"Guanyin blesses the masses, waving a willow branch used to sprinkle holy water. Life and good fortune is expanded through benevolence toward others...." While this Buddhist blessing was solemnly chanted, curtains adorned with Chinese characters meaning "The Rising Great Compassion" were unveiled over the audience to officially mark the opening of the inauguration ceremony. The ceremony, simultaneously held in four different locations--the Main Hall, the Meditation Room, the Guanyin Hall and at the Guanyin statue atop the mountain--was brought to procession with the unveiling of six Guanyin statues.

Assisting the abbot of Dharma Drum Mountain, Master Sheng Yen, President Chen Shui-bian and KMT chairman Ma Ying-jeou in uncovering the statues were distinguished guests from entertainment and artistic circles such as Jet Li, Lin Hwai-min, Lin Ching-hsia and Heinrich Wang. In addition to media representatives from ten television stations and the owners of three major newspapers, the Liberty Times, the China Times and the United Daily News, also in attendance were international religious leaders from the US, the Netherlands, Africa, France and Japan.

Even though the occasion was graced by numerous influential figures, speaking was prohibited throughout the ceremony. There would be continuous chanting, but no socializing, political speeches or secular arguments on this day. The sound of chimes in rhythm with Buddhist hymns engulfed the monastery in a reverent atmosphere, causing a palpable peace to come over all in attendance. Proceedings from the ceremony were broadcast onto large-screen projectors at all four locations dotted throughout the grounds as well as to a real-time webcast, allowing disciples the world over to watch together.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Venerable Master Sheng Yen noted that this inauguration marks but a beginning, not a final destination. The initial achievement is the result of 16 years of overcoming obstacles and setbacks in doing the arduous work needed to realize a pure land on earth. He further stressed that the completion of construction in itself isn't all that significant. What's significant is being able to now use these facilities and this stretch of pure land for the betterment of society. Followers cannot help but be moved to tears upon seeing Master Sheng Yen, though 76 and in ill health, still of good cheer in his service to them.

Dharma Drum Mountain's new complex in Chinshan is much more than just a pilgrimage site for believers to venerate Guanyin and perform meditation exercises. It is also the hope for a new beginning in Buddhist education. Holding a PhD in literature studies from Riso University in Japan, Master Sheng Yen, who inherits Master Yin Shun's dedication to Buddhist studies, took over the Chung Hwa Institute of Buddhist Studies in 1985. The Dharma Drum Mountain Humanities University in Chinshan has already received approval from the Ministry of Education to begin enrolling students after its construction is completed.

With the dedication of the Dharma Drum Mountain Monastery, there are now four such monasteries nationwide: Dharma Drum in the north; Chung Tai Chan Monastery in Nantou in central Taiwan; Fo Guang Shan Monastery in Kaohsiung in the south; and the Tsu Chi Buddhist Retreat in Hualien on the east coast. In addition to all campuses having huge, elaborate grounds, they also carry the great hope of advancing Buddhist teaching in Taiwan. Yet, for all their lauded facilities and reputation, will they have the conviction and confidence to bring Taiwan out of spiritual chaos? There's actually still quite a long road to travel in that regard.

Standing above the new monastery, watching disciples trickle out onto the grounds, one realizes that the realization of their hopes is within our grasp. The essence of Dharma Drum Mountain's hopes--attaining enlightenment and benevolence--is within each of our hearts.