Time : Saturday 2pm-4.00pm
Platform : ZOOM Cloud Meeting
Topic of Discussion : The 3rd Buddhism Precepts: Abstain From Sensuous Misconduct
The Buddha says, “In this world, no suffering can surpass the pain that this physical form presents us. It’s because of this body, an unlimited amount of anxiety and fear is generated.”
On 3 July 2021, Guan Yin Citta, Singapore, held an online English sharing session that focused on the third Buddhist Precept of abstaining from sensuous misconduct.
A Buddha story helped lay the groundwork for the session. In this poignant short story, Master Lu urged us to be awakened and stop grasping at the illusory phenomena of this world and never enslave ourselves by falling into the temptations of carnal desires.
The participants were reminded of the severe karmic retributions of sexual misconduct that may manifest in physical ailments and financial misfortune. The worst being sentenced to the Hell of Excrement or the Hell of Iron Bed upon death – the kind of suffering beyond human imagination!
To reinforce the dire consequences of sexual misconduct, Master Lu said, “Can’t you tell how anxious I am? Even my voice is broken from talking to all of you. You must control your desires!”
In a touching testimony, a young Buddhist friend shared his quest for a lust-free mind through a steadfast application of the Four Golden Buddhist Practices of Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door.
To overcome the demon of sexual desires, the participants were advised to contemplate the impurity of the human body, avoid thrills or subject the body to excessive stimulation, and exercise mindfulness and refrain from acting on the urges. Most importantly, the participants were advised to hold Buddhas and Bodhisattvas close to their hearts and feel Their constant presence in order to keep their minds in check.
The facilitator highlighted that to eliminate sexual desires, one needs to meet the following three criteria:
First: Be resolute in your commitment to never ever repeat;
Second: Remain steadfast in your Buddhism practice; and
Third: Repent diligently and earnestly.
In an inspiring closing video, Master Lu said, “Let your heart be a place of spiritual practice where you welcome the Bodhisattva. With that, you will always be able to taste success and good fortune.”
The upcoming session – scheduled on 10 July – we will explore the effective ways to remove negative energy.
? Let us now look at some comments from participants:
This class has definitely helped me awaken on so many levels. Every moment of those 2 hours were by far the most important 2 hours of my life as it has given me the much needed lifebuoy while I constantly drown in the sea of suffering!
After today’s session, I will practise the method of having Buddhas and Bodhisattvas close to my heart. The sharing session truly motivated me to quit my bad habits and curb my desires.
?Join us in our next session
Please contact Loh SX (96978356) / Woan Yi SX (82182248) for more information
⏰ Date and time:
Saturday 10 July 2021 (2.00pm – 4.00pm)
Please click here to download the Summary Slides shared during the Group Study:
Summary Slides_Abstain From Sensuous Misconduct
WHAT ARE WE LEARNING TODAY?
< DESIRE IS THE ROOT OF SUFFERING – A BUDDHA STORY >
Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhism In Plain Terms, Episode 89 (13 June 2020)
As Buddhist practitioners, we should keep every teaching of the Buddha in our hearts, a place where we put the discipline into practice. With that, we can withstand worldly troubles and be liberated from the cyclical existence and attain Buddhahood.
邪淫 : Sensuous/Sexual Misconduct, Lewd, Licentious behaviour
< THE NATURE OF DESIRES >
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR DESIRES (the emotion that would move you towards the animal realm)
Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhism in Plain Terms, Volume 5, Chapter 41 (An Excerpt)
QUIT GRASPING; BE FREE FROM DESIRES
The human realm has always been a place that taints our inherent nature (污染你本性); a realm where all the contamination takes place that causes our innate nature to be clouded (见不到本性). It is not that our Buddha nature is lost. In fact, its presence can be likened to the Sun which is shining brightly in us, with all its warmth and brilliance. This is the nature of the Sun.
Why is it that some of us seem to have lost our Buddha nature? This does not mean that the Sun is no longer present. It is because the Sun has been shrouded by dark clouds. The Sun has lost its shine as its brightness has been blocked. Such people would have lost all the kindness of human nature as their mind has been corrupted. Even though their inherent qualities are brilliant, they have been concealed (被遮住了).
Take for example: you switch on a torchlight, it is very bright, isn’t it? Cover it with a piece of black cloth, can you still see the light? Can you say that the torchlight is not working? The torchlight is working and shining just fine, just that it has been blocked by the black cloth.
It is said, mankind is all about desires (人等于欲望). Once you are in this realm and take the form of a human, you have essentially entered the passage of desires. As long as you are a human being, you would start to have desires. You desire for food, wealth, reputation, sex and you are consumed by greed and hatred, all of which stems from your desires; this is the emotion that would move you towards the animal realm.
ADDICTION: an inability to stop doing or using something, especially something harmful.
Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse, Sydney Guan Yin Hall – 25 April 2021 (An Excerpt)
SEVER ALL DESIRES AND LEAD A CAREFREE LIFE
Desires are just like viruses; they come in continuous series, one after another and proliferate at an astonishing rate (很强的繁殖力).
Human desires would never cease multiplying and could only get stronger, hence the condition called addiction (上瘾). Just like some people who are fond of a certain type of food or activity which can become addictive.
The Buddhist scriptures say, humans tend to “grasp at the illusory phenomena” (于虚妄处强加分别执着). While everything in the human realm is empty, it is an illusion and will not last long, but we are most insistent on how it should be. As soon as you give rise to a discriminatory mind (分别心), karmic obstacles (业障) are generated.
What are karmic obstacles? Let me tell all of you now. Karmic obstacles are the results of your grasping at the illusory phenomena of this world which in fact, are superfluous (可有可无) and delusory (虚幻).
Master Jun Hong Lu’s Public Talk – Singapore, 10 April 2015
DO NOT BE A SLAVE OF YOUR DESIRE
As humans, we should never enslave ourselves by falling to the temptations of carnal desires (肉体与欲望的奴隶) – what you desire enslaves you.
If you desire money, you will exert yourself at work and in learning to earn as much as you could. If you like a woman and she says, “I can marry you, but you have to buy me a large house”, you will toil excessively hard and gladly become her slave.
True liberation comes from within our heart; wisdom is only attainable when there is awareness of the truth.
A person who can fully liberate himself is deemed to be on the right path of Buddhism practice (真正能解脱的人就是学佛的正道).
Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhism in Plain Terms (Radio Program) – Vol. 2, Chap. 22
DO NOT LET GREED CONTROL YOU
As humans, we are filled with greed for pleasures our entire life – wanting this today, and that tomorrow; desiring this today and that the next. Essentially, this is the damage that we inflict on our minds every single day. Therefore, no matter what it is, do not allow anything to control us. If the demon in your mind (心魔) takes control of you, your mental state (心境) will be affected and everything around you will turn out to be negative.
< A Buddha’s Story >
Master Jun Hong Lu’s Public Talk, Singapore, 24 April 2016
WHAT IS THE WORST KIND OF SUFFERING?
The Buddha once said, a long time ago, there was a diligent and steadfast Bhikkhu (比丘), who was endowed with five types of supernatural powers.
Every time, he was cultivating in solitude (独自修行) under a tree in the mountains, he would attract a pigeon, a crow, a venomous snake and even a deer. These animals would hunt for food during the day, only to return to his side during the night.
One night, these animals started to discuss what was considered the worst kind of suffering.
The crow said, “I think that hunger and thirst are the most unbearable. This is because they bring about a weakened physique. Not only does visibility reduce, we lose mental clarity. As a result, very often, in the midst of all these, we fall prey to the sharp blades of the hunters and walk right into their traps.”
The pigeon said, “Lust is the most tormenting. This is because amid intense sexual desire, we lose our rational mind (失去理智), behave like nothing else matters and subject ourselves to multiple dangers that may potentially snatch our lives away.”
The venomous snake said, “No suffering beats hatred. The moment we give rise to the thought of harming others, all our close or distant friends are susceptible to danger. Not only is such evil intention capable of harming others, we could end up being a victim ourselves.”
The deer expressed its view and said, “Fear is the most unbearable suffering. Whenever I wander in the wilderness, my heart is filled with extreme fear, the fear of falling prey to either human hunters or leopards, wolves or tigers. The slightest noise will send me scurrying away to the riverside or hiding in the caves. In my mad rush for survival, I practically have to drop everything, including my loved ones, and run for life. In my view, fear presents the most suffering.”
Upon hearing their exchanges, the Bhikkhu said, “What you have been talking about bears little significance; none of you has truly comprehended the root of your suffering. In this world, no suffering can surpass the pain that this physical form presents us. It’s because of this body, it generates an unlimited amount of anxiety and fear.”
This explains why I abandoned all worldly things, lead an ascetic life and exterminate all my desires, wishes and steer away from greed for the four great joys (四大享乐). I only have one goal in mind and, that is, to put an end to the root of my suffering so that I can reach the state of Nirvana (涅槃的境界).
This diligent Bhikkhu was one of the previous lives of Shakyamuni Buddha.
< RETRIBUTION OF SENSUOUS MISCONDUCT >
Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse (Question 425)
17 December 2020
Tai Sui Bodhisattva for 2020 – General Lu Mi:
The acts of killing and sexual misconduct are the most damaging to one’s fortune. They are the gravest sins committed by sentient beings in this Age of Dharma Decline. If any of you can strictly adhere to the Buddhist precepts, pray to Buddhas, perform recitation and become a full vegetarian, an endless string of good tidings and fortunes will come knocking at your door. You will be blessed in every aspect of your life – be it your career, family or livelihood and you shall fear no evil.
< Buddhist friend sharing: A scene from HELL came to life! >
Wenda 20150213 18:43 (Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)
SCENES FROM HELL COME TO LIFE IN DREAMS AFTER COMMITTING SEXUAL MISCONDUCT
Can’t you tell how anxious I am? Even my voice is broken from talking to all of you. You must give your best effort to transform yourself. You must control your desires!
People bring mishaps upon themselves with their promiscuous immorality. Hell is where they will be heading! We are humans; we are beings of the three good paths, not animals from the three evil paths. If you do not mend your ways, what awaits you is suffering in hell – the kind of suffering beyond your imagination!
Retribution of Sensuous Misconduct: Journey to Heaven v1.B1: The Hell Associated with Sexual Misconduct (The Hell of Excrement and the Hell of Iron Bed)
Journey to Heaven and the Underworld: The Hell of Excrement and the Hell of Iron Bed
Wenda20190324 51:45 (Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)
WOULD DAUGHTERS RECEIVE DIRECT KARMIC RETRIBUTIONS OWING TO SEXUAL MISCONDUCT COMMITTED BY THEIR MOTHERS?
Caller: How are you, Master? You once said that when mothers commit sexual misconduct (邪淫), their sons will have to bear the karmic retribution (报应在儿子身上). A Buddhist practitioner is interested to know, what about in the case where there are only girls in the family, would the karmic retribution end up being borne by the daughters?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes. It cuts both ways. Sexual misconduct by any parent – be it the father or the mother – will end up being shouldered by their offspring, regardless of gender. That said, for mothers with sons, the sons will receive direct karmic retribution. In cases where there are only female offspring, their daughters will suffer the same.
Wenda20170407 01:15:16 (Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)
SEXUAL MISCONDUCT WILL RESULT IN POOR MEMORY
Caller: Some people have exceptionally good or photographic memory (过目不忘). May I know what could be the karma that they had sowed in their past lives to be endowed with such amazing memory prowess? And, what about those who are extremely forgetful?
Master Jun Hong Lu: There are multiple causes for those who forget easily. One of which is the consequence of neglecting their health in their present life. The other reason is, licentious acts (邪淫), which some youngsters are engaged in. Masturbation (手淫) is one example. What’s the key characteristic for such people? Their memories are in total mess, there will be a rapid decline of memory retention.
This is a common academic topic, including in those universities in the west. Their first lesson on physiology is on this. Youngsters develop this bad habit as their parents do not educate them about the consequences of such behaviour. In reality, such an unwholesome act is highly damaging to one’s memory. Fundamentally, it will lead to alzheimer (老年痴呆) as the brain goes into a recession. Those who lead an extremely licentious lifestyle (邪淫犯得多的人) will become foolish. They have the lecherous and foolish look on them (一副淫相和傻相). This is the typical look of a person who lacks wisdom.
Caller: Is it equally bad to commit these unwholesome acts in our thoughts?
Master Jun Hong Lu: This goes without saying. This is because a sin has been committed in the mind (等于意念犯罪). However, it is not as bad in comparison as it has not manifested in your behaviour (还没到行为上). That said, having such thought in itself is already sinful. This is very much like, upon seeing a bank, your mind starts to wander off about robbing it. Even though you don’t translate your thoughts into action, it is nonetheless bad.
Caller: Is there any remedy for sexual thoughts? Would the recitation of Qi Fo Mie Zui Zhen Yan help? Does it work if we instantly curb the unwholesome thought?
Master Jun Hong Lu: If such thought is momentary and lasts for merely a few seconds, it will not be a big problem, the sin is negligible (不会定什么罪). However, if you persist in this way and your mind keeps wandering off every time you see an opposite sex, it means it has taken shape in your sixth and seventh consciousness (六识田到七识田中). The moment it penetrates your eighth consciousness (八识田中), you would have committed a grave sin (大罪). Therefore, stop thinking about it everyday.
Wenda20200911 01:23:38 (Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)
SEXUAL MISCONDUCT LEADS TO DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS AND BAD BREATH
Caller: Hi Master, how are you? You read someone’s Totem recently and in that reading, you attributed his poor digestion (肠胃很差) to his licentious behaviour (邪淫). May I know how this health problem can be related to sexual misconduct?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Of course they are related. First and foremost, those who often commit sexual misconduct will suffer from bad breath (口臭) with overwhelming stench coming from their mouths. Secondly, those who suffer from poor digestion also have bad breath. Why? This is because their intestines undergo spasms during these immoral acts.
Wenda20200119 34:59 (Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)
WHAT ARE THE REASONS FOR ONE TO SUFFER FROM FINANCIAL MISFORTUNE
Caller: Master, what are the actions that can lead to one to suffer the karmic retribution of financial misfortune?
Master Jun Hong Lu: The act of killing is the main cause for one to suffer the retribution of financial loss. Secondly, lust. If a man is always flirting with women, he will be financially strapped.
Caller: As you have mentioned before, there is a traditional Chinese saying that goes “Of all vices, lust is the worst”. It is true.
Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes. Both women and money are “yin” in nature. Hence, when men have illicit contact with women, the substantial amount of ‘yin’ energy will surely bring about financial misfortune for him.
Caller: What about those spendthrifts who are recklessly wasteful with money, do we consider them as suffering from financial misfortune too?
Master Jun Hong Lu: These people are suffering from a different kind of financial misfortune. They have difficulty in safe-keeping their wealth.
Caller: I understand now.
< HOW TO OVERCOME HABITUAL SEXUAL MISCONDUCT >
Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhism in Plain Terms – Volume 2, Chapter 16 (An Excerpt)
DO NOT SEEK THRILLS
Humans are not made to experience too much thrills (刺激).
Each time the body is stimulated, parts of the soul leave the body (魂魄会离开身体一点). When the thrills become too intense for some people, their souls would leave their bodies indefinitely. Although the soul would be able to find its way back, the speed of it returning to the body would be very slow.
For example, a shot of anaesthesia (麻醉) would cause our entire body to be numb and some people even lose consciousness. When we finally recover from it, our thinking would be obstructed and significantly slower. We would also react slower. All these are caused by the stimulation of the anaesthesia to our body.
Therefore, we cannot allow ourselves to experience too much stimulation (不能多受刺激). There have been cases of intelligent people suffering from sluggish reactions as a result of frequent exposure to thrills. In life, we should avoid all kinds of stimulants. How do we do that? It is very simple. Do not be greedy, hateful or ignorant. The problem still revolves around these three words. But sadly, it is precisely these three negative traits that many still fail to eliminate.
Wenda20130224A 37:30 (Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)
WAYS TO ELIMINATE LUSTFUL THOUGHTS OR SEXUAL MISCONDUCT
Caller: How are you, Master? I’d like to ask about the precepts on abstaining from sexual misconduct (淫戒). Strictly speaking, is having lustful thoughts (心中的意淫) considered a form of sexual misconduct?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Absolutely correct!
Caller: Realistically speaking, this is the hardest precept to keep. In this regard, what should we do to help us do better? I may be able to control my actions, however, it remains a real challenge to refrain from those lingering lustful thoughts in my consciousness (意识层面的这种想法). What should I do under such circumstances?
Master Jun Hong Lu: First and foremost, say, you currently conjure up lustful thoughts once a day and this continues for a month. You must know right away that it is time to guard your mind. You may also confide in Bodhisattva, “I know this is bad. I will abstain from it“. Then, such thoughts may occur to you every two to three days.
Whenever the unwholesome thoughts of the opposite sex flash through your mind, you know that you have violated the precept and you may tell yourself, “Gosh, I’ve sinned again!”. You then stretch the interval to four to five days, or five to six days and it gets longer each time.
What I’m trying to say here is you must continue to work on keeping to the discipline. In both your heart and your thoughts, you must strive to perfect your adherence to the precepts (完善戒律). By doing so, you will be able to slowly exterminate this bad habit (戒掉). You may not be able to get rid of it right away but at least you are reducing its frequency.
Caller: I see. This means, since I have taken up this precept, I should face up to it and find ways to be more disciplined (守得更好).
Master Jun Hong Lu: Precisely! For example, you are keeping the precepts. Let’s talk about the enormous amount of illicit materials available on the internet. You landed on this webpage that used to tempt you in the past. But, today, you tell yourself “I am not going to watch!”.
Unfortunately, a few days later, you give in to temptation and decide to take a peek at the website. For that, you end up having to recite a few times of the Eighty-Eight Buddhas Great Repentance. Thereafter, you tell yourself, “I am going to stop it! I can’t take this any more!”
You may be able to hold up longer this time, say, a few months, but once again, you cave into temptation. For that, you confide in Bodhisattva again. This keeps going on until such time that you are able to eliminate your bad habits for good.
It’s the same with someone who wishes to kick his smoking habit. There are ways of getting around it. One, is to do it gradually; the other is to do it abruptly. This is not dissimilar to what the dharma says about the two types of enlightenment: Sudden Enlightenment (顿悟) and Gradual Enlightenment (顿悟). Some achieve enlightenment in an epiphany while others go through a gradual process.
Wenda20180330 28:33 (Master Jun Hong Lu‘s call-in radio program)(An Excerpt)
IT IS IMPORTANT TO ERADICATE THE SIN OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT WHILE IN THIS HUMAN REALM
Caller: In one of those past radio programs, Master has said, “Any form of sexual misconduct is a non-negotiable sin”. What does this mean? Does it mean that in comparison with other forms of evil acts, sexual misconduct is so grave that one does not have the right to claim trial, that is, the offender will be convicted without trial?
Master Jun Hong Lu: There is no way for those who commit sexual misconduct to get off scot-free unless they can eliminate this negative karma while they are alive. Failing which, they will have to face up to the consequences upon their demise.
By “eliminating” you need to meet the following three criteria:
First: Be resolute in your commitment to never ever repeat. (永不再犯);
Second: Remain steadfast in your Buddhism practice (精进学佛);
Third: Repent diligently and earnestly (努力忏悔).
If you are able to fully meet the three criteria, the Underworld will not raise the issue with you upon your demise.
Caller: Does it mean that the Underworld will delete all such records?
Master Jun Hong Lu: It’s impossible to erase them. They still exist on record.
Caller: If that’s the case, how do we expunge all these records (那如何让档案消除呢)?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Do you think what is done can be cancelled out? Many people have committed countless wrongdoings throughout their lives, do you think what they did can be removed from the record?
Caller: No.
Master Jun Hong Lu: This is because the act has left its mark in their eighth consciousness (八识田中). That’s why you should abstain from such acts. This explains the phrase “Bodhisattvas fear the seed They sow” (菩萨为什么说怕因) – it is to warn us against committing misdeeds because once done, they can never be eliminated.
< Contemplate the Body as Impure >
wenda20160710B 57:51 (Master Jun Hong Lu‘s call-in radio program)(An Excerpt)
WAYS TO CONTROL IMPURE THOUGHTS
Master Jun Hong Lu:
First, whatever the situation may be, abstain from reading or getting in touch withpornographic materials (不要去看色情的东西).
Second, you must maintain the right faith and right mindfulness (正信正念), in which you hold the view that all these lustful acts are filthy and despicable;
Third, you have to learn self-control.
These unwholesome acts are acts of the animals performed in stark nakedness. Don’t you find it disgusting?
What lies beneath the human skin? It is nothing but flesh. What’s inside your stomach? It stinks so bad because there are your faeces! Take a good look at yourself, every single ‘cavity’ of your body secretes bodily waste – your eyes have eye boogers, your nose has snot and mucus. Is this not disgusting enough?
Plaque and tartar build up in your teeth and earwax in your ears. Now take a look at what gets discharged from your lower body, won’t you call that gross? Are you still interested in fooling around doing all those animal acts? You are just like an animal, constantly looking out for filthy objects to toy with all day long, aren’t you?
< FOOD THAT MAY HAVE AN EFFECT ON YOUR DESIRES >
Wenda20200214 19:22 (Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)
EXCESSIVE CONSUMPTION OF EGG-RELATED PRODUCTS MAY STIMULATE SEXUAL DESIRES
Caller: Master Lu once said, those who are susceptible to lust (邪淫很重) will reincarnate into birds. Master has also advised that those who suffer from gynecological disorder (妇科疾) should avoid consuming eggs. I’d like to ask whether an excessive consumption of eggs will stimulate one’s sexual desires (淫欲心)?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes. All non-vegetarian products (荤) have the ability to stimulate one’s sexual desires. Eggs go under the meat category; they are meat-based produce, not plant-based. Animal-based protein and plant-based protein are not the same.
Buddhism in Plain Terms Episode 5 (An Excerpt)
WHY WE SHOULD NOT CONSUME THE FIVE PUNGENT SPICES
Why is it that vegetarians should not consume the five pungent spices? This is because onions, leek, garlic etc. have a pungent taste, which can lead to subtle changes in one’s mind and body.
For example, it can stimulate one’s body and senses. On top of this, garlic and onions are capable of stimulating our hormones. The moment your body reacts, your brain will trigger unwholesome thoughts (不好的念头) which are hardly positive for your spiritual cultivation. This explains why vegetarians should avoid consuming the five pungent spices, besides avoiding spicy or foods that are stimulating.
< HOW TO PRAY TO OVERCOME SEXUAL MISCONDUCT >
Wenda20141128 13:29 (Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)
HOW TO PRAY TO GUAN YIN BODHISATTVA TO ELIMINATE THOUGHTS RELATING TO SEXUAL MISCONDUCT
Caller: Is there a way to pray to Guan Yin Bodhisattva to help me eliminate the thoughts relating to sexual misconduct (消除邪淫的念头)? How do I state my prayer?
Master Jun Hong Lu: “Please bless me xxx, I am just a common mortal and I hereby pray so that my thoughts relating to sexual misconduct can be eradicated.” Just say it like this. It is perfectly normal as far as Bodhisattva is concerned, you are the one who thinks otherwise.
So, you should just go ahead and tell Bodhisattva. It is just like talking to your own mother, what’s there to be embarrassed about? Guan Yin Bodhisattva is our heavenly mother. You can tell Her anything. However, at that moment when you are saying it, your mind must be pure, free of any unwholesome thoughts. Otherwise, it is a major transgression! You will get yourself in trouble with the Dharma Protectors. Can you understand?
Caller: I understand. Master, can I make the same prayer request when reciting the Heart Sutra? “May Bodhisattva help me eliminate my lustful thoughts”?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes. Humans are generally impure and Bodhisattvas are aware that they are susceptible to the seven emotions and six sensory pleasures (七情六欲). Being in the evil world of five turbidities (五浊恶世) make it even more difficult for them to be purified. As long as you make it clear to Bodhisattva, “I hope to eliminate my inclination to commit sexual misconduct in this evil world of five turbidities (希望消除我在五浊恶世当中的邪淫). May Guan Yin Bodhisattva have mercy on me. Please help and bless me so that I can resist these human desires.” It is alright for you to say all these.
Wenda20180302 25:49 (Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)
BUDDHIST SCRIPTURES TO RECITE IN ORDER TO BREAK AND GUARD AGAINST LUSTFUL THOUGHTS
BUDDHIST SCRIPTURES TO RECITE:
[NOTE: The recitation of these sutras/mantras is in addition to your daily homework.]
Caller: Previously, there was a Buddhist practitioner, who had vowed to recite 10,000 times of Da Ji Xiang Tian Nu Zhou to help her break her lustful tendencies (断除邪淫). But, Master has mentioned that this mantra is meant for perfecting one’s relationship, and hence, is not suitable in her case. We may change our prayer request and inform Bodhisattva that we now vow to recite 10,000 times of Xiao Zai Ji Xiang Shen Zhou, instead? Can this method be universally applied?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes.
Caller: So, she should recite more Xiao Zai Ji Xiang Shen Zhou as part of her Daily Homework?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Some people are embarrassed to confide in Bodhisattva about their sexual misconduct. In regard to this, the best Buddhist scripture to recite is the Heart Sutra. Alternatively, you may recite Xiao Zai Ji Xiang Shen Zhou, it is a mantra of the Bodhisattva, though not Guan Yin Bodhisattva per se. When you are distracted by thoughts of material things of this world or if you have any medical condition that causes your distracting thoughts, reciting Xiao Zai Ji Xiang Shen Zhou helps. The other important mantra is the Mantra to Untie Karmic Knots, as it helps quell your desires.
Caller: Got it, Master. To reiterate, the three Buddhist scriptures are the Heart Sutra, Mantra to Untie Karmic Knots, and Xiao Zai Ji Xiang Shen Zhou. Is it right to say that we should be specific in our prayer request and cite that it is for the elimination of our tendencies to commit sexual misconduct (除邪淫)?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes. Among these three mantras, the Heart Sutra would be the most effective, followed by the Mantra to Untie Karmic Knots. The last being Xiao Zai Ji Xiang Shen Zhou, as this mantra is generally used to eliminate phenomena that have already taken form in a negative way.
Caller: I see. Is it right that this would be an add-on recitation which does not constitute part of our daily homework?
Master Jun Hong Lu: That’s correct. This should be in addition to your daily homework.
Caller: Thank you, Master.
< Have Buddha and Bodhisattva close to your heart >
Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhism In Plain Terms (Radio Programe) – Volume 1 Chapter 23 ( An Excerpt)
Be it in performing recitation, mind cultivation or Buddhism practice, we should hold the Bodhisattva in reverence.
You have to feel that you are physically in front of the Buddha with aconstant sense of closeness to Them.
If you often feel that you are right before the Bodhisattvas, you will not dare to give rise to even a single delusive thought (妄想念头).
< SUMMARY >
1. The highlight of today’s session is on the saying:
“Once you are in this realm and take the form of a human, you have essentially entered the passage of desires”. This human realm that we are in now is a realm that causes our innate nature to be clouded and our mind to be corrupted.
Hence, Master Lu wants us to be awakened and to stop grasping at the illusory phenomena of this world which in fact, are superfluous and delusory. He reminded us that we should never enslave ourselves by falling into the temptations of carnal desires.
2. The Four Tips to overcome sexual misconduct share in today session include:
a) Do not go for thrills or subject the body to too much stimulation (or stand the risk of losing our soul).
b) Being more aware of these routine behaviours and the triggers that lead to them and refrain from acting on the urges. It’s very easy to slip back into old patterns so one should aim to cut down the frequency of such unwholesomeness gradually.
c) Having an aim to eradicate this negative karma from sexual misconduct, in this very lifetime OR face the consequences upon one’s demise. This can be done through:
First: Being resolute in our commitment to never ever repeat it;
Second: Remaining steadfast in our Buddhism practice;
Third: Repenting diligently and earnestly.
d) Contemplating the Impurity of the human body.
< Make Bodhisattva at HOME… in your heart! >
Let your heart be a place of spiritual practice where you welcome the Bodhisattva.
With that, you will always be able to taste success and good fortune.
— Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhism In Plain Terms – Episode 15
