Time : Saturday 2pm-4pm
Platform : ZOOM Cloud Meeting
Topic of Discussion : A Guide to Cultivating True Compassion – The Foundation to Buddhism Practice
Master Lu once said, “Being ordinary is great, being strong is long lasting, but only being compassionate is eternal. We need to nourish our compassion to overcome the sufferings in the human realm”.
On 9 July 2022, Guan Yin Citta, Singapore held an online English sharing session to delve into “A Guide to Cultivating True Compassion”.
The participants were reminded that compassion is the key that unlocks the gate of the dharma and it is the condition for all peace and happiness in this world. The Buddha once said, “Compassion is the foundation of Buddhism practice”.
The benefits of practising compassion are aplenty:
1. It gives rise to wisdom and grows our blessings.
2. It derives the power from vow.
3. It eliminates karmic obstacles and wards off major calamities.
4. It increases longevity and nurtures one’s positive energy.
5. It helps establish a single-minded connection with the Bodhisattva for our prayers to be answered.
Through a series of insightful discourses, the participants were given guidance about how they could about cultivating compassion:
1. Be forgiving and tolerant. Cultivate tolerance in three aspects: tolerance of words, people and matters.
2. Always think others are pitiable, be around the less fortunate and perform more kind deeds.
3. Be selfless, considerate and humble.
4. Cultivate a state of mind that abides nowhere, the mind that is equivalent to the Bodhi Mind.
5. Practise vegetarianism.
Join us on 23 July, to find out the Eight Buddhist Ways to Break the Stress Cycle, and the roots of stress and how our Master handled stress. And you can be assured that letting go of stress is easier than you think!
🌿 Join us in our next session
Please contact Loh SX (96978356) / Woan Yi SX (82182248) for more information
⏰ Date and time:
Saturday 23 July 2022 (2pm – 4pm)
Please click here to download the Summary Slides shared during the Group Study:
Summary Slides_A Guide to Cultivating True Compassion – The Foundation to Buddhism Practice
WHAT ARE WE LEARNING TODAY?
2. The Importance of Being Compassionate
3. Ways to Cultivate Compassion In You
Compassion 慈悲
A strong feeling of sympathy for people who are suffering and a desire to help them.
– Oxford Dictionary
< The Four Boundless States (四无量心) >
Buddhism In Plain Terms | Volume 3 Chapter 5 (An Excerpt)
TRANSFORMATION TO DHARMA BLISS; TRIUMPH AGAINST DESIRES
Master Jun Hong Lu:
In Buddhism, loving-kindness, compassion, empathetic joy and equanimity are known as the Four Boundless States (四无量心).
To constantly think about the suffering of others is known as loving-kindness (慈).
Compassion (悲) is to feel the suffering of others.
To give others strength and help them with a joyful heart is known as empathetic joy (喜).
Equanimity (舍) is to dedicate your time, wealth or even your life to helping others.
< Compassion is not a Type of Affection, But a Kind of Wisdom >
Buddhism In Plain Terms | Episode 53 (An Excerpt)
You have to put the dharma into practice before you can talk about true compassion. To be compassionate is to be selfless.
When you feel that others desperately need your help, you are selfless, because you only think of others.
Compassion is not a type of affection, but a kind of wisdom. Being compassionate towards others is not because you get along well with each other, and you offer your help.
Instead, it is a reflection of your wisdom, knowing that he is a sentient being, and you are performing meritorious deeds, with that you help him to be free from suffering.
Hence, compassion in Mahayana Buddhism means wisdom. Similarly, prajna wisdom (般若) is compassion.
Guan Yin Bodhisattva’s prajna wisdom is about great loving-kindness and compassion. With compassion, one becomes selfless, only then, one can truly be compassionate.
< The Buddhist Concept of Compassion >
Buddhism In Plain Terms | Volume 6 Chapter 32 (An Excerpt)
COMPASSION IS THE FOUNDATION OF BUDDHISM PRACTICE
Master Jun Hong Lu:
Compassion is the key that unlocks the gate of the dharma. How is it possible for someone, who is devoid of compassion able to set foot on the gate of the dharma? The Buddha once said, “Compassion is the foundation of Buddhism practice”. What does the word ‘foundation’ mean here?
It refers to the spiritual root, that is, the Buddha’s heart of a person (佛心就是根本). As a Buddhist practitioner, do you have a heart that takes pity on others? First and foremost, you must have sympathy for everyone, more so for yourself because when you do so, you will give rise to a compassionate heart.
Conversely, if you despise everyone that you see, thinking that you are head and shoulders above the rest, how is it possible for you to hold others in high regard let alone having a heart of compassion?
Guan Yin Bodhisattva will never view us through the lens of disdain. This was why She came to the human realm to liberate us from suffering. The same goes to Jigong, the Living Buddha (济公活佛), and Shakyamuni Buddha who came to the human realm to deliver us from afflictions (救度我们). Not only did the Buddha renounce the comfort of His aristocratic life, He endured countless trials and tribulations for the sake of sentient beings. Aren’t these all a depiction of ‘compassion is the foundation of Buddhism practice’ (慈悲为本)?
Buddhism In Plain Terms (Radio Program) | Volume 1 Chapter 1 | 10 September 2019 (An Excerpt)
COMPASSION AS THE CONDITION FOR ALL PEACE AND HAPPINESS IN THIS WORLD
Master Jun Hong Lu: People who are immensely compassionate possess the Buddha-nature. For example, when a person gives rise to boundless compassion, his Buddha-nature will shine through.
Conversely, the moment a person turns ruthless and commits sinful acts, his Buddha-nature will be shrouded. The same can also be said of a child, when he cheats or makes fun of others, he loses his Buddha-nature.
Compassion is the Tathagata, and the Tathagata is compassion (慈即如来，如来即慈).
The Chinese saying, “In the beginning, man is kind by nature” (人之初，性本善) actually refers to the compassion of human.
In the Buddhist scriptures, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas talk about compassion as the condition for all peace and happiness in this world (慈悲心是一切安乐之因缘).
If we can always think about the good in others, we gain peace and joy. Hence, to live in this world, having a heart of compassion is indispensable.
The dharma regards the Bodhi mind as a real ‘cause’ (正因). The Bodhi mind is in reality a charitable heart. We stand to reap the positive karmic fruit and affinity if we can give rise to a heart of compassion through practising the Buddhist teachings.
As your Master in Buddhism practice, I’ve always been educating all of you to practise great compassion and kindness towards others, release captive lives, propagate Buddhism, etc. This is what great compassion is all about!
Shakyamuni Buddha meditated under a Bodhi tree for 49 days and awakened to the insights that all sentient beings possess the Buddha-nature. This means everyone of us has a benevolent heart.
Human’s conscience, that is, our compassionate disposition, is our inherent nature.
< The Importance of Being Compassionate >
1. Compassion gives rise to WISDOM
Master Jun Hong Lu’s Daily Words of Wisdom | 13 February 2021
WISDOM AND COMPASSION
Great compassion and great loving-kindness equals great wisdom.
Loving Kindness (慈) enhances wisdom;
Compassion (悲) elevates intelligence.
Benevolence (仁慈) leaves no room for hatred in one’s heart;
Empathy (悲愍) will quell all grievances inside you.
2. Compassion is where the Power of Vows stems from
Wenda20141212 06:02
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)
(An Excerpt)
THE POWER OF VOWS IS THE KEY TO LEARNING THE DHARMA; HOW TO STRENGTHEN ONE’S POWER OF VOWS
Master Jun Hong Lu: The power of vows (愿力) is the most important element when it comes to the practice of Dharma. A strong power of vows can overcome an infinite amount of karmic obstacles, including those that stem from the mind. A vow is actually a type of powerful energy. You are asking where the power of vows comes from? It stems from compassion.
When a person feels compassion for all sentient beings and understands that he should feel compassion throughout his life, he will begin to derive power from his vow.
…
How does the power of vows of a Bodhisattva arise?
The Bodhisattvas see the pain and suffering in this mortal world through each person who comes to Them for guidance, crying and begging; Bodhisattvas’ power of vows arises from the sadness and compassion They feel for sentient beings.
3. Compassion Helps Eliminate Karmic Obstacles In Our Eighth Consciousness
World Buddhist Fellowship Meeting | Jakarta, Indonesia | 9 March 2018
BE INCLINED TO KINDNESS
Master Jun Hong Lu:
In this modern age, it is important that we incline to kindness (人心要向善) and instil kindness into our hearts. Let your compassionate heart spring up, just like how bamboo shoots sprout after a spring rain.
Compassion can help us gradually eliminate the karmic obstacles in our Eighth Consciousness. Over time, our heart will be softened, and our blood and energy will flow more smoothly. When our heart becomes more beautiful, so will our appearance.
4. Compassion Can Increase Longevity & Nurture Positive Energy
World Buddhist Fellowship Meeting | Sydney, Australia | 26 January 2019
THE IMPORTANCE OF CULTIVATING COMPASSION
Master Jun Hong Lu:
Compassion can increase one’s longevity and nurture one’s positive energy (正气). When we witness the compassion of Guan Yin Bodhisattva, we learn that we should always aim to be free from the notion of self — never to be overly selfish and, be ever willing to sacrifice ourselves in the service of others. Only then can we advance from a superficial understanding of Buddhist teachings towards grasping the true essence of Buddha’s prajna wisdom (般若实相).
5. Being Kind & Compassionate Can Amount To Boundless Merits >
World Buddhist Fellowship Meeting | Amsterdam, Netherlands | 9 September 2019
BEING KIND & COMPASSIONATE CAN AMOUNT TO BOUNDLESS MERITS
Master Jun Hong Lu: To succeed in achieving one’s resolution, one needs to amass merits consistently over a period of time. Besides, we have to constantly introspect our heart, because blessings can only grow when our heart is filled with compassion. Only a blessed person is able to accumulate meritorious blessings (有了福报才能得到功德); and with compassion, we will have even more fortune bestowed upon us.
Therefore, one who is blessed with fortune must be a compassionate person. When you adopt the wisdom (prajna) of Bodhisattva to understand the suffering of others, you are in fact putting Mahayana Buddhism (大乘佛法) into practice.
Master hopes that every Buddhist practitioner will learn to be kind and compassionate, and transform these energies into boundless merits. In this modern world where everyone is trying to deceive one another, the biggest challenge is to dedicate oneself to progress and practise all-embracing heart (圆融和包容之心) along the path of Dharma learning.
6. Compassion is the Condition for Your Prayers to be Answered
Buddhism In Plain Terms (Audio) | Episode 26 | 1 January 2020 (An Excerpt)
YOUR PRAYERS WILL BE ANSWERED IF YOU’RE KIND AND COMPASSIONATE
Master Jun Hong Lu: Guan Yin Bodhisattva treats all beings equally. But why do some of us have our prayers answered while others don’t? Your prayers will be answered if you are kind and compassionate.
If your prayers to the Bodhisattva go unanswered today, it shows that you have yet to establish a single-minded connection with the Bodhisattva; your heart is not united with the Buddha (心佛合一), and you have yet to touch Her heart. Our minds are highly deluded (妄心太重), and that goes for a hundred, two hundred and thousands of us.
7. Compassion helps to eliminate disasters and conflicts
Master Jun Hong Lu’s Consecration Ceremony at Guan Yin Hall | Penang, Malaysia | 20 January 2015 (An Excerpt)
COMPASSION CAN SHIELD ONE FROM HARM
Master Jun Hong Lu: Let me tell you that in the 21st century, you can bank on compassion to help you ward off calamities (慈悲化解灾难), dispel troubles, eliminate vexations, and defuse conflicts. With a heart of compassion, no major calamities whatsoever will befall you. Conversely, if you lack a compassionate heart, misfortunes will come on you. As such, never be unkind to others. Bear this in mind: In the era of the 21st century, disaster will come knocking at the door of those who are vicious and unkind to others.
< Ways to cultivate Compassion >
1. Be Tolerant
Master Jun Hong Lu Words of Wisdom Volume 8
There is a price to pay for being compassionate, and that is forbearance.
慈悲是要付出代价的，代价就是忍辱。
Buddhism In Plain Terms | Volume 1 Chapter 5 (An Excerpt)
THE MEANING OF LIFE FROM DHARMA PERSPECTIVE
Master Jun Hong Lu: To transcend an ordinary person into a sage (转凡成圣) is to transform ourselves into sages. An ordinary person will have endless worries and insatiable desires. Everybody knows that Confucius from China, was a sage who taught Chinese culture. The main characteristic of a sage is his forgiving nature.
In fact, forgiving others is the beginning of developing compassion. How could you be compassionate if you are unable to forgive others? If you are unforgiving towards others, you will eventually develop hatred for them. As a result, cultivating a compassionate heart will become impossible since hatred and compassion do not co-exist.
Wenda20180128A 29:21 | Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
THE DEFINITION OF TOLERANCE FOR WORDS, PEOPLE AND MATTERS
Caller: Master has mentioned before that, there are three aspects of tolerance, namely the tolerance for words, people and matters (容言、容人、容事). Would you please elaborate further, Master?
Master Jun Hong Lu: ‘Tolerance for appearance’ is to be tolerant of others regardless of their physical appearance. Similarly, when it comes to ‘tolerance for words’, we should be forgiving no matter what others might have said.
Master Jun Hong Lu: As for ‘tolerance for people’, be forbearing with others despite their speech and action. And, when you have ‘tolerance for matters’, it means you have tolerance for all the good and bad in others as you allow nature to take its course. Don’t you think with this ability to forgive all, you are practising perseverance in tolerance.
Caller: I understand now.
2. Always think others are pitiable
Buddhism In Plain Terms | Volume 12 Chapter 28 (An Excerpt)
POSITIVE THOUGHTS CAN ENGENDER MERITS
Master Jun Hong Lu: This is how a lot of Master’s meritorious blessings come from: I take pity on everyone that I cross paths with. All of you must learn to ‘halt’ and ‘contemplate’ (止和观), that is you regularly reflect on yourself through your ‘mind’s eyes’ (心里的眼睛) and forbid yourself from committing wrongdoings. By doing so, compassion will constantly proliferate in your heart, allowing you to always amass meritorious blessings.
Wisdom is gained through concentration. As highlighted earlier, the concepts of ‘halt’ and ‘contemplate’ are interrelated. When you tell yourself, “I’m not going to look at it today. After all, what’s so great about it!”, you have thus put a stop to it.
When you do so, you ‘halt’ and you ‘contemplate’. It is with such thought, merits are engendered. In this way, you are able to break away from your vexations. What a wonderful statement this is but what does it exactly mean? It essentially means you can generate meritorious blessings through the power of your thought.
Today, when you ponder, “My mom is so pitiful and I must help her”. The moment you give rise to such a thought, merits are generated. When you tell yourself, “I feel really sorry for this person and I must help him”, there you go, merit is gained. When you chance upon someone who has gone without food and you say, “Come on, let me grab you some food to eat!”, once again, merits are generated. A mere thought is capable of helping you gain merits. Think about it, just how important are one’s thoughts.
2a. Be around the less fortunate
Shuohua20130201 08:09 (Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)
HOW DO WE NURTURE A COMPASSIONATE HEART AND ROOT OUT OUR DEEP-SEATED BAD HABITS?
Caller: Hi Master, there are people who can’t shed any emotional tears. What should such group of people do to nurture a heart of compassion? Would it help if they perform more life liberation and show more empathy towards others?
Master Jun Hong Lu: People who can’t even shed emotional tears tend to be cold, aloof and aggressive because they simply lack compassion for others. There are multiple ways to instil a compassionate heart. First, these people should perform more kind deeds so that they can derive a sense of compassion. Second, they should frequently mingle with people who are suffering and troubled in life. Why is it that a Buddhist practitioner should always extend help to those in need? This is because when you help others, your compassion will grow.
Caller: Separately, there are many others who feel defeated after being hit by setbacks in life. Is there any way that they can change this?
Master Jun Hong Lu: For those who are constantly overcome by adversity, it has to do with their deep-rooted bad habits (劣根性). The fundamental and deep-seated character flaw of a human being is to recoil in the face of challenges, while eager to claim a slice of the pie when good things occur.
As a Buddhist practitioner, we must root out our deep-seated weaknesses. The harder it gets, the more we should forge ahead. You must also know that when you are saving others, the harder the path is, the more you should press forward. We should also apply this modus operandi in our life by taking the challenges upon ourselves, while letting others have a slice of the pie of the good things in life. You will slowly nurture compassion if you can always reach out to the poor and those in dire straits.
3. Practise ‘No-self’ – The Basis of All Kindness
Buddhism In Plain Terms | Volume 9 Chapter 26 (An Excerpt)
GREAT COMPASSION ARISES IN THE ABSENCE OF THE NOTION OF ‘SELF’
Master Jun Hong Lu: Without the notion of ‘self’, one stands to reap all virtuous rewards (无我就会生出一切善果). If you are able to completely do away with the notion of ‘self’, you will not contend with others, hate others or commit acts of ignorance.
As Buddhist practitioners, especially those who emulate the Bodhisattva and aspire to cultivate all virtues, the basis for achieving this is having no notion of ‘self’.
For example, if you aspire to be extremely compassionate and grateful towards others, it is in the spirit where your notion of ‘self’ is absent, that you give rise to a Bodhi mind. How do you become compassionate? When you are able to feel the suffering and trouble of others, your empathy will come from within. Why do you take pity on others? It is because your mind is not thinking about yourself, you have totally forgotten about yourself, which allows you to feel for that person. Hence, it is in the absence of the notion of ‘self’ that compassion arises.
4. Compassionate People Are Considerate & Humble
Buddhism In Plain Terms Episode 5 (An Excerpt)
TO BE VIRTUOUS, ONE MUST GET RID OF ARROGANCE
Master Jun Hong Lu: When you boast about yourself in front of others, how great your family is or how rich you are, you make others think you are rich and people around you are embarrassed, this shows that you are not compassionate enough.
Compassionate people won’t make others feel inferior; Compassionate people won’t make others feel embarrassed; Compassionate people should be considerate. If you don’t care about how others feel, you are not compassionate. Because of you, other people are upset.
Take a girl as an example, even if you are good at every aspect of life, you should also consider the feelings of others. When others see you and think, “Oh, she is better than me in every aspect”, they may blush and feel embarrassed. It’s the same for a young man. You may be a great and successful entrepreneur but, do you think it is necessary to showcase to everybody how successful you are? Be humble! It’s your employees who make you successful, and if you think in this way, you’ll be more grounded (谦虚).
Compassionate people won’t make others feel inferior; Compassionate people won’t make others feel embarrassed; If you don’t care about how others feel, clearly it shows that you lack compassion!!
5. Practise ‘A Mind that Abides Nowhere’ (无所住而生其心)
Buddhism In Plain Terms Episode 27 | 8 March 2020 (An Excerpt)
TRUE COMPASSION
Master Jun Hong Lu: The most treasured supreme Bodhi Mind (无上菩提心) is the ability to be awaken to the truth of the inherent emptiness of all phenomena (证悟空性). Why is it that Buddhist practitioners always say, “It’s important to attain a supreme Bodhi Mind?”
“Abiding nowhere, the awakened mind arises” (应无所住而生其心). This verse is cited in the Diamond Sutra (金刚经) and it refers to a state of mind that is equivalent to the Bodhi Mind.
This is when you are not concerned about your self-interests in all of your undertakings and when you have neither thoughts nor any motives. You act purely out of compassion ─ the unconditional great compassion towards all sentient beings (无缘大慈的慈悲心).
The ‘non-abiding’ state of mind coupled with compassion is known as the Bodhi Mind. In fact, the state of ‘unsurpassed and supreme enlightenment’ (无上正等正觉) advocated in the Diamond Sutra is referring to the cultivation of a Bodhi Mind.
If you are able to attain the ‘non-abiding’ spiritual state, but you lack a compassionate heart, you are most likely practising the ways of a Pratyeka-Buddha in Theravada Buddhism (小乘的独觉士).
Conversely, if you have a compassionate heart but unable to attain the ‘non-abiding’ spiritual state, what you are practising is the mundane ‘conditioned dharma’ (世俗的有为法).
As Buddhist practitioners, you must understand that when you pray or do something with a motive, you are inching further away from your compassion.
This underlines the importance of having a ‘non-abiding’ spiritual state, practising the unconditional great compassion towards all sentient beings. For the sake of sentient beings, you are willing to dedicate your precious time and all that you have. Only this can be considered as true compassion, the quality that helps bring about the Bodhi Mind within you.
World Buddhist Fellowship Meeting | Sabah, Malaysia | 19 January 2015 (An Excerpt)
COMPASSION OVER COMPETITION
Master Jun Hong Lu: In the 1960s, the United States Customs and Border Protection was auctioning off a large batch of confiscated bicycles. During the auction, there was a 10-year-old boy who would always kick start the bidding process with a 5-dollar bid on each bike. Others would then increase the bid from there. Every time, the boy watched as the bikes were being sold to others for 30 to 40 dollars.
During the break, the auctioneer asked the boy, “Kid, why can’t you make a higher bid?” The boy responded, “Sir, I don’t have much money. I only have 5 dollars, but I really wish to have a bike.”
As the auction resumed and again, this boy was the first to make a 5-dollar bid. Nevertheless, the bikes were eventually sold to other bidders. The boy caught the attention of many people at the auction. The last bike was as good as new with multiple features, including multiple speeds and a flashing bike light.
The auctioneer pressed, “Do we have a bidder?” Everyone kept quiet, hoping that the boy would raise his hand and make a 5-dollar offer for it. But, no one made a bid, neither did the boy.
At last, the auctioneer declared, “This last bike goes to the boy in white sneakers.” With applause from the crowd, the boy fished out his 5 dollars, while beaming from ear to ear, with tears in his eyes.
Things in life are not always obtained by means of competition. Sometimes, we can outperform others by ways of persistence.
Determined are the ones who refuse to give up. We should do things that make others feel touched.
Many people are relentless in their effort to introduce Buddhism and help others to be free from suffering, and in the end, their whole family practices Buddhism.
In this story, we are touched and inspired by so many kind-hearted people who paved the way for the boy to get the bike. We Buddhist practitioners should do the same to touch people’s hearts and we will be rewarded with blessings that enable us to attain fruition in our spiritual cultivation (成正果). This is precisely the reason that the Buddha is inseparable from sentient beings (佛离不开众生).
< Cultivate Compassion Through VEGETARIANISM >
Wenda20120101 75:25 (Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program) (An Excerpt)
COMPASSION IS THE GOLDEN KEY THAT UNLOCKS ALL ‘DOORS’
Master Jun Hong Lu: At the spiritual level, one must cultivate compassion, as it is the golden key that unlocks the rest of the ‘doors’ (有慈悲心这个金钥匙，可以打开所有的门). Whenever you still do not feel like adopting a vegetarian diet, you can make an attempt of casting the animals under the light of compassion – imagining the animal claws that you consume are the hands of the children, the sardine tin looks exactly like a coffin. The moment compassion arises within you, your craving for freshly-killed animals will cease. So will your desire for meat-based food.
Where does a compassionate heart come from? It’s through the recitation of the Great Compassion Mantra and the Heart Sutra.
Master Jun Hong Lu’s Public Talk | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 12 December 2015 (An Excerpt)
AVOID DEVELOPING NEGATIVE KARMIC AFFINITIES WITH ANIMALS BY ADOPTING A VEGETARIAN DIET
Master Jun Hong Lu: Those who cultivate their minds should always know that it is like having a driving licence. People who drive can’t go without a driving licence because it is a must to have one in order to drive. Similarly, only by observing the Buddhist precepts would Buddhist practitioners be able to truly cultivate their minds.
People who fail to observe the Buddhist precepts will never go far in their spiritual cultivation. As for those who can’t even be a vegetarian, will develop negative karmic affinities with animals. If prolonged, one will slowly lose the most beautiful gift in the human realm, and that is, one’s spiritual life (慧命). Individuals who are vegetarians will have wisdom in life.
On the flip side, those who always consume meat will have their seeds of compassion being cut off from them (断灭慈悲的种子). Their spiritual lives will slowly disappear. A vegetarian diet engenders good health, wisdom and compassion, only then, one can receive the blessings and gain resonance with Buddhas (佛的加持和佛的感应).
Zongshu20111021A 11:11 | (Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)
BEING A VEGETARIAN IS NOT ABOUT SHOWING OFF; BE TRUE TO YOUR PRACTICE
Caller: A fellow practitioner has made a vow to be a vegetarian for 25 days in a month. I’d like to ask whether there is any difference between such a vow and those who vow to be a vegetarian for 10 days or 2 days in a month?
Master Jun Hong Lu: In actuality, each meal of a vegetarian diet represents one less meal of meat; one less meal of meat means one extra vegetarian meal. If you can do so, first, you will gain better health and an improved body constitution.
Master Jun Hong Lu: Second, it also helps to nurture a heart of compassion. It’s important to be compassionate. Those who often opt for a vegetarian meal will always have the mindset that “I must not kill”.
Caller: Yes, that is true.
Master Jun Hong Lu: Don’t you think the more compassion that you have, the closer you are to the Bodhisattvas, and wouldn’t your prayer become more efficacious? Guan Yin Bodhisattva is the epitome of compassion. Would a compassionate person kill and eat meat?
Caller: Yes, that’s right. If one vows to be vegetarian 25 days in a month as opposed to only on the first and the fifteenth of each lunar month, are the results similar?
Master Jun Hong Lu: It goes without saying that the former is better than the latter. By the way, are you putting on a show by opting for a vegetarian meal on the first and fifteenth of each lunar month because Bodhisattvas are around? One must be earnest and genuine in being a vegetarian!
Q&A 150. Practising vegetarianism
Question: Dear Master Lu, I am now almost a full vegetarian,
but I am concerned about not getting enough nutrients. What can I do?
Answer:
- Vegetarian food can be very healthy and nutritious.
- We should ensure that we have a balanced diet, as we need to take care of our bodies. Buddhas and Bodhisattvas would also like us to have a healthy body so that we can practise Buddhism better.
- Vegetarians can consume eggs.
- Eggs are nutritious, and the consumption of eggs is accepted by Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
- The eggs we consume are usually not fertilised and cannot hatch. However, avoid consuming quail eggs or other bird eggs as they are already fertilised.
Note: Bodhisattvas have more stringent requirements for us, and we should try not to eat eggs now. — Wenda20190721 34:28
- Vegetarians can also consume milk and other dairy products to replenish the calcium and other essential nutrients in the body.
- It is recommended that you consume more soy products, as they are rich in protein. Soy products include soybeans, bean curd (tofu), tofu sheets, and soy milk.
- It is also recommended that you consume more fruits, vegetables, and have a balanced diet that rich in various kinds of essential vitamins and minerals.
- Mushrooms and fungus are also very nutritious and tasty.
- In addition, you can consume a variety of grains and nuts including peanuts, walnuts, and chestnuts.
Wenda20180422B 40:41 & Wenda20150109 48:54 (Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)
|
Types of cancer / disease |
Natural enemy: |
Other supplementary |
|
Lung cancer |
Spinach |
Tomato, carrot, pumpkin, |
| Breast cancer | Kelp (Vitamin E & Iodine) |
Sweet potato, tomato, |
|
Colorectal cancer, |
Water bamboo shoots (茭白), celery |
Sweet potato and cabbage |
|
Skin cancer, lymphoma, |
Asparagus | |
| Pancreatic cancer |
Cauliflower and broccoli |
Carrot |
| Cervical cancer | Soybean |
Sour plum and tomato |
|
Liver cancer, lymphoma, |
Mushroom | |
|
Anaemia |
Spinach, lecithin, ginseng |
Wenda20140105A 22:47 | (Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program) | (An Excerpt)
TAKE LECITHIN WHEN ONE HAS POOR MEMORY; SPIRULINA IS RICH IN NUTRIENTS ESSENTIAL FOR HUMAN BODY
Master Jun Hong Lu: Generally, lecithin is suitable for everyone, as soy lecithin is an excellent nutrient which helps to regenerate brain cells and enhance brain capacity.
A person will die when he has brain necrosis, thus, it is extremely beneficial to consume lecithin. Likewise, spirulina is not bad either, it is a green product from nature.
I have been a vegetarian for decades. For a period of time, my eyesight was getting worse, and I felt tired every now and then. One night, I received a message from the Bodhisattva to take spirulina. I was not aware of this supplement until Bodhisattva told me to consume it. Therefore, I wish to inform all of you about this. It’s extremely beneficial for vegetarians to consume spirulina as it can supplement our body with various nutrients.
Wenda20120909B 05:39 | Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program (An Excerpt)
CONSUMING A BALANCED VEGETARIAN DIET DURING PREGNANCY IS EXTREMELY BENEFICIAL FOR BABIES
Caller: Is it safe for the baby of a pregnant lady, who adopts a vegetarian diet?
Master Jun Hong Lu: That’s not a problem at all for babies, who are vegetarian from conception. They can be as bright and intelligent as those who are non-vegetarian. In fact, nutrients from plants are more comprehensive than those from meat. To fortify your health, you can supplement your diet with some vitamins and essential amino acids.
Master Jun Hong Lu: Certain nutrients can be sourced from fruits. Be rest assured, there will be no problem for the baby. You may also take supplements such as lecithin and spirulina.
Caller: I wasn’t aware of such knowledge initially. I used to eat vegetarian food frequently before expecting a baby. However, my family has been advising me to consume meat during my pregnancy and I will often vomit after doing so. It dwelled upon me that something seems amiss given that my baby doesn’t like meat. At the same time, I do not feel at ease adopting a full vegetarian diet during pregnancy.
Master Jun Hong Lu: Don’t worry about it. There’s absolutely no problem at all. The crux of the matter lies in having a balanced diet.
Caller: Is it alright to take health supplements?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes, you can. But please bear in mind not to consume those supplements that contain hormones because they could be physiologically stimulating.
Only go for common or regular health supplements and avoid those that contain hormones especially supplements that can make one feel euphoric or unusually high-spirited.
Take for example, you can consider complementing your diet with certain types of vitamin, lecithin or spirulina. Apples can be a good source of vitamin A.
Caller: I have heard of recommendations of eating more beans. Are beans good for us?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes, that is right. Soy lecithin is very good.
Wenda20200724 58:34 | Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program (An Excerpt)
BODHISATTVA’S DISCOURSE ON THE PRACTICE OF VEGETARIANISM
Caller: Samantabhadra Bodhisattva said, “Today, I would like to persuade all of you to practise vegetarianism. A person who is on a vegetarian diet will be free from impure energy (无浊气) and heaven will protect them. On the other hand, those who eat meat will be surrounded by negative energy, and things will not go smoothly for them. If you wish to have a good family and career, you should adopt a vegetarian diet as this brings joy to both heaven and earth.”
“If you make the great vow to be a vegetarian, disaster can be dispelled (遇难可化解) – you will not perish in flood, fire, accidents, the harm caused by bad people or plague.”
“If you vow to practise vegetarianism, I, Samantabhadra, will bless you with success in your studies, advancement in career and well-being of your family. Sentient beings possess both spirits as well as consciousness (众生有灵也有识), hence you should never eat them.”
“If you generate negative karma just to fulfil your desire for tasty food, then you only have yourself to blame when you are faced with many stumbling blocks in life.”
SUMMARY
1. Today’s session allows me to better understand what Compassion is about:
- Compassion is the key that unlocks the gate of the dharma, and it is the condition for all peace and happiness in this world.
- The Buddha once said, “Compassion is the foundation of Buddhism practice”. People who are immensely compassionate possess Buddha-nature.
2. I learn that being compassionate:
- Gives rise to Wisdom as great compassion and great loving-kindness equals great wisdom.
- One will begin to derive power from his vow.
- Helps us eliminate the karmic obstacles, softens our heart and makes blood flow more smoothly.
- Can increase one’s longevity and nurture one’s positive energy.
- Makes our blessings grow.
- Helps us establish a single-minded connection with the Bodhisattva, for that, our prayers will be answered.
- No major calamities whatsoever will befall us.
3. There are many ways to cultivate compassion, such as:
- Be forgiving and tolerant. Cultivate tolerance in three aspects: tolerance of words, people and matters.
- Always think others are pitiable, be around the less fortunate and perform more kind deeds.
- Be selfless, considerate and humble.
- Cultivate a state of mind that is abiding nowhere, the mind that is equivalent to the Bodhi Mind.
- Practise vegetarianism.
< The 13 Benefits Of Being Compassionate >
< Fill Our Hearts with Compassion and Kindness >
Only by practising compassion and tolerance, we can gain peace and happiness in this world.
By learning the great compassion and loving kindness of Guan Yin Bodhisattva, we can conquer ourselves.
~ Master Jun Hong Lu’s World Buddhist Fellowship Meeting, Malaysia ~
29 Dec 2018
A road cannot be driven on without the effort of its builders.
A flower cannot blossom without the care of gardeners.
Sentient beings cannot be liberated from suffering and attain happiness without
the Compassion of Buddhist practitioners.
没有修路的人，哪有金光大道？没有栽花的人，哪有鲜花灿烂？
没有学佛人的慈悲， 哪有众生的离苦得乐？
~ Master Jun Hong Lu · Words of Wisdom Volume 1 ~
< Buddhism in Plain Terms < 白话佛法共修分享