199.代全國接受三寶 Accepting three gifts on behalf of the nation

代全國接受三寶

由圓鍈等。在廣濟寺。成立中國佛教協會籌備處。擬舉公為會長。公以老病辭。乃任名譽會長。上書當局〈一〉無論何地。不許再拆寺院。毀像焚經。〈二〉不許強迫僧尼還俗。〈三〉寺產收歸公有後。仍應按僧配給田畝若干。自種生產。許之。代表接受。錫蘭贈三寶。

宣化偈曰：

佛陀舍利子。貝葉達磨經。 菩提道寶樹。我師親手迎。

Accepting three gifts on behalf of the nation

Along with Dharma Master Yuan Ying and others, the Master formed the Chinese Buddhist Association at Kuang Chi (Extensive Aid) Monastery. The Master was nominated for the office of President, but he declined because of old age and ill health and assumed the title of Honorary President. The following resolutions were proposed to the government: 1) In all places, further destruction of monasteries and temples, the desecration of images, and the burning of sutras shall immediately cease; 2) the intimidation of bhikshus and bhikshunis to force their return to lay life will not be tolerated; and 3) all monastery property shall be returned forthwith, and there should be returned to the Sangha enough arable acreage to make the monasteries self-supporting. The petition was approved. The Master then represented the Association in receiving three gifts from a Buddhist delegation from Sri Lanka.

The gatha says: The Buddha’s sharira, A sutra written on a palm leaf, The jeweled tree of the path of Bodhi: Our teacher personally received.