The bestowal of land upon Tanshen Temple from the philanthropist -
Chairman Sam Chang
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By Ben Li
Translated by Joanna Lin 12/15/2013 “Prefer happiness over struggle; prefer affinity over skills; prefer honesty to articulate; prefer divinity over wealth.” ~ Elder Lin ~ |
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In Taiwan, while Tao members are preparing for the 60th Remembrance Ceremony for Elder Peng in Shen Wei Temple at Mount Tian Tai, all Tao members at Tanshen Temple are also in commemoration of the previous Tao elders and seniors’ great virtues and contributions in Tao. To establish a temple in Los Angeles is not an easy task. The process is much like the building blocks which requires sacrifice and devotion from the previous elders and seniors and continuing efforts from the current Tao members. Remembering the elders’ admonitions is the vital strength for motivating us moving forward. Chinese has an old saying: “When you drink water, think of its source. When you are resting under a tree, think of who planted." We are very thankful that Heavenly Lord reveals the miracle to the Tao members at Tanshen Temple. Upon receiving the news, all the members are inspired and gratified by Chairman Chang's decision of bestowal of land upon Tanshen Temple. I feel obligated and committed to share to the public this miraculous story in honor of Chairman Chang's generous donation, in addition to commemorate Elder Peng who had sacrifice his whole life in order to continue the lineage of Bao Guang Jan Der.
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The story began in 1941. One of the senior Grand Masters was Elder Peng (潘公道長) who received Heavenly Decree to propagate Tao. In Shanghai, China, he initially setup the Tao prayer hall, named Bao Guang Group寶光組. Since then, all Tao cultivators who followed him were part of the Bao Guan Group. He devoted his whole life to expand and strengthen the Tao society. Under his leadership, the Tao had spread widely to many major cities in China; the number of Tao followers grew significantly. In 1946, several elders and members voluntarily immigrated to Taiwan for propagation of the Tao. Among them was Elder Young (楊永江老前人). At first, Elder Young struggled to spread Tao due to language barrier as he only spoke Mandarin while others spoke Taiwanese. Later, fortunately, he got acquainted with Elder Lu (Saint Yuanjue 圓覺大帝) who assisted him for translating the Tao from Mandarin to Taiwanese.
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Elder Peng
Elder Young
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Saint Yuanjue
Elder Lu
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During the sessions of translation, Elder Lu learned and gained realization the precious Tao. He was determined to assist Elder Young, and he shouldered his life to expand Tao. Propagation of Tao in Taiwan grew widely due to Elder Lu’s wholeheartedly dedication. Elder Lu had a Tao title, named "Jan Der", meaning of accumulation of virtue. Due to political situation then, establishing subgroup names was necessary to differentiate geographic locations. Our subgroup was named "Jan Der" in honor of Elder Lu's Tao Title. His selflessness and virtue is truly our model and would be deeply commemorated in our heart.
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Possessing a pioneering energy, the group of Bao Guang Jan Der was determined to expand Tao to many other countries. Establishing temples to educate people and promote qualities of morality is the key for global salvation. Especially, in United States, Elder Shie and Elder Lin have placed tremendous efforts and finance affairs to propagate the Tao. Anchored more than two decades, Tanshen Temple had been relocated 3 times. The temple was initially led by Master Lin Yinwen. Followed by Master Liang and Master Wu, they dedicated themselves for absolute devotion in propagation of Tao by sacrificing their career, families’ time, and energy. Their goals were to awaken the conscience in everyone, strengthening and expanding Tao, continuing on the lineage of Tao, and accomplishing the ultimate mission of global salvation
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However, many differences exist among the western and eastern cultures. Especially, many eastern religions and denominations had already chosen their main headquarters in Los Angeles as their teaching places. The famous Buddhist chapter - Hsi-Lai Temple 西來寺, affiliated Fo Guan Shang佛光山, is located on the foothills region of Hacienda Hts. Tzu Chi Foundation, the international humanitarian organization, also has many chapters situated in many cities throughout Los Angeles County. To propagate Tao in US during this period of time is a challenging task. The current phase of the Tao affair coincides with Elder's saying: "Tanshen Temple has been here 20 some years, but the outcome is only considered mediocre.” Taiwanese has an old saying: “The big rosters will only crow when they reach maturity.” – This perfectly reflects the gradual growth of Tao affairs of Tanshen Temple. The timing has not yet arrived, although all Tao members effort in promoting Tao. Until the moment arrives, the Tao will prosper and multiply.”
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An old saying states: “If the mountain doesn't move, the road does; if the people don’t move, God will. Where hills bend, streams wind and the pathway seems to end, past dark willows and flowers in bloom situates another village.” Master Lee 李美鳳點傳師 has been leading Tanshen Temple for nearly 15 years. She truly understands the urgency of awakening people’s conscience and reconnecting their soul with God during the last period of salvation. Creating a divine affinity with the public was the first step to introduce Tao. Started 2001, Tanshen Temple bridge with the communities and get acquainted with the people. Many classes were established for the public: I-Ching, Spanish, Acupuncture, Computer, Chiropractor, and Chinese Astrology.
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On January 22, 2012, I, Ben Li, the Educator and Scholar in Chinese Astrology, received the precious Tao. Many of my students also received Tao, including Mr. Hui-Rei Yu, Mr. Da-Zong Chang, Ms. Lyhong Lee, Ms. Wanchin Chiu, Mr. Yinyong Chuang, Mr. Hong Yo Liu, and Mr. Chuan-Hon Chen, etc. Upon receiving Tao, all those new members were highly elevated and motivated to assist the Master in the propagation of the Tao; they were determined to expand the group of Bao Guang Jan Der in Northern America continent. Master Lee encouraged all members with Saint Yuanjue's admonition: "Be kind to others; be strict to self; do not be loose; do not neglect.”
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In January, 2013, over 10 Tao members formed a “Spiritual Tour” for visiting other temples in Taiwan. Majority of them were newly receivers of Tao. They spent several days journeyed the Tao temples located in various cities throughout Taiwan. During the last 2 days of trip, they visited the Shen Wei Tian Tai Tao Environment, located in Tian Tai Mountain. They were very impressed by its breathtaking structures and magnificent view situated in the 400 acres holy land. They were told that Master Wu-Nien Yao 姚武年, the entrepreneur giant in the steel industry, was the land donor. Ten years ago, Master Yao had a plan to landscape a golf course, however, later, he felt the Tao affair needs a new environment to be elevated and expand, and he thought the land will provide the perfect need for strengthen and prosper the Tao. Thus, he bestowed the 400 acres land to Bao Guang Jan Der to build a temple upon. Because of his generosity, now Shen Wei Tian Tai Tao Environment provides a well-equipped holy site for all Tao members and the general public to learn and practice Tao. Upon understanding the remarkable story of Master Yao's huge land donation, they believed some day Tanshen Temple will have its own Tao environment to build and to share the precious Tao to the general public. Together, they all knelt and bowed in the main divine prayer hall for Heavenly Mother's mercy to assist Tanshen Temple in expanding its Tao location.
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Upon returning from the trip of "Spiritual Tour", in April, 2013, with Master Lee's inspiration and encouragement, all Tao members knelt and bowed 500 times, praying for Heavenly Mother continuing to bless us for propagation of Tao. With motivation of Saint Yuanjue's spirit, the Planning Department for future site of Tanshen Temple was established. Master Lee advised all members to follow Saint Yuanjue's admonition, to commemorate Elder Lin and Elder Chiu's devotion in expanding Tao environment in Singapore and Malaysia, and to learn from many successful stories that other temple-sites were built from ground zero. In reality, Tanshen Temple doesn’t have financial resources to fund, doesn’t have land to build upon, and doesn’t have human resource to deploy. However, Master Lee emphasized: "After travel thousands of road, only the way to Heaven will not harm." The Tao is the truth and the path to heaven. With our determination, future site of Tanshen Temple will be filfulled and accomplished.
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On August 25, 2013, on my way to attending the Sunday ritual, I received a phone call from my former classmate, Mr. Winlong Peng, from Guan-Nei High School. (Mr. Winlong Peng has the same last name as Elder Peng) He invited me to have luncheon with his cousin, Mr. Sam Chang. Mr. Sam Chang, the chairman of McSam Hotel Group, is one of the prolific and largest hotel developers in New York. Chairman Chang immigrated to US at age of 17. With his innovative business mind, pioneering energy, and work diligence, he has built the huge hotel empires in US, China and Taiwan. He owns more than 50 luxurious high-rise hotels and accumulated more than 10 billions of equity in hotel estates. Chairman Chang is the role model for all Chinese-American, the Hotel King, and the only person who had appeared on the front cover-page of Forbes for 3 times. His illustrious life shines among the Chinese-American communities. Not only is he a successful real estate entrepreneur, he is also a filial son. At his age of one, his father passed away. The financial burden was completely shouldered on his mother. Bearing bitter hardships in raising him up, his mother experienced the sours and sorrows of life. Knowing all things has a source; he always paid extreme filial piety, obedience, and love toward his mother. Every month, before he flew to Asia for routine business trips, he must visit his venerated mother in Los Angeles and prayed at his Father's memorial site. Last year, his beloved mother passed away, he was overwhelmed with grief.
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Chairman Chang understood the law of karma. If one is successful, one must return the blessing to God. Three years ago, he planned and financially sponsored the Temple of Mercy Charity, in New York. Because of his philanthropic giving, the Temple of Mercy Charity is currently a famous praying temple among the Chinese community in the east coast in US. Chairman Chang mentioned that he has four acres of land in the city of Valencia which the city is famous known for Six Flags Magic Mountain in California. The permit had already approved for building a 6 stories, 200-room Sheraton hotel on the site. However, the plan was crippled due to the economic crisis 5 years ago.
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Knowing Chairman Chang's wealth has already reached the peak of prosperity, I suggested: “Why not bestow the land to Tanshen Temple in honor of Mrs. Chang who just passed away last year”. The ultimate filial devotion is to bring recognition to one’s parents by leaving an honorable name forever through establishing good virtue and practicing Tao. I mentioned to him the story of filial piety from the 18th Patriarch Zhang Tien-Ran. Patriarch Zhang promoted and propagated the Tao together with Master Kern耿老師. However, Patriarch Zhang was frequently in deep sorrow over the death of his father who had not yet received. He was determined to raise his father to higher spiritual level into Kingdom of Heaven, so that his father can escape the vicious cycle of birth and death. He sincerely cultivated Tao, accumulated holy merits, and brought 64 people for receiving Tao in temple. Afterward, Master Kurn sincerely knelt and prayed to Heavenly Mother to bring Patriarch Zhang's father to heaven. Heavenly Mother granted his wish and advised: “From this point on, all sincere Tao cultivators will need to guide 64 people to seek Tao in order to spiritually raise their parents reaching heavens.” Patriarch Zhang was able to bring salvation to his parent and allow his father to reach rewards in heaven. His achievement of ultimate level of filial piety is an excellent standard for all Tao members in this White Period, the last period of catastrophes.
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After I told the story of Patriarch Zhang‘s filial piety toward his parents, Chairman Chang was deeply touched. At that moment, he decided to bestow 4 acres of land to build future site of Tanshen Temple. Later, I invited Chairman Chang and Mr. Peng to visit our temple in Alhambra. Chairman Chang met Master Lee. Master Lee shared with him her endurance of hardships and sorrows to propagate Tao in the past decade. Chairman Chang was absolutely inspired. He expressed his charitable intention and invited Master Lee to observe the land in person for the possibilities of building future site of Tanshen Temple. Immediately, that afternoon, Master Lee, Mr. and Mrs. Yu, Mr. Dazong Chang and I drove to the specific land at Valencia, California. All of us were very satisfied with the neighboring communities and the situated urban location. In the same evening, Master Lee informed Elder Lin that Chairman Chang's philanthropic giving.
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To gain better understanding on the bestowal of land, Elder Lin with 6 other seniors flew from Taiwan and arrived in Los Angeles on Saturday, September 7, at 8:30 pm. The following day, September 8, was the routine Sunday services at Tanshen Temple. Elder Lin inspired all Tao members with the many encouragements as follow. "Prefer happiness over struggle; Prefer affinity over skills; Prefer honesty to articulate, Prefer divinity over wealth." Tanshen Temple has been propagating Tao nearly 20 years. Many hardships were endured and sacrifices were devoted to spread Tao, however, the mission of extensive salvation has not been reached. Faith can only be revealed after one experienced obstacles and difficulties. Without sorrows and hardships, wouldn't all human become saints? Elder Lin encouraged to all Tao members: “Practice of Tao depends on me; Acquaintance of Tao bases on affinity; Virtues of Tao reveals from individual; Enlightenment of Tao builds upon on cultivation." With the miracle of bestowal upon Tanshen Temple, it truly revealed the Heavenly Mother felt our sincerity, thus, all members ought to be grateful for such glorious blessing. Tanshen Temple will begin a new chapter from now. The outcome of the bestowal of land given to Tanshen Temple depends on the ripeness of affinity. Elder Lin reminded all members to join Master Lee in accomplishing the mission of expanding Tao, as well as carrying out the miraculous blessing from our Heavenly Mother in global salvation. My former classmate, Mr. and Mrs. Peng were the attendees of the Sunday gathering on September 8. With full comprehension of Elder Lin’s teaching, Mr. and Mrs. Peng also received Tao in the afternoon.
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Elder Lin continued on the following guidance: although Chairman Chang is not a Tao member, his benevolence of bestowal upon Tanshen Temple is considered rare and precious affinity. All Tao members must learn from Chairman Chang’s merciful and virtuous deeds. According to the Chinese History, during Chin Dynasty, Mr. Fengyi Wong taught the people with righteous moral value, and he benevolently sponsored financial resource to local schools. Everyone called him the Philanthropist, Mr. Wong. Now, Elder Lin praised Chairman Chang as the Philanthropist, Mr. Chang. Chairman Chang, having the compassionate heart and devoting to help others in needs, is willing to bestow the valuable acres of land to Tanshen Temple. Elder Lin acknowledged the market valued of land exceeding one billion dollars, thus, Bao Guang Jan Der would also match the same dollar value to build the Temple. The Temple will be designed and architected the theme of European-Rome structure; the site will be the future the location of the World Headquarter of the Tao. Elder Lin also emphasized that the philanthropic story of Chairman Chang's merciful and virtuous deeds will be engraved in the front lobby of the new temple. Elder Lin also encouraged Master Lee to nurture more Tao members to deeply root and strengthen the Tao environment.
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My former classmate, Mr. Peng thought that both Chairman Chang and Elder Lin are influential leaders: one is the most prolific hotel developers, and other is the Tao Elder leading millions of Tao members. Both have communicated, but they never met in person. Mr. Peng mentioned: “My cousin travels monthly to Taiwan and China for business affairs, and he will be heading to Taiwan by the end of September." With that in mind, I thought a special meeting should be arranged for Chairman Chang and Elder Lin. On September 24, 2013, Master Lee, Mr. Peng, and I flew to Taiwan. First stop was to invite Chairman Chang to tour the newly build Tanlun Tao Environment, in Zhanghoa on September 30, 2013. Chairman Chang was very impressive of the majestic Tao environment. During the visit, I expressed to Chairman Chang that he is the king of the hotel developer who builds 10 hotels simultaneously, and Elder Lin is the Tao leader who oversees 10 temples at once. I continued: “Both of you have the same pioneering energy and unique characteristics.” “Would you like to meet Elder Lin?” I asked. He agreed.
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On October 2, 2013, the generous Philanthropist, Chairman Chang, visited the San Wei Tian Tai Mountain Tao environment in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. All Tao members and Elder Lin wholeheartedly welcomed his arrival. Elder Lin expressed: "The blessings of wealth and money are God's plan for us to care for others.” 10 years ago, since Master Yao donated the land to build Shen Wei Tian Tai Shan Tao Environment, numerous people have sought to have divine affinities with the Tao, and countless people have learned and practiced the Tao. Recently, we see several billionaires have donated their wealth to the public for promote the welfare of other people and building a better community. The philanthropic giving is a significant moral contribution to our society. Chairman Chang's bestowal of land to Tanshen Temple will benefit many people whose life will later be changed. His precious and benevolent deed has immeasurable merit and virtue; the selfless manner will bring immeasurable joy and will lead to accomplishing anything from perspective of life. Chairman Chang is indeed the most extraordinary mentor to all Tao members of the Bao Guan Jan Der group.
The bestowal of land - 26501 McBean Parkway, Valencia, CA 91355
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