Three years ago in the fall, the Midwest Buddhist Association (MBA) respectfully asked Dharma Master Heng Sure of the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas came to speak to the local residents at MBA and at the Minnesota Buddhist Association. Under DM Sure’s guidance, we also went to visit Father William at Saint John’s University, St. Cloud. Last year, during DM Sure’s second visit, it was decided to hold the 2006 Monks in the West Conference (dialogue between Buddhist and Catholic monks) here in the fall. This is truly a rare, important and auspicious event, especially in Minnesota, in the conservative Midwest. Many Westerners do not have a clear understanding of Buddhism and cultivation, especially in this audience of mostly Catholics. The lecture focused on introducing the true meaning of Dharma and how it can be applied to and benefit our lives to free us from the suffering of samsara.

DM Sure's lecture was entitled “Being Reborn in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.” In a lively and happy way, he introduced recitation of Amitabha Buddha’s name, currently the most popular and easiest Buddhist practice in China, Japan and Taiwan, as a new method of cultivation for Westerners. DM Sure also told many true stories, both ancient and contemporary, of practitioners being reborn in the Pure Land, thus letting Westerners know that besides meditation, there is this valuable practice of reciting the Buddha’s name to seek rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Through the interaction with the Catholism this time, we are positive that Orthodox Buddhism will gradually sprout and grow in the West. A good beginning takes one halfway to success. We hope in the near future, living beings in the Midwest will joyfully have faith in Orthdox Buddhism and receive limitless benefit.