“One Leaf, One Bodhi”—the “leaf” symbolizes the cycle of all birth, death, and impermanence. It represents not only the cycle of life and death that the human body undergoes in this world, but also the passage of a day—from dawn to noon to dusk to night—and the four seasons of a year—spring, summer, autumn, and winter. It encapsulates the entire lifespan of a person, from childhood to old age, as well as the complete process of a nation—from its founding and development to its rise, decline, and eventual demise—and the formation, existence, dissolution, and emptiness of all phenomena in the universe.

“Bodhi” is wisdom, enlightenment, perfection, and realization; it is complete and profound enlightenment, seamless and unobstructed, the light of awakening that transforms consciousness into wisdom. “Realization” refers to direct experience and attainment—resonance and communion with all things in the universe and the energy of the earth; “Enlightenment” is the manifestation of one’s true nature and the understanding of the true essence of all things under heaven.

Ordinary people often “know first and then become confused,” but our Master Hongdu is one who “knows later yet sees clearly first.” He understands many things the moment he hears them and knows them the moment he sees them; at critical moments, he can respond to any question with perfect insight, leaving nothing unclear.

I can proudly say that our Master is precisely such a great sage: in the secular world, he is a man of integrity and strength; in the transcendent realm, he is a benevolent and wise being beyond the ordinary—a perfect fusion of virtue and wisdom, radiant and noble.