We Are All Indebted to Tang Monk

—Reflections on Foshan Celestial’s Post "The Ancient Past Like Mist, the Tang Dynasty Like a Dream"

Xuefeng

August 8, 2005, Harare

Amid the vast sands of humanity, there are countless grains of gold—and among them, Tang Monk shines the brightest.

Tang Monk is not only a spiritual treasure of the Chinese people but a spiritual treasure of all humankind.

It was his unwavering pursuit of truth that empowered an ordinary man to overcome unimaginable trials. Over nineteen years, he journeyed on foot for more than 15,000 miles, translated seventy-four volumes of scriptures, and authored the twelve-volume Great Tang Records on the Western Regions. This spirit transcends greatness—it cannot be honored merely with prostrations. No, that is too superficial. Tang Monk is the embodiment of truth, a precious gift granted to humanity by the Primordial Buddha.

Before Tang Monk, all we can feel is reverence and awe; all we can do is praise while realizing our own smallness. Compared with him, we are ordinary mortals—wriggling worms, walking shells of flesh without soul.

What was Tang Monk pursuing? Was it wealth? Power? Fame? Beauty? Honor and Glory? A prosperous household? Luxuries? Praise? A lasting legacy? None of these. He pursued truth—the mysteries of LIFE and the ultimate meaning of existence.

What are we busy with every day? What are we striving for? Have we truly contemplated the meaning of life and the value of our existence?

Do we think we suffer? Compare that with Tang Monk. Do we think our living conditions are hard? Compare them with his. Do we feel lonely? Compare that with his solitude. Do we think we are important? Compare ourselves with him. Do our lives carry true meaning? Measure them against his.

We are indebted to Tang Monk. Unknowingly, we draw nourishment from his wisdom, strength from his spirit, inspiration from his actions, and guidance from his soul. “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire,” said Jesus.

We must repay our debt. We must become trees that bear fruit. We must inherit his spirit and carry forward the essence of Buddha’s teachings.

To live even one day is to take one step closer to truth. To live one day is to bear one day’s worth of fruit. To live one day is to scatter one day’s worth of love. To live one day is to live with clarity, dignity, and no regrets.

What does it matter if our food is plain? What does it matter if our shelter is humble? What does it matter if no one notices us? What does it matter if we suffer hardship?

As long as we hold Tang Monk’s unwavering faith, his unshakable will, his fearless spirit, his burning compassion, and his pure heart, each day becomes meaningful, each day is a reason for pride, each day bears fruit, and each day blends with truth, kindness, beauty, and love.

Why fear death? Who does not die? As long as we dedicate ourselves to the work of Lifechanyuan, even if we die tomorrow, we will still live on—our souls awakened, journeying toward heaven.

What is the purpose of life? If one’s spirit and soul are dead, then life is no different from death. Such a person only consumes resources and burdens others, contributing nothing of value.

Fellow Chanyuan Celestials: Let us learn from Tang Monk. It does not matter if the world misunderstands us. That is not our concern. We walk the path toward the highest realm of life. We will let our lives radiate with brilliance. We journey toward the most beautiful destination of the Elysium World—the Celestial Islands Continent. We strive to perfect our lives and reach the ideal shore.

Let us join hands, learn from and encourage one another, and guide humanity into the era of Lifechanyuan.

The spirit of Tang Monk will forever inspire our path forward.

Thank you, Foshan Celestial, for your compassionate heart in offering us this precious nourishment for the soul and spirit.