109 - The Philosophy of Sheng-Yen Lu

Preface:“I”

Whatis “I”?

Does it represent a person, or is there a deeper, more elusive meaning to it?

The word “I” is both concrete and profoundly abstract. It encompasses the entiretyof life, existence, and thought, yet it remains fluid, constantly shifting indefinition and significance.

In short, the word “I” deserves far more exploration than we often give it.

While I seek to explain what “I” is, can I truly capture its full essence in a single book? The truth is, this “I” is neither fixed nor definitive; it is an ongoing evolution. At its core, it is a concept in constant flux.

To help illustrate, let us take “I” as “Living Buddha Lian Sheng Sheng-Yen Lu.” What does “I” mean in this context? Who exactly is“I”? What is “I” meant to do? These questions cannot be answered solely by conventional frameworks or definitions.

If I were to attempt to answer these three questions directly, the simplest response would be:

 I am a buddha.

 I am the incarnation of the White Mahapadmakumara.

 I have come to this world to guide all beings.

 However, this kind of answer, rooted in religion, speaks most clearly to my disciples, yet it may not resonate with those outside that context. Many people are drawn to understanding Sheng-Yen Lu not just for his spiritual teachings, but for his life, philosophy, and moral insights. This is why I feel compelled to write this book.

Since “I” is ever-changing, I believe this book can be seen as an inquiry, a work inprogress. The philosophical thoughts of Sheng Yen Lu, like all philosophical ideas, are infinite and boundless. I am constantly evolving, with new insights emerging daily. The thoughts shared within these pages are not static but live in a state of perpetual growth, always moving forward.

So, is “I” inherently complex? The answer to that is not so simple.

I have two answers to this question.

First,it is very simple.

I am the vast emptiness.

Second,it is very complex.

Because within the vast emptiness, everything exists.

This year, I turned fifty—an age often called “half a century.” Over these years, I founded the True Buddha School, a religious institution, and authored 108 books. While I am primarily a writer and a religious leader, I also carry the role of a scholar, balancing knowledge with leadership. My journey, however, goes beyond these titles. I have been a worker, an engineer, a teacher, a military officer, a journalist, a poet, a painter, and more.

My work has continued to expand. Beyond my previous roles, I now also serve as a“clairvoyant” and a “Vajrayana guru.” I am not only a teacher of Buddhist teachings; I offer counsel on a wide range of social matters, guiding individuals through the everyday challenges of life as well as advising on the profound issues that influence the survival of nations.

In this world, how truly unique and all-encompassing am I? There seems to be noone else who lives with the same breadth of experience, the same depth of engagement. At present, there is no one like Living Buddha Lian Sheng. Sheng-Yen Lu. This fact underscores the significance of this book and reflects the inner resolve of Sheng Yen Lu himself.

Someone once asked,

“Isn’t The Philosophy of Sheng-Yen Lu just you writing about yourself?”

I replied,

“Exactly.I am writing about myself.”

They pressed further,

 “Writing about yourself—how do you do that?”

 I answered,

“It’s like having a conversation with oneself. Haha!”

Someone once asked,

“Sheng-Yen Lu, aren’t you being very arrogant?”

I responded,

“This‘I’ is driven by an unshakable confidence in my own will. My perseverance and determination are unmatched. I am in the process of creating a world-class religion, approaching it with the artistry that a master craftsman would bring to their work. In truth, I embody the spirit of the Buddha. My goal has always been to create a complete and flawless Buddhadharma, one free from external interference. This is not arrogance; it is the profound realization born from spiritual insight.”

What am I?

To understand Living Buddha Lian Sheng Sheng-Yen Lu, simply read this book.

Written in June 1994 at the True Buddha Tantric Quarters,

Redmond,Washington, U.S.A.

Living Buddha Lian Sheng, Sheng-YenLu

17102 NE 40th Ct.

Redmond, WA 98052

U. S. A.