Dharma Defenders

Historically, during the time of the Buddha, protecting or defending the Dharma also means to protect and support the Buddha and the Sangha so that they are able to safely propagate the Buddhist teachings for the benefit of all living beings. The establishment of Buddhism must categorically comprise the three jewels, namely the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. Of the three jewels, although the Buddha is the most precious, and the Dharma is the most supreme, it is the Sangha that is the most crucial.

Since the parinirvana (death) of the Buddha, the sangha has staffed and maintained Buddhist temples and places of practice, and preserved and passed down Buddhist scriptures. Similarly, the monastic sangha teaches and propagates Buddhist culture and traditions to lay followers.

Most Buddhists in Asia have this understanding of the three jewels. Hence, laypeople are often called dharma protectors or defenders of the three jewels. In this regard, the activities of Hoeh Beng Buddhist Temple are run by members of the monastic sangha along with laypeople working collectively in tandem.

One example of this kind of cooperation is the Whole World Is a Single Flower 2020 International Zen Conference, which illustrates the together-action practice of both monastics and laypeople.

Ever since we successfully bid for the right to organize the conference in 2017, preparatory work on the ground got underway. Many activities were organized to attract more people to learn and practice this invaluable Zen tradition. We also embarked on a three-year-long donation drive through our “piggy bank” program with the theme “A Dollar a Day, Fulfillment in a Thousand Days, Zen Home, Zen Community, Zen World—Whole World Is a Single Flower.” The objective of this program is to enable laypeople to provide financial support in a relaxed manner for the conference while cultivating the merits of practicing dana.

Toward this end, the driving force behind the committee members’ willingness to shoulder this three-year-long program is primarily their own gratitude to the Zen tradition of the Kwan Um School and the teachings received from the guiding teachers. Consequently, they have grown, encountered breakthroughs, and found the meaning of life and its direction—that is, to gain enlightenment and help all beings.

During the sharing session at the temple upon my return from attending the Whole World Is a Single Flower in 2017, I discovered that a few of the committee members who had participated in Kyol Che before had actually wanted to go with me to the United States. However, after considering the cost, they had to cancel their plans. Subsequently, upon hearing of the successful bid, all of them were delighted and willing to help in the work of organizing, so that more Malaysians may be able to participate in this auspicious occasion without having to travel abroad.

Since that time, many countries have enforced restrictions of movement and border controls, and Malaysia is no exception. Subsequently, most of the temple activities now have to be conducted online. Recognizing this, the conference program subcommittee established a Zoom tech team. As a result, we have successfully conducted many activities online such as chanting the Great Dharani on Fridays, “vow-in-action” classes, and Wesak Day celebrations. We’ve also done a number of the WWSF 2020 activities such as “Wesak Month, Wake Up Day”; a training course called “Dharma Defender, Count Me In”; a Zen workshop called “The Magical Pouch for Access to Unimpeded Happiness”; and “Walk the Bodhisattva Way with Zen Mind.”

In doing these, many people have spent numerous nights and weekends practicing and rehearsing, as well as familiarizing themselves with the technical requirements of online platforms and video editing. Based on the experiences gained, sangha members of Hoeh Beng Buddhist Temple finally decided to conduct the already-canceled Whole World Is a Single Flower 2020 International Zen Conference entirely online. Of course, we are forever grateful to the support and consent given by the Kwan Um School of Zen to our proposal.

We have observed that many of our lay sangha members have improved their relationships with family members, bosses, and colleagues, as well as among friends. They have fewer worries as a result of practicing meditation and kong-an interviews. Moreover, we have also organized additional activities so that our members can realize their potential, while also attracting new members to practice Zen. More important, we have provided opportunities for members to observe whether they have been able to return to don’t-know mind in dealing with people, keeping correct situation, correct relationship, and correct function from moment to moment. The practice also helps them build confidence in don’t-know mind and realize the importance of always returning to their true self. In case they feel inadequate, we advise people just to continue doing 108 bows every day.

Hence, we vow to spread this invaluable Zen tradition of our school to as many people as possible. I strongly believe that through continuous and persistent trying, we will eventually be able to make our vow into reality. Naturally, our bodies may feel tired in doing this, but our minds are full of energy and joy. We are indebted to each and every member of the organizing committee. Guided by the teachings of Zen Master Seung Sahn—continuous effort to gain enlightenment and help all beings—we are making history by organizing the first-ever Whole World Is a Single Flower Zen Conference in an online platform, thirty-three years after its inception in 1987.

The spirit of the Whole World Is a Single Flower is not only the compassionate vows of Zen Master Man Gong and Zen Master Seung Sahn. Rather, it is also the compassionate vows of all eminent teachers and buddhas in the past, present, and future. To turn the dharma wheel and fly the Buddhist flag continuously is indeed the mission of all sangha members. It is also our practice. Life after life, only don’t know, try and try for 10,000 years, gain enlightenment, and help all beings.

Translated from Mandarin by Lim Kee Leng.