An Interview with Asian Classics Institute's New Taiwan Coordinator, Angel Chu
Angel Chu and Timothy Lowenhaupt at Steps on the Path in Kyoto, December 2023
This transcript has been edited for clarity
Asian Classics Institute’s Christina Kasica (CK): We're here today with Angel Chu, who's in Taiwan. And Angel is going to be very important in working with Asian Classics Institute in Taiwan in 2024! So, welcome Angel! Thank you! Tell me a little bit about yourself, if you will.
Angel Chu (AC): I am a language interpreter. I’ve worked with these people for many years, and enjoy it very much. And then I also have my company in Taiwan, which helps people organize events, activities and meetings. Clients come to my office and I help them as their needs dictate.
CK: Now tell us a little bit about how you came to the teachings, to the dharma. How did you find it?
AC: It's quite an interesting story because one of my friends, a Chinese doctor, has been attending lots of ACI teachings. He’s really learned how to improve his abilities, his life in general, and his financial situation– everything, really. I’ve been very impressed. And one day he came to me, because we are very good friends, and told me about a book he was reading. He actually gave me a copy. And then he asked me to join a study group about it. The book was The Diamond Cutter. It's amazing! So that’s how I got started with ACI. One or two months later, I'm in Diamond Mountain! Wow!
And there for the first time I met Geshe-la. I met many of the people who come to Diamond Mountain, and everyone seemed to believe in him so much. I kept wondering, wow, why does everyone believe in Geshe-la? So I kept an open mind. I didn’t really know why I felt compelled to go there, but I knew I wanted to learn. I wanted to know.
I remember, that first night, all the stars were so beautiful! It's really amazing.
So I went back to Taiwan after the retreat ended, and I took everything with me. But I didn't understand everything! Back in Taiwan, I started to understand more about what was going on. I had a preview in Diamond Mountain and then I started all these classes in Taiwan. Maybe it's destiny, I thought.
CK: So when you came back to Taiwan--do you live in Taipei?
AC: Yes, Taipei.
CK: What made you decide to volunteer to help ACI?
AC: Well, I’m not sure why, but when I came back to Taiwan, I started to be a volunteer in every ACI activity. I know that we have to give so we can get, so I got involved with the sangha’s Happy Can project. I have a lot of friends and I started to share my experiences with them. It's like magic! They were all very excited, and I asked them also to try to put some of the teachings into effect. Everyone tried, and they got really good results!
CK: Tell us a little bit, if you would, about what the ACI activity is like in Taiwan. Are there a lot of people? Do you do classes or study groups, or what is it like? What are the people like?
AC: We have a lot of study groups, and most of them are reading The Diamond Cutter. Before Covid-19, we frequently had classes taught by ACI teachers. When they came to Taiwan, we were very happy. We had a nice time together. We would share and then get teachings, and then maybe have yoga. We’d have a lot of activities during the time the teachers were with us. After they left, we’d schedule study groups about what they taught.
So once the Taiwanese students take ACI classes, they have their own experiences about the courses. To really understand, they participate in different groups. We have volunteer study group leaders to help guide them. Students can take that role on if they wish. We also have Saturday and Sunday meditations at 5:00 in the morning. There are about 20 or 30 people in that group.
For the ACI courses, for example, we start from ACI 1 and then go on to another one which we haven’t had yet. So when teachers come, we ask for two teachings. Then new people come, and also the senior people can take a new class.
CK: Yes, that sounds wonderful, so very exciting. And now I understand that in Kyoto in December, when you were with Geshe-la and you met with Tim Lowenhaupt, you also decided to or agreed to do some more volunteer work for ACI. Can you tell us a little bit about what you are planning yourself to do now?
AC: I was wondering, when I first encountered Tim and he asked me to help, what I could do. I told him I needed to think about it. What can I do as a plan to help ACI? I decided I would join the Kyoto class and then see what would happen. So I went to Kyoto, and the first day I asked him, can you have a meeting with me? It's like a seed miracle! One day after that I was invited to go with a group of people to Geshe Michael’s room for a morning meditation. It was like a lottery, a lucky draw. If you win, you get to go meditate with Geshe Michael! So I went one morning and I got a very good seat right in front of Geshe-la. It's like a sign! So I just sat in front, and Geshe-la said something to me and I felt really so very touched!
CK: That sounds wonderful. You got many signs and indications that maybe this is the right direction to take. That's excellent. So what is the first thing you will do, do you think?
AC: People are wondering what will happen next. But this is not one person's work. I want everyone to get involved. They can join group activities. We have a big holiday coming up, and we’ll start after that.
CK: So it sounds like you are saying, first work to put together a team, a group of volunteers who are very interested in ACI and very enthusiastic, and then you will work together to make some plans for 2024.
AC: Yes, you can read my mind!
CK: No, I just listen! You said it already. It's wonderful. That sounds like a great plan! I want to thank you so much for talking with us. Anything else I didn't ask, that you would like to say to Geshe-la and everybody who will listen to this?
AC: Okay. I think this is the best thing that has ever happened to me in my life. So I want to say thank you to Geshe-la. [Angel begins to cry.] Sorry!
CK: Well, please do not worry! It's great!
AC: I think I will try my best and sorry, sorry...
CK: You're wonderful and I know that you're going to be a wonderful help and support and a great contributor to Geshe Michael and ACI and everyone in Taiwan. I'm so honored to talk a little bit with you. And I just want to wish you a very happy New Year! Thank you so much.
