Bliss of Complete Cessation

Jake Lyne

We transferred the merit of Shifu's life; all present writing their vows on leaf shaped pieces of card in the spirit of Shifu's own vows: he had used the phrase, "Though the universe may end, my vows are eternal." These cards were carried to the burial site and handed over so that they could later be attached to a tree on campus. The burial of ashes was in five unmarked holes, representing the five elements, on a sloping, green clearing with a path round it so that people could walk round in file to pay respects.

The kneeling volunteers lining the procession prostrated in a sort of wave as the ashes passed by. They were mostly in tears. The President of the Republic of China, Taiwan, was present. He had said that Shifu had helped him in establishing his attitude to his Presidency with these words, "Concern for the people, concern for the country, concern for the world. Bring peace to oneself, bring peace to others, bring peace and joy to sentient beings." The men in dark suits surrounding the President, some carrying guns in brief cases, were his bodyguard. Thirty thousand or more joined the procession walking in twos, leading up to the burial site, circling around it and then coming back down to the road, where every individual was personally greeted and thanked by the Abbot President. The procession went on well into darkness.

Three deep bows transfer the merit of a lifetime
Last remains carried along an avenue of tears,
returned to the source.

Behind in silence
tens of thousands turn the Dharma Wheel.
On the empty hillside,
life and death are cast aside

In mountain mist,
in clouds and rain
Our vows of continuation