I felt deeply grateful to participate in the bodhisattva precepts ceremony at Chung Tai. The ceremony was truly solemn and profound, with each Dharma master guiding us carefully to awaken our vast bodhisattva vows. Together, four thousand aspirants pledged these vows with sincerity, generating a remarkable spiritual energy. When we offered incense to the Buddha, each of us dedicated ourselves wholeheartedly. As I listened to the chanting of Shakyamuni Buddha’s name, I felt an immense energy I had never experienced before. It reached the depths of my heart, and I felt the hairs on my body stand on end. Naturally, the compassionate resolve of a bodhisattva arose within me—a vow to seek enlightenment and to liberate all sentient beings, continuing the Bodhisattva Way in every lifetime. At that moment, I sensed the kind presence of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva by my side, glimpsed an auspicious radiance, and then saw the compassionate face of Grand Master Weichueh. I felt certain that Grand Master Weichueh was with us, and this strengthened my vow to follow the Bodhisattva Way and bring liberation to all beings. Even at the moment when my vow was strongest, the pain from burning incense cones on my arms as an offering to the Buddha, caused a fleeting delusive thought to arise—a desire to escape the pain. However, my vow immediately subdued this thought. The suffering of sentient beings in the cycle of birth and death far surpasses the pain of offering incense. I resolved to endure boundless suffering for the sake of all sentient beings.

Offering incense reminded me of Venerable Master Empty Cloud’s practice of offering his own fingers to the Buddha. Though my offering cannot be compared to his, I felt true joy to make an offering with my own body. Nothing is more sincere than offering our most precious possession—our physical being—to the Buddha. This also helped me better understand the depth of Venerable Master Empty Cloud’s vow and the profound resolve required of great monastics to make such an offering.

I also deeply admired all the English speakers who participated. Despite not understanding Chinese or having much exposure to Chinese culture or Buddhism, they still wholeheartedly came to receive the bodhisattva precepts and join in offering incense to the Buddha. I believe they must have made profound vows in past lives to follow the Bodhisattva Way across lifetimes, which has now brought them here to take these vows.

During the formal bodhisattva precepts ceremony, every question and response resounded with sincerity from the four thousand participants, each voice a heartfelt affirmation that moved me deeply. When we chanted “Incense Flowers Welcome, Incense Flowers Invite,” I was overwhelmed with emotion, sensing Shakyamuni Buddha, Manjusri Bodhisattva, and Maitreya Bodhisattva present and granting us the precepts. Tears filled my eyes, and my vow became even stronger.

Throughout the entire ceremony, I felt immense gratitude for the guidance of shifus and for the support of so many volunteers. Coordinating the daily routines, meals, movement, and rest for four thousand people was not easy, yet everything was done with a sense of order and serenity. From small tasks, such as guiding us to our seats or restrooms, to organizing gatherings at Perfect Illumination Hall, every aspect was arranged with quiet grace and precision. It was incredible.

This pilgrimage to Taiwan was truly a journey of faith and devotion. Every day, every moment was filled with mindfulness, as each action and posture reflected the Dharma. It felt as if every blade of grass, every tree, and each breeze was silently teaching the Buddha's wisdom. How could one not realize their bodhi mind in such a pure and harmonious place? How could one not sustain mindfulness? Here, I felt the freedom of letting go of the mortal world, my personal life, and my commitment to my vow grew even stronger. I vow to follow the Bodhisattva Way in every lifetime, to bring all sentient beings to liberation, and to never stray from Buddha’s teachings.