On February 21st, our temple conducted its monthly collective practice session, presided over by our Abbot, Venerable Chan Master Shi Wule. The theme of this session was: "Endurance, Patriotism, Integration, and Propagation." Venerable Master Wule emphasized that monastics should diligently learn the Malagasy language while propagating both traditional Chinese culture and the Buddhist Dharma locally.
Through this mindful practice, our monastic community gained profound insights:
"The path is long and winding - our spiritual journey continues." The path of cultivation is indeed long and arduous, not to be completed in a single day. It requires steadfast perseverance, unwavering commitment, and grounded practice. All monastics solemnly heed Venerable Wule's teachings: cultivating purity of mind, studying wholesome knowledge, and awakening to great wisdom.
As the saying goes: "One cannot appreciate spring's warmth without enduring winter's chill." The capacity to endure hardship represents both a virtue and the courage to face difficulties without fear. From the very moment we arrived in Madagascar, Africa, we have consistently upheld this noble tradition.
Though geographically distant in Africa, our hearts remain eternally connected to our motherland. We continuously strive to promote authentic Chinese traditional culture overseas, hoping to help local and global friends better understand genuine Chinese Buddhist culture. Simultaneously, we actively encourage everyone to learn the local language and culture, integrating harmoniously into Malagasy society, allowing the flower of Chinese Buddhist culture to blossom magnificently across the African continent.
