Chan Magazine Summer 2005

Your Eminence,

I have read of His Holiness Pope John Paul II’s passing on April 3, 2005. I am very pained by this news. The Pope’s passing is our world’s loss. He was a religious leader for all humankind whose unwavering commitment to promoting world peace and whose engagement in interreligious dialogue have been greatly felt all over the world. I believe people of all religions, all countries and all races will commemorate him forever.

I met with His Holiness Pope John Paul II personally in Vatican City in 1997. I will never forget that meeting with the Pope. His wisdom and compassion have opened the heavy door to pluralistic dialogue and tolerance among people of all religions. This is a legacy for humankind that will forever be in this world.

I would like to represent the more than one million followers of Dharma Drum Mountain worldwide in extending our condolences on the Pope’s passing.

Respectfully yours, Master Sheng Yen, Founder, Dharma Drum Mountain Buddhist Association

Contents

From the Editor

Dharma of Teachings, Dharma of Mind
   The fourth in a series of lectures based on the Platform Sutra by Chan Master Sheng Yen

Togata and Coda
   Poem by Adam Pergament

“Who is dragging a corpse around?” 
   Retreat Report by C.M.

The Past
   News from the Chan Meditation Center and DDMBA

The Future 
   Retreats, classes, and other upcoming events

Chan Center Affiliates