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34 EASTERN HORIZON | FACE TO FACE

We hope that there will be more people joining the
monastic family, for the happiness and welfare of all
sentient beings.

As you have visited many different countries to
spread the Dharma, can you share with us some of
your most memorable experiences?

There are just too many to share! I will take one Ven. Jue Cheng spoke at Gandhara Symposium 2023 which
was held in Islamabad, Pakistan.
example from my recent trip to Pakistan, which I was
deeply moved. During the conference, the Pakistani
participants, one after another, presented their
research, declaring that Buddhism belongs to them
because Buddhism flourished in this region about two
thousand years ago. Thus, they advocated for the study
of the precious Dharma, so that Buddhism can once
again thrive in Pakistan. There is Buddhist civilization
in Pakistan. We strive to promote the culture and
civilization of ancient Gandhāra Buddhism, so that Ven. Jue Cheng visited Dharmarajika Stupa And Monastery
everyone can learn about it again. near Taxila, Pakistan.

Although Pakistan is an Islamic country, the people are
fervently promoting and welcoming visits to the sacred
sites of Buddhism in their country. This is such a rare and
precious act. In addition, there are many local scholars
who are researching the civilization of Gandhāran
Buddhism, and what they have shared and published
are just astonishing. I am deeply moved by their effort.
The history of Buddhism taking root in Pakistan two
Ven. Jue Cheng with her teacher Ven. Master Hsing Yun.
thousand years ago and that it had thrived for about a
thousand years is undeniable and indelible. There had How has Ven. Master Hsing Yun influenced you?
been numerous Buddhist historical figures who hailed And how do you commemorate him?
from present-day Pakistan during that period of time,
including Vasubandhu, Asanga and Lokakṣema.
Even though Ven. Master Hsing Yun has passed away,
the Dharma that he preached has never left. We carry
The Lotus Sūtra, numerous stupas, relic temples
on the propagation of the Dharma and complete our
and sculptures of the Buddha were discovered and
scheduled tasks. The best way to commemorate our
they were dated back to the Gandhāran period. The
teacher is by working together as a Sangha Order and
Pakistani Government does not only provide funding
bring the nectar of Dharma to every corner of the world.
for the conservation of Buddhist heritage, but also
We should at least plant the seeds of enlightenment in
support the research by establishing research centers
people’s lives.
in multiple universities. The way that Pakistani
citizens appreciate and treasure their history and
We do not have the right to be sad and grief-stricken,
heritage touches me the most.
but we should always have the courage to continue
the mission and responsibility to drive the wheels of
Dharma forward. EH