Amituofo
Having received the Buddha’s clear teachings, we need to be focused and diligent in our learning, and practice according to the teachings. There is no doubt at all. When we receive the Buddha’s clear teachings, we need to aspire to learn and practice with concentration and diligence. We should practice according to the teachings without Read More …
Words and behavior should be faithful and trustworthy. Within and without should match. This is the basic attitude we need when we start our practice. The ancient people talked about ending wrongdoing and practicing virtuous conduct. Where does one start? One starts with no lying. Confucius said, “If a person cannot be trusted, there is Read More …
All of you should consider carefully. Stay far away from all evils. Choose what is virtuous to diligently practice. Love, desire, prestige, and splendor cannot be had forever. . . . There is no happiness at all. “All of you should consider carefully.” We should seriously contemplate everything. Understanding the truth, we will be diligent Read More …
In worldly matters, people alternate harming one another. Retribution may not occur right away. One should see through to this reality as soon as possible. The people in this world do not understand this truth and they take revenge over and over, back and forth. They have a strong desire for vengeance. Revenge may not Read More …
Parents and children, siblings, spouses, and relatives should respect and love each other, and should not be hateful or jealous of one another. They should share what they have with those who do not. They should not be greedy or stingy. Their speech and facial expression should always be gentle. They should not be defiant Read More …
People in the world strive for things of little urgency. Amidst extreme evils and severe sufferings, they diligently work . . . dictated by their minds. . . . Whether they have or do not have, they worry. “People in the world strive for things of little urgency.” “People in the world” refers to the Read More …
Steadfast and unmoving are their vows. . . . They [bodhisattvas] seek the Way in a gentle and correct manner. . . . They are pure, firm, calm, and joyous. “Steadfast and unmoving are their vows.” “Steadfast” refers to a calm mind. “Unmoving” means that they are set on one direction and one goal. Great Read More …
Their bodies and minds are pure. They have no craving or greed. “Their bodies and minds are pure.” The mind is the master. When the mind is pure, the body will be pure. But the body can also affect the mind. The Buddha taught us that our behavior should accord with the precepts and proper Read More …
They are good, pure, and gentle. They abide in quiescent concentration and are wise in perception. “Good” refers to honesty and simplicity. Good and “pure” describe mindset. Good refers to good fortune; pure, to wisdom. When one has both good fortune and wisdom, one has true merit. “Gentle” describes attitude: gentle, kind, respectful, thrifty, and Read More …
The Great Perfection After understanding the goals and principles of the Buddha’s teachings, we need to deepen our understanding of the Dharma. What is the Dharma? It is the true reality of life and the universe, all the teachings of the Buddhas, which are included in sutras. These ancient textbooks documented all of the Buddha’s Read More …