Rejoicing with the Buddha: Grandmaster Lu and Shimu Master Lian-Hsiang Enjoy a Family Outing at Woodland Park Zoo
 [ By Ling Shen Ching Tze Temple News / Venerable Lian Yi ]
 
On the afternoon of June 18, 2026, nearly one hundred masters, dharma instructors, monastics, and disciples from Ling Shen Ching Tze Temple and Rainbow Temple gathered after lunch at the temple and traveled together to Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle for an enjoyable excursion. This marked the third stop in the “Rejoicing with the Buddha” series, following previous visits to the Seattle Asian Art Museum and Snoqualmie Falls.
 
What made this outing especially meaningful was that Grandmaster Sheng-Yen Lu (Living Buddha Lian Sheng) and Shimu Master Lian-Hsiang were accompanied not only by disciples but also by their close family members, including Fo Ching, Andy, Fo Chi, Sunny, and their young granddaughter, Lu Yin. Having devoted decades to Dharma work and carried heavy responsibilities throughout the years, Grandmaster and Shimu seldom have opportunities to travel leisurely with their family. This day therefore became not only an excursion with disciples but also a precious occasion for family reunion.
 
Located in northern Seattle, Woodland Park Zoo is one of Washington State’s premier centers for wildlife conservation and environmental education. With its lush forests and expansive grounds, the zoo is thoughtfully organized into exhibits representing diverse geographic regions, allowing visitors to experience animal habitats from around the world without leaving the city. During this visit, the group primarily toured the African Savanna exhibit, where the Grandmaster and Shimu enjoyed a relaxed stroll accompanied by everyone.
 
Even before arriving, the Grandmaster was already in high spirits. Smiling broadly, he cheerfully exclaimed, “We’re going on an outing! We’re going on an outing!” His childlike enthusiasm quickly spread throughout the vehicle, filling everyone with joy. With his characteristic humor, he then added, “We’re actually going there so the animals can look at us.” The witty remark drew laughter from everyone on board and set a lighthearted tone for the journey.
 
Even while traveling, however, the Grandmaster remained observant of his surroundings. Along the drive, he commented on sidewalk designs that might increase the risk of vehicle collisions and also noticed several unusually configured traffic lights.
 
The trip also prompted the Grandmaster to reminisce about the difficult years of his early life in Seattle. He shared memories of Ballard and Green Lake and recalled times of poverty when he survived by eating bruised apples discarded by Lucky Supermarket. As he quietly recounted those challenging days, disciples listening nearby felt an even deeper sense of closeness and appreciation for his life journey.
 
When the group passed several floating homes, Shimu joked that she would never choose to live in such a house, saying that if she sleepwalked in the middle of the night, she might accidentally fall into the water. Her humorous comment filled the car with laughter and made the half-hour ride even more enjoyable.
 
On this occasion, the Grandmaster wore a distinctive Japanese ninja-style bamboo hat. Smiling, he explained that it symbolized Japanese Shingon Buddhism Founder Kūkai’s teaching of “Two Traveling Together”, signifying the constant companionship of the Buddha. On the hat itself, he had even signed his own name twice and jokingly remarked, “I’m signing for myself.” Though spoken in jest, the comment carried a subtle Zen flavor that left listeners smiling knowingly.
 
After entering the zoo, the group followed the pathways toward the African animal exhibits. As the grounds are extensive and the trails winding, the sight of nearly one hundred participants walking together was truly remarkable. Along the way, Master Lian Chi introduced the various animals to everyone, explaining their behaviors, survival strategies, and distinctive characteristics, helping participants gain a deeper appreciation for the wildlife they encountered.
 
Throughout the walk, the Grandmaster would occasionally take the hands of young disciples, gently teasing and encouraging them as they curiously observed the animals together.
 
At each exhibit, the Grandmaster not only admired the animals but also naturally engaged disciples in conversation and lighthearted discussion. Upon seeing the tigers, everyone joked about the familiar Chinese expression referring to a “tigress” (an overbearing wife). At the turtle enclosure, the Grandmaster used the opportunity to speak about longevity. He explained that rabbits are extremely active and energetic, constantly running and exercising, yet they do not live very long. Turtles, by contrast, appear slow and inactive but often enjoy remarkably long lifespans, with some living well over one hundred years. He further observed that practitioners who learn the ancient Chinese Turtle Breathing Method may benefit both their spiritual cultivation and physical health. In only a few sentences, he skillfully transformed observations about animal behavior into teachings on breathing, longevity, and cultivation.
 
When the group arrived at the flamingo exhibit, the Grandmaster mentioned his own daily yoga practice. He described exercises that strengthen the legs by balancing on one foot like a crane and performing “air cycling” movements, explaining that he consistently practices yoga for an hour every day. The flamingos standing gracefully on one leg offered a fitting visual parallel to his remarks. He also noted that walking more than ten thousand steps did not leave him feeling tired. When one disciple commented that the day’s walk already provided sufficient exercise, the Grandmaster replied that he would still practice yoga after returning home and should never become lazy.
 
At the rhinoceros exhibit, the Grandmaster spoke about traditional Chinese herbal literature concerning rhinoceros horn, including historical references to its reputed cooling and anti-inflammatory properties. Beginning with the animal itself, he naturally expanded the conversation into medicine and cultural history. Those listening nearby once again witnessed the breadth of the Grandmaster’s knowledge in the Five Sciences, recognizing that virtually any circumstance could become an opportunity for Dharma teaching.
 
The Grandmaster also remained deeply attentive to those around him. As they walked, he frequently took moments to greet disciples warmly, inquire about their health, and even ask whether their legs were holding up well after so much walking. Although nearly one hundred people participated in the outing, he still noticed the needs and conditions of individual disciples. Such thoughtful care was not displayed from the formal Dharma throne but expressed naturally and quietly in everyday interactions.
 
On this memorable day at Woodland Park Zoo, while the animals peacefully inhabited their carefully designed environments, the Grandmaster used each encounter as an opportunity to discuss health, cultivation, and daily life. During the three-and-a-half-hour excursion, beneath the shade of towering trees, the shy smiles of little Lu Yin, the small hands of children gently held by the Grandmaster, and his lighthearted jokes all became cherished memories for everyone present.
 
Perhaps this is the true meaning of “Rejoicing with the Buddha”—simply walking a path together with the Grandmaster and Shimu on an ordinary afternoon, sharing laughter, compassion, and companionship, and returning home with a joy that lingers long afterward.