I lit up three incense, bowing on my knees as I always do seeing Shifu.
There were hundreds and thousands of people in and outside of the courtyard, chanting “Na Muo Ah Mi Tuo Fu” The chanting continued from the first day when Shifu passed away until the final day of the mourning service. The chanting and praying echoed over the mountains of Song Shan 24 hours a day for 7 days and 7 nights around the clock.
Deyang, De Jian and I attended the last farewell service performed by Chief Masters and Abbots of various temples from other part of China on14th night with a few other Kungfu family members, disciples.
Three Chief Masters and Abbots from others Temples and mountains simultaneously performed 5-hours’ Buddhist departure services for my Shifu. For 5 hours the services continued with Buddhists Sutra chanting, Sutra reading and Buddhist music to see the Great Master to the West Nirvana Land. Each one of us, in every a few minutes, lit up a stick of incense deeply bowing on our knees to see and pray the Great man in peace and happiness in Nirvana.
The service started from day light until after mid night. Thousands of people, Buddhists followers and locals surrounded the service platform accompanied us until finish. The chanting and music echoed miles away in every corner from the Songshan mountain ranges to the sky of Defeng city.
Locals, Buddhist students, Kung fu students, monks, disciples and family from all over the world came to light joss-sticks, candles and incense to say "good bye" to the Bodhisattva. Some flew in, some drove, and some came on foot to thank the man who was a true monk. Thousands of Kungfu students and Shaolin Disciples were waiting outside of the Shaolin Temple gate for their turns.
At about 9:47, local government, and the currently appointed Abbot of the Shaolin Temple hosed morning farewell ceremony service.
Right after the morning service De Yang, Dejian and I boarded the bus, along with Shifu's body, and made our way to the crematory.
At the Crematory, De Yang presented Shifu’s body. All present saw Shifu’s body as soft and pliable, having finally entered the realm of non-being, free from all yokes and burdens that restricted his movements. He is always living in Chan path eventually found his infinite life or the realm of nirvana. He is truly free.
Master DeRu at His Shifu’ giant memorial photo
As we left the Crematory, Pic 14, Dejian held Shifu’s picture, followed by Xingqiu with Shifu’s memorial plaque. De Yang and I were right behind with a student helper. De Yang held Shifu’s earthly ashes. Behind me were all family members of De Generation and Xing Generation nephews. We met the Shaolin Temple’s official chanting team, matching from the old Wushu Guan to the Pagoda forest where the Abbot and his entourage were waiting for us.
At last, we began our Shifu's final journey and delivered the Great Grand Master’s remains to the underground palace in the Pagoda. Along with my Shifu’s remains, we placed Buddhist Sutra, memorial tablets, Brass RuYi and his monk clothing and caps as well as meditation beads. His Pagoda, which is the only one in 200 years was built during his active life.
De Yang pointed to the calligraphy written by the great Master before he passed away: Monk of Chan (Zen) Buddhism to indicate that Shaolin monks are Monks of Chan (Zen) Buddhism not for Martial Arts. This is His only wish for the future generation.
