"Dong...." The sonorous clangor of a bell whirls around our ears. "Hearing the sound of the bell, clear your mind of troubles, open up to wisdom, give birth to the Bodhi tree," the nun Yijih's clear voice follows close behind, resounding throughout the main hall....

At noon on Saturday, December 30, 1995, the students, teachers and parents of the Northern San Diego Chinese School, 80 people altogether, arrived one after the other at Hsifang Temple. Two years ago, I had also brought some students here, so this time before we departed, I especially told the students, the vegetarian meal they'll serve will be delicious! But as soon as everyone arrived, we discovered that in consideration of the children who have been raised in America, the nun Yungkang had especially prepared spaghetti and potato-salad sandwiches. The sandwiches, wrapped up individually, the big bowl of noodles and the big pot of spaghetti sauce were all laid out in a manner both meticulous and alluring, and with a long row of fruit, they served as proof of the temple's hospitality. Yet they were rather different from what everyone expected to eat. Seeing that everyone seemed distressed, without saying another word, Yungkang went back to the kitchen and with a few volunteer workers, quickly started chopping and frying. Twenty minutes later, in addition to the spaghetti and sandwiches, two dishes of fried vegetables were also served. Everyone got in line to pick up their victuals. Wow! Nearly everyone said that the sandwiches were delicious, as good as those from any bakery in Taiwan. The spaghetti was tasty, too, the sauce thick and fragrant. And the two vegetable dishes elicited even greater praise from the crowd. With the temple staff adding more food over and over again, every person ate to their complete satisfaction!

After lunch, we entered the temple's main hall, and Yijih started her lecture. She began by saying that Buddhism focuses on the mind, not superstition. Every day is an auspicious day, every moment a good moment. Then she spoke about the eight forms of suffering in human life. To study Buddhism is to learn how to end suffering, to open up one's heart and accept everything, just as Sakyamuni Buddha said. Every religion is often combined with music, and Yijih used her beautiful voice to lead everyone in singing the two songs "Amita" and "The World of the Pure Land." At the same time, she explained that the meaning of the shape of the wooden fish is that when practicing the moral principles of Buddhism, just as a fish never closes its eyes, we should never slacken in our devotion to improvement. The words "Amita Buddha" mean measureless light. The 108 prayer beads of Buddhism are to break the 108 troubles of the mind. She continued to explain that the six holes in the shoes that monks and nuns wear represent planting one's feet on solid ground, and seeing through the vanity of human desires. Their clothing varies according to region. For convenience, some wear long frocks; others wear robes that leave the right shoulder bare, demonstrating sincerity. There are also special rules for getting dressed: Keep your whole body erect and look straight ahead; only your hands can move. Buddhist monks and nuns wear cassocks, to plant the seeds of happiness for others, laying emphasis on inner beauty. Yijih spoke tirelessly in both Chinese and English, constantly laughing. She also demonstrated how to meditate-sit with your legs crossed, clasp your hands together, keep your back straight and your shoulders flat, pull in your chin, keep your eyes a third of the way open, count your breaths (to compose your mind). She also demonstrated how to worship, explaining that bowing to the Buddha is a combination of reverence and study. After Yijih had finished speaking, we also watched a sermon by the master Hsingyun on video tape to conclude our pilgrimage.

After we returned, I discussed our trip to Hsifang Temple with the children. We all liked a number of points, and made special note of them: "Contentment is wealth." "The mind is the seat of vexation, so we must open our minds and not thoughtlessly doubt others." "Focus on internal beauty and the cultivation of the inner spirit." The students in my class had particular praise for Yijih for her lovely singing voice and her sense of humor. In addition, our class had just been studying Chinese mythology; because of this, the class especially enjoyed her use of the myth of asura demons as an illustration of Buddhism. I am someone who simply believes that one's destiny lies within one's own hands. There are many different kinds of religion in the world; in the end, they all lead people to do good.

From the second century BC, when Zhang Qian went on his campaign to open up the Western regions and traveled the Silk Road, Buddhism passed into China, and over the subsequent ages, it has held a long-lasting position. No matter what your belief is, "a generous heart" that accepts all things is the greatest sentiment which this faith bestows.

Photo:

p.57

The Northern San Diego Chinese School has a large faculty, who have a deep sense of mission as regards the teaching of Chinese and passing along of Chinese culture. The writer, wearing blue, is tenth from the left in the back row.