Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse
(Question 177)
22 Aug 2017
REPENT IMMEDIATELY WHEN NEGATIVE THOUGHTS ARISE
Question: Master, you mentioned that when there’s excessive arising of negative thoughts, we should practise repentance within 10 seconds.
May I know if we are supposed to pray for the withdrawal of the thought or to empty the thought concerned?
Answer: It’s good if you are able to empty the thought but it’s even better if you can withdraw and empty the thought after. In fact, ten seconds is way too long. It should be withdrawn within one or two seconds.
For example, when a lustful thought arises you should immediately say, “I’m sorry Guan Yin Bodhisattva”.
With that, the thought will be instantly withdrawn. Otherwise, once the thought goes out, karmic obstacles will be formed. Hence, we have to be quick. Just like when a shirt is stained by soy sauce, we have to clean it right away.
Question: To be specific, are we supposed to pray to withdraw the thought or seek the help from Bodhisattva to help us withdraw?
Answer: You are to withdraw the thought yourself. It is not for Bodhisattva to do so.
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