《Buddhism as an Education》
Venerable Master Chin Kung (淨空法師）
CHAPTER SEVEN：THE KEY TO THE GREATEST TREASURE
Recently, we have established a Pure Land Learning Center in the United States. The goal is to introduce the traditional Chinese culture to Western ers and to help them practice Buddhism. Our ancestors invented the most precious and timeless vehicle: a classical Chinese language, called Wen-Yen-Wen（文言文）, in order to transmit the ancient culture to future generations and us. With this powerful vehicle, we can read the publications of Confucius（孔子）or Mencius（孟子）that were written twenty-five hundred years ago. Because our ancestors realized that language would be changing from time to time, they used this classical Chinese language to pass on their wisdom, thoughts, skills and experiences.
It is not difficult to learn Wen-Yen-Wen. Mr. Lee, my teacher, has taught us the secret to reading the classical lan guage; one only has to recite fluently fifty chapters of ancient Chinese literature. In order to write in classical Chinese, one needs to memorize one hundred chapters. With this key, Wen-Yen-Wen, we can have access to and learn Buddhism and ancient Chinese wisdom, for the latest translations of the Buddhist sutras were in this classical language. Along with the pure, non-discriminating and compassionate mind, we can thus unlock our ultimate wisdom.
I have encouraged practitioners to read the Infinite Life Sutra（無量壽經）, which is written in a simpler form of this classical Chinese language. The public should easily understand Eighty percent of its content. There are only forty-eight chapters in this compilation of the Infinite Life Sutra, which is close to the amount that Mr. Lee required us to memorize.
This is a good way to start learning this classical Chinese language. After reading and memorizing this sutra, I believe there will be no more obstacles in reading other Buddhist sutras. I strongly urge not only practitioners but also Westerners who want to learn the Chinese culture and Buddhism to memorize fifty chapters of WenYen-Wen or the Infinite Life Sutra. With two or three years of effort, one can obtain the key to explore the wonders of ancient Chinese wisdom and at the same time, transform the Buddhist sutras into one's own private treasure. Without this key, having all these collections of sutras and ancient Chinese litera ture would be futile, for there is no entry into the treasury.
Elementary School is the Foundation of Happiness Ladies and gentlemen, parents and students, elementary school is the foundation tor happiness in human life, the root of the country's future and the caretaker of the future society. You have made such contributions to this greatest task in human life and society. It is most meaningful and valuable for society to nurture capable and virtuous youth. I would like to extend my gratitude and highest respect to you. Iwish all of you inner peace and happiness. May everyone have great health and prosperity!
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