Notice of Xizu Temple
Xizu Temple upholds the belief that "Goodness is Dharma, Love is Bodhi, and Devotion is Fulfillment." We practice the path of "Attaining Buddhahood through Virtue, Serving Others through Virtue, Governing the Temple through Virtue, and Cultivating Oneself through Virtue" to propagate the true Dharma and benefit all sentient beings.
I. The Six Virtues: Foundation of Cultivation
Loyalty, Filial Piety, Propriety, Righteousness, Integrity, and Humility form the moral foundation of Xizu Temple and the basis for Buddhist disciples' practice. As the saying goes: "To attain Buddhahood, first perfect humanity; to perfect humanity, first cultivate the Six Virtues."
Loyalty (忠): Be loyal to one’s country, faith, duties, and teachers.
Filial Piety (孝): Honor parents and mentors.
Propriety (礼): Cultivate inner refinement and outer courtesy; abide by rules and order.
Righteousness (义): Uphold moral integrity in conduct.
Integrity (廉): Seek no undue fame, profit, or comfort.
Humility (耻): Hold lawlessness and disloyalty as the gravest shame.
The monastic community vows to:
Abandon all evil,Cultivate all good,Liberate all beings.Through practicing these virtues, we aspire to transform those lacking in loyalty, filial piety, propriety, righteousness, integrity, or humility into virtuous individuals.
2.Harmony Through Ritual and Music: The “Threefold Zen Culture”
Xizu Temple advocates "Harmonizing the World through Ritual and Music" and promotes the Three Chan Cultures (Zen Music, Zen Tea, Zen Forest) to help beings realize Buddhist wisdom in daily life.
1. Zen Music (禅乐)
Chan Music serves not only as a means of Dharma propagation but also as an expression of practitioners' spiritual attainment. Monastic musicians cultivate inner purity, beauty, and truth through practice, allowing sacred melodies to purify the mind and restore one’s innate nature. Chan Music carries the wisdom of Buddhism, purifies hearts, and fosters global peace and friendship.
2. Zen Tea (禅茶)
Chan Tea transcends mere tea-drinking—it is a meditative practice. It teaches detachment and mindfulness. Brewed with pristine mountain water, each cup embodies Chan wisdom, guiding practitioners to introspection and harmony.
3. Zen Forest (禅林)
The Chan Forest is not just an ecological sanctuary but a spiritual refuge where practitioners reconnect with nature. Amidst its serenity, visitors cultivate virtue, protect life, and embrace a philosophy of harmonious coexistence.
3.Conclusion
Xizu Temple invites all to uphold the Six Virtues and propagate the Three Chan Cultures for the benefit of all beings. May these virtuous deeds radiate universally, bringing harmony and peace to the world.
Amitabha!
Xizu Temple, Madagascar