In 2013, Dharma Drum Mountain chose a piece of Master Sheng Yen's calligraphy—
Realize Freedom of Mind—as our spring couplet and the theme for the year. As Abbot President Ven. Guo Dong reminds us, we should at all times be aware of our body and mind, and abide in the here-and-now so we are not affected by the external environment, and can have ease and freedom of body and mind. At the same time, we should let go of our self, care for the greater environment, and make a vow to give of ourselves to benefit both ourselves and others so that everyone can enjoy a wonderful year and realize freedom of mind.