OFFERING SELF-CULTIVATION RECORD FORMS IN THE ABSENCE OF A FORMAL BUDDHIST ALTAR
Caller: With the exception of the Self-Cultivation Eighty-Eight Buddhas Great Repentance, is it alright for those without a Buddhist Altar to offer Self-Cultivation Record Forms of the Great Compassion Mantra, the Heart Sutra, the Cundi Dharani, the Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra and the Mantra to Untie Karmic Knots?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Though you may do so in the day, it will be rather cumbersome because you may need to make more prayer requests prior to doing so. It is best for you to get a picture of the entire Buddhist altar of Oriental Radio’s Guan Yin Hall and display the picture whenever you are offering the Self-Cultivation Record Forms.
Caller: Does it mean that I need to take a picture of the Buddhist altar to look at for this purpose?
Master Jun Hong Lu: That’s right. Take a photograph of it and find a place to set it up whenever you are offering the Self-Cultivation Record Forms.
Caller: In this case, do I need to offer incense?
Master Jun Hong Lu: That goes without saying. One stick of incense is sufficient because that’s all it takes to invite the Bodhisattva.
Caller: Does it mean that when offering the Self-Cultivation Record Forms, it is best to set up a temporary Buddhist altar?
Master Jun Hong Lu: That’s right. It will not work without one because in the absence of Bodhisattva’s blessings, you run the risk of having your Buddhist scriptures being stolen.
Caller: I see. Is it right to say that it’s alright to burn the Eighty-Eight Buddhas Great Repentance in the presence of a temporary Buddhist altar for those who do not have a formal altar?
Master Jun Hong Lu: It is not right to say “burning the Eighty-Eight Buddhas Great Repentance”. Instead, it should be termed as “offering the Self-Cultivation Record Forms”. The former may be misleading because others may think that you are burning the Buddhist scriptures. Do you understand?
Caller: I’m sorry.
Master Jun Hong Lu: Burning the Self-Cultivation Record Forms entails offering certain Buddhist scriptures that one recites as part of one’s spiritual cultivation.
Caller: Thank you, Master.
Source: Wenda20160108 20:30, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
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