第二册.Volume 2

宣化老和尚追思纪念专集 In Memory of the Venerable Master Hsuan Hua

In Memory of the Venerable Master Hsuan Hua

宣化老和尚 The Venerable Master Hsuan Hua

中文 Chinese 英文 English

ContentsPreviousNext

HE WAS TRUE IN EVERY WAY

◎ Sarah Babcock

What I really want to say about the Venerable Master Hsuan Hua, is impossible to say in words. We all know in our hearts what a rare being he was. I did not even know him well, and still, just by reading his books, listening to his tapes, and looking at photographs of him, I know that he was true in every way.

I have only been a disciple for a year and a half, but both my parents have been disciples for many years. I do not know what stopped me from becoming his disciple earlier. I guess I had to learn more about the religion my parents were promoting before I officially became a Buddhist. But actually I always knew it was the truth.

I had two dreams about Shih Fu. Other than that I haven’t had many experiences with him personally, but I consider these dreams as very important.

The first dream I had was after I had recited the Great Compassion Mantra very sincerely before I went to sleep. The dream was very clear; not like any other kind of dream I’d had before. I was in the Buddha Hall at the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas. Shih Fu walked by on my right and I faced him. He did not say anything, but I knew he wanted me to show him my breathing. So I carefully inhaled and then exhaled. When I inhaled my breath was strong. When I exhaled it was very shaky and unsteady. Shih Fu was showing me that I needed to practice my breathing. There was a second part to the dream. Shih Fu stood before me and I opened my mouth. He placed his pointer finger on my two bottom front teeth and pressed down. I remember very clearly the feeling of my teeth being pressed on my jaw. He then took his finger out and said, “Ahh, you’re going to get sick.” I was not frightened or even surprised, just aware.

I was very grateful for this dream, but didn’t really understand the teeth pressing. Anyhow, I knew I should practice my breathing. I kept reminding myself that I had better practice, but never really did. I wouldn’t humble myself to practice something so basic. So I felt guilty. About a month later, I had another dream.

In this second dream I was also in the Buddha Hall at the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas. Shih Fu was in the middle. A few other people and I were standing at the bowing cushions. Shih Fu stood next to us. We turned to face him. As he looked at me, I felt incredible shame; it was as if every part of me was covered in shame. The corners of my mouth slowly turned down and my head very slowly lowered. I felt nothing but shame. That was the entire dream. After I woke up I felt very fortunate that I was able to repent to Shih Fu.

I learned many things from these two dreams. (1) Practice breathing. (2) Be more aware of the mouth: eating and talking. (3) Don’t take what Shih Fu says lightly. These dreams made me more aware that I should not only try to understand what Shih Fu says, but also put it into practice.

Because of Shih Fu and my parents, I have become very interested in the Buddha Dharma. I feel very fortunate to have a good path to follow. Now the only thing left is to follow it!

▲Top

 

ContentsPreviousNext

法界佛教总会 . DRBA / BTTS / DRBU