In his traveling autobiography, Master Sheng Yen mentioned the reasons for his decision to be a monk, and detailed the process of his founding the monastery by opportunity. The strong role consciousness in the works was reflected in three aspects: to bear the burden of promoting Buddhism, to plot the conception for Dharma Drum Mountain, and to build the group awareness of the Sangha. His words and activities in the Traveling Autobiography were guided by these thoughts, so this book series has become the religious myth of Master Sheng Yen and the Dharma Drum Mountain. His writing was for the sake of himself and readers (especially his followers) as well. Generally speaking, the Travelling Autography takes account of the history regarding the Master’s practice and cultivation, and at the same time opens up new opportunity for promoting Buddhism.
