Editor's Note
Master Sheng Yen established Dharma Drum Mountain in 1989 and, in that same year, acquired the land that would become the Dharma Drum Mountain complex. On October 21, 2005, Shifu delivered the following address at the Inauguration Ceremony of the Dharma Drum Mountain, marking the formal completion of the main complex after sixteen years of development. Speaking before an international gathering of religious leaders, Buddhist scholars, and supporters, Master Sheng Yen articulated the founding vision of Dharma Drum Mountain: to do what is truly beneficial and urgently needed by society and the world, grounded in the principle of "Arising of Great Compassion."

This article was translated by Venerable Chang Zhai and edited by Edward Lin. The article is excerpted from the Dharma Drum Complete Works 2020 Commemorative Edition.

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It has been sixteen years since the founding of Dharma Drum Mountain. During this time, we have encountered many difficulties, obstacles, and failures. Yet, because we have remained steadfast in doing what is beneficial and needed by society and the world—and because of the continuous support of many people—we have achieved the modest scale we see today.

Looking back sixteen years ago, there was no Dharma Drum Mountain here at all. Now many buildings have emerged. For these structures to hold meaning and serve a purpose, they must be used to benefit society and the world. There are things that few have yet considered doing, yet they are urgently needed by society and the world—we should strive to do our utmost. This is also the founding conviction of Dharma Drum Mountain, and it is under this conviction that we have steadily moved forward.

Photo by DDM archives Ya Ying Lin

However, our development cannot yet be called a success; it is merely the beginning of the journey toward success. As for myself, I am like someone who has only just lit a fire—there is still much to be done, and others will need to carry this work forward.

The world is filled with numerous problems. We cannot make the world completely free from them; however, we can free ourselves from fear and suffering, and we can ease conflicts between people, between people and society, and between people and nature.

If our concepts and ideas are solely focused on conquering others—other groups or the natural environment—conflicts will inevitably arise, bringing suffering and misfortune. Wherever there is conflict, there will be suffering, which in turn creates further trouble and destruction. Therefore, we must begin with a transformation of the mind—changing our thoughts and perspectives.

Inauguration Ceremony of Dharma Drum Mountain, 2005. Photo by DDM archives

The theme of the “Inauguration Ceremony of Dharma Drum Mountain” is “Arising of Great Compassion,” a theme carrying two layers of meaning:

First, we hope that each of us can give rise to great compassion from within. With great compassion, we can regard and cherish our family, friends, society, and all peoples equally. If most people could reach such a state, the world would be at peace.

Second, we call upon people worldwide to give rise to great compassion. Only then can our society and the world achieve lasting peace. Though we cannot control natural disasters through human effort alone, we can still effectively reduce their occurrence by transforming our mindset.

Today is the first time since the founding of Dharma Drum Mountain that such a grand event has been held. We have invited leaders from major world religions, many renowned Buddhist scholars, supporters who have returned from all over the world, and friends from all walks of life in Taiwan to join us for the ceremony.

Our supporters come in two types: those who frequently take part in our activities, and those who identify with and support the ideals of Dharma Drum Mountain but attend our events less frequently. Regardless, they are all great Dharma protectors of Dharma Drum Mountain, and I wish to express my sincerest gratitude.

An artist once remarked with admiration that the construction of Dharma Drum Mountain is itself a work of art embodying my own style. In truth, all I possess are ideas and aspirations. It is through the participation and support of countless individuals that Dharma Drum Mountain has taken on its present form.

The establishment of Dharma Drum Mountain is not my accomplishment alone; it is the collective result of everyone who participated in its creation.

In fact, anyone who cares about Dharma Drum Mountain is our supporter, and I would like to express my gratitude to all of them.

At the same time, we ask for your continued support. If you notice any shortcomings, mistakes, or areas where we fall short, please let us know. And if you see our strengths, please share them with others. Thank you!