My husband, Mario Suangco† and I were both seekers of truth. We have been to different religious groups looking for our identity, mission, and the true meaning of life.

Mario was first introduced to Buddhism in 2003 at the Universal Wisdom Foundation, from where he found out about Ocean Sky. At that time, Ocean Sky was just new. He attended the evening class and discussed things with the Abbot, talking about different subjects and aspects of Buddhism. Mario was always close with the previous Abbot, and was in constant communication with him even after his term in the Philippines ended.

Ocean Sky Chan Monastery transformed Mario into a better person. Through his meditation classes, chanting of mantras, and recitation of sutras, he got the answers he was seeking for. His faith became even deeper. He became humbler, and more appreciative, and grateful. He was calmer, more forgiving and kinder to everyone, especially our children. He recited the Heart Sutra and meditated everyday. He became more detached from material things. He also ate less meat afterwards, him being a bodybuilding advocate who was so used to a protein-rich diet filled with meat.

Mario had always been a helpful and trustworthy friend to his classmates, business partners, and co-workers. Every time someone asked for his help, he would go the extra mile to assist without expecting anything in return. Even during our family’s financial crisis, he still used his free time to do volunteer work and attend classes in Ocean Sky. He was present in every activity and even pitched in on short notice for other volunteers who could not come. He never complained of hardships or indifference. Mario often told me that he loved to be at Ocean Sky because it was where he found peace and joy in volunteering.

If he has a bigger and more important role to accomplish in his next life, I think he has prepared himself well for it.

Life and Time are the world’s two best teachers. Life teaches us to make good use of time, and time teaches us the value of life.

He will always be in my heart.

To a great friend and husband, and father to our children, Mario, peace be with you.

Amitofo.

I came to Ocean Sky at a time when I was thinking of what to do with my life. But before that, there were some areas in my life that I needed to put back on the right track, to put in order. I was aware that my inner self was going to be my source of strength and stability before starting anything new. I started taking important steps to do this and things seemed to do well until I faced the biggest and most difficult task: learning to forgive. Yes, I sought help but it seemed that the pain would remain forever in my heart. That was my state of being before I entered Ocean Sky.

Since the first session, Zen meditation became my daily source of strength and stability. The lectures clarified what areas in my life needed some attention and became a source of deep reflection for change. I became more alert, more positive in my thinking and feelings. And yes, the emotional pain that made it difficult for me to forgive has started to lighten up. My mind became more alert, even my own son noticed moments of distraction are now gone. Creativity and enthusiasm have come back, and I am really happier now.

In my three months of study, there were two high points that I would like to share with you. While I gained many benefits from the classes, the next step was to explore the other activities offered at Ocean Sky. On February 12, I attended the half-day retreat. Since this was my first time to attend the activity, I carefully followed the instructions and made sure that I stayed silent. While standing before the formal meal, as we silently said our vows, a subtle, gentle, yet powerful feeling of self- respect embraced my whole being. Then I became aware that I have not respected the sentient beings in the way that I was experiencing at that moment. I was moved to tears. I silently made a vow not to eat anything that is killed. When craving to eat meat comes, as it had been a habit for many years, I just go back to this powerful experience. This also brought healing to my broken relationships in the past, the return of my self- respect and my respect for them.

Another high point happened in the next half-day retreat in March 25, 2012. I realized that each and every activity that we were doing then, the chanting, prostration, the silences, and the meals are done with sacredness. That made me aware of the kind of life we have outside Ocean Sky, that everything we have, material resources, relationships, skills, time, our very life is sacred and have to be treated as such.

My being here is not an accident. It was meant to be. The new learning and realizations, and putting them into practice will be easier while being in this supportive community, the Sangha.

It was in 2008 when my wife started attending the meditation classes in Ocean Sky. I had just been laid off from work and was devastated. My life had no concrete direction and was just making ends meet with a little savings. The little business that I started wasn’t making enough to support my family. But I still held on. My wife was busy going to her meditation class and taking care of our only daughter. After almost a year, our business was not doing well, no matter how hard I struggled and worked.

Each time we met during dinner, my wife would start meals by silently making an offering to the Three Jewels which I didn’t understand. She then kept talking about meditation. On weekends, she would even take our daughter to the monastery to join the kids’ class. They seemed very happy, and it didn’t really bother me. My faith in the Catholic Church had deepened when Mari-Len battled cancer for two years and was finally cleared. I prayed the rosary everyday and devoted time to the Black Nazarene of Quiapo (a Christian saint popular in the Philippines). Mari-Len’s study of Buddhism in Ocean Sky didn’t really interest me, as long as we were able to go to Mass on Sundays. But somewhere at the back of my mind, I was confused as to why my wife was dividing her time between two religions.

Then, things started to pick up at work. When I told my wife about the good days, she would simply reply that it was good karma. By this time, she was doing a lot of volunteer work in the monastery. Most of the time, she helped out in decorating and even became a receptionist. She said that the good business of ours was a result of merits obtained through meditation and service. For me, it was just coincidence.

Then one day, I received a call from my former boss to go work for him again. When I told Mari-Len the good news, my wife simply replied: “Now do you believe me?” It suddenly made sense. Immediately she offered for me to be a benefactor in a ceremony in Ocean Sky. It was a repentance ceremony and lasted for about four hours. The chanting was in Chinese, and I was bored. But the food was so delicious. All the Dharma Masters and lay people were kind and accommodating.

One thing that I couldn’t forget was how former Abbess Master Jianyong welcomed me with such warmth, that I finally understood why my wife so enjoyed her time in Ocean Sky. I also met the president, Albert Tan, who told me about the benefits of learning Buddhism and how it had changed his life. That was a new beginning for me. I started attending classes and learned about the teachings of Buddha which I applied to my everyday life.

Life has never been the same again since we adapted Buddhism into our family life. Then things got better when our business started to expand. With much gratitude, we continue to support Ocean Sky in our little ways. We know that challenges will still come our way, but we shall be able to cope because we understand that everything is impermanent. We know we will be safe as long as we have Buddhism and Ocean Sky behind us.

I started here as a reluctant volunteer this past summer. I admit that my first time working here surprised me because of the hectic schedule, but every muscle ache was worth it after the 5-day Bodhi Star Summer Camp. Who wouldn’t be inspired when you see fellow volunteers working tirelessly, uncomplaining, but still grateful for their chance to serve? It was also my first time to hear lessons from a Buddhist monastery, so together with the children I listened to every lesson taught, and the wisdom I gained was enough to last a lifetime.

The nuns of Ocean Sky are the epitome of their teachings. They are the reason why I keep coming back here. Every second that I observe and work with them is a moment of learning. They offer a wealth of knowledge, asking for nothing in return. It’s like having an Olympic gold medalist as your personal trainer, or your grandparent opening your eyes to the joys of living.

I was tasked to teach Wushu to the kids that summer camp. From then on, everyone has been fondly calling me a Wushu Master, even if I am still just memorizing San Lu (a basic form), when at this age, I should be doing Chang Quan (a more advanced form). The amount of recognition I have experienced here is truly heartwarming. Everyone’s help and talent is very much appreciated here, no matter how small one contributes. Plus the food is endless.

I will gladly take the Five Precepts formally as soon as the opportunity arises. Not because of the food, not because of the recognition, not because of the exotic cultural experience, but because for once in my life, my purpose has become clear, my values have been confirmed, and my beliefs have been rectified. I could not have come to Ocean Sky Chan Monastery at a better time. Buddha has shown me the vast and true nature of things and I will continue to learn what I can while I can.

Among the things I learned from the classes was non-attachment. It was emphasized throughout the teachings as a basic cause of suffering. Another is to be compassionate to all beings. In the cycle of Samsara, it is important for us to help others alleviate suffering through this simple practice. Great changes occurred to me through my involvement, and I am able to practice in real life what was taught by the Abbess. I now deal with others by reflecting and contemplating on the teachings. There are a lot more things which were taught to us, but the biggest transformation in me was that I became more compassionate towards beings. In understanding that we all suffer, and that we cannot be complacent watching others suffer more, compassion with genuine intention is essential and should be practiced at all times. This is one of the greatest things that I learned in Buddhism. I also learned that external objects are also impermanent, thus they cannot provide us true happiness. Since we are so used to finding our source of happiness in external objects, we forget to watch our actions and thoughts. True happiness can be realized through non-attachment and mastery of the mind by practicing meditation and study of Buddhism. We must continue to practice, as we go forth on our way to liberation.

It may be difficult at first to accept the teachings of Buddha, but my advice to newcomers would be for them to always keep an open mind, and to always reflect and apply the teachings in one’s life.

We all have our reasons for attending the beginners’ meditation classes here in Ocean Sky Chan Monastery. I geared myself not to expect anything and wholeheartedly immersed myself in understanding what Chan meditation is all about.

What have I learned and gained from Chan (Zen) meditation? I have yet to start regularly practicing meditation and yet, I have already felt that one, my concentration and reasoning have improved a little; and two, I sleep more soundly now and my blood pressure is lower. But this is not the main reason why we do Chan meditation. We meditate to see things as they really are. My meditation experience is very personal and what I can share is indescribable in words. I would say that the path to awakening and enlightenment is both easy and hard depending on one’s frame of mind, determination and persistence to learn. At the end of the day, meditation helps us to become more compassionate and wiser.

The Four Noble Truths to me is a very profound teaching and not easy to comprehend. The first one is the hardest to accept and realize but once accepted, you’d be on the road to enlightenment. Understanding the First Noble Truth may take a lifetime of examination and an attitude of awareness and alertness over a long period of time. I may say truthfully and frankly that I have yet to digest the First Noble Truth, to absorb it in my mind and heart. Chan meditation is a way of understanding this Noble Truth.

The Eightfold Path to me is a way of life. Intellectual understanding of the Eightfold Path is inadequate. Reflection is a must on these teachings. We have to consider what they really mean. Reflective understanding and acting should be a way of life.

Over the course of 12 weeks, there was a gradual change of attitude and outlook in my view towards life in general and people in particular. I have learned to accept things as they are, to be careful with my words and actions, to realize the cause and effect of words and actions upon others and its consequences, to be more compassionate towards others and to be a little bit more patient with people and situations. The change is neither transformational nor sudden but gradual. Contentment is my objective and enlightenment in any degree is the final goal.

With the adept assistance of Ocean Sky Chan Monastery’s Abbess, Shifus and Dharma brothers, we all hope to learn and understand, and be on the right path to enlightenment.