The Venerable Master said, "I'm determined to establish a sanctuary where the followers of all religions can take refuge."
The Master said, "America is a leader among all the world's countries and therefore it should do things on a grand scale that matches its status as a world-leading nation. America needs a great Buddhist Way-place in which people uphold the principles of no fighting, no greed, no seeking, no selfishness, no pursuit of self-benefit, and no lying. History has shown us that whenever Buddhism flourishes, the country also prospers. When Buddhism declines, the country also becomes weak. Now Buddhism has arrived in America and is beginning to flourish. Thus America will also become strong and prosperous. America is an excellent country, and it should have an excellent and large Way-place where people can practice the Proper Dharma and follow the Six Guiding Principles of no fighting, no greed, no seeking, no selfishness, no pursuit of self-benefit, and no lying. The British historian Arnold Toynbee has said that the arrival of Buddhism to the West will be the most important event of the twentieth century. I believe that this is the case."
