President Ma Shares the Strength of Virtues with DDM
On 10 May 2009, Dharma Drum Mountain hosted a gala party with the theme "Peaceful Mind, Peaceful Life. You are empowered" at the Zhongshan Plaza of National Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall in Taipei. The event was to promote the strength of virtues to the society and to commemorate the Vesak Festival as well as Mother's Day.
It commenced at about 9:30 a.m. and was attended by honorable guests including the President Ma Ying-Jeou, the Abbot President of DDM, Venerable Guo Dong, the Minister of the Internal Affairs, Liao Liou-Yi, the President of Chew’s Cultural Foundation, Andrew Chew (Chew Zaixin).
The Founder of Dharma Drum Mountain, Venerable Master Sheng Yen, had taught that when one's mind is at peace, one’s life will also be at peace. One must learn to embrace happiness in times of depression and to create happiness amidst difficulties. DDM thus encourages everyone to "share the strength of virtue and to be grateful for the strength of virtue", as well as to join to propagate this message to the world.
In his welcoming speech, the Abbot President Venerable Guo Dong suggested five methods to help one achieve peace in the mind. Firstly, to have the right view of life with the right understanding of cause and effect, as well as causes and conditions.
Secondly, to accept favourable and adverse circumstances with gratitude and to contribute and benefit the many with the mindset of repaying kindness.
Thirdly, to do one’s best in accordance to causes and conditions with anything that one is doing so as to turn pressure into supportive energy and to live in a contented and respectful way of life.
Fourthly, to be relaxed always in body and mind and to maintain a state of calmness and stability. Finally, to demonstrate wisdom and compassion by treating others with an honest, humble and respectful attitude.
As long as we could engage in self-reflection and improvement, everyone has the strength of "building a pure land on earth".
President Ma echoed the message that virtues are not to be searched outside. Instead, it is inside every one of us. He added that the core values of integrity, honesty, reliance and diligence of the Taiwanese are all virtuous strengths that could inspire people and even the society to strive for improvement. The President therefore asked people to actively promote, to share and to practice virtues always to promote a peaceful society.
The party was designed with many programs for the public to participate, such as family tea meditation, walking meditation by holding a bowl of water, Chinese calligraphy, an exhibition on Venerable Master Sheng Yen’s life, medical counseling, musical performance, as well as nearly fifty stalls providing various delicious vegetarian Dim Sum (snacks).
The party ended at about 4 o’clock in the afternoon.
(by Jin Yang/edited by DDM Australia Editing Team)
