​Abbot President Addressed Spiritual Environmental Protection in Thailand

Accompanied by Ven. Chang Zhen and Ven. Yan Hai, DDM Abbot President Ven. Guo Huei arrived in Thailand on December 13^th. Along with Ven. Chang Jyu, Guiding Venerable of DDM Association of Dharma Supporters in Thailand, and the Buddhist followers, the Abbot President visited Thailand for the second time to give his loving care since taking the position of abbot president.

On the morning of December 14^th, Taiwan's ambassador to Thailand, Chun-Fu Chang, and his spouse came to DDM Association of Dharma Supporters in Thailand to visit the Abbot President. The two parties exchanged views about methods of practicing and studying Buddhism, and had a pleasant dialogue. On the afternoon of the same day, the Abbot President delivered a speech entitled "Seeking the Truth: Protecting the Spiritual Environment " at the Grand Buddha Hall of Association of Dharma Supporters in Thailand, sharing his outline for the upcoming 12^th Global Conference on Buddhism scheduled for December 16^th. In addition, he engaged more than forty audiences with the joy of Dharma.


Commencing from "Three Seals of the Dharma" — all conditioned things are impermanent; all phenomena are without inherent existence; nirvana is perfect tranquility; and all experiences are suffering — the Abbot President urged everyone to view impermanence as the norm, as well as calm and stabilize their mind at all times, not letting it waver according to external changes. Applying the Four Noble Truths, he expounded that amidst the wars, illnesses, and environmental damages around the world, the way to leave sufferings behind and attain happiness begins with the mind. With the view of mind as the real master, we can use the right knowledge and the right view of Buddhadharma to resolve vexations. 


The Abbot President said that human overconsumption has damaged the environment, and the pursuit of convenience has depleted too many resources on earth. He exhorted everyone to adopt a mindset of "being content with either possessing or not possessing and being satisfied with having either many or few," and learn to lead a contented life with few desires by actively practicing Spiritual Environmental Protection and following the "Four Guidelines for Dealing with Desires." How do we bring blessings to the world? The Abbot President addressed the importance of "Protecting the Social Environment." Communication and coordination are the only means to live in harmony and avoid conflicts, since resorting to violence in a tit-for-tat pattern cannot settle the disputes. We must learn to harmonize our body and mind. By cultivating a peaceful mind to maintain a peaceful body, we can enjoy a sense of security and benefit both ourselves and others. 

Amidst the chanting of "Namo Guanshiyin Bodhisattva," the Abbot President gave away the "A World of Blessings" bracelets to each one of the followers, along with books for free distribution such as Inner Peace Leads to a Blissful Life and The Chan Practices of Zhi and Guan. The followers also expressed their appreciation to the Abbot President's visit to Thailand, which provided a rich feast for their minds. 



Text: Dharma Drum Mountain Association of Dharma Supporters in Thailand
Photos: Qifan Guo (郭啟帆)
Translation: Siang-ling Li
Editing: Keith Brown, YKL