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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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”. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

The Buddha said: Authentic cultivation is a true offering. If you practise diligently, with the Buddha and Bodhisattvas as your role models, then you are genuinely practising Buddhism and cultivating the mind. “Authentic” means real, with not a hint of deceit. When you cultivate sincerely, you are truly making offerings to the Buddha and Bodhisattvas. […]

I’d like to remind everyone that a person shouldn’t endure excessive stress or stimulation. Each time you experience stress, your spirit slightly departs from your body. When the stress becomes too intense, your spirit can leave completely. Though the spirit can return, it’s a slow process. For example, under anaesthesia, one feels numb and loses […]

One needs to cultivate ‘concentration’, as this concentration can foster wisdom. As I’ve explained before, the principle of “precepts, concentration, and wisdom” is crucial. It’s only with the discipline of precepts that one can achieve concentration, and it’s this concentration that enhances wisdom. Those who can maintain concentration, those who remain calm, are wise. Concentration […]

Let’s delve into the concept of ‘ideology’. What is ideology? Ideology refers to the thoughts that arise based on your theoretical foundation. If there’s just a fleeting thought, such as ‘I want to do something’, that’s merely a thought, without any theoretical grounding. For instance, when you’re a bit peckish, you might think about having […]

Chinese culture, much like the teachings of Bodhisattvas, emphasises filial respect and rules of propriety. Bodhisattvas instruct us, sentient beings, to honour our elders, treating those older than ourselves as if they were our own parents. Confucianism also emphasises filial respect, underscoring its connection with Buddhism. This shared principle is a key reason why Buddhism […]

Today, I will delve into the concepts of the “six sense bases” and “six sense objects”(“six dusts”) in Buddhism. The “six sense bases” refer to the “eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind”; the “six sense objects” refer to “forms, sounds, odours, tastes, tactile objects, and mental phenomena”. As many of you will recognise, these […]

Today, I’d like to discuss two ideas: ‘wealth adorning the home’ and ‘virtue nourishing the body’. While wealth may grant our homes grandeur, it can’t guarantee health. This is what I mean by ‘wealth adorning the home.’ Indeed, it’s only through virtue that a person can achieve physical and mental wellness, which is referred to as […]

Next, I will elucidate the process of clearing karmic obstructions. Due to karmic deeds enacted through our confused six sense bases, humans inevitably face rebirth. The karmic obstructions I refer to are those that have already seeped into your consciousness. For instance, wrongdoings tend to be remembered and not easily forgotten. If you’ve been wronged, […]

As you promote Buddha-dharma, remember to regard yourself as a genuine disciple of the Buddha; this is a reflection of your faith in the Buddhist teachings. If you do not see yourself as a disciple of the Buddha in this endeavour, your attempts to propagate the Buddha-dharma will surely fail. Upon truly embracing your identity […]

Every individual’s pursuit and interpretation of life can exhibit duality. The same scenario can be painted in a positive light, emphasising its beneficial aspects, or viewed negatively, accentuating its flaws. The key is where your mindset tends to lean. For instance, is aging good or bad? It can be argued that it’s good. The elderly […]

Today, I will discuss the concept of ’emptiness of nature.’ In this context, ‘nature’ signifies one’s inherent nature, and ’emptiness’ refers to absence. When a person’s nature is empty, they become receptive to the truth, subsequently attaining it. However, if the nature is not empty and is instead tainted by worldly defilements, consider what your […]

Witnessing Buddha-nature means that when you observe someone performing good deeds with a Buddha’s heart, you recognise them as a Buddha or a Bodhisattva. Witnessing involves seeing and confirming their status as a Bodhisattva. Realising Buddha-nature requires a person to use their true heart to comprehend and awaken to their inherent Buddha-nature. The combination of […]

Now, I will discuss the “Ultimate Extinction of Afflictions” from the Six Supranormal Powers. This refers to the state where one is no longer bound by the troubles of birth and death, having fully understood the nature of life and death, and possessing the ability to foresee the future and the end of one’s life. […]

Today, I want to discuss four “No’s” in Buddhist practice: 1. No Overjoy: Do not allow a sense of self-importance to arise in your heart. Arrogance occurs when you feel superior because of the good deeds you have done or the great merit and virtue you have accumulated. This can lead you to look down […]

It’s crucial to cultivate our nature and life at the same time. Many people know that in their later years or during times of disaster, protecting both one’s nature and life can be difficult. What does it mean to have difficulty protecting one’s nature and life? Life refers to your physical body, while nature pertains […]

Today, I will discuss the Buddha-dharma and the power of the Dharma. Many people are aware of the boundless power of the Buddha-dharma. However, some may wonder why, with such limitless power, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas don’t show their compassion and save people from the numerous natural and man-made disasters. Why don’t they prevent these catastrophes […]

Buddha’s virtue refers to possessing the moral character of Buddha. In our conduct, we should embody Buddha’s moral character, virtues, and inner nature. The fruition of Buddhahood involves attaining the fruits and the supreme status of Buddhahood. The fruit of non-self (anattā) is such that those who genuinely cultivate well see the fruit as empty. […]