Wenda20140817B 18:45
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)
SINCERITY IS KEY REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE RECITATION OF EIGHTY-EIGHT BUDDHAS GREAT REPENTANCE IS PERFORMED WITH PROSTRATION OR NODDING OF HEAD
Caller: There is one more question. I am currently adhering to the protocol of reciting the Eighty-Eight Buddhas Great Repentance as stated in the booklet, where I will prostrate upon reciting certain phrases, and for each of the 88 Buddhas mentioned. This is how I perform the recitation of this ‘thing’. However, I did not fix the quantity of recitation for example 3 or 5 times. My morning ritual includes, offering of incense, followed by recitation of Eighty-Eight Buddhas Great Repentance with prostrations. Is this alright?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Firstly, what are you calling this ‘thing’? You should never call the scriptures of Buddha a ‘thing’. Do you understand?
Caller: Yes.
Master Jun Hong Lu: Just like you, you are a human, not a ‘thing’. In the first place, you should learn some manners. Secondly, as Bodhisattva will forgive us being people of this modern days, we may nod our head to represent a prostration when we perform the recitation while seated.
Caller: Master, do both the prostration method and the method where we nod our head have the same level of efficacy?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Both are considered prostrations. However it can be differentiated as such – one is when you are prostrating, you lack sincerity – this is useless. The second one is when you recite the said scripture while seated without performing any literal prostrations but you are entirely focused on the scriptures. Do you think it is different?
Caller: That’s right. It all boils down to being mindful?
Master Jun Hong Lu: That’s right. Sincerity is key in recitation of scriptures. In Guan Yin Citta, externality is the least of our worries. For example, wearing distinctive clothing that is consistent for everybody, performing prostrations in a standardised way, etc. Let me tell you, paying obeisance to Buddha is a gesture to be done according to our conditions. As long as we are sincere, with Buddha in our heart, we will be united with Buddha. That is when Buddha and us are inseparable.
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