Master Lu | Buddhism in Plain Terms | Volume 3 Chapter 1 | With Equanimity, Cultivate the Field of Merits and Sow Seeds for Karmic Results

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On the topic of the world’s end: The apocalypse represents a major catastrophe, inevitably destined to occur. When will it happen? We don’t know, as the energy leading to such a catastrophe hasn’t fully developed yet. This suggests that many people are still acting virtuously, engaging in good deeds, cultivating their minds, reciting scriptures, and […]

Master Lu | Buddhism in Plain Terms | Volume 2 Chapter 35 | Elevating Our Spiritual States, Cultivating the Light of Bodhisattvas

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Today, let me discuss how humans can enter the Form Realm, an important concept in Buddhism. In reality, these are the material changes that occur after reaching a certain level of spiritual cultivation, akin to physical changes in modern terms. Many understand that cultivation involves the use of an energy field, such as in meditation […]

Master Lu | Buddhism in Plain Terms | Volume 2 Chapter 46 | Employing the Power of Wisdom to Recognise False Self-Awareness

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Wisdom and direct realisation: Wisdom represents a person’s intelligence and energy, and direct realisation lies in how your wisdom and virtuous capabilities confirm the energy of your Buddhist practice. The greater a person’s wisdom, the closer they are to the Bodhisattva. Those who can find solutions and maintain a positive mindset, achieving their goals successfully, […]

Master Lu | Buddhism in Plain Terms | Volume 2 Chapter 45 | No-Thought Signifies Existence of Thought; No Virtue Signifies Existence of Virtue

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It’s important to understand that thinking “I have merit and virtue” actually means you don’t. When you perform good deeds, in reality, you may not have any merit and virtue. It’s when you believe you lack merit and virtue, that’s when you truly possess it. Being a good person is about not intending to harm […]

Master Lu | Buddhism in Plain Terms | Volume 2 Chapter 44 | Our Mind is Like Water; Our Nature, a Mirror

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Today, I want to discuss with everyone how to eliminate afflictions. People often have a tendency to desire everything and to take in everything, be it food they crave or objects they wish to possess. This inclination leads to the acceptance of various kinds of afflictions. The habit of taking everything as it comes is […]

Master Lu | Buddhism in Plain Terms | Volume 2 Chapter 43 | Master Jun Hong Lu’s Words of Wisdom

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Recognise that birth is the beginning of responsibility, and death marks the conclusion of our duties. When we enter this world and eventually depart, we leave with nothing, having fulfilled our tasks. But the crucial question is, have you accomplished these tasks effectively? Have you cultivated yourself well? Wisdom, albeit intangible, can enrich your life. […]

Master Lu | Buddhism in Plain Terms | Volume 2 Chapter 42 | Applying Wisdom and Virtuous Capability to Attain Harmony, Gentleness, and Tranquillity

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If one fails to cherish life, they are essentially wasting it. The concept is straightforward: failing to appreciate merit and virtue leads to its waste. When you find yourself in need of merit and virtue, it may not be available, similar to how many people lack funds as they do not save over time. Let’s […]

Master Lu | Buddhism in Plain Terms | Volume 2 Chapter 41 | Learn the State of Buddhahood, Appreciate Law of Karma, Attain Emptiness through Letting Go

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Without fundamental perseverance, a person cannot excel in their Buddhist practice. Wisdom is crucial for discerning the right path and understanding the effectiveness of a Dharma Door. Without wisdom, flitting from one teaching to another, how can one aspire to be a Bodhisattva or even be a good ordinary person? One must adhere to pure […]

Master Lu | Buddhism in Plain Terms | Volume 2 Chapter 40 | Bring Forth the Bodhi Mind and Threefold Mind

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How does one bring forth the Bodhi mind (Bodhicitta), the mind of enlightenment? Many people know that they should bring forth the Bodhi mind, but how should it be done? Firstly, learn to care for all sentient beings. One should learn to care for every individual. Embrace the concept of “when others drown, I drown,” which means […]

Master Lu | Buddhism in Plain Terms | Volume 2 Chapter 39 | Mastering No-Self, Empowering Self-Confidence

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Today, I will discuss the importance of reciting Buddhist scriptures with a devoted heart, true faith, and a sincere aspiration. This practice also requires a connection, or an affinity with the Buddha. When reciting scriptures, it’s your own heart that you are engaging. Reciting the Buddha’s name is an act of self-power, serving as a […]

Master Lu | Buddhism in Plain Terms | Volume 2 Chapter 38 | Learn to Cultivate Awareness First: The Key to Appreciating Awakening

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When a soul enters the human body, the initial awareness it experiences is called the “initial determination”. This is when the Buddha-nature begins to operate. Following this initial awakening – Actualised Enlightenment – there emerges a sequence of external, internal, and intuitive awareness. External awareness refers to one’s perception of the external world; internal awareness […]

Master Lu | Buddhism in Plain Terms | Volume 2 Chapter 37 | Letting Go of Troublesome Thoughts, Finding Perfect Enlightenment

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“As the sky is subject to unforeseen winds and clouds, so too are people’s fortunes and misfortunes prone to swift and unexpected changes.” In this world, hardships are ever-present in our lives. Yet, those who truly propagate the Buddha-dharma and awaken sentient beings do not merely dress themselves as Bodhisattvas but are real beings of […]

Master Lu | Buddhism in Plain Terms | Volume 2 Chapter 36 | Merging a Heart of Pure Goodness with the Bodhisattva’s Mind

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Continuing our discussion, when you enter the state of emptiness, I liken it to a white cloud. In its purest form, this cloud symbolises the state of emptiness. Can you feel what it comprises when you touch it? You cannot, but you can see it, just as when we stand atop Mount Lu and a […]

Master Lu | Buddhism in Plain Terms | Volume 2 Chapter 34 | Learning the Bodhisattva Path, Practising the Ten Wholesome Kinds of Actions to Attain Virtuous Outcomes

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The Second Ground Bodhisattva must steadfastly pursue Buddhahood.  They should take the Buddha’s path as their guiding principle, bringing forth the compassionate vow to awaken and liberate all beings. Essentially, seek Buddhahood above while guiding and awakening living beings below, continuing to benefit both themselves and others through the ten wholesome kinds of actions. I urge you […]

Master Lu | Buddhism in Plain Terms | Volume 2 Chapter 33 | Be Free of Desire and Practise Holy Lifeway, Attain Buddha-Nature

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Today, I will continue to discuss the Bodhisattva of the Second Ground. Let me first describe the state of the Second Ground Bodhisattva. The Second Ground is also referred to as the Ground of Freedom from Defilement. “It is named the Ground of Freedom from Defilement due to their marvellous cultivation of the Middle Way and […]

Master Lu | Buddhism in Plain Terms | Volume 2 Chapter 32 | Embracing the Tathagata’s Heart, Practising Buddhism to Guide Sentient Beings, Skilfully Contemplating Causes and Conditions

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Today I will explain the concept of the “Tathāgata Heart”, and the meaning of “True Suchness Buddha”. The Tathāgata Heart is the true heart and mind of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. It contains profound meaning—the Tathāgata Heart is the “true Suchness heart”, the genuine heart and mind of the Suchness Buddha. The Tathāgata Heart represents truth, […]

Master Lu | Buddhism in Plain Terms | Volume 2 Chapter 31 | From Human Form to Emanation Body: Mastering Your Own Soul in the Human Realm

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The master of the Saha World is essentially a Reward-body Buddha. If you can act as a master in this world, then you are either a Buddha or a Bodhisattva, possessing the ability to control all spiritual and material aspects of this realm. I’ve told you all before, my state of mind doesn’t change based on […]

Master Lu | Buddhism in Plain Terms | Volume 2 Chapter 30 | Gaining True Understanding of the Buddha Dharma, Becoming a Bodhisattva in the Human Realm

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Anyone who enters the Realms of Form and Formlessness is commonly called a “heavenly immortal”. Their spiritual level is exalted, and their meditative concentration is exceptionally profound. What does it mean to have profound concentration? It refers to their unwavering stability in both sitting and standing. In the Human Realm, a Bodhisattva demonstrates such composure that, […]

Master Lu | Buddhism in Plain Terms | Volume 2 Chapter 29 | Promoting the Dharma, Cultivating Virtue, and Finding Joy in Detachment

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Today, I want to highlight that using Buddhist terms to criticise those who have reached enlightenment is referred to as “arrogance” (adhimāna) in Buddhism. If someone uses the words of the Bodhisattva to attack an awakened individual while studying the Buddha-dharma, such behaviour is termed as arrogance in Buddhist teachings. Such an individual hasn’t genuinely […]

Master Lu | Buddhism in Plain Terms | Volume 2 Chapter 28 | Let Go of Illusions and Attachments; Cultivate the Wisdom that Leads to Enlightenment

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If an ordinary person can reach the spiritual state of the First Ground Bodhisattva, they have undergone a qualitative transformation. For example, you are currently following my guidance in learning and practising Buddhism, and if you can meet the conditions of the First Ground Bodhisattva that I have explained to you, then you are a […]

Master Lu | Buddhism in Plain Terms | Volume 2 Chapter 27 | Cultivating the Buddha’s Spiritual State; Learning the Joy of Giving

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Next, I will unfold and explain to you so that you can clearly understand how to cultivate to reach the Bodhisattva’s realm. You must hold yourselves to the standards of the Bodhisattva’s spiritual state, cultivating enlightenment, and thus attaining the complete realisation of Buddhahood. Firstly, you must “have endurance, the ability to withstand difficulties, and […]

Master Lu | Buddhism in Plain Terms | Volume 2 Chapter 26 | Studying the Bodhisattva’s Realm; Transforming the Ordinary into the Sage

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You all know that the wholesome deeds you performed can be transformed into merit and virtue. Let me ask you: For someone with merit and virtue, could their merit and virtue be transformed into wholesome deeds? Yes, it could happen to ordained practitioners. If they choose the monastic life in this lifetime but do not […]

Master Lu | Buddhism in Plain Terms | Volume 2 Chapter 25 | Cultivating the Dharma Body of a Bodhisattva Through the Human Reward Body

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Last time, I introduced you to the concepts of Dharma Body, Emanation Body, and Reward Body. So, what is an Emanation Body? What is a Dharma Body? What is a Reward Body? And how do they differ from one another?  Let’s begin with the Emanation Body: what kind of life state does it embody, and how […]

Master Lu | Buddhism in Plain Terms | Volume 2 Chapter 24 | Seize the Present, Spread the Buddha’s Teachings, Enlighten Others with Wondrous Dharma

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Next, I want to discuss the concept of the “present moment” with you all. Many esteemed Dharma Masters frequently use the term “present moment,” which means immediacy or the ‘here and now.’ It calls for immediate cultivation of the mind, an instant commencement of learning Buddhism, and the immediate undertaking of meritorious deeds. Harness all […]

Master Lu | Buddhism in Plain Terms | Volume 2 Chapter 23 | Grasping Dharma-Attachment; Delving Deep into One Dharma Door

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It’s crucial to remember that in practising Buddhism, we should avoid greed, anger, and ignorance. If someone offers to help you acquire wealth, be cautious and deeply reflect on whether their motives are genuine. Bodhisattvas won’t assist us in acquiring material wealth. Wealth comes as a result of your past acts of generosity and deeds […]

Master Lu | Buddhism in Plain Terms | Volume 2 Chapter 22 | Chanting the Buddha’s Name with Sincerity; Cultivating Thoughts in Purity

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Continuing our discussion, it’s essential to emphasise the equality in transmitting the Dharma. This equality means that when I pass on teachings to you, and you convey them to someone else, the process upholds the absolute equality between individuals. Such equality also applies to the faith and concepts surrounding Dharma transmission. How can you stand on equal […]

Master Lu | Buddhism in Plain Terms | Volume 2 Chapter 21 | Learning from Guan Yin Bodhisattva’s Way of Alleviating Suffering upon Hearing It; the Singular Approach to Spreading the Dharma and Liberating Sentient Beings

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Every day, we chant the holy name of Guan Yin Bodhisattva. But how should we do this correctly? The complete invocation is: “Namo the Greatly Merciful and Greatly Compassionate, Saviour from Suffering, and Vast Miraculous Guan Yin Bodhisattva.” Most people chant: “Namo the Greatly Merciful and Greatly Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva” or simply “Namo Guan Yin Bodhisattva”. […]

Master Lu | Buddhism in Plain Terms | Volume 2 Chapter 20 | Embed Buddhas and Bodhisattvas into Your Heart with Supportive Power

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Last time, we discussed the ‘Dharma of association’, which essentially relies on supportive power. What is supportive power? It is the force that assists and propels you. For example, when you are cultivating your mind, someone might suggest, “Don’t practise this Dharma Door; I know of a better one.” If you become confused, you need […]

Master Lu | Buddhism in Plain Terms | Volume 2 Chapter 19 | Control the Mindset When Reciting Scriptures; Cultivate the Truth Through Illusion

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Let me share with you a few tips for reciting Buddhist scriptures under specific circumstances: 1. When contemplating emptiness, refrain from thinking about any individual or situation. Keeping your mind at peace is essential. It’s crucial to maintain a serene mindset. If you are not in a positive mindset, you should recognise it’s only temporary. A […]

Master Lu | Buddhism in Plain Terms | Volume 2 Chapter 18 | Finding Your Bodhi-Mind: Break Free from the Rebirth Cycle Bound by Negative Karmic Affinities

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Today, I’d like to talk about  the concept of the Bodhi-mind in Heaven. What is the Bodhi-mind in Heaven exactly? How many levels does Heaven have? The Desire Realm, Form Realm, and Formless Realm heavens are all distinct, each representing a unique level of Heaven. So, where does the Bodhi-mind exist within these layers? Let […]