It is already some months since Ven. Hui Ben's passing. For those of us mourning him, the memory of his presence, his voice, and in overflowing compassion wells up vividly in almost every passing thought. So too does our regret that we could not do more to requite the many kindnesses our teacher did us will still alive.

And so as we wipe away the tears from the loss of the head of our monastic family, we wonder what there is that we can still do for Ven. Hui Ben. Apart from continuing to carry out his teachings and hold fast to the road to buddhahood, apart from carrying out the work that he began, what propels us resolutely forward more than anything else is the memory of his graciousness and his sterling example.

Therefore we wish to gather his writings, photographs, and recollections from his many monastic and lay disciples in a memorial volume, as a fitting tribute to his many accomplishments and virtues which have left indelible impressions on us.

In compiling this volume, we invited suggestions and submissions from elders of the sangha and were deeply moved by their caring and encouragement and their contributions. Some, modestly pleading the meagerness of their gifts as writers, declined to submit their remembrances for publication but lent great support and encouragement, for which we are grateful. And to all those from whom we forgot in our haste to solicit submissions, we offer sincere apologies.

Likewise, in handling the thousand and one affairs great and small which demanded our attention in the weeks after our teacher's death, we have not been able to extend our thanks individually to all those who have extended to us their condolences and support. We would like to take this opportunity to make our apologies and express our deepest thanks.

We hope that all those into whose hands this volume finds its way may experience the bliss and blessings of the dharma and soon reach the highest enlightenment.