The history of the spread of Buddhism from the East spanning over a thousand years can be likened to a magnificent art piece, illustrating the trials and tribulations of eminent monastics westbound to receive the Dharma, or coming east to spread the Buddha’s words; not to mention the countless eminent patriarchs holding noble aspirations, committing to ascetic practices, praying each step of the way up famous mountains in homage to the Buddha.
On 30 March 2018, graduates of the Buddhist College of Singapore (BCS) Venerables Ru Tong and Xiu An aspired to set off for their home county on foot. Setting off from Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery, passing through 4 countries including Malaysia, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, entering China via Guangxi Province, Nanning, Fang Cheng Gang and finally stopping at Big Buddha Monastery (Da Fo Si) in Guangzhou, the whole journey will be undertaken solely by foot without the use of any transportation. As the Chrestomathy from the Patriarchs’ Hall (Zuting shiyuan) states: “in the itinerant monks’ mind, the purpose of wandering the world far from their hometown is to abandon secular attachments, seek masters and peers and learn the dharma to gain enlightenment. Hence, they did not confine themselves to particular teachers but learnt from personal experience instead”.
At 9am, the Rector of BCS Most Venerable Kwang Sheng personally sent off both graduates at the Hall of Great Strength. He exhorted them to bear and carry in mind the resolve of past eminent patriarchs, to cultivate their mind and body through determination and perseverance and wished them success in their journey. Both graduates promised to remember the Most Venerable Kwang Sheng’s teachings, to give rise to noble aspirations and walk the noble path. In addition, they sought to emulate the conduct of the ancient wise ones to train their minds and take upon the mission to teach the Dharma for the longevity of the Buddha’s dispensation.
Finally, the Rector led the accompanying Venerables and laypersons as they bade farewell to the Venerables Ru Tong and Xiu An. Both of them bowed in respect to the Rector before setting off on their journey.
