What am "I"?

Does it represent a person or does it have other meanings?

"I" am a physical manifestation. "I" can be clear; however, "I" can also be blurred, unclear, and abstract in that it includes thoughts, daily living and surviving.  The bottom line is that the word "I" is worth mentioning and explaining.

Although I wanted to explain the word "I," I wonder if it can be described fully and understood clearly in just one book?  The word "I" is not fixed; it is not even complete. Conceptually, "I" is variable.

Let us take Living Buddha Sheng-Yen Lu as an example. What am "I"?  Who am "I" really?  What have "I" done?  These questions are not even sufficient to explain using common concepts.

If I were to answer the above three questions, the most straightforward answers are:

I am the Buddha.

I am the reincarnation of White Maha Padmakumara.

I came to this world to liberate sentient beings.

Nevertheless these are religious answers.  They are appropriate answers with respect to my students.  As for other members in society, these answers are not appropriate.  Many people want to know more about Sheng-Yen Lu in relation to topics of living, morality, and philosophy other than his religion.  This is my intent of writing this book.

As "I" am not fixed, one can say that this book includes the meaning of “research” for "I."  In other words, the "philosophical thoughts of Sheng-Yen Lu” are constantly flowing.  In fact, anything related to philosophy is an endless, on-going process.  I continuously bring forth new ideas, theories, and viewpoints on a daily basis.  The philosophy mentioned in this book is not invariable and unalterable.  Instead, it is ever evolving.

Am "I" complicated?

It may appear difficult to answer to this question, however, I have two answers to the question.

The first answer is very simple.  I am emptiness in the universe.  The second answer is very complicated. Emptiness encompasses everything.

 "I" just turned fifty this year.  Fifty is half of one hundred.  I founded a Buddhist sect – The True Buddha School.  At this time, I have written one hundred and eight books. Surely, I am an author. Surely, I am a religious leader. I am a knowledgeable individual.  At different points in my life thus far, I have been a blue-collar worker, engineer, teacher, military officer, reporter, religious leader, poet, eminent author, and an artist.

Currently I am performing more roles. I am a "spiritual communicator," and a Vrajayana Master. Furthermore, I am not only a teacher teaching Buddhism, I am also a consultant to various affairs in this society.  This includes the survival of a country to the miscellaneous and tedious events of daily life; it is all within my scope to resolve problems for countless individuals.

“I,” Living Buddha Sheng-Yen Lu, as compared to many worldly people, am distinctive and multi-faceted.  It is rare to find a person living a life this splendidly.  There is absolutely no one who is similar to Living Buddha Sheng-Yen Lu nowadays.  This book is thus precious, for it gives a perspective of Sheng-Yen Lu’s innate determination.

Someone once asked:
“Sheng-Yen Lu’s philosophy; isn’t this writing about yourself?”

I answered:
“Exactly! I am writing about myself.”

I was then asked:
“How do you write about yourself?”

My response:
“I am conversing with myself.”

Another individual then questioned:
“Sheng-Yen Lu, aren’t you being arrogant by engaging in this?”

My answer was:

My explanation to the word “I” demonstrates my self-confidence and determination.  My diligence, hard work, and will power are unparalleled.  Like an artisan who creates his or her work, I founded The True Buddha School.  I am a person who is completely like Buddha.  My objective is to create a flawless and complete Dharma that no one can censure or interfere.  All these are not acts of arrogance. Instead, these are great accomplishments in spirit and in thought.

What am I?

To understand Living Buddha Sheng-Yen Lu, read this book!