Reflections on the Benefit Piano Concert for the International Institute of Philosophy and Ethics

Reflections on the Benefit Piano Concert
for the International Institute of
Philosophy and Ethics (IIPE)

by Michael Lo

The first time I met Venerable Master Hua was in 1993 when he went to Rochester, New York to propagate the Buddhadharma. My family of four became the Masterˇs lay disciples.

The second time was in July of 1995, when the Master entered stillness. In No Words Hall at the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas, my family of four was filled with sorrow as we paid our respects to the portrait of the Master.

Recently, in the City of the Dharma Realm in Sacramento, I got a wonderfully precious opportunity to actually participate in working towards the fulfillment of the Masterˇs vow. During the benefit piano concert by Gwhyneth Chen, I was the emcee and I was also a member of the Gold Wheel Monastery Choir, which performed on this occasion. Once again, I deeply felt the Masterˇs virtuous aura in teaching and transforming living beings, touching each and every one. I felt so much inner peace and calmness.

I arrived at the City of the Dharma Realm one day before the piano concert. I discussed with Gwhyneth the details of the program. Gwhyneth had arrived there two to three days before me, and was on her final stages of preparation and rehearsal. A successful piano concert requires the support of many people. Hence, everybody contributed effort wholeheartedly in preparation for this event. Even before the first musical note resonated from the keyboard, Gwhyneth was already touched. Needless to say, when a musician is inspired, her state in the musical realm becomes dynamically elevated. Ultimately, the piano concert on May 18th was incomparably successful. Through her artistic talents, Gwhyneth attained her vow to be part of the realization of the Masterˇs vow.

From my personal point of view, the essence of this benefit piano concert is deep and far-reaching. This may just be a beginning, but with continuous toil and diligence, it can create a new phase in Buddhism, reaching toward more living beings. Music is undoubtedly an universal language, easily transmitted and understood by all. Music can certainly contribute toward the unification of different religious factors and toward the promotion of world peace.

I am sincerely encouraging all music-loving friends in the Dharma to answer this call and work together in propagating the Buddhadharma by means of music. With the pure sounds of Buddhist music, we can teach and transform peopleˇs minds and hearts, elevate the quality of our lives and bring blessings to all the people in this world. If we can achieve this goal, then this initial benefit piano concert will be even more meaningful.