Sometimes a few words, like a fourline verse, would suffice to impact on an entire life. I had seen Universal Gate magazine seeking readers’ submission of one-line verses of wisdom. I had also seen newspapers and periodicals featuring quotable quotes by illustrious characters. Without a doubt, whether it be a mere single-line verse or a few brief words, countless lives could still be touched. Many a time I would feel the urge to share those few words with the greatest influence on me. However, after giving it a little more thought, I realized that, rather than conveying in my own words recollections of the past, I would really want to collect the many words of encouragement given me by those benevolent teachers and gracious acquaintances in my life. The book which resulted would be one way of showing my appreciation to those individuals. Such is the motivation behind Hsing Yun’s Hundred Sayings Series.

In the days gone by, many encouraged and praised me, or slandered and criticized me. Be they out of kindness or otherwise, their words invariably all became positive causes and conditions along my path toward cultivation. They also formed the favorable and unfavorable – but always facilitating – conditions enabling me to learn how to conduct myself in life.