DDMBA Monastic Teachers Visit Washington State Chapter

By Diana in Seattle
04/06/2005

Guo Chian and Guo Chi Fa Shi (Fa Shi: Monastic teacher) of DDMBA New York visited Washington state chapter at the end of March, 2005. This is the first time they visited Seattle area, hoping to get acquainted with current members and promote DDMBA teachings. Although it is a short three-day visit, it is also a very fruitful weekends. A variety of events were held that attract active members and newcomers alike. People came from Washington state and even Vancouver for this event. At the end, everyone went home with peace in heart and new knowledge in mind.

Guo Chian Fa Shi started with a class about Heart Sutra at Friday night and continued into Saturday morning. In front of about seventy students, Guo Chian Fa Shi explained the Five Aggregates (form, feelings, perceptions, mental formations and consciousness), the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination and the concept of Empty of Intrinsic Existence. She used examples in our daily life to illustrate the meanings of Heart Sutra. It emphasizes the importance of Buddhism is practicing in our lives, not just a philosophical knowledge. Saturday afternoon, Guo Chi Fa Shi lead a half day Chan meditation session. It is a short version of 7-day Chan retreat held in Elmhurst center including Dharma Drum Eight Form Moving Meditation, Slow walk and Chan meditation concept and methods. It gave participants an enriched experience of Chan Meditation. 

On Sunday morning, Guo Chi and Guo Chian Fa Shi lead the Great Compassion Dharani Repentance ceremony. Guo Chi Fa Shi explained that no word could describe the power of this liturgy and only with heart we should feel its divine force. During the reverential ceremony, many participants were so touched and couldn't help with their tears streaming down. The event ended with two talks to public audience in Sunday afternoon. Guo Chi Fa Shi talked about the Six Paramitas. She described the pathway of Bodhisattva and how to implement them in our daily lives. Guo Chian Fa Shi talked about "Keeping a peaceful mind". The goal is to gain the individual inner peace and eventually reach a harmonic society.

After these three days, the participants found the tranquility within and felt recharged with the wisdom of Buddhism. Especially spending time with Fa Shis, one can feel the peaceful and meaningful life a Buddhist could live. Their serene attitude, joy for life and enthusiasm towards teaching, studying and practicing Buddhism is the living example of Buddhism way. This indeed is a special experience for us. We are so grateful of the numerous volunteer works which make this event possible. We can't wait for the next visits from Fa Shis to Seattle area again!