There are four patron Bodhisattvas of Chinese Buddhism, Avalokitesvara, Manjusri, Samantabhadra and Ksitigarbha respectively serve as the embodiment of compassion, wisdom, practice and vow, which is the four ideal personality.

In modern society, mankind has constantly created the material wealth, and given the present-day affluence and comfort of the modernized material life, and which bring us merely the happiness on the outside, only if we constructed our spiritual homeland well, can we get the real happiness and joy.

By adhering to the spirit of compassion, wisdom, practice and vow of the four patron Bodhisattvas, we Shaolin Monks, would like to make a positive contribution to the establishment of our spiritual homeland of common humanity together, with friends who have a strong commitment to and high sense of responsibility of  and vote to this goal. 

Let’s work together regardless of nations, races and politics,

Let’s pay more attention to poverty alleviation;

Let’s pay more attention to Education;

Let’s pay more attention to environmental protection;

Let’s pay more attention to the social affairs;

Let’s pay more attention to world peace…

Shaolin Culture, as world cultural heritage, belongs not only to China, but to all of humanity. What’s more, we need to shoulder the responsibility of being brave in practice and benefiting all the sentient beings with dharma, and we shall also live up to the high expectation that the era and society have bestowed on Chinese Buddhism and Shaolin Temple. All in all, We shall face criticism with respect, and we shall confront doubts with gratitude. 

As the North America Shaolin Culture Festival kicks off at Harvard University, on behalf of the inheritor of Shaolin Culture, I’d like to take this opportunity to sincerely pray together with all the Shaolin disciples—

Pray for world peace;

Pray that mankind can share the achievements of civilizations;

Pray that all the sentient beings can stay away from fears and worries;

Pray for human health;

Amitabha!

Abbot of China Songshan Shaolin Temple: Shi Yongxin

 At Harvard University’s Memorial Church

On October 8, 2013