News from the true cultivators. Three steps, one bow – three steps along the side of the highway, then a bow to the ground, so that knees, elbows, hands and forehead touch the earth, then rise, join the palms together, and take three more steps, then begin another bow. Hour after hour day after day, for two and a half years, this was how they made their pilgrimage. News from the true cultivators is the amazing account of two American monks reached the just build Buddhist Monastery in San Francisco after travelling 800 miles along the West Coast, starting in 1977. The free PDF e-book is a collection of letters about their progress to their master, nicely illustrated with photos.
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News from true cultivators
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News from the True Cultivators: Letters to the Venerable Abbot Hua is a unique spiritual and travel journal, chronicling the real-life experiences of two devoted Buddhist monks, Heng Sure and Heng Ch’au, as they embarked on a remarkable pilgrimage along the highways of California. Their journey was no ordinary trek—it was a disciplined practice of deep repentance and dedication, where they moved forward three steps and then bowed to the ground, repeating this cycle for over two years, covering 800 miles from Los Angeles to the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas in Ukiah, California.
Through their letters, the monks reveal the physical, mental, and spiritual challenges they faced. From navigating dangerous neighborhoods in Los Angeles, dealing with hostility from passersby, and overcoming internal struggles of doubt and exhaustion, to experiencing moments of profound clarity and joy, their journey offers an intimate look at the discipline of Buddhist practice in the modern world. The letters are not just reports of their progress but also reflections on human nature, the essence of spiritual cultivation, and the role of patience, humility, and endurance in overcoming obstacles.
Under the guidance of the Venerable Master Hsuan Hua, the monks adhered strictly to monastic precepts, eating one vegetarian meal a day, sleeping sitting up in an old station wagon, and maintaining a vow of silence (in Heng Sure’s case) for the entire pilgrimage. Their practice was a living testament to the Avatamsaka Sutra’s teachings, and they frequently reflected on Buddhist scripture in their letters.
As much a spiritual memoir as it is an adventure in faith, News from the True Cultivators is filled with dramatic encounters—some terrifying, some inspiring—with gang members, curious children, skeptical onlookers, and kind-hearted strangers. It provides a rare and candid glimpse into the dedication required for true spiritual transformation, making it an essential read for anyone interested in Buddhism, self-discipline, and the pursuit of enlightenment.