The Wisdom Bodhisattva

Manjusri Bodhisattva, renowned for his wisdom, shares a deep affinity with the Saha World. In past lifetimes, he served as the teacher of Sakyamuni Buddha and even attained Buddhahood in another world. Out of great vows of compassion, he manifested again in the form of a Bodhisattva to guide sentient beings.

On the sacred occasion of Manjusri Bodhisattva’s birthday, the construction of the Five World Buddha Sanctuaries on the Holy Mountain was in full swing.

Holy Master Ziguang Shang Shi took this opportunity to impart the Dharma on  wisdom to his disciples. With a few concise yet profound words, he illuminated how Guang Huan Mi Zong practitioners should pursue the Five Wisdoms, elevate themselves, and ultimately attain perfect merit.

The Master’s precious teachings revealed an unchanging truth: whether engaged in worldly life or practicing within the Buddhist path, one’s diligence must be persistent and continuous. Only by expanding one’s abilities and honing one’s skills can one gradually ascend in wisdom.

On the Holy Mountain, all structures are crystallization of wisdom. They embody the painstaking efforts of Holy Master and his disciples in the past decades, reflecting the journey of pursuing wisdom and practicing diligence.

The Five World Buddha Sanctuaries

The Five World Buddhas Sanctuaries in the Buddha Land consist of five halls built atop the Grand Shrine. The first phase of construction commenced in September 2009 and lasted approximately three months. A civil engineer initiated this project, integrating his worldly expertise with the craftsmanship of traditional Eastern wooden architecture. Utilizing North America’s most common lumber, the design was not only practical and aesthetically pleasing, but also convenient for construction. This marked the beginning of large-scale developments in the Buddha Land.

Under the guidance of Holy Master Ziguang Shang Shi, disciples and volunteers on the Holy Mountain transformed from novices to skilled artisans. Each person underwent a unique journey of growth, making this experience both rare and invaluable. They gained wisdom while also accumulating merit in temple construction.

I was fortunate to participate in the first phase of the project, and countless moments from that time remain vivid in my memory. Despite having no prior construction skills, I learned to use various tools, driving 500 screws daily. My body gradually adapted to the physical demands of labor, working closely with timber and metal roofing sheets. From the Northern Hall to the Western Hall, then to the Eastern Hall, and finally to the highest Central Hall—I witnessed these structures rise from the rooftop, one after another.

Holy Master Ziguang Shang Shi personally oversaw the entire construction, offering blessings and guidance. By the time the Central Hall was nearing completion, it was already mid-November, the onset of winter. That night, at 11 PM, we were securing the final metal sheets on the roof. Bundled in thick down jackets, braving the bitter wind, we held onto the last panel.

Through the wooden beams beneath our feet, we could see our revered Master standing below, watching over us with great care. As we were filled with the excitement of nearing success, Master looked up at us, his face radiant with joy. He smiled warmly and said, “A strip of sky.” That smile dissolved all the cold and fatigue, etching that moment deep into my heart—an unforgettable memory that will never fade.

Years later, I was once again fortunate to participate in another phase of the Five World Buddha Sanctuaries project, laying the floor for the Western Hall. Holy Master Ziguang Shang Shi arranged a mystical divination array, ensuring that Amitabha Buddha’s blessings would extend to future pilgrims seeking the Dharma. As I immersed myself in the work, I deeply felt the Master’s compassion,  importance of expertise, and the essence of diligence.

All of this is a manifestation of wisdom—one that requires mindful heart to experience and to fulfill the merit.