STUDYING BUDDHISM IN PLAIN TERMS HAS REPENTANCE EFFECTS, BUT HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM THE RECITATION OF THE EIGHTY-EIGHT BUDDHAS GREAT REPENTANCE?
Caller: Master, is it true that studying Buddhism in Plain Terms can help us repent? The reason I ask is because there are times when we are studying Buddhism in Plain Terms, we will reflect on our past misdeeds, during which a sense of penitence will wash over us. Can Master enlighten us on this?
Master Jun Hong Lu: That’s for sure. I have not revealed this in the past. The fact of the matter is when you are studying Buddhism in Plain Terms, it will trigger a host of mental activity, which will slowly set the way you think and rationalise into motion. In fact, this is a process where you get to understand your mind and see your true nature.
Hence, studying Buddhism in Plain Terms has both the effect of repentance as well as understanding your mind and seeing your true nature. This is why I encourage all of you to study Buddhism in Plain Terms.
Those, who practise Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door, should not solely focus on performing recitation and not study Buddhism in Plain Terms because if you practise this way, you are not any different from being superstitious and it’s useless. It’s important to be rational and not superstitious.
Caller: Is it better for us to read Buddhism in Plain Terms quietly or read it out loud?
Master Jun Hong Lu: You can read it in your heart at night so that you do not disturb others. During the daytime, you can read it out loud. It’s very good to read it out loud.
Take a look at the Buddhist scriptures, some of them are not scriptures per se, they are records of speeches delivered by the Buddha. The Diamond Sutra is one case in point. The entire Sutra encapsulates the Buddha’s teachings transpired during His time in the human realm. Why do we need to read it out loud? Do you understand now?
Caller: I understand now, Master. Since studying Buddhism in Plain Terms has repentance effects, how does it differ from the recitation of the Eighty-Eight Buddhas Great Repentance?
Master Jun Hong Lu: There’s definitely a difference! The former is ‘self-repentance’, while the latter refers to seeking forgiveness from heaven. ‘Self-repentance’ will enhance one’s spiritual awakening. On the other hand, when you repent to heaven, you will receive blessings from Bodhisattvas, and this will help eliminate your karmic obstacles.
Caller: Thank you Master for enlightening us on this query.
Source: Wenda20171008B 18:09, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
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