As you step into the South Lotus Hall where the East meets the West, do you know the secret by the front entrance?

“May the sublime teachings remain, may virtuous beings remain, may the Sangha community remain harmonious, and may all aspirations be accomplished.” The Que Ti above the South Lotus Hall’s front entrance bear the deepest wishes of Ahken Yundan, Drepung Tripa Rinpoche, and Teacher Zhen-Ru. Commonly found in traditional architecture, the Que Ti, or decorative bracket, is a piece of wood placed at the intersection of a beam and a column. Bearing the signature of three great teachers, they were put into place high above the entrance long before we moved in.

South Lotus Hall’s construction period happened to take place while Ahken Yundan and Drepung Tripa Rinpoche were giving teachings on the Island. Having witnessed the Hall at its final stages, they both expressed their utmost joy and praise for this incredible building. On the one occasion where we visited them, they brought up the construction of the hall again, the happiness in their eyes without a doubt the greatest encouragement for us.

As for Teacher Zhen-Ru, the South Lotus Hall couldn’t have been more auspicious. “This land is very auspicious. Having been there many times before, I’d stand there and think to myself: when would the monastery be completed? I’d imagine the nuns studying, practicing, and establishing the curriculum of the Five Great Treatises there. This is a great moment in the history of Buddhism!”

“May the sublime teachings remain, may virtuous beings remain, may the Sangha community remain harmonious, and may all aspirations be accomplished.” Their blessings have accompanied us every step of the way, guiding us towards our greatest wish of benefitting ourselves and others.

So the next time you step into the South Lotus Hall, don’t forget to look up to receive this wonderful blessing as well!