World Center for Dhammakaya Propagation

  I would like to rejoice in the merit with all the monks of the “Kong Pan Neun Na Bun” group, as well as all parties, departments, and all the merit-makers who have contributed to the success of the Dharma Yatra mission. Today, we have achieved the goal of this Dharma Yatra project, which is to honor and pay tribute to the great teachers and establish the path of the Conqueror of Mara.

Today is a day of victory—”Chitangme” (a term for great success and accomplishment). I am immensely delighted and would like to congratulate all the monks of the “Kong Pan Neun Na Bun” for performing their duties perfectly, deserving of praise and admiration. Despite the challenging circumstances, they risked their lives to take on this mission. Over the past month, these monks have diligently trained themselves, endured hunger, practiced asceticism, and worked hard to uphold the Buddhist teachings, following in the footsteps of our esteemed teacher, the Conqueror of Mara.

Likewise, I congratulate all the merit-makers who participated in honoring the Conqueror of Mara and took part in all activities of this Dharma Yatra. Everyone has created merit with joy and enthusiasm, bringing delight to both humans and celestial beings. Even those who participated in various activities have shared in the joy, satisfaction, and inspiration.

Therefore, all of you should feel immense pride and joy, recognizing that “this mission, at this moment, is something only a few in this world can accomplish.” It is not surprising that this is remarkable. From being a layperson to becoming a monk, the past merits have led us to cultivate faith and ordain. After ordination, we trained ourselves, endured hunger, practiced asceticism, and remained determined to be true monks, despite the challenging conditions. The opportunity to do so is rare among billions of people, and the opportunity to participate in this Dharma Yatra on the path of the Conqueror of Mara is even more extraordinary. The emergence of the Conqueror of Mara is extremely rare, as Mara tries to obscure the Dharma and the truth of life, keeping it hidden to maintain control and lead people to suffering.

What Mara fears most is the human body, especially one that knows and understands the Dharma, for it reveals everything about Mara. Once people know the truth, they will strive to eliminate Mara, so Mara obstructs all paths to make human existence difficult and to make people forget their past and the goal of life.

Thus, what our esteemed teacher, the Conqueror of Mara, has done is to eradicate the root causes of Mara. If we can overcome these, it means “we will achieve eternal victory.” All that has been hidden will be revealed, transforming people from ignorance to knowledge. Once enlightened, they will think, speak, and act similarly, eliminating differences based on appearance, wealth, qualities, and social status. The original, beautiful human forms, which had been separated, will be unified and restored.

Therefore, our esteemed teacher, the Conqueror of Mara, holds immense significance. We have come together to express our gratitude and honor him. Every participant should take pride in the time and effort invested up to this moment.

Likewise, all the merit-makers who have set aside worldly tasks to seek this great merit, which is rare even among billions of people, should take pride. If you reflect on this, you should feel the joy of accomplishment. Despite the external challenges, everyone’s dedication and goal of accumulating special merit by honoring the Conqueror of Mara has led to the successful completion of this Dharma Yatra mission. This is a significant merit for everyone, not a trivial matter.

Therefore, all of you should take pride in this great merit and keep your hearts clear and joyful. Today is a day of great joy and historical significance that should be recorded in the history of the Buddha’s teachings and the wisdom of the Dharma once again.