[Announcement:] In order to avert disasters and preserve peace in the world, the Sagely City of Ten Thousand Buddhas held an event unique in America from Aug. 28 to Sept. 3, 1992 - "The Water, Land, and Air Dharma Assembly for Protecting the Nation and Quelling Disasters." The great assembly united its efforts in order to rescue all the souls who suffered unnatural deaths, whether in the water, on the land, or in the air, including those who were soldiers in past lives, and enable them to be reborn in a wholesome place. The Venerable Master Hua especially invited Dharma Masters from both shores of China to preside in this ceremony. The activities of this seven-day event included bowing in repentance, reciting sutras, and special ceremonies to feed hungry ghosts. There were seven adorned platforms set up within the City: The Inner Platform, the Great Platform with the Repentance of the Emperor of Lyang, the Flower Adornment Platform, the Shurangama Platform, the Dharma Flower Platform, the Pure Land Platform, and the All Sutras Platform. All the Platforms were simultaneously in session, turning the great Dharma wheel. On the first day, California Governor Wilson sent a letter to commemorate the event. The Consul General of mainland China from San Francisco also gave his blessings to the Dharma Assembly. Altogether, over a thousand people came from various countries and various states in America.

August 28, 1992

I am pleased to join those attending the memorial service being held at the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas in Talmage, California, honoring the many American soldiers who through the years have sacrificed their lives in defense of our nation's liberty. Throughout the annals of American history; the members of our military sevices have tirelessly dedicated themselves to protecting and serving the citizens of our great nation. Only through this exemplary and selfless commitment have our cherished freedoms been preserved and reaffirmed. In every war America has fought, our soldiers, sailors, and airmen have performed proudly and with distinction. For this distinguished service, they earn the respect and appreciation of all Americans who have benefited from their commitment and sacrifice. To all in attendance, I once again extend my very best wishes for a most memorable service.

　　　　　　Sincerely,

　　　　　　Pete Wilson

Mr. Cheng Wan-jen, the Consul General in San Francisco of the Peoples' Republic of China, as well as Consuls Mr. Lee Wei-he and Mr. Hwang Wei-hai, visited the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas on August 28 to attend the ceremony, and call on Venerable Master Hua. Venerable Master Hua told Consul General Cheng, "Dharma Masters from the two sides have met face-to-face here, and have not fought with each other." Mr. Cheng and his companions chuckled.

The Venerable Master continued, "We wish to be a bridge for the future unification of China. Once the bridge is built, many people will walk across. We hope China will be strong and prosperous after her unification. Yet China is a country based on morality, humaneness, and righteousness, and will not invade other countries."

Mr. Cheng Wan-Jen replied, "We have no troops stationed abroad, so we won't invade others. But historically we've been invaded by others."

Venerable Master Hua expressed the Buddhist view, "This is also a kind of cause and effect. It's because we ourselves are weak."