The monk took the escalator down. The flower-shaped lights symbolized the world of sensual pleasures; dark shadows, people who were confused and lost in this world. The photo conveys the message that monks should “walk into this world,” engage and enlighten people. (Photographer: Qing-Quan Lin. Date and place photos were taken: 2006-2010; Fo Guang Shan.)

The monk sat still on the roadside. On his back is a sign advertising gold trading and lottery tickets, symbol of money; on the top right corner is a couple, symbol of emotion and lust. Surrounded by these seductions, the monk still concentrates on alms. The picture suggests that a monk should have an unmovable heart in the world of mortals (red dust) and be able to face all the temptations. (Photographer: Qing-Quan Lin. Date and place photos were taken: 2006-2010; Fo Guang Shan.)

“Measureless are the Dharma, I vow to master.” Buddhism believes that every sutra is a dharma door and every dharma door is a key to open a closed heart. In order to ferry all sentient beings across the sea of suffering, monks need to study numerous sacred books well. (Photographer: Qing-Quan Lin. Date and place photos were taken: 2006-2010; Fo Guang Shan.)

Putting palms together, whispering sutras and mantras, and sincerely worshiping Buddha. Wishing to meet the Buddha nature inside oneself, and wishing to see Buddha and be enlightened when the lotus blossoms. Dedicating one’s accumulated merits to all sentient beings, praying for their liberation from suffering, and praying for their attaining Bodhi. (Photographer: Qing-Quan Lin. Date and place photos were taken: 2006-2010; Fo Guang Shan.)

Who is the one worshiping alone and who is the one being worshiped in this empty Buddhism hall? Who am I and who will be me? True Buddhism emphasizes on one’s Buddha nature inside, not the Buddha idolatry. To kneel down and worship is actually to unfold the Buddha nature in one’s heart. (Photographer: Qing-Quan Lin. Date and place photos were taken: 2006-2010; Fo Guang Shan.)

Countless are sentient beings, I vow to liberate; Endless are afflictions, I vow to eradicate; Measureless are the Dharma, I vow to master; Supreme is the Buddha Way, I vow to attain. These are the Four Vast Vows of a Buddhist. To practice these vows, one liberates self and others, eradicates self’s afflictions, learns self-nature dharma, and attains self-nature Buddha Way. (Photographer: Qing-Quan Lin. Date and place photos were taken: 2006-2010; Fo Guang Shan.)