The 19th day of the 9th lunar month is the
Renunciation Day of our great Guan Yin Bodhisattva.
According to Master Lu,
renunciation day is a day when one makes a resolution.
Just like Guan Yin Bodhisattva,
in fulfilling Her resolution to deliver and live for sentient beings,
She renounced the world.
As we commemorate Guan Yin Bodhisattva’s Renunciation Day, have we ever asked ourselves:
- What is the significance of renunciation to lay practitioners like us?
- How should we cultivate ourselves so that we are able to follow Guan Yin Bodhisattva to make it to Heaven and ultimately reach our final destination in the Guan Yin Citta Pure Land? How majestic does the Pure Land look?
- How do we enhance our positive affinity with our Heavenly Mother so that we are able to receive greater blessings from Her?
Last but not least, Master Lu once said, “Guan Yin Bodhisattva’s unconditional love assures us that all our prayers will be answered”. But, did you know the true meaning of “all prayers will be answered”?
The Three Important Days to commemorate Guan Yin Bodhisattva:
Birthday (圣诞日) – The 19th day of the 2nd lunar month
Enlightenment Day (成道日) – The 19th day of the 6th lunar month
Renunciation Day (出家日) – The 19th day of the 9th lunar month
< I. The significance of renunciation >
MASTER JUN HONG LU’S DISCOURSE ON GUAN YIN BODHISATTVA’S RENUNCIATION DAY
Caller: Master, tomorrow is the renunciation day of our great Guan Yin Bodhisattva. Could you give a word or two in commemoration of this special day?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Renunciation day is a day when one makes a resolution. To fulfil Her resolution to deliver and live for sentient beings, Guan Yin Bodhisattva renounced the world. For this, She made the great vow “to lead an ascetic life, I will leave my family behind. For the sake of sentient beings, I must be accomplished in my spiritual cultivation so that I’m able to guide everyone to the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss and the Four Sagely Realms”. This is how the concept works.
Therefore, renunciation day is a momentous day. It’s a day we make our great vows such as the Four Great Aspirations. In other words, it was the day Guan Yin Bodhisattva made the vow “to let go of my lesser self and worldly self-interests in order to attain a higher state of mind”.
In fact, this is a day worth celebrating as it is the day that inspires us to renunciate our self-interests for the benefit of more sentient beings. In this light, this renunciation day is indeed worth commemorating as it is a day where we recall fondly the sacrifices that Guan Yin Bodhisattva made for the sake of sentient beings.
If you take a close look at any of the monastics, deep down, he must have come with a great vow on the day he was ordained. He had to endure various forms of worldly criticisms for having left his parents behind who can only shed tears of reluctance. As for those monastics who have children of their own, there is nothing that they can do but forsake them.
There are many instances where spouses and children of these aspiring monastics were reluctant to part ways on their renunciation day. With tears in their eyes, they left their secular life to join a temple and henceforth, cut ties with their loved ones. Why did they do all this? The most pertinent question is what is the main purpose of renouncing the world? It’s all for the sake of sentient beings and herein lies the difference in one’s state of mind.
These monastics placed the needs of others before their own. In fact, all of you can be considered to have partially left secular life. Why? Besides your work – in fact, some of you chose not to work – you have cast the notion of self aside. Instead of being perpetually preoccupied with those endless streams of household chores or matters, many of you are already making sacrifices and performing meritorious deeds.
Just like many of our youngsters here, who are assisting to respond to questions raised by others, conceptually, they are already leading a semi-monastic life by giving up fame and fortune. On this basis, I feel that Guan Yin Bodhisattva’s renunciation day is worthy of commemoration. After all, it inspires us to gain better insights into the meaning of letting go of the many things in life, including the notion of self, and the illusory and transient material things that we have acquired.
Instead, we should make real gains at the spiritual level which will allow us to follow Guan Yin Bodhisattva and make our way to heaven. There is immeasurable strength that we can draw from the exemplary example set by Guan Yin Bodhisattva. By renouncing the world, Guan Yin Bodhisattva has paved the way for us to gain an understanding that we should not cling to our worldly family at the expense of sentient beings.
Caller: I understand now. Thank you, Master.
Source: Wenda20151030 01:58, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
< II. The great compassion & great vow of Guan Yin Bodhisattva >
GUAN YIN BODHISATTVA: RESPONDING TO ALL PRAYERS AND RELIEVING SENTIENT BEINGS FROM SUFFERINGS; PRAY TO GUAN YIN BODHISATTVA WHEN ENCOUNTERING DIFFICULTIES
Master Jun Hong Lu: Guan Yin Bodhisattva is the most compassionate among the Buddhas. As a representation of a compassionate saviour, Guan Yin Bodhisattva alleviates those in pain with great mercy and compassion. When you are faced with difficulties, you should first pray to Guan Yin Bodhisattva, as She will always relieve sentient beings from pain and suffering.
During the time of Shakyamuni Buddha, He told sentient beings to pray to Guan Yin Bodhisattva. He said, “Guan Yin Bodhisattva attained Buddhahood countless eons ago.”
She attained Buddhahood before Shakyamuni Buddha. She manifests the form of a Bodhisattva (仍然示现为菩萨) out of Her great compassion and readiness to save sentient beings. Among all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, Guan Yin Bodhisattva is the symbol of compassion.
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhism In Plain Terms, Volume 2 Chapter 21
< III. Depiction of the Guan Yin Citta Pure Land >
Question: I would like to share my experience of the Guan Yin Citta Pure Land. On 21 October 2018, when I was praying to the Buddhas and reciting sutras at the Guan Yin Citta Centre, the landscape painting behind the Buddhist altar suddenly came to life. The whole image seemed to slowly emerge from the painting and drag me inwards. A fluttery feeling came over me.
Looking down from the sky, the Land was covered in mountains. Palaces and pavilions stood majestically all around, the architecture resembling designs that existed during China’s Ming dynasty. It had a traditional and antique charm, but there were also some modern-looking buildings interspersed around the site, a bit like a modern-day university town. All of the buildings radiated a golden glow that occasionally changed into the colours of the rainbow. The entire backdrop looked like the depictions seen on TV of Amitabha Buddha’s Western Pure Land, but with some notable differences.
There was a huge open square, where the floor and railings were all made of solid white jade. At the centre stood a tall, circular tower, with bell ornaments hanging from the sides of the rooftop. A pleasant sound of bells accompanied the blowing of the wind, and an even closer listen revealed murmured recitations of the Buddha’s holy name.
Soon after, the voice began to alternatively morph into that of Master Jun Hong Lu, while Bodhisattvas quietly recited sutras and Master Lu’s words of wisdom in the background. Every breath felt incredibly pure, and the entire realm seemed to be a serene, peaceful void where it was impossible to be disturbed by any kind of affliction.
It was the Guan Yin Citta Pure Land, where practitioners of Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door who have attained fruition will be taken to chant Buddha’s holy name, recite sutras and listen to the Dharma.
Looking down from the sky, the Pure Land was truly enormous. Bodhisattvas approached a pool not far from the empty space, and inside were dozens of divine lotuses blooming luxuriantly – some already as big as the wheels of a cart. They all belong to Bodhisattvas who diligently cultivate themselves and perform meritorious deeds in the human realm. Although they have not yet attained nirvana, their divine lotuses are already in Heaven. Some have bloomed luxuriantly, while others are still budding, all in different colours. On closer inspection, the floral scents from the divine lotuses were incredibly fragrant; something I could not find any words to describe.
The Bodhisattvas were reciting Buddha’s holy name and observing the scenery of the Land around the empty space. Whenever a Bodhisattva loses focus slightly and can no longer focus on reciting, the bells will ring to remind Them to lower Their heads and recite sutras in a renewed and immersive state of concentration. In one building, a Bodhisattva gave a Dharma talk to Heavenly Children, who put their palms together to pay respect.
Every day in the Pure Land, Mandarava flowers are scattered, filling the air with fragrance. The Bodhisattvas in this aromatic place chant, recite and listen to the Dharma. Here, all the Bodhisattvas possess supranormal powers, such as the ability to create a divine lotus beneath Their feet to carry it wherever They desire to venture.
Master Jun Hong Lu’s reply:
Are we able to go wherever we desire just like that? Our thoughts behave like the way Bodhisattvas travel: when we think of a place or image, our mind goes there. The Guan Yin Citta Pure Land and Amitabha Buddha’s Western Pure Land are very similar, where Mandarava flowers are scattered across the sky, and those who dwell there are immersed in recitations.
When a person ascends to Heaven, they suffer no afflictions. They cultivate their minds and nurture their nature every day, they recite sutras, bow and pay respect to Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, and go wherever they please on their divine lotuses. Just like when you are in a dream, you can go wherever you desire.
Source: Journey to Heaven (Volume 1) A1. Depictions of the Guan Yin Citta Pure Land (1), Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse (Question 265), 17 November 2018
< A Look Back In Time: Our Journey of Dharma Propagation >
< IV. Guan Yin Hall is our home >
GUAN YIN HALL IS OUR “HOME”
Master Jun Hong Lu: In this world that we live in, learning to emancipate ourselves spiritually is of utmost importance. Thus, the opening of a Guan Yin Hall is to provide us with a “home”. The Guan Yin Hall we have today can be compared to the spiritual abode during the age of Lord Buddha; it is a place for worship that is rooted in everyone’s heart. If we feel unhappy and sad at home or have something to pray for; we should make a trip to the Guan Yin Hall. Perform your recitation conscientiously and pray for the protection of Bodhisattva.
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse, Auckland, New Zealand, 7 July 2018
< V. Performing prostration is an act that sows the seeds of blessings >
MIGHTY OAKS FROM LITTLE ACORNS GROW
Master Jun Hong Lu: Performing prostrations in Guan Yin Hall may look trivial but, in reality such an act could protect and bless you, your family, and even whomever you think may deserve it.
If you perform prostrations and pray sincerely to Bodhisattva, your wish will be fulfilled.
The minute seeds you sow – for instance, by lighting the oil lamp today, you can avert having your eyes gone under the knife or developed cataracts; if you prostrate sincerely today, your family can stave off a myriad of potential calamities. This goes to show that the seemingly inconsequential seeds of ‘cause’ may have a disportionately large after-effect.
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhism In Plain Terms, Episode 98, 1 July 2020
HOW DO WE ENHANCE OUR POSITIVE AFFINITY WITH GUAN YIN BODHISATTVA?
Caller: Master Lu, is it true that the deeper our positive affinity with Guan Yin Bodhisattva, the more blessings we will gain and the easier it is for us to make it in our spiritual cultivation?
Master Jun Hong Lu: That’s for sure. Even your positive affinity with me shares the same logic – the more positive affinity we have between us, the more blessings you will receive.
Previously, I mentioned this in one of the discourses to my disciples. Let me share this with you now. As much as you gaze at Guan Yin Bodhisattva, Guan Yin Bodhisattva is also watching over you.
When you frequently perform prostrations before Guan Yin Bodhisattva, you grow accustomed to gazing at Bodhisattva. At the same time, Guan Yin Bodhisattva is accustomed to seeing you perform prostrations at the Guan Yin Hall.
Hence, should you be faced with any calamities at some point in your life, Guan Yin Bodhisattva will recognise you right away and render you a helping hand. For example, if someone shows me a photo of a familiar face and asks me to read the person’s totem, I will help that person right away.
The same goes with Guan Yin Bodhisattva. By performing daily prostrations, Guan Yin Bodhisattva will be familiar with your face. Hence, it will be possible for you to seek help from Guan Yin Bodhisattva when you are in Heaven.
Caller: That’s right. Generally, the deeper the affection we have now in the human realm, the more blessings we will receive.
Master Jun Hong Lu: Take Shakyamuni Buddha for example. Out of his 500 disciples, all of them were able to ascend to Heaven and become great Bodhisattvas, this included Ananda and Mahakasyapa.
In fact, the Bodhisattva’s vow of “all prayers will be answered” is fuelled by Bodhisattva’s affection for sentient beings.
Of course, it is not about the superfluous affection of the human realm but a profound and boundless concept of affection. However, when you perform prostrations on a daily basis, Bodhisattva will recognise you.
Hence, when you raise your head to look at Bodhisattva, you should have your eyes wide open to gaze at the face of Bodhisattva. As you lower your head in prostration, your eyes should be closed. You will have to aim to allow Guan Yin Bodhisattva to recognise you.
In the future when you make your way to Heaven, Guan Yin Bodhisattva will know everything about you with a mere glance, including where you hail from, and that you are a Guan Yin Citta practitioner.
Source: Wenda20160115 01:19:28, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
< VI. The blessings of the glaze water (净瓶水) from Guan Yin Bodhisattva >
WHEN WE PRAY FOR WISDOM, GUAN YIN BODHISATTVA WILL BLESS US WITH ‘GLAZE WATER’
Caller: Master, what are the functions of the ‘glaze water’ (nectar of blessings, 甘露水) contained in the vase held by Guan Yin Bodhisattva? Would you please elaborate?
Master Jun Hong Lu: First, it helps to clear your mind; second, it blesses you with spiritual energy; third, it provides you with sufficient vitality to propagate Buddhism. Therefore, as long as Guan Yin Bodhisattva showers you with the ‘glaze water’, you must introduce Buddhism to others, which will in turn enable you to receive more benefits of the ‘glaze water’.
The moment Guan Yin Bodhisattva sprinkles a single drop of the ‘glaze water’ on you, if you put your heart and soul into helping others, you can be assured that you will be showered with the ‘glaze water’ in pots or even in tanks, and it will flow through your entire body.
Instead of vanishing into thin air, the single drop of the ‘glaze water’, once it gets in contact with your body, could transform into millions of drops, and even millions of tanks.
To illustrate, a drop of the ‘glaze water’ is synonymous to ‘compassion’. Just imagine the amount of karmic conflicts or grievances that can be resolved with the compassion of Bodhisattva. When you take pity on others and avoid fighting with them, you will feel very much at ease, won’t you? For instance, you have had an unpleasant argument with someone, but the moment you feel sorry for the person, you will very quickly feel much at ease. Hence, you will be the first to benefit, not others.
Caller: In praying to be blessed by this ‘glaze water’, what kind of people will be blessed with it?
Master Jun Hong Lu: If you pray for wisdom, Bodhisattva will sprinkle the ‘glaze water’ on you. So, you should always pray for wisdom. Every time I prostrate before Guan Yin Bodhisattva, I ask for nothing except Prajna wisdom.
With a frequent shower of Bodhisattva’s ‘glaze water’, I have all the knowledge at my fingertips, enabling me to answer any question. This is what wisdom is about. How incredible it is to have such wisdom? Wisdom is one of the treasures of the soul.
Source: Shuohua20170505 14:59, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
< VII. The true meaning of ‘all prayers will be answered’ >
ALL PRAYERS WILL BE ANSWERED?
Caller: It is said that Guan Yin Bodhisattva answers all prayers. However, if we are not destined to have certain things in life, will our prayers still be answered?
Master Jun Hong Lu: You are absolutely correct! Generally, if you do not sow the seeds then there is no ‘cause’. Hence, no matter how you water the seed, give it sunlight and fertiliser, the plant will still not grow simply because there is no seed! That explains why there are many who go to the temple to pray desperately but they never get their prayers answered. For such cases, one may pray to Guan Yin Bodhisattva, “Bodhisattva, I shall now sow the seeds.”
For example, you know that you did not practise the act of giving in your previous life, hence you are poor now. If you start practising the virtue of giving you will still be rewarded in this life. This is because Bodhisattva will help expedite the karmic reward. So, with the seeds you plant in this life, you are able to reap the reward speedily, this is what it means by “all prayers shall be answered”.
Caller: Yes, how do we tell if we are destined to have certain things in life?
Master Jun Hong Lu: One can definitely feel it. For example, whether you succeed in your studies or not will tell you if you are destined to have wisdom in this life. As for those who want to get rich desperately, but they keep failing and can only survive on a meagre income, they should know then if they are destined to be wealthy. The same goes with any relationship; if you have few friends no matter how hard you try, such an affinity is clearly lacking in your fate.
Caller: Thank you, Master!
Source: Shuohua20130118 09:00, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
< Allow Guan Yin Bodhisattva to Reside in Our Hearts (心中常住观世音) >
< Buddhism in Plain Terms < 白话佛法共修分享