Introduction
Born in upper Burma in 1948 to ethnic Chinese parents, Master Hsin Tao was left
orphaned and impoverished at an early age. Having been taken in by the remnants
of ROC military units operating along the border of Yunnan, China, he was brought
to Taiwan in 1961. At the age of 15, he was deeply moved by the compassion of Guanyin
Bodhisattva (Avalokiteśvara) and resolved to seek the supreme truth and to bring
relief to all who suffer. As an offering to the Buddha, he had himself tattooed
with the vows "May I awaken in gratitude for the kindness of Guanyin," "I will never
rest until Buddhahood is attained," and "Liberating all beings by living in suchness."
After ordaining at the age of 25 and making a vow to attain enlightenment, Master
Hsin Tao traveled on foot for over ten years, practicing austerities in lonely and
secluded locations. Having arrived at the Fahua Cave on Fulong Mountain in early
1983, Master Hsin Tao undertook a fast which was to last over two years, during
which time he attained deep insight into the meaning of "Only when all beings are
liberated, is enlightenment fully attained."
Standing on the summit of Ling Jiou Mountain, looking down at the Pacific Ocean,
Master Hsin Tao felt great compassion for the suffering of all beings. After his
solitary retreat he established the Wusheng Monastery on the mountain in order to
propagate the Dharma and help relieve suffering in the world, at the same time advancing
the cause of world peace through interreligious dialogue.
Master Hsin Tao／Chronology of Events
The Messages From The Founder(updated per quarter)
The Spring Prayer Ceremony held every year at the Museum of World Religions is an opportunity to come together as one big family, encounter the sacred, introspect, and pray for peace and happiness in the world. During the past year lots of people were made anxious by a number of predictions about forthcoming disasters, both natural and manmade, highlighting the fragile and precarious nature of human civilization. Add to this all the various types of armed conflict and other blatant manifestations of greed, hatred, and delusion, and it's no wonder that anxiety is so widespread these days.
Yet, I find it highly meaningful and inspiring that we come together like this every year as representatives of our respective faiths, all for the sake of improving society. Most of you here today have been involved with the MWR for many years already, during which time we have come to forge a common vision. Now let us make a devout prayer for happiness and prosperity in the nation, and peace and well-being in the world.
In this precious opportunity we have to come together, let us imbibe the power of goodness present throughout the universe, the enlightened nature existent in all beings, the ultimate source of peace and happiness in the world. May all genuine religions provide guidance and spiritual sustenance during these troubled times. Let us pray for peace in our hearts and peace in the world. Let our love for peace and love for the Earth join together and grow, transforming all negativity into auspiciousness, and joining all beings into one big family. May our prayers and blessings become a tangible force of goodness in the world.
Global Family for Love and Peace／The Buddhist-Muslim Dialogues