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You should be a good public servant.
Do everything in your power to benefit the people.
The news of the completion of stillness of the Venerable Master Hua, an eminent monk of our time, brought shock and boundless grief to his disciples in Taiwan. Disciples mournfully spread the sad news and organized groups to attend the Cremation and Memorial Ceremonies at the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas in America. Although many were able to attend the ceremonies in America, not all of the Master's over ten thousand disciples in Taiwan could go. In order to give those disciples who could not go and others who esteemed the Master the opportunity to express their remembrance, gratitude, and respect for the Master, we have invited Dharma Masters from the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas to come to Taiwan to hold the Memorial Ceremony for the Venerable Master Hua's Nirvana, the merit of which will be dedicated to stability in Taiwan and world peace.
For many years I admired the Master's ascetic cultivation, but unfortunately did not have the opportunity to meet him until 1989, when the Master came to Taiwan to spread the Dharma. Through my work, I was able to draw near to Buddhism, to meet Dharma Masters, to receive news of Buddhist affairs, and to understand the direction that Buddhism in Taiwan needs to take. After listening to the Master's lectures, I felt as ecstatic if I had discovered a treasure, for he was the great teacher I had been searching for.
After I took refuge with the Venerable Master, I went to visit him in America every year, and each time he would kindly instruct me. I responded to and benefitted immensely from these instructions, which allowed me to gain insight and make progress both in my work and in my cultivation. The Master once told me,
Be a good public servant. Do everything in your power to benefit the people. Do your best for the nation and society. Don't get angry. When there is much anger, there will be enmity and conflict among people. In trying circumstances, recite the Patience Mantra: 'Gotta be patient, gotta be patient, don't get angry, suo po he!'
The Master also said to me,
Avoid affliction. Keep a calm mind and nurture the nature.
Recite the Buddha's name frequently to dissolve karmic hindrances.
The Master's instructions are truly precious. I have successfully resolved many difficult crises as a result of keeping them in mind.
The Master often exhorted people to follow the Six Principles: no fighting, no greed, no seeking, no selfishness, no pursuit of personal advantage, and no lying. His selfless compassion and active propagation of the Dharma have won the respect of many people. For many years the Six Principles have given me guidance in my daily conduct and my cultivation, preventing me from going astray.
Although the Master lived in America for many years propagating the Dharma, he never failed to show the greatest concern for the people of Taiwan. When the Master came to Taiwan in 1989 to propagate the Dharma, he sincerely spoke out against the extravagance, corruption, and infatuation with fame and position that he saw. He also embarked on a three-week fast despite his own weak condition, hoping to quell people's greed, anger, and delusion and to guide them out of the boundless sea of human suffering to the bliss of the other shore.
The Master always maintained his Chinese citizenship and kept a flag of the Republic of China. Many have been touched by the Master's fervent loyalty to his country and his fellow countrymen. The Master's passing is like the fall of a great star, and is mourned by people around the world. In order to live up to the Master's teachings and expectations, we ought to follow the Master's example by diligently practicing the precepts, concentration, and wisdom and by extinguishing greed, anger, and delusion. If we sincerely make a resolve to do this, the Master will always be with us.
Master! You are a star of deliverance, disseminating the Buddha's teachings to save the deluded masses, eternally guiding living beings towards the light.
If with regard to the Buddha and the Dharma
One's mind is completely level and equal
And the two thoughts do not manifest,
Then one will realize the position which is hard to conceive of.
If there is someone who sees the Buddha and living beings
As level and equal, and peacefully dwelling,
Yet without dwelling and without a place of entering,
Then that person will become one who is difficult to encounter.
Flower Adornment Sutra, Chapter Nine, Light Enlightenment
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