I am 25 years old and have a great future as a violinist. I could have had anything I wanted; instead, I vowed to become a monk. Exposed to Buddhist practices since I was 17 due to influences from friends, I progressed to deeper forms of Buddhism in 2009. I once assisted a Thai Theravada monk who was assigned to the Philippines. With him, I felt a certain kind of peace. Eventually we parted ways, but I kept wondering what made me feel peaceful and focused at the time. It was in 2010 when I was invited by Celia Cacdac to visit and join Ocean Sky activities. I declined at first, because it was far from where I lived and would require long trips. The next year, she and her children went to Chung Tai Monastery in Taiwan. I was supposed to take a trip to another temple, but changed my mind because Celia invited me to join them for the trip. In Chung Tai, I accompanied Maybelle (Celia’s daughter) on the violin, when she sang during Chung Tai’s 10th anniversary celebration. After the trip, it dawned on me that I cannot be a violinist forever. Finally, I decided that I wanted to become a monk, and told Abbess Master Jianding that I wanted to leave home-life. She advised me to finish all the meditation classes first.
From then on, I was able to practice what I know better. With the permission of Abbess Master Jianshu, I reflected on how monastic life would be, and became more serious and sincere in my practice with her guidance. I hope to become a novice in Chung Tai Monastery.
The most important lesson from the Buddhist classes I took in Ocean Sky was how to empty myself. I learned detachment from worldly possessions. Now I understand the true meaning of life. I have found my true nature. I understand the law of causality and dependent origination. I learned how to appreciate and accept conditions as they come, and how to be a good person, practicing good thoughts and doing good deeds.
Ocean Sky is the best place to get to know oneself and realize one’s true nature. Despite having to let go of a chance to pursue a Master’s degree in Music in the U.S., I feel no regrets.