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I was with the Master right up to the time when he entered Nirvana. Although the Master began manifesting illness as early as 1990, he didn't seek any kind of treatment but continued to teach and save living beings, giving lectures at various American universities and at temples, and even coming to Taiwan in 1993. He would never fail to show up for a lecture unless he was so sick that he could not even stand up. If he had the strength to stand up, he would lecture as usual, whether it was at the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas, the International Translation Institute, other branch temples, or various universities. He rescued and taught people with the great compassionate heart of a great Bodhisattva, "not sparing blood or sweat, and never pausing to rest" (a line from his poem, "White Universe"). He made eighteen great vows to the effect that, if there is a single being who has not attained Buddhahood, he will not become a Buddha.
The Venerable Master said that Buddhism should promote education and establish schools. Now, his wish has been realized at the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas, as well as at the branch temples in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Berkeley. As for his vow to translate the Buddhist scriptures, the Three Treasuries and Twelve Divisions of the Canon are now being translated into English, Vietnamese, Spanish, French and Japanese. The Master expressed concern about this work even when he was seriously ill.
When the Master was alive, he was like a great canopy sheltering all of us, taking care of things so we wouldn't have to worry about them. Now that he is gone, we must all work together to carry out the many projects and affairs that he has left behind. Let us all make a great Bodhi resolve to support the Proper Dharma and the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas.
Living beings are without production
And also without extinction.
If one is able to obtain this kind of wisdom
Then one will accomplish the Unsurpassed Way.
Flower Adornment Sutra, Chapter Nine, Light Enlightenment
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