To encourage his disciples, Master Sheng Yen often quoted the saying: “Taking monastic vows takes a person with great aspirations, not even a general is capable of such an undertaking.” Inspired by Master Tai Xu’s effort in reinvigorating the Buddhist community, Master Sheng Yen established the Dharma Drum Mountain sangha and urged its monastic community to generate great compassionate vows on the basis of “living in perfect harmony” by practicing the six principles of reverent harmony, so as to carry the Buddha's "family undertaking" on their shoulders.