Venerable Master Chin Kung presented a keynote address 2018.06.02 UNESCO Headquarters, Paris
Honourable Ambassadors, Respected Dharma Masters, Distinguished Guests and Elders, Ladies and Gentlemen, My warmest greetings to you all!
Thanks to the active engagement of the UNESCO ambassadors from different countries and the full support from The World Fellowship of Buddhists, the Association of Master Chin Kung’s Friends at UNESCO has the honour to hold the Thrice Buddhist Yearning Ceremony for World Peace for the first time at UNESCO headquarters. This ceremony has the blessings of all divinities, and is truly rare and exceptional! The Association of Master Chin Kung’s Friends at UNESCO was formally established in September last year as a result of concerted efforts and endorsement by many ambassadors. With a simple cup of tea that represents friendship, we hope this office can be a place where ideas are exchanged with the ambassadors and guests. We look forward to having constructive dialogue on how to realize our common ideal of world peace through the revival of religious education and fostering religious cohesion. This Buddhist service is a very good beginning. It gives us immense joy to see all of you coming together today to pray for world peace.
The world is composed of different countries, regions, ethnicities, cultures, and faiths. Everyone is part of one common living entity, closely interconnected and inseparable. As one entity, the movement of a single hair is felt throughout the whole body; damage in one part hurts the whole body; and thriving in one part benefits the entire being. Enriching diversity makes cultures more colourful. Multilateralism makes the world more lively. World peace is a common goal pursued by all humankind. To realise this ideal, we need to begin with our minds by bringing forth the spirit and wisdom of “harmony” – to emphasise similarities and to respect differences. The UNESCO motto says “Building peace in the minds of men and women”. Only by putting this into practice, can we truly resolve conflict and eradicate the possibility of war to build a better future for all of humanity. Today’s Thrice Buddhist Yearning Ceremony is held based on the same belief that “Everything begins with our minds.”
There are many similarities as well as differences among world religions. The most crucial factor in achieving religious cohesion and harmony is to seek similarities and accepting differences. To truly realise the essence of religious education, we need to look beyond the apparent differences and dig deeper into various religious scriptures to find the profound commonalities. Then, we will realise that we are all from the same origin, and we are one living entity. It is like the five fingers on a hand – each looks different from the others but they are an integral part of the same hand. Looking at the contents of the Thrice Buddhist Yearning Ceremony from the same spiritual perspective, you will discover that many of its principles correspond with those advocated by other religions. Hence, the participants of the Thrice Buddhist Yearning service should embrace the spirit of “harmony”. It begins with instilling the value of harmony in our minds, then, practicing it in daily lives to treat all religious practitioners equally and co-exist in harmony.
“Thrice” denotes that there are three periods in the Buddhist Service. In ancient India, a day was divided into six periods: three periods for the day and three periods for the night. The meaning of “Thrice” can be extended to mean focusing on cultivation day and night incessantly. “Yearning” means our mind is focused on one point, in a state of yearning continuously – on the cultivation of (abiding by) precepts, meditative concentration and (attaining) wisdom, and praying for world peace.
The beginning of the Thrice Buddhist Yearning Ceremony is about the “true incense of precepts and meditative concentration”. Interestingly, we can see that incense is commonly found in many different religious ceremonies. The use of incense signifies faith: our sincere faith in Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and God. It also signifies a means of spiritual communication: transmitting our complete sincerity to the divinity high above. It is important to understand the underlying meaning of ritual. The main purpose of burning incense is to help us bring forth our sincere faith. The amount of incense burnt is not important, especially when the service is held in a venue with limitations. “Precepts” represent moral and ethical codes of conduct. Every religion stresses the importance of abiding by the common moral and ethical standards shared in this world. “Meditative Concentration” represents purity of mind and focus. Every religion advocates people to restore purity of mind and focus. Following precepts (practicing self-discipline) leads to meditative concentration. From meditative concentration our innate wisdom arises. Innate wisdom is the true fragrance of incense, which can be spread regardless of which way the wind blows. It is a metaphor to reflect the powerful influence of practicing moral virtues. Wisdom will inspire and transform everyone around it. It brings happiness and positivity to others, and its merits attain the sublime blessings of the divine.
What is the main objective of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony? It is well summarized in the first four sentences in the opening verse, read by the Leading Dharma Master. “The Sea of Enlightenment arises from emptiness. The karma of this world flows within. If one is to reach the Other Shore (of salvation), there is a homebound ship (to be found) in Pure Land.”
“Sea of Enlightenment” refers to the origin of all life in the universe. Everything comes from the same source of purity and enlightenment. This source is the true form of all phenomena within the universe. Often referred to as the “sea”, this source is all inclusive, vast, profound and limitless. In Buddhism, this source is known as the “true self-nature” from which all phenomena are manifested. This source is referred to as “Creator” or God in other faiths because God created the world. “Arising from emptiness” talks about how through ignorance and delusion, emptiness is created, which leads to the creation of the world and all beings that dwell within it consecutively. First there is emptiness, then there is the world and lastly there are beings. This sounds like a gradual and obvious sequence. However, in reality, the speed of these different phenomena arising are all too fast; almost simultaneous, much like the Big Bang Theory advocated by many scientists today. It is a common belief among different religions that ignorance is the root of all problems. In Buddhism, the world we live in now is call the Saha World, which denotes that those of us living within it are capable to endure all its suffering and afflictions. “The current of Karma that flows within” is created by the karma resulting from wandering thoughts, discrimination and attachments. Such karmic forces attract and bring about the manifestation of the Six Realms and the Cycle of Rebirth and its countless phenomena. It is all illusory, like a dream. But we are stuck in its continuous nightmare for eons. We continue to create karma daily with every thought and action, and become further and further deluded in its vast sea of increased suffering.
“If one is to reach the other shore (of salvation), there is a homebound ship (to be found) in Pure Land.” It is likened that the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are on the other shore of awakening and we, ordinary people, are stuck on this shore of delusion. If we want to break free from delusion, to attain awakening, to reach the other shore of eternity, purity, bliss and liberation – the Land of Ultimate Bliss – there is a ship that takes us there. Performing this Buddhist service, as guided, will enable us to get on the ship of Amitabha’s Great Vows to safely and securely return to truth from falsehood, to awakening from delusion, and return to the Sea of Enlightenment. The Land of Ultimate Bliss is similar to Heaven as described in other religions: the souls who have faith, the good and the virtuous will all enter the divine realm (Heaven) to live with God, in joyful eternity.
How can we be reborn in the Land of Ultimate Bliss? We must cultivate a pure mind. “When the mind is pure, the environment is pure.” How do we cultivate a pure mind? By reciting Amitabha Buddha’s name. We must let go of everything completely and concentrate wholeheartedly on reciting Amitabha Buddha only. Then, we will definitely be able to attain rebirth in the Pure Land. Other religions have a similar belief: if adherents remain wholeheartedly and constantly mindful of God, they will ascend to Heaven.
The Amitabha Sutra is recited in every period of the Thrice Buddhist Yearning Ceremony. The name “Amitabha Buddha” is a transliteration from Sanskrit. “Amitabha” means “immeasurable” or “infinite”. “Buddha” means “awakening or enlightenment”. When combined, it means “infinite awakening or enlightenment”. The underlying meaning and the implied attainment of this title is profound and boundless. It encompasses infinite wisdom, all virtuous capabilities, and auspicious forms innate in our true self-nature. Everything of infinite nature in the universe is included in these three classifications. Therefore, Amitabha Buddha’s name represents all the virtues in our true self-nature. Being mindful of Amitabha Buddha’s name is being mindful of our true self-nature. Thus, the Dharma teaching in the Thrice Yearning Service says: “Our true mind is Amitabha Buddha, and Amitabha Buddha is our true mind.” The saying in other religions “God is in my heart” has a similar underlying principle. Thus, if you are mindful of the love of God, then God is in your heart.
Sutra recitation is followed by an expounding of the Dharma’s teaching. In the First Period, the teachings say, “Why is the Land called “Ultimate Bliss”? It is because all suffering cannot form in this Land. For path seekers who are looking for a way back (to the Land of Ultimate Bliss) there is but only to enlighten your mind in the mundaneworld.” “The Amitabha Sutra” explains this very clearly: It is called “Ultimate Bliss” because the living beings in this land are free from all the sufferings common to humankind, and only joy and happiness is present. In addition, everyone in the Land of Ultimate Bliss attains infinite light and infinite life. This is very similar to the description of Heaven in other religions. Once we are in Heaven, we will have eternal life. Our body will be illuminated with light, free from suffering with ever-lasting joy.
“For path seekers who are looking for a way back (to the Land of Ultimate Bliss), there is but only to enlighten your mind in the mundane world.” How do practitioners attain rebirth in the Land of Ultimate Bliss? The cultivation occurs in our daily lives where we should realize from the hustle and bustle that everything is manifested by our self-nature, and everything is Amitabha Buddha. In a similar way, other faiths, likewise, urge their practitioners to see everything in their daily lives as God’s creation; always be grateful of God; and always pray to God.
In the Dharma teaching there are four verses: “The simple and common method of cultivation (Pure Land) is beyond comprehension. A single thought of re-awakening and you are there (on the other shore). Ultimately, none of it is outside of the mind. This moment of clarity, now, is everything”. Pure Land Buddhism is easy to practice but its principles are profound, and not easily thoroughly understood. Therefore, it is at times beyond comprehension. But as long as you are willing to return to the right path, and practice in accordance with the teachings, it is easy to attain rebirth in the Land of Ultimate Bliss. It is because Amitabha Buddha and the true self-nature are the same, and you have not departed from your self-nature. The Land of Ultimate Bliss is manifested by our true mind. When our mind is pure, the Buddha Land is pure. After you have attained purity of mind, the Pure Land is right here before you. Other religions have also pointed out that one cannot use an ordinary person’s mind-set to imagine God’s realm. With faith, hope and love, you will connect with God, who is within your heart, not outside of it. Everything before you is a creation of God.
The beginning of the Dharma teaching in the Second Period said: “Originally all the worlds in ten directions are the Land of Ultimate Bliss. The views and scenes of the mountains and waters look empty and they are one with emptiness. All of the lands are the home of purity and peacefulness. Flowers thrive and birds sing. Everything is much like seeing the image inside two reflecting mirrors.” These verses talk about that all the worlds in the ten different directions are originally all parts of the Land of Ultimate Bliss. All were one originally. The delusion of beings gives rise to all kinds of differentiation. The mentioning of mountain and water is describing the purity of an environment without contamination. Like a mirror, the image of the fair mountain reflected in the water seems to be without substance (empty) and indeed it is seamlessly incorporated with emptiness. It is extended to mean that our environment changes according to our mind. The external environment is closely interconnected with our mind, and the entire entity is affected by our slightest thought. When our mind is pure and impartial, the external environment will be pure and impartial. The Dharma teaching further explains that the flowers thrive and birds sing. This has a very profound meaning: Our self-nature is as pure as the Land of Ultimate Bliss but it has been overshadowed by our delusion for far too long that we have almost forgotten what it is like. “Flowers thrive and birds sing.” describes a state of being liberated and living joyfully. Every phenomenon is adorning each other in perfect harmony, interacting with each other seamlessly, like mirrors reflecting images upon one another and producing images into infinity.
The Dharma teaching in the Third Period states that “(Deluded beings) adapt the mundane and abandon enlightenment while planting brambles in the Garden of Seven Jewels. (When one) discards falseness and returns to the truth, (it is like) displaying the Net of Jewels (from the Land of Ultimate Bliss) in the world of the mundane.” What the above passage means is that the deluded minds of living beings in the Six Realms give rise to wandering thoughts, discriminations and attachments, which correspond with the ordinary Five Desires and Six Contaminations. Their every thought is about the desires and contaminations. It is likened to planting brambles in a Seven Jewels Garden of our self-nature. On the contrary, if we let go of all wandering thoughts, discriminations and attachments and revert to our self-nature, it is like erecting layers of precious netting made of jewels of the adorned Land of Ultimate Bliss in the mundane Six Realms of Rebirth. This metaphorically depicts that the innate virtues of our self-nature are finally manifested in this contaminated world of the Five Impurities. There is some similarity in the Bible’s narrative about Adam and Eve: God placed the first ancestors of humankind in the Garden of Eden. But Adam and Eve succumbed to Satan’s temptation and ate the forbidden fruit. Then, God banished them from the Garden of Eden. On the contrary, if humans can follow God’s commandments to end all wrongdoings and practice good deeds, then, Earth can become Heaven.
There is a session for repenting for committing acts which form karmic obstacles in each of the Three Periods. Since we have gone through countless kalpas to enter this lifetime, our ignorance has gone against our true self-nature. As a consequence, when our six senses encounter the Six Contaminations or the ordinary world, it gives rise to wandering thoughts, discriminations and attachments, creating negative karma from our bodies, speech and minds. This, in turn, makes us experience the retribution of suffering in the three lower realms of hell, hungry ghosts, and the animal realm. To leave the three lower realms, one must rely on the power of repenting to eliminate karmic offences to attain purity, then vow to seek rebirth in the Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is how the wish of rebirth can be fulfilled. Christianity also says humans must repent their original sins sincerely to obtain God’s forgiveness, so as to ascend to God’s kingdom in Heaven.
The Ten Great Vows of Universal Worthy Bodhisattva in the last part of the Buddhist classic the Flower Adornment Sutra guide practitioners to return to the Land of Ultimate Bliss. This makes the sutra perfect and complete. The virtues of Universal Worthy Bodhisattva are illustrated throughout the Thrice Yearning Ceremony where the Ten Great Vows of Universal Worthy Bodhisattva were read. In every period, there is a recitation of Universal Worthy Bodhisattva’s Repentance Verse. At the end of the verse “Na Mo Universal Worthy Bodhisattva, the Great Bodhisattva” is recited three times. What is the most valuable inspiration we can derive from Universal Worthy Bodhisattva? It is the broadmindedness of his virtuous mind. Universal Worthy Bodhisattva inspired us that not only are all religions of the world part of one big family, but also that all existence in the whole universe is in fact one living entity. This fundamental spirit is the basis of religious harmony and world peace.
For many years, we have enjoyed continual dialogue with representatives of the great religions and faiths of the world. We advocate: “All Divinity is One, and All Faiths are One Family.” It is a common belief among different religions that “There is only One True God in the universe.” We are of the view that True God is referred to as true self-nature in Buddhism, and is called different names in different religions and faiths. True God created all existence in the universe. Therefore, everything is of the same origin. Everything is one family. Hence, all religions and faiths are one family.
Universal Worthy Bodhisattva has a broad mind that “is all encompassing and boundless”. He respects all living beings equally. We should emulate Universal Worthy Bodhisattva to bring forth the virtue of respecting all equally. This, of course, includes treating all religious practitioners equally and co-existing in harmony.
At the core of all religions is the teaching about benevolence, compassion and universal love. This divine true love is the core of the universe, the origin of self-nature. We have selected essential excerpts from the scriptures of the world’s major religions about God’s universal love and compiled them into a book titled God Love All Beings. This serves as evidence that the core of all religious teachings is about divine teaching of love. This is also the basic premise for fostering religious cohesion and harmony.
We hope that by adhering to the guiding principles of “All Divinity is One, All Faiths are One Family; Treating Everyone Equally and Co-existing in Harmony”, we will bring forth the divine universal love to foster religious cohesion, to restore religion as an education, and to learn from one another’s sacred texts. We believe these are important steps forward to bringing about lasting world peace and stability for humanity.
Finally, I wish this ceremony every success! May everyone enjoy auspiciousness, infinite light and infinite life! May equality and harmony be among all religions and faiths! May the world be blessed with peace, lasting harmony and stability! Thank you.