Message in a bottle…

I totally forgot about this draft for an August post. Better late than never…

A message from one of our dear masters in Taiwan that took care of us when we were there last April for our Siddhartha Taiwan road tour. Ven. Master Miao Guang’s message to the Siddhartha family…

Hello Ms. Dayzee,

Time certainly flies! It’s already been over a month since we met at the performances and your visit to FGU. I was saddened by not being able to see your last show at FGS and the farewell party at Pumen Temple in Taipei, but I am content enough just to have been there with the Master, sitting in the front row, and fully bathing in the beauty and profound wisdom displayed by your show. I still can’t get over how touched I was by the musical. I still listen to the soundtrack or sing it silently in my mind almost everyday, because the memories from the musical have bestowed unto me nothing but courage and faith in the path that I had chosen at the age of a young adult, a weak mind seeking solace and guidance from the faith that I had taken for granted for too long over these years.

You and the Siddhartha Caste now hold a very special spot in my heart, and will continue to do so for a long, long time; for you were the ones who embraced me and the rest of the team at our first visit to Cebu with the warmest smiles and the purest eyes that showed unconditional acceptance and trust in a group of students who dared say that they were propagating the truth (courageous but ignorant!). It is certainly a privilege to be given so much support and confidence at the very first overseas Dharma Talk that I’d ever given in my entire life. Like what the Chinese say, “a good start is already half the way to success!” I shall bring what you have given me to every place in the world that I visit, and share this joy and love with every individual who crosses paths with me.

Besides Siddhartha being the one who “founded” Buddhism as a religion, I honestly do not regard the musical as a religious one, because every word sang by the performers showed nothing but the common truth to a joyful and wise life. Regardless of who we are, where we come from, or who we follow, the Noble Eightfold Path can be practiced by anyone in an un-religious way; a longing for the truth is the right held by every individual in his/her quest for uninterrupted happiness; to vow to be more than who we are means we have opened up our hearts to the world and are willing to share others’ joys and sorrows; to light up the lamp of our heart means we will travel on the brighter paths of life and no longer be fearful of the dark; and to regard all as one means exactly what you have said in your hub, that we are celebrating all our similarities and respecting all differences. Moreover, if that unshakeable faith in Amitabha Buddha is shifted onto ourselves, we will surely be blessed with a mind strong enough to make any wishes comes true (good ones of course!).

You have continued to modestly express that you have learned a lot from us, but in my mind, it was us who had learned much more from you. I admire your ability to bring out the best quality and courage of every member of the caste, and in guiding them across times of trouble and helplessness. You were like the mother who gave them assurance, and a shoulder to rest their heads on when they were fearful and exhausted. If only I had the chance to spend some more time around you during your stay, I would have loved to “dig out” more treasures from your wisdom and life experiences. ;D

I’ve recently just came back from a tour around Singapore and Malaysia with the Master, which has indeed been a fruitful one, for I have continued to meet new people and share our thoughts and learnings. What a wonderful world! The more colors and dissimilarities the more beautiful it will become!

I think I’ve blabbed on for too long, but I’ve been wanting to write you a letter to thank you for bringing Siddhartha to Fo Guang Shan. I am sure I will soon be sitting amongst the audience of your China and European shows. Until then, may peace, wisdom and joy be with you all. Please say hello to Michelle for me. Miss you guys!

Original post here.