The Abbot President stops first in Vancouver for the 2009 Dharma Tour to care and spread the power of virtues
The Abbot President of Dharma Drum Mountain, Venerable Guo Dong, initiated the 2009 Dharma Tour in Northern America on 1 July 2009. He gave out warmest blessings on their first stop in Vancouver on behalf of the DDM Sangha Community.
On the morning of 4 July 2009, the Abbot President gave a Dharma talk entitled "The Dignity of One’s Life" to nearly 300 followers. He first cited instances from the life of the Most Venerable Master Sheng Yen who consistently demonstrated his easy-going and compassionate attitude whilst confronting his death.
He wanted to encourage all his students to stay strong with a peaceful mind when facing adverse circumstances in life.
Venerable Guo Dong taught us that the dignity of one’s life is not to rely on physical endurance or strength. Rather, by focusing on the meaning and goal of this lifetime they will be able to live with a sense of dignity.
The Abbot President said that if a person often ponders over difficulties in a positive light, acts with compassion and sincerity and learns wisdom in the Dharma teachings, they could attain happiness, peace, wisdom and healthy attitude at all times.
The Abbot President’s amicableness and sense of humour was reflected throughout the talk. The lecture hall was filled with laughter and many were inspired by the blessed talk that was given there.
Following the talk, twenty three people decided to take refuge with the Abbot President to formally become the pupils of the Three Jewels safeguarding the idea of "uplifting the character of humanity and building a pure land on earth".
(translated by Jin Yang/edited by DDM Australia Editing Team)
