05/13/2024
"Dear Worldwide Sangha,
If we’re going to properly celebrate the birth of the Buddha, we will need to give a very special gift. The Buddha’s teachings are very much alive, and what we can do to properly give the Buddha is to honor and embrace his teachings. The wonderful thing about the Buddha’s teachings is that they have carried on for over 2,500 years. No teachings last that long unless they are profound and valuable. The Buddha taught us that we can emancipate ourselves. We can release ourselves from the delusions of otherness and fully awaken to the realization that all of the universe is interconnected, that there is nothing unconnected.
For most of us, the only way we can fully realize this truth is to train our minds. If we read the various accounts of the Buddha’s life, what truly stands out are the stories of his strong and sincere efforts to practice. He questioned who he was and learned to focus and concentrate. He learned how to let go and just see, just hear, just be. He Woke Up! Best of all, he taught that all of us are capable of waking up and he generously gave profound teachings on how we can do that.
So let us give the gift of effort, love and generosity. Let us fully honor and thank the Buddha by also waking up and helping this world unconditionally, just as he did.
Happy Buddha's Birthday!
Zen Master Soeng Hyang (Barbara Rhodes)
Head Zen Master, Kwan Um School of Zen"
