Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites, Paying Homage to Saints, Embracing Sacred Teachings

Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites, Paying Homage to Saints, Embracing Sacred Teachings

 - Reflections on the "Mingda" Pilgrimage

 

 (“Mingda" is the honorific title for Leo Chen, the CEO of TVCMALL)

 

In early September, a unique opportunity arose, and I felt honored to embark on a special journey. Amid moments of hesitation and contemplation, my inner intuition triumphed over rationality. I decided to set aside my work and concerns and enrolled in this "pilgrimage."

 

 

The First Stop - Mount Emei, The Buddhist Holy Site

Our journey commenced with a visit to Mount Emei, located in Sichuan Province, known for its striking peaks and harmonious temples, earning its reputation as a Buddhist haven. What struck me most was the practice of "Three Steps, One Bow." While I had previously felt a connection to Buddhism, I had never knelt and paid obeisance before any Buddha image. However, guided by our teacher's inspiration and the lead of fellow travelers, I joined the ranks of those performing prostrations. The process lasted for about an hour or two. Initially, my legs trembled during the prostrations, and the rain dampened the ground. Bowing with my forehead touching the earth became familiar, sometimes encountering small puddles. As time passed, my knees started to ache intensely. Even for someone who rarely sheds tears, the experience was poignant. Tears mixed with rain streamed down my face.

In the final stretch, we finally saw the majestic figure of Bodhisattva Samantabhadra, truly awe-inspiring. I later learned it's one of the world's largest Bodhisattva statues, costing over 500 million RMB. Unconsciously, a sense of reverence and compassion welled up in me. I couldn't help but admire the unwavering devotion of the locals to their faith (our guide emphasized the widespread religious faith in this region). After completing the "Three Steps, One Bow," our entire group engaged in a "complete dedication." This deepened my understanding of dedication, making me more inclined to practice it. Through this act, I experienced "borrowing the false to cultivate the true": adopting the "false appearance of prostration" helped me let go of some attachments, becoming more respectful, humble, and compassionate.

 

 

The Second Destination - Seda, "Golden Freedom" in Tibetan

Our second destination was Seda, a pristine Tibetan region untouched by worldly distractions. Here, I was deeply moved by the challenges of altitude sickness and the experience of witnessing a celestial burial. Seda, with its highest point at 4,500 meters and an average of 4,127 meters, proved both exhilarating and demanding. I felt perfectly fine during the daytime, but when evening came, I experienced an excruciating headache. My discomfort made me question whether something serious was wrong with my health. I endured the night, and by the next day, I was feeling better. However, this painful ordeal left a lasting impression and made me realize that I hadn't taken good care of my body. It became clear that I needed to make some immediate changes. Pain is indeed life's most influential teacher. For most individuals, advice often falls on deaf ears, and it's only when they experience significant discomfort that they become willing to make changes. In Seda, I also witnessed a celestial burial, a ritual our guide emphasized as "the most significant act of giving in a Tibetan person's life, the final offering of one's physical being."

 

Upon hearing these words, I was deeply moved. My inner self held a profound respect for the departed. Life and death, I recognized, are weighty matters. To fathom them is to ascend to a loftier vantage point in how we perceive people and situations, allowing for the release and evolution of our attachments. Seda also revealed an unforgettable sight: an expanse of impeccably arranged red houses, a spectacular scene rarely encountered in China or even the wider world. This sea of red houses is the location of the Five Sciences Buddhist Academy, China's largest Tibetan Buddhist institution. Steeped in history, it is a scarlet testament to faith, where awakened souls find solace.

 

 

 

 

The Third Destination - Qingcheng Mountain, Hallowed Daoist Sanctuary

Our third destination was Qingcheng Mountain, one of China's hallowed Daoist sanctuaries. The environment here was extraordinarily conducive to growth, where even a planted staff would take root. It proved an idyllic setting for both flora and human habitation. What resonated most with me were the otherworldly vistas at the mountain's summit and the pervasive sense of purity and clarity in the air. While I had previously glimpsed smaller-scale enchanting scenes, encountering such an extensive and splendid panorama was a rarity. It led me to contemplate: What if our inner landscape mirrored this current enchantment, possessing such clarity, expansiveness, and tranquility? With such a state of mind, we would be less tethered by worldly concerns, living as if immortal—free from worry, at ease, and without waiting for anything. Influenced by the sincere atmosphere within our group, the caretaker of the mountaintop's gate graciously allowed our team to ascend to the highest attic, the "Laojun Ge" (typically not accessible to the public). I followed the team, spending nearly an hour there, and deeply felt that the energy at such heights was distinct from anywhere else. A gentle breeze brushed my face, evoking an especially refreshing and invigorating sensation. It's challenging to articulate exactly how it was different, but I can only describe it as "indescribably wondrous." Our teacher, Luo, had previously advised me that my family and I should climb more mountains and reach higher places. Through this journey, I gained slight insight into his words. Indeed, the views and sensations at higher altitudes are unique, especially when visiting a place regarded as a "sacred site," one of the Ten Great Caves, one of China's four central Daoist mountains, and one of the Five Great Immortal Mountains—Mount Qingcheng indeed holds its distinctive charm.

 

My Thoughts and Reflections

Throughout the journey, I am immensely grateful to Teacher Fan for imparting a profound lesson through the exemplary way he leads his life. He has allowed us to witness the finest form of education in our midst, exemplifying the age-old wisdom that actions speak louder than words.

 

I also extend my gratitude to Teacher Fan for sharing captivating stories and helping us navigate our doubts and uncertainties. Listening to these stories occasionally provided a profound sense of clarity and enlightenment, subtly resolving some of the deeply rooted questions and dilemmas within me. Notably, a few statements have left an indelible impression: allowing oneself to be true, permitting others to be themselves; viewing every expenditure as a sincere act of giving; recognizing that genuine spiritual growth begins with our thoughts and intentions; understanding that the best form of education is enabling children to become the truest versions of themselves.

 

Throughout the week-long journey, we evolved from strangers into a tightly-knit group, where all felt an overflow of goodwill, joy, and compassion. Along this path, I discovered that my inner self was quietly nurturing greater kindness, joy, and compassion. It became vividly clear to me that "positive energy is mutually shared and can even be amplified." Simultaneously, a newfound aspiration took root within me – a longing to sow seeds of goodness and radiate positivity. As I actively contribute towards the vision of "To build a more generous and thriving world," I have come to appreciate the profound influence of positive intention.

 

Pilgrimage to sacred lands, paying homage to revered figures and absorbing divine teachings. To attain a pure land, one must first purify the heart. With a pure heart, the land of the Buddha becomes pure as well.