Dear Dharma Protectors and Friends, Auspicious blessings to you all!

Time has passed quickly; as another year draws to a close, I would like to send my prayers to all our benefactors for a peaceful new spring.

As the river of time flows, this world continues to be filled with both joy and sorrow. Just like the previous years, I have not stopped traveling in 2009, in order to follow Buddha’s example in covering the world with his footsteps and teachings. The only difference is that having dedicated most of my time to Buddhism, not much had been spared to care for my physical health. Despite the continued degradation of my vision, my mind tells me that I cannot disappoint the devotees for their dedication and support. Therefore my footsteps have only sped up for Dharma propagation. Somehow, this has enabled me to find a brighter and clearer mind, which can be considered a type of unexpected benefit.

An overview of 2009 reveals both exciting developments in history, as well as heart-breaking tragedies. On August 8th, Typhoon Morakot struck Taiwan and caused the most devastating damages in fifty years. In only three days’ time, dozens of towns and villages in Southern Taiwan were washed out by the flood that dislocated thousands of families and took countless lives. “Heaven and earth are so ruthless that human lives are regarded as livestock.” How can the world bear to see this?

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