Footprints in the snow that carried the Dharma overseas; The power of compassionate vows that has never gone far. Looking back on Master Sheng Yen’s journeys between East and West, it is as if we witness the arduous unfolding of modern Chinese Chan Buddhism. Those journeys of thousands of miles were never for himself, but for all sentient beings—for opening the path of the Dharma and for the vision of a Pure Land on earth, to which he dedicated his entire life. Venerable Chi Chern, a Dharma heir of Master Sheng Yen, was deeply moved while watching the film “Shifu II.” Seeing his Master’s frail and ailing body traveling across the world to spread the Dharma, he wrote the lyrics for “You Are Not Far.” Between the lines, he expresses his resolve to carry forward his Master’s vows and aspirations. “The long journey is not far; traveling yet never gone; Conditions arise and fade; conditions fade and arise.” Within the graceful melody, we sense that although the Master has departed, his words of Dharma have never ceased, and the Dharma drum of Chan continues to resonate throughout the Dharma realm. The Master’s teachings and admonitions have long since become the direction guiding our path forward. The Master has not gone far, for his vows remain in the world.