..續本文上一頁rs of various religious organizations to promote gender equality.

　　 As for my involvement in social movements, since 1989, I began to cross the boundary of traditional Buddhist practice and started to actively participate in various movements with aggressive appeals and concerns for the well-being of the society in general: human rights, environmental protection, liberation of animals, anti-horse racing movement, anti-casino-bill movement, etc. These have been a series of social movements that have challenged the existing legal system as well as the built-in ideas and ideologies that go hand in hand with the system and related practices. All of these efforts have always attracted and formed a “common vow” among people who share the same ideal and have therefore transformed or reduced the weighty and deeply-rooted “common karma” that has been shaped due to prevalent mal-practice.

　　 It is because of my participation in all the activities mentioned above that my Buddhist friends once teased me that I have been “crossing the three realms,” not the three dharma realms, but the realms of the academic, educational, and social movement world. However, here I would like to share with you that although I have been crossing borders and boundaries, the study and practice of the Buddha-dharma has always remained as the source of my spiritual power, the inspiration and guiding principle of all my practices. Whether I am leading or participating in any kind of social movement, I do not float with the trend or follow the crowd. Instead, I base my practice on fundamental Buddhist teachings: I reflect on the circumstances with all my heart, and dedicate my efforts with all I can. Hence, during the process of my actual participation in these activities, I am the one that has learned and benefited the most: for all the wisdom I have acquired from these encounters have no longer remained wisdom in the scriptures, they have permeated into the depth of my life and have turned out to be the wisdom of life and true practice.

　　 Whatever the movements are about (protection of Buddhism, protection of life, promotion of women”s equal rights, etc.), most social movements tend to subvert existing systems, ideas, or ideologies, and sometimes they involve [or threaten] interest groups who have enjoyed massive benefits within the present systems. Consequently, it won”t be surprising that the movements we are trying to promote will get distorted or attacked in return, and one who is involved in these movements will feel intense conflicts all the time. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare ourselves in advance with the wisdom of dependant origination, the wisdom of impermanence and selflessness, or it is not easy to keep our peace of mind.

　　 First, the causes and conditions of the situation and its development during these movements are so complex and inter-connected; hence, even if we have tried our best, we may not get a satisfactory result. With the perception that “all happenings are impermanent,” I have been able to concentrate on decision-making and actions during the process while feeling detached about the outcome. Hence, I will not fall into the traps of worries, sorrows, vexations, or suffering due to obsessive yearning for gains or fear for loss. The deep realization of the Buddhist teaching that “there is no absolute self in all phenomena” has taught me to remain unemotional about all sorts of personal attacks such as sarcasm, ridicules, attacks, criticism, humiliations, or even ungrateful backbiting by the ones I have helped. Because of the wisdom of the Dharma, I have never cared about flattering words or fear mocking criticism, nor have I felt self-pity, self-adoration, or self-complaint.

　　 With all these life experiences, I would like to share with all of you a wisdom that we can verify: that is, the ideal, peaceful, and stable life that we try to acquire does not have to be obtained in the meditation hall or trained in the monasteries. The same effects can be achieved in every single bodhisattva act we practice, in every single altruistic effort we make to benefit others while forgetting our self-interests. In every trial of life, you can charge your life with more substantial compassion that enables you to love and care for all sentient beings more. In every trial of life, you can acquire more wisdom to perceive the world as it really is and learn to live at peace in it. In every trial of life, you will be empowered with more immense and in-exhaustive guts, sense, and courage, and what it takes to benefit all sentient beings.

　　 I share this award with all of you, with all who have joined us on this bodhisattva journey. Thank you very much!

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