In Part 1 and Part 2 of ‘Dharma Giving Demystified‘, we delved deep into the transformative potentials of dharma giving, through which we understood its nuances and guidelines. In this final part of the series, you will uncover the essential core of true dharma giving.
🌱 Ever wondered how to leverage your unique strengths for effective dharma sharing?
🌱 Is there specialised training for enhancing the effectiveness of dharma giving?
🌱 How can we establish profound resonance with others in our quest to disseminate the Buddha’s teachings?
🌼 Join us in this Part 3 for insights into:
- The ingenious methods (妙法) in our effort to spiritually awaken others;
- Discovering the rule of thumb throughout this journey of dharma giving; and
- How contemplating causes and conditions can help prevent the accumulation of negative karma during dharma propagation.
Don’t miss the concluding video entitled ‘The Monkey’s Fight Against Injustice‘ which unveils the genuine essence of Mahayana Buddhism.
Question: Is there specialised training for enhancing the effectiveness of Dharma giving?
WHEN INTRODUCING BUDDHISM TO OTHERS, SINCERITY IS THE KEY
Caller: Master, in the effort to propagate Buddhism to others, some fellow practitioners may not have the skill to do so. I was just wondering whether it’s alright to compile a guide that can help one’s sharing to be more focused. Just like in speech delivery, we need to capture people’s attention in the first 30 seconds. In our case, we need to convey the information on what our dharma door stands for in three minutes, covering on the method and its efficacy.
Master Jun Hong Lu: This is something that you should not pursue – I don’t advocate this. Instead, you should treat others with sincerity, hence the name Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door. Do not resort to any particular technique because it is through the heart that we influence others. After all, there’s no fool in this day and age anymore.
Take the technique used in multi-level marketing as an example: Your oratory may make others feel exceptionally good on the spot, but the moment they return home and recollect what you have just said, they will realise that you are just trying to profit from them. This is why I don’t recommend resorting to such petty worldly tactics (不要去用人间这种雕虫小技).
Why is it that so many people like me? It is because I’m forthright, I don’t mince my words and I am genuine towards others. Even my disciples don’t get upset when I reprimand them because they know that I mean well for them.
Conversely, if I use a specific modus operandi, they will have the impression that I’m trying to use worldly tactics, which fundamentally should not be intermingled with matters involving Bodhisattvas. This is because what we are propagating are the noble teachings of the Bodhisattvas which transcend matters in the realm of desires. Hence, how can you blend in methods that are used in the mortal world?
Caller: I made a mistake again.
Master Jun Hong Lu: Of course. Conceptually, when you are trying to “capture someone’s attention in 30 seconds”, you are essentially running a multi-level marketing, trying to sell something. We are not selling things. In fact, we are saving people’s souls. So, how can we do this?
Source: Wenda20120205 52:27, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
Question: How to help others through ingenious methods?
LESSONS FROM TWO BUSINESS MINDS: TURNING WEAKNESSES INTO STRENGTHS
Master Jun Hong Lu: Two bosses were eagerly exchanging insights about managing their businesses when they met. One of them grumbled, “I simply can’t tolerate incompetent employees. I currently have three such useless individuals in my company, and I’m planning to fire them in a few days”. Curious, the other boss inquired, “Really? How are they useless?”
The first boss replied, “Well, you see, one of them is overly critical, nitpicking and complaining constantly. Another is forever anxious, fretting about the most trivial matters. Then there’s one who is fond of loitering and finds joy in aimless wanderings”.
After a pause, the second boss suggested, “Why not have these three individuals join my company instead? It would save you the trouble of dismissing them”. The first boss agreed, “Alright, that’s a good idea. Thanks”. And so, the three individuals were sent off to the new company.
The next day, these three individuals joined the new company, assuming their respective roles that their new manager had predesignated. The nitpicker was tasked with quality control, the worrier with security, and the wanderer with the company’s publicity and conducting surveys. Over time, all three performed exceptionally well in their respective roles, and the new company started to thrive rapidly.
This story reminds us that sometimes weaknesses and strengths are not absolute. With the right approach, shortcomings can be transformed into strengths. Take a look at Buddhist practitioners around us, there are many who are not good at writing but are eloquent. When you ask them to share Buddhist teachings with others, they can do it effortlessly.
On the other hand, there are those who are very knowledgeable about the practice. They go, “Master Lu taught me to diligently practise Buddhism, cultivate the mind, make vows, and perform life liberation”. Yet, they become tongue-tied when they need to verbalise the dharma. Separately, there are those who aren’t articulate but they are so good at writing. Such people will leverage the online platform to spread the dharma, and the moment they do so, many people will start to learn Buddhism along with them.
This goes to show that each individual has his own strengths and weaknesses and these attributes are not always absolute. A shortcoming can be turned into a strength and it all hinges on one’s ability to discern and look at things from the lens of wisdom and an endeavour to approach any given issue from diverse angles.
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s World Buddhist Fellowship Meeting, Paris, France, 5 September 2019
AN EXPEDIENT MEAN IS ABOUT PLAYING TO ONE’S STRENGTHS WHEN PROPAGATING BUDDHISM TO OTHERS
Caller: Every Bodhisattva has His own strengths in terms of dharma propagation. As for us, while practising, we apprehend the truth (一边学习，一边悟). In this aspect, I’d like to seek Master’s advice on whether it is fine to pray to Bodhisattva to shower blessings on our strengths in certain aspects of dharma propagation so that they can be further enhanced to allow us to make our contributions to Buddhism in the future.
Master Jun Hong Lu: As long as it is a convenient and practical method, it is not a problem at all. After all, to play to your strengths is in itself an ingenious method (特长本身就是一种妙法). Just leverage your forte when you go about introducing Buddhism to others.
Source: Shuohua20161230 05:45, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
HOW CAN WE TOUCH OTHERS’ HEART WHEN PROPAGATING DHARMA TO THEM?
Caller: Master, you have that ability to deeply resonate with others and speak to their hearts, while we struggle to do the same. Please guide us, Master, on how we can cultivate the skill of making a heartfelt connection with others.
Master Jun Hong Lu: You must understand others’ emotions and be reasonable (知情知理). Do you know what that means? It means practising empathy by putting yourself in other people’s shoes, that is you must imagine yourself as them and vice versa. Only then can you effectively communicate and touch someone’s heart.
Source: Wenda20160313B 34:22, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
TO MAKE DHARMA PROPAGATION MORE PERSUASIVE, LEARN FROM MASTER’S APPROACH OF USING EXAMPLES
Caller: Master often uses examples to explain and answer questions from Buddhist practitioners, should we also use more examples when sharing the dharma with others? This is especially relevant to questions that cannot be directly answered but can be better explained through examples. By doing so, would we avoid creating some karmic obstacles upon ourselves? Please enlighten us, Master.
Master Jun Hong Lu: Absolutely, this is something you should learn. I am fond of citing examples because it allows one to deduce many things from one case (举一反三) and to be enlightened through the example quoted about someone else. In fact, when the example cited involves someone else, it has greater influence and strikes a person even harder as compared to hearing an example on oneself. Do you understand?
Caller: Yes, I do.
Master Jun Hong Lu: Take someone with a mental block (想不通) as an example. Here you are coaxing him but your effort may not help clear his mind. But, the moment you share with him, “By the way, I know of someone who had had the same experience as you and he is doing fine now”, he is able to come round right away.
Caller: I see. I understand now. Thank you for your guidance, Master!
Source: Wenda20151004A 09:03, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
Golden Rule: Uphold the Precepts At All Times
1. Handle financial matters with absolute caution
DO NOT POST MESSAGES RELATED TO FUNDRAISING IN GROUP CHATS
Question: There are Buddhist friends, who are not from the dharma-propagation group but they are very eager to support the dharma-propagation drive. Unfortunately, in the absence of a local practice centre, the dharma-propagation group is unable to accept any donations whatsoever, even though such funds will go very far in supporting future dharma-propagation activities.
May I ask, Master, if the dharma-propagation group has plans for a large-scale dharma-propagation campaign in the future, is it alright to disseminate to the members of the group chat the planned details and projected costs, so that those who wish to donate may directly pay or send a cheque to the relevant merchants? Is it appropriate to broadcast the dharma-propagation costs to the group chat members? Are we only allowed to share such details within the dharma-propagation group? Please enlighten us.
Answer: Such an announcement should never be broadcast to all group members. Once a person gets involved with money, he has deviated from the right path. This is a no-no. If everyone is doing so, this is counter to the dharma and path of rightness.
Question: Thank you, Master.
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Public Talk, Los Angeles, USA, 6 October 2018
2. Exercise discretion when interacting with individuals of the opposite gender
FOLLOW-UP EFFORT ON NEW BUDDHIST FRIENDS SHOULD ONLY BE DONE BY BUDDHIST PRACTITIONERS OF THE SAME GENDER
Question: Hi Master, you have long emphasised that we should not propagate Buddhism to the opposite gender. In the course of my work, I tend to have more interactions with men. As and when I cross paths with men who appear to have affinity with Buddhism, I will not hesitate to present one or two dharma instruments to them as a gift. As for those whose affinity with Buddhism has deepened, and in need of follow-ups, I will pass them over to male Buddhist practitioners whom I believe to be more senior in their practice. Is it alright to do so?
Answer: It is fine to distribute dharma books to the opposite gender but you should refrain from engaging in any follow-ups. Leave this to the male Buddhist practitioners.
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse (Question 90), 10 February 2016
3. The content of dharma giving should be upright and proper
INTENT MUST BE PURE TO SHARE MESSAGES RECEIVED FROM BODHISATTVAS OR MASTER LU
Question: A Buddhist friend always receives messages or teachings from Bodhisattvas and Master through dreams and divine connection (感应) in front of a Buddhist altar. Without fail, he will painstakingly jot down the divine information received before approaching some fellow practitioners to disseminate it via chat groups in WeChat or QQ. He hopes that such messages can serve as a reminder to other Buddhist practitioners to stay diligent in their spiritual cultivation. Is it alright to share such information and would it engender any karmic obstacles?
Answer: It really depends on whether such action accords with the dharma and the path of rightness. Some people are able to see Bodhisattvas or the dharma body of Master. Undoubtedly, such information could inspire others. However, if the messages are shared as means to show off or in some cases, when the messages carry some element of negativity or run counter to the path of rightness, karmic obstacles will arise and hence, it is best not to disseminate such messages.
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse (Question 85), 21 January 2016
4. Do not be haughty & arrogant
HOW SHOULD WE MAINTAIN PROPER DISTANCE WITH BUDDHIST FRIENDS WHOM WE INTRODUCE BUDDHISM TO?
Question: A Buddhist friend has been practising Guan Yin Citta for many years and has propagated the dharma to a few others. To strengthen the faith of new practitioners, this Buddhist friend has always closely followed up with them. However, after getting along for a few years, it appears that the focus of this group of practitioners is still very much on worldly matters. The differences in their line of thought and the level of spirituality are making communication increasingly difficult between them.
They fail to agree on the way to go about their spiritual cultivation and their understanding of the Buddhist teachings, and this has negatively impacted the Buddhist friend. In light of this, this Buddhist friend wishes to keep some distance from this group of people, but he has been criticised for ‘putting his own safety over matters of principle’. How should this Buddhist friend manage the relationship with this group of practitioners?
Answer: First and foremost, a Buddhist practitioner should not be arrogant, thinking, “My spiritual cultivation is superior to yours”. You are not even supposed to say things like, “I’m cultivating Theravada Buddhism, while he is cultivating Mahayana Buddhism”. This is because Theravada Buddhism lays the foundation for Mahayana Buddhism which explains why, “One should help oneself before helping others”.
It’s alright for you to tell others, “Given that my spiritual cultivation is still less than ideal, I will work hard on myself first before reaching out to more sentient beings in the future”. It’s important to be very polite with others, and keep the communication open. After all, practising Buddhism is about being sensible and to understand one’s mind and see one’s true nature (明心见性).
If you do not even have the nature of the Buddha, and are unwilling to interact with other Buddhist friends, it means you have deviated in your practice (修偏了). No one will be able to justify it by saying, “I do not wish to be around others because I am doing very well in my spiritual cultivation”.
Remember that a Bodhisattva is a sentient being who has gained wisdom, while sentient beings are Bodhisattvas who have yet to gain wisdom. People are ultimately the same regardless of how well they practise. It is only their level of practice that differs.
Let go of your ego and learn to get along well with others. This is what it means by ‘to emulate the compassion of the Buddha’.
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s World Buddhist Fellowship Meeting (Q&A Session) – Question 24, Jakarta, Indonesia, 20 April 2017
5. Contemplating on Causes and Conditions
AVOID COMMITTING NEGATIVE KARMA OF SPEECH IN DHARMA PROPAGATION THROUGH CONTEMPLATING ON CAUSES AND CONDITIONS (善观因缘)
Caller: Sometimes when performing totem reading for Buddhist friends, Master detected tell-tale signs that they have inadvertently committed negative karma of speech in their effort to propagate Buddhism. It’d be great if Master could give some examples of cases to avoid when sharing the dharma with others – something that can serve as a warning for all of us.
Master Jun Hong Lu: That’s simple. You commit negative karma of speech the moment you say, “If you don’t practise Buddhism, you will descend to hell!”, or “If you backslide, you will descend to hell”. Do you think it is even alright to say all these?
When you utter comments like, “You will lose your life!” or “You will face a lot of challenges in the future!”, aren’t you wishing others bad luck? You are literally decimating their spiritual lives! How can you do that? Do you think it is right to make such reckless remarks?
Caller: Not at all.
Master Jun Hong Lu: Here you are saying, “You have negative karmic affinity with your wife. To quell it, you must diligently recite the Buddhist scriptures’’, when the other party is not even buying what you say. They may even rebuke, “How do you know?”. The fact that you are not me (Master), naturally they will doubt you.
When you say, “Sexual relationship is strictly prohibited”, the other person may counter argue and ask, “If that’s the case, what’s the point of having a wife?”. If you press on and are insistent on sharing with them the dharma from the level of a Bodhisattva, without taking into account their level of spiritual cultivation, aren’t you creating negative karma of speech?
When you cause such confusion and make others criticise you behind your back, you are as good as causing trouble for Bodhisattva.
Caller: In that case, we should contemplate the causes and conditions and tailor our dharma sharing based on the individuals’ unique circumstances. Is it right to say so?
Master Jun Hong Lu: That’s correct.
Source: Wenda20180624A 56:46, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
< The Monkey’s Fight Against Injustice >
< Buddhism in Plain Terms < 白话佛法共修分享
