Today is the 8th day of the 9th month (on Lunar calendar). The 19th day of the 9th month is the commemoration day of Guanyin Bodhisattvas entering the monastic life. So I would like to share Guanyin Bodhisattva’s practices and the 30 essential guidelines for monastics from the Patriarch, so that we can learn together to increase and solidify and make firm our aspiration for the Way, so we can return to our origin.
All Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Venerable Master Hua, all Dharma masters and Good and Wise advisors, Amituofo.
諸佛菩薩，上人，各位法師，各位善知識，大家晚上好！
My name is Yidan Wang and I am from Shanghai. In the blink of an eye, I am now in my second year at Dharma Realm Buddhist University (DRBU), and this year marks the beginning of my master’s studies. For the first time in my life, I was taken to the “little black room” at the customs office because they thought I was suspicious for quitting my job to return to school here. When I entered the small ‘dark’ room, the customs officer inspected my passport, and the silence made me feel afraid. I thought, “Am I about to be deported and sent back on the next flight?” I quickly pulled my thoughts back to “Namo Guan Shi Yin Bodhisattva” and began silently reciting. After a long time, the officer said, “Ms. Wang, I have some questions for you.” I thought, “Great, here comes my chance. I’ll answer truthfully and be myself.”
Disciple Qin Rui is grateful to have this opportunity to tie Dharma affinity with everyone today.
弟子在今年七月求受了菩薩戒。在此分享一些心得。有講得不如法的地方，請大家慈悲指正。
This past summer I took the Bodhisattva Precepts. Today I would like to share some of my thoughts on learning and taking the Precepts. If anything I say is not in accordance with the Dharma, please kindly correct me.
My dharma name is Qin Cheng; Cheng means sincerity. I came to CTTB in August last year. This was my first time. I came for the MA program in DRBU. Studying in DRBU looks ordinary, however, it is not that easy for me. I first applied for the program and was admitted in 2019. I was supposed to study here in 2020. Due to the Covid-19, I didn’t start the program until 2023.
Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, Venerable Master, Dharma Masters, all Dharma Friends. Amitofo. My name is Grace Woo, Dharma name Qin Kai. I’m honored to be here, from Southern California, to share my reflection on my stay at CTTB last month. 諸佛菩薩、宣公上人、法師們、所有的法友們，阿彌陀佛。我的名字是胡凱欣，法名是親凱。我很榮幸今天能在這裡，從南加州來與大家分享我上個月在萬佛聖城的心得。
Good evening all Dharma masters, Dharma teachers, Dharma advisors, and Dharma friends: My name is Meina Co. Tonight I will be speaking about my encounter with Buddhism. However, before I do that I want to say that I am not articulate and also not good at public speaking. This is my second time speaking in front of a large group of people. Therefore, I would like to apologize in advance if I have spoken inappropriately and or if what I say offends anyone.
