Security Guards
■Book 104 - A Plethora Of Scenic Splendours
■Written by GrandMaster Sheng-yen Lu
The propagation tour to Kuala Lumpur was organised by the committee for propagation of True Buddha School of dharma in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor.
I wrote a verse to the committee:
Snowy (abbreviation for Selangor) mountain, the four religions converge into a mighty dharma current.
The only time it is flourishing (abbreviation for Kuala Lumpur) Doctrines of Mahayana and Hinayana school of Buddhism are spreading, and Tantra will be imparted like a rainbow in the sky.
Members of the organising committee is as follows:
Chairman: Gao Cheng Zhu
Vice Chairman: Luo Yi Ren
Treasurer: Ma Zhong Hua
Secretary: Li Zhu
Public Relation: Gu Yun
Members: Wan Xiu, Luo Wen Ying, Xie De Ren, Zheng Zhi Kua, Yie Mei Lan, Si Mei Ling
Guru In charge: Lian Zhi
Heads of sub committee:
Facilities: Luo Xi Quan
Shrine decoration: Zheng Zhi Kun
Sutra Recital: All disciples
Master of ceremony: Chai Chong Ren
Discipline: Wei San Lie
Distribution: Zhang Ting Zhong
Reception: Gu Yun
Photograph: Yie Jian Ming
Sound systems: Chen Sheng Rui
Public Relations: Li Zhu
First Aids: Luo Fa Zheng
Publication: Yuan Xiu
Offering: Yie Mei Lan
Transportation: Li Zhen Fu
Lion Dance: Luo Fa Zhang
Consultation: Lian Zhi
Correspondence: Wu En Hua
Hotel: Shi Mei Ling
Meal: Yang Ya Qiu
Security: Wang A Lie
Sarira: Tuo Sheng Xi
Special duty: Luo Wun Yin
Tour: Gu Yun
A special feature in the organising committee is that the security personnel consisted of twenty Malays who are dark and sturdy. (Ex-sharp shooters from the army) They dressed in dark suits, and kept their weapons around their waists- an eye catching lot. They followed me wherever I went. When I sat in front , they would be at the back and vice versa. They surrounded me in the lift. When I went to the toilet, they waited outside, no matter how long. When I ate my meal, they would stand behind me. During sleeping time, they would set up a table outside my room, and two sentries would be on duty in two hourly detail. It was a round-the-clock protection for me, I was never left alone.
They did not leave me out of sight even when I gave sermons at Dharma Shrine and Lian Yuan chapter on Christmas day .
They were as ready as ever. With penetrating eyes, they observed the crowds and dark corners, as if the surrounding was full of perils and crafty foxes. Whenever I stooped, they stooped too. When I stood, they did so.
I asked the reason for such a tight security arrangement. Someone told me privately, “Living Buddha Lian Shen is like the sun at high noon. He is too popular. A local gangster is not too happy about this. He let out the news that he would punch the Living Buddha in public, and have such photographs printed in the press, if Living Buddha Lian Shen were to come to Kuala Lumpur. His intention is to disgrace the Living Buddha - a cut above the others, into a worthless mouse.”
The committee was very nervous on hearing the rumour.
A special security group was thus set up to protect me.
On hearing this explanation, I felt :
“In a boring world, people tend to do meaningless acts. To be a well-known personality, one has to pay a high stake. Although he has a high social status, deep in his heart, he may feel empty, monotonous and lonely. It reminded me of the Living Buddha of Golden Hill. When he was still alive, many did not believe in him and treated him like an eyesore, and ridiculed him.
A manure bucket was even poured on his head to disgrace him. But Living Buddha Golden Hill did not stop hitting the wooden fish, as if nothing happened to him. Chanting the name of Amitabha Buddha, he walked away, faeces still on his head. Disgrace was nothing to him.”
I wonder what would happen if the news of assault appeared in the press. I would not be frightened, I would not weep. But I cannot tell how pale I am and whether I could manage a reluctant smile. I do not know how I would react under such circumstance.
If I am battered to death, it would be an end albeit a speechless one.
I would be better off, if I survived. I could carry on my writing career.
