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TEACHINGS | EASTERN HORIZON 9

together. I am quite convinced that everyone will be able As practitioners in the twenty-first century, we must
to experience joy through various Buddhist lineages and uphold Buddha Shakyumuni’s original intent to
bring harmonious joy into each Buddhist family. In this deliver the essence of Dharma from 2500 years ago.
way, everyone will learn more about various strands of We can all learn with an open mind and land our feet
Buddhism and achieve further wisdom and happiness.” on the cultivation that is suitable for our roots and
His Holiness Karmapa’s encouraging words marked conditions. We should aim to equally respect other
an important milestone for the Temple and for myself. traditions and schools, and cultivate our mind with
We humbly believe that we are just a small leaf of this inclusive and harmonious Buddhadharma. By following
giant Buddhism tree. Nevertheless, I personally hope virtuous teachers and stepwise practicing in learning,
that with this initiative, we can bring a new perspective contemplation, and cultivation, with a grand view of
of non-differentiating Buddhadharma practice to the non-differentiation between traditions, we can flourish
modern Buddhist community. the giant Buddhism tree and bring prosperity and
harmony to Buddhism as a whole. EH

Association with the Wise

By Venerable Bhikkhu Bodhi

Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi is an American and teaches at Chuang Yen Monastery
Buddhist monk from New York City, in Carmel, New York. Ven.
born in 1944. He obtained a BA in
philosophy from Brooklyn College and Bodhi has many important
a PhD in philosophy from Claremont publications to his credit, either as
Graduate School. After completing author, translator, or editor. These
his university studies he traveled to include The Middle Length Discourses
Sri Lanka, where he received novice of the Buddha (Majjhima Nikaya,
ordination in 1972 and full ordination 1995), The Connected Discourses of
in 1973, both under the leading Sri the Buddha (Samyutta Nikaya, 2000),
Lankan scholar-monk, Ven. Balangoda and The Numerical Discourses of the
Ananda Maitreya (1896-1998). From Buddha (Anguttara Nikaya, 2012).
1984 to 2002 he was the editor for In 2008, together with several of his
the Buddhist Publication Society in students, Ven. Bodhi founded Buddhist
Kandy, where he lived for ten years Global Relief, a non-profit supporting
with the senior German monk, Ven. hunger relief, sustainable agriculture,
Nyanaponika Thera (1901-1994), at and education in countries
the Forest Hermitage. He returned to suffering from chronic poverty and
the U.S. in 2002 and currently lives malnutrition.