The Bright Moon Garden: A Place Where Practitioners with Authentic Realization Will Emerge
The Master once stood at the entrance of the monastery's monastic residences and vowed to protect all disciples who study, contemplate, and meditate (engage in Hear, Think, Cultivate) here. This entry plaza also holds the profound memory of the Master reciting the Praise to Dependent Origination with the monastics.
The Master then made a prophecy: "This place will surely produce many practitioners with authentic realization." This statement is the Master's expectation, a prayer, and a formal prophecy (Nirvana prophecy).
The "Bright Moon" (Mingyue) represents the Spiritual Advisor (Good Teacher), who constantly accompanies us through the dark night of saṃsāra, shining with pure coolness and brilliant light, alleviating the suffering of sentient beings.
Disciples must never forget the Spiritual Advisor and weep alone in the dark night. We are already the most fortunate; we have already encountered the Master (Shifu) and Teacher.
Eastern White Pine, also known as Pinus strobus. Native to eastern North America, it is one of the tallest conifer trees in the region, often reaching heights of 50 to 60 meters. Its most recognizable feature is the five soft, slender needles in each bundle, with a bluish-green color. The Eastern White Pine is highly cold-tolerant and plays an important ecological role by stabilizing soil and providing food and shelter for birds and squirrels. Its wood is light, straight-grained, and easy to work with. Since colonial times, it has been valued for shipbuilding, construction, furniture, paper, and even musical instruments. Beyond its practical uses, this tree also carries cultural meaning. Among Native American tribes, it is called the “Tree of Peace,” symbolizing unity and protection. The Eastern White Pine truly stands as a forest giant with beauty, ecological value, and cultural significance.
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