Introduction: Lives of the Patriarchs
| Letter to Ch'an Master Hua from Elder Master Hsu Yun |
At Yun-chu Mountain, the Venerable Yun made a valuable contribution to the Treasury of Dharma by compiling and publishing volumes of Dharma portraits of the Patriarchs accompanied by his own verses of praise. He wrote in the letter to the Master [Hsuan Hua],
- Tu-lun, Humane One, regard this with your wisdom. For a long time I have not asked after you; I only pray that in your benefitting of living beings everything will be "as-you-will." With this letter I am sending a copy of the recently published book of prints of Buddhas and Patriarchs, a treasure of the Way and a remembrance. I hope that you will benefit yourself and benefit others in your work for the Buddhadharma and that you will take care.
- "Dharma bliss,
- Hsu-yun, with palms together
- January 10, 1958
Excerpt from Records of the Life of Ch'an
Master Hsuan Hua, Part II, p. 169
When we hear about each of the Patriarch's adorned appearances and the ways in which they conduct themselves, we should reflect and see how we ourselves measure up. We should ask ourselves if we are emulating the Patriarchs and being their good disciples. It's just the same as the way in which sons and daughters should reflect on whether they are being filial children who are obedient to their parents. As Buddhist disciples:
When we see worthy people,
we should emulate them.
When we encounter those who are not worthy,
we should reflect to make sure we are not that way. - Venerable Master Hsuan Hua |
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