Event Blog

It has been five years since Master Sheng Yen (Shifu)’s physical body left us.  Everyone misses Shifu dearly.  But we all know Shifu has never left us.  His quick wit, great teachings and examples of wisdom and compassion have been and will always be in everyone’s heart and will be passed on to the next generation.

On the Saturday of February 8, 2014, Shifu’s old disciples and new comers, around 40 people, all gathered together at the ChanMeditationCenter to hold a commemorative Passing on the Lamp Ceremony in memory of Shifu.  The day started by a one-day Chan Retreat led by Abbot, Guo Xing Fashi.

The one-day retreat consisted of sitting as well as walking meditation, yoga, two wonderful video clips of Shifu giving Dharma talks at a silent illumination retreat.  In the talks, Shifu eloquently explained the concept and the method of silent illumination.  After each of Shifu’s videos, Abbot, Guo Xing Fashi further expounded the nature of the mind and gave the attendees more detailed instructions on how to relax the body and mind and how to use the method effectively.  Near the end of the retreat, Guo Xing Fashi also briefly introduced the Huatou method and explained the differences and similarities between the two methods.

The day’s activities concluded with the assembly reciting bodhisattva vows, and performing the Passing of the Lamp Ceremony, in which Guo Xing Fashi lit Guo Shu Fashi’s and Chang Yu Fashi’s candles and then each participant held a candle, walked up to either Guo Shu Fashi or Chang Yu Fashi and have his or her candle kindled.  Each person made an offering of the lit candle at the Buddha Shrine and then returned to his or her seat and made a personal vow on this special day.

May the brightness of the lamp of wisdom guide us find the brightness of our own Buddha nature!

— Min Shi