Buddha/菩薩Bodhisattva's name (This is the method of cultivation of 淨土宗, pure land sect, of the remaining 8 sects in China). Heck, why am I doing this?! Do you seriously believe that by chanting 阿彌陀佛(Amitabha Buddha, founder of Buddhism)'s name you will reach 西方極樂世界 (Western Blissed Land aka Heaven)in your afterlife? HA never!

Honestly, thoughts like that has been on my mind for quite sometime. Throughout the years though, as my knowledge of Buddhism continue to grow (mainly from my father, he does his readings on Buddhism sutras on spare time, and would actively share his knowledge of Buddhism to his friends whenever they come to visit). My changing perspective and thirst for more knowledge drew me back to the temple again 2 years ago. I then joined the translation group until this date (granted I was MIA from time to time :/). The studies and discussion done in translation group were really stimulating and helps me better understand what is Buddhism. At least I now understand the misconception I had with 淨土宗. The Western Blissed Land is not the END of the path, it's merely a realm created by Amitabha Buddha where there will be no suffering and everlasting peace & happiness, where we would continue our cultivation attend the path of enlightenment. Furthermore, in order for your chanting to be heard, the chanting of the Buddha's name require you do it with pure mind, without evil intent nor desire. Attending that state would not be an easy task.

To me, I am currently standing at a borderline of Buddhism, I am inspired to learn about its ways, but not actually practice it. Perhaps I am simply not yet ready. To 斷欲去愛，識自心緣。達佛深理，悟無違法。內無所得，外無所求。心不繫道，亦不結業。無念無作，非修非證。不歷諸位，而自崇最，名之為道。-佛說四十二章經 (第二章). Nevertheless, I believe I still gained much through the studies I have done, to better understand myself, of my behaviors and reasoning behind them. The side effect is though... I am losing my feeling to girls (no more burning desire to find a girlfriend haha).. who knows, maybe I'm just getting older or the circumstance of my life caused it.

Phew, whoever made it to here! Good for you and thanks for reading the article!!