Dear Buddhist friends,
Happy Lunar New Year!!! May the Year of the Snake bring positivity in every aspect of your life!
For most of us, Chinese New Year is one of our favourite times of the year. We see a lot of traditional Chinese colours such as red gold etc which are believed to attract positive energy. So are items like lucky bamboo, chinese coins and ‘Fu’’ (good luck) characters too!
As Buddhist practitioners, we know that this positive energy is something we must all embrace throughout the entire year – not just during the Lunar Year celebrations. So how do we derive this transformative power of positive energy across all aspects of our life, including in our family and the workplace?
Master Jun Hong Lu says, “The positive energy that you exude can be highly contagious and can make you the role – model that others tend to want to emulate. As Buddhist practitioners, I hope, all of you will harness the power of positive energy”.
Join us and stay tuned for next 12 days as we will be sharing with you on:
HOW TO ATTRACT POSITIVE ENERGY AND PROSPER IN LIFE
a series of discourses that we believe will be your go-to for an increased dose of positivity and inspiration.
Cheers to a transformative and positive 2025!
LEARN TO GO WITH THE FLOW
Master Jun Hong Lu: Remember, in any given situation, we should learn to accept it as our destiny (随着境界去任运). No matter how challenging the path ahead, we should accord with our destiny (任运). What does ‘accord with destiny’ mean? It means we should go with the flow and let nature take its course. In other words, in whatever situation, at whatever time or location we should go with the flow. This is what it means by acting in accordance to one’s conditions (随缘).
For example, something unpleasant happens at home, you should learn to accept it and let it pan out the way it should. Your TV breaks down today, you should think, “Gosh! But that’s alright! Let me give the TV a good shake, for what you know, the images may be restored. After two days, if it is still the same, that’s the end of it. I will just get a new set then!”. With this easy going attitude, you are essentially letting things occur naturally. Conversely, if you get so upset that the TV breaks down just right after the warranty expires that you start kicking it, you will only end up injuring your own leg.
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhism In Plain Terms, Volume 6 Chapter 9
CULTIVATING ONESELF THROUGH THE ENVIRONMENT
Master Jun Hong Lu: Go with the flow. In life, many things require us to adapt to circumstances. We must learn to adjust in any environment we find ourselves in. In other words, in times of challenges, we should work to transform them into something positive. Similarly, when things are going well, we should strive to make them even better. Do you understand?
If you are feeling uneasy or unhappy at work, you need to make a change. How can you do this? By reciting sutras and nurturing good relationships with others. For those who don’t recite sutras, alternative ways include giving gifts, hosting gatherings, or maintaining a friendly and cheerful demeanour. These actions also help to resolve issues, though they are more surface-level, mechanical approaches.
In contrast, spiritual transformation does not rely on giving gifts, extending invitations, or socialising over meals. By consistently reciting sutras, you will realise that, over time, others’ attitude toward you begins to change. After performing recitation, someone, who used to harbour resentment or found you unpleasant may gradually see you in a new light, in fact, they may even find you more agreeable or appealing.
This shift happens because their inner state and consciousness have transformed. As their mindset changes, their perception of the material world around them also evolves. Do you understand?
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhism In Plain Terms, Volume 6 Chapter 9
A GRATEFUL HEART LIES WITHIN A MAGNANIMOUS HEART AND IT WILL HELP ELIMINATE KARMIC OBSTACLES
Caller: Hi Master, you once said, “A magnanimous heart (心量大) will keep afflictions and karmic obstacles at bay”.
Is it right to understand it as: A magnanimous heart has the effect of reducing the burden of the onslaught of one’s heavy karmic retribution (重业轻报), whereas a narrow-minded person will be dealt with a disproportionately large karmic obstacle or trouble in life? Is my understanding correct, Master?
Master Jun Hong Lu: That’s right. In fact, your interpretation has surpassed the mortal mindset (超脱了人间的一种思维了) and it embodies a line of thought that is very similar to the concept of dialectical materialism (唯物辩证法的那种思维).
As a matter of fact, a magnanimous person will be able to eliminate his karmic obstacles because he is not calculative. Those with a magnanimous heart in reality have a heart of compassion because they will not engage in petty calculations with others (不跟人家斤斤计较).
That is to say, they have the mindset that “even if I am karmically indebted to you, I will not seek revenge”. This is a form of compassion. This explains why compassion will engender a type of energy that is capable of eliminating one’s karmic obstacles.
Caller: Master, would you be able to elaborate on the specific characteristics of a magnanimous person? Other than loving-kindness, compassion, empathetic joy and equanimity (慈悲喜舍), in what other ways would such a person demonstrate?
Master Jun Hong Lu: A broad-minded person will not take others’ criticism to heart. When one is at the receiving end of a slander, one should regard the criticism as a positive impetus to make progress in spiritual cultivation (激励你前进的增上缘). Regardless of how others treat you, there should be an ‘emotional steelyard’ in you (你自己心中要有一杆秤的).
Irrespective of what others say about you, how jealous they are of you or whatever they throw at you, you should do better and perfect your endeavours. It’s precisely because of your imperfections that others will find fault with you. Hence, you must make strides to perfect yourself.
Caller: Yes. Is it right to say that those who are compassionate are likely to have a bigger heart?
Master Jun Hong Lu: That’s correct. This is why the greater one’s compassion, the larger one’s magnanimity is. The deeper the sense of gratitude, the higher the level of tolerance one will have towards matters and issues.
Source: Wenda20160715 01:29:10, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
IN CONTENTMENT, WE ARE GRATEFUL AND ONLY THEN, WE TRULY POSSESS
Master Jun Hong Lu: Of all the things we possess, did you know that in the eyes of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, only “contentment” (知足) is deemed the most wholesome and outstanding?
Even if you have the whole world at your feet, blessed with all the things and money your heart can ever desire for in life, only “contentment” is viewed as the most wholesome and perfect. In contentment, we possess (知足之后得到的是拥有). When you are content, only then can you truly possess.
In a marriage, when you feel content to have this man as your husband, you will appreciate how good a man he is and hence, you will have his best interest at heart at all times. This is when you truly own the relationship. When you cherish this partnership, you will naturally love and protect your spouse and the relationship will be a happy one. Contentment naturally drives you to appreciate your other half.
On the flip side, the lack of it makes you view your spouse as a nuisance. Nothing that he does will ever make you feel satisfied and eventually, you will lose him. Therefore, only with contentment will you possess. This will be my word of wisdom. Be diligent in your practice because all of these are fundamental principles of life. Happiness and perpetual joy comes to those who are content and and it is with contentment will one truly possess.
You may not be wealthy, but you are blessed with this dharma gem that is called ‘auspiciousness’(如意). What is auspiciousness? It is a quality that you call on to help you get what you wish for. When you are content, repeat this to yourself three times, “I’m content, I’m content, I’m content”.
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhism In Plain Terms, Volume 3 Chapter 13
HUMOUR IS A POTENT ANTIDOTE
Master Jun Hong Lu: Jokes and humour are the keys to life. All that it takes is a joke to instantly dispel the tension between a disgruntled couple, you need to have wisdom for this.
Caller: Personally, I’m just terrible at speaking.
Master Jun Hong Lu: Spend more time with me, your Master, and you will become more eloquent. I’m not joking. Let me share a story from my middle school days.
There was a classmate who never cracked jokes and he always looked stern, and seemed to have no facial expressions. However, he was fond of hanging out with me, listening to my jokes and imitating what I said. For a while, he had had trouble finding a girlfriend, but things started to change when he slowly acquired my humorous skill. He managed to find a girlfriend, started a family, and everything fell into place.
Humour is a potent antidote, a reflection of one’s true nature. Individuals who are humorous are highly intelligent. As for those lowly people, humour never comes easy to them. Take a look at such individuals, they are just good at being mean and lowly with their words (他就会说那些下流话).
Source: Wenda20160311 01:34:39, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
Master Jun Hong Lu: Wisdom is the ability to solve any problem, and to calmly go about resolving matters with a sense of humour.
Words of Wisdom Volume 7
CHANGE YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES TO CREATE YOUR OWN CONDITIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT
Master Jun Hong Lu: Some people, when they catch sight of someone who is overweight — take Mr Robin, for instance — right away they will think, “Gosh, he’s so fat and unsightly”. But, the moment they see him help them pack their things, they will go, “See how adorable and hardworking he is!” Not only would his actions make others happy, he is also loved.
Another case in point is Xiao Zhang. He hardly smiles, and people might think, “What’s wrong with this kid? He seems so unapproachable”. But, when they see him working tirelessly, clearing the trash, they will go, “Look at how good he is”. The first impression of him will immediately change and right there and then, they will take a liking to him. These are the illustrations of how a shift in the circumstances can alter others’ perceptions (环境在变化).
Some of our listeners are very much overweight. If you are fat and slothful (懒), hardly doing anything at all, over time, your husband will find you increasingly disgusting. Conversely, you may be fat but if you are someone who is always working hard, toiling away with all the cleaning and washing, over time, others will start to develop some liking towards you because in their eyes, you are a hard worker and you are the one who is taking care of your entire home. Not only would they endear you, they may even take pity on you. Am I right?
Let’s return to Mr Robin. He’s already overweight, and if he lazes around on the sofa, glued to the TV and doing nothing, it is natural for his wife to loathe (讨厌) him. If you don’t believe what I say, try helping your wife with the chores. Your wife will immediately sing praises of you.
The lesson here is: We must endeavour to change our circumstances because it is when one’s circumstances begin to change, a person is able to transform himself.
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhism In Plain Terms, Volume 6 Chapter 9
CREATE YOUR OWN OPPORTUNITIES
Master Jun Hong Lu: In ancient times, there was a fencing master. When asked who and what was the one unforgettable thing that had benefited him the most in his life, he said it was something his mother once said to him. At that time, he was just 18, young and vibrant and had just started practising fencing.
He used to complain that every time before his sword could touch his opponent, the other party’s sword was already on him. So, he confided to his mother, “It’s all because my sword is too short!”
To this, his mom responded, “No, son. Remember this. Go ahead, step forward as that’s when your sword is lengthened”.
We should never blame or accuse others as our destiny is actually in our hands. When an opportunity knocks on our door, why don’t we take a step forward and grab it?
Do not be jealous of others because their success is nothing but a function of their diligence and hard work.
We must seize the opportunity that comes to us. But, when there is none to be had, we should create the opportunity by putting in the effort. If you are someone endowed with a strong spiritual foundation (根基好) and you have the spiritual means (有条件), you must plough along with diligence so that you can eventually return to be with Guan Yin Bodhisattva.
Conversely, if you are faced with adverse conditions, you need to recite the Eighty-Eight Buddhas Great Repentance to sincerely repent; strive hard to transcend the cycle of rebirth to return to the warm embrace of our heavenly mother in this very lifetime.
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Public Talk, Jakarta, Indonesia, 12 March 2018
KEEP YOUR THOUGHTS PURE
Master Jun Hong Lu: If you are dealing with a toothache, brush your teeth more thoroughly. If you are feeling irritable, reduce your intake of spicy food and take a breather outside. If you are experiencing chest tightness, breathe in the fresh air regularly.
There is a solution to every problem, the difference lies in your approach. As a matter of fact, if you wish to invite joy into your heart, there is one condition to it. You have to steer clear of vexations as only when vexation is kept at bay would you be able to gain happiness (只有离开苦恼，你才能得到快乐).
This underscores the importance of learning to purify one’s mind (自净其意). It essentially means purifying every single thought that crosses your mind. It involves making sure that every word spoken and every thought that arises is completely clean and pure. This is the true meaning of ‘purifying one’s mind’.
Wholesome thoughts help establish a good root cause (好的意念可以做一个好的标本) hence the importance of maintaining their purity. That said, deeds performed with an ulterior motive are never pure. We should continuously strive to keep our thoughts clean and pure in life.
As long as you are alive, it is inevitable that there will be racing thoughts. That’s perfectly alright because these thoughts are very much like the dust that falls on your home furniture every day. Most importantly, you must make an effort to wipe it clean.
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhism In Plain Terms, Volume 7 Chapter 9
“CALM IS THE HEART WITH NO DESIRE”
Master Jun Hong Lu: All of you are familiar with my motto in life: Calm is the heart with no desire. Therefore, I hope all of you will break free from desires. Your heart should be calm like the water. When there is no greed, you will not give rise to hatred, and you will not do foolish things.
We need to see through the reality of things in life, understand the Buddhist doctrine and the truth within that teaches us that all desires are transient; they are hallucinations brought forth by one’s bewilderment (一切欲望只是一种暂时的人生的迷幻境界), referred to as a ‘Bewildered state’.
In the grip of desire, you will go into a state of confusion. Once ordinary people like you get seduced, your soul is lost (心灵迷失). That is why I need to tell all of you that desires are detrimental because of them, your soul goes astray.
The more we have, the more we want and the better we want them to be. With that, we step into the realm of insatiable greed and lose all control – a state that eventually puts you in a predicament (“困境”).
When you seize wisdom, you will have no desires. Deep down, you understand that everything in this world is illusory – no matter how much happiness there is, it will all come to an end; similarly, no matter how much pleasure it may be giving you, it will leave you one fine day. With this understanding, you will take a look at what is right in front of you and feel content, that’s when you will always be happy as you are no longer enticed by the things that used to be your objects of desire (不会受到欲念的诱惑).
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhism In Plain Terms, Episode 72, 20 May 2020
THE SPIRIT OF ‘BENEFITTING ALL SENTIENT BEINGS’
Master Jun Hong Lu: We should do things that bring benefit to sentient beings. This means as long as it is a good deed that would end up helping others, we should not hesitate to help. This is what is called ‘to benefit all sentient beings’ (利益一切众生). You should think, “I don’t care who you are, as long as I can be of help to you, I will not think twice to help”. This is the spirit of ‘benefitting all beings’.
Buddhist practitioners should help others because when you do so, you will naturally forge a bond with them. Conversely, if you do not go and reach out to others, you will lead a lonely life and no one will help you in times of need.
Therein lies the compassion of the Bodhisattva. When you help others, you will be bestowed with a kind of compassionate affinity by Bodhisattva which proves to be useful in times of need, or when you feel troubled. This is when good-willed people will come your way to walk you through these difficulties.
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhism In Plain Terms, Volume 7 Chapter 7
DO NOT BE TROUBLED BY ANYTHING IN LIFE
Master Jun Hong Lu: As your Master, I am calling upon all of you not to be troubled by anything whatsoever (罣碍).What does it mean to be troubled by something? It is when you allow certain matters to bind you, and have you carry them in your mind, and reminisce upon. In fact, when you find yourself in such a situation, you should immediately shake them off. As long as you do not free yourself from these shackles, worries and emotional bitterness, you will never be able to find happiness. Unfortunately, there are still many people who do not know these are causing them suffering and henceforth, they think they are very happy.
Take those drunkards for example. Do they know what suffering is? Do they understand the suffering that awaits them when they are subsequently diagnosed with liver cancer? Do smokers know what suffering is? They feel very good when they smoke. There are also people who know truly well that their marriage has failed and here they are, keep clinging on to their other halves. Do they even know that this is suffering? To them suffering is when they have to part with their partner, not knowing that it is better to just get the pain over with rather than prolong the agony (长痛不如短痛) – though both ways involve pain. In fact, the wise will abandon suffering and gain happiness (离苦得乐). When you readily pick something up in life, you must be ready to put it down when the time comes as only then, will your heart be unhindered (要无罣碍).
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhism In Plain Terms, Volume 7 Chapter 7
WE SHOULD NEVER LET OTHERS HAVE CONTROL OVER OUR FEELINGS
Master Jun Hong Lu: What is true happiness and what does it mean to be at perfect ease (幸福和自在是什么)? These are states that are derived from within your heart. For example, when someone is giving you a body massage, you will feel happy and relaxed, but such a feeling is fleeting.
At times, when you are being complimented, say for example, being praised for your youthful and gorgeous appearance, it is enough to send you to the moon. But, is it possible that you are able to stay happy for one year feeding on these praises? Truth be said, this type of feel-good sensation that you derive from a compliment is so transient that it can hardly last a few minutes long.
When someone says, “You are so young”, you feel good but if he adds on, “But, you no longer look as good as you did two years ago”, there you go, feeling down again. Therefore, we should never live a life where you allow others to have control over how you feel.
If I wish to make you laugh, all I need to do is say something nice to you and it will immediately put a smile on your face. Conversely, if I come with an intention to annoy you, all that I need to do is to hurl insults at you. In this context, aren’t you like a camel being led by the nose?
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhism In Plain Terms, Volume 9 Chapter 30
Dear Buddhist friends,
We have come to the final discourse in the series “HOW TO ATTRACT POSITIVE ENERGY AND PROSPER IN LIFE”, We hope this series proves useful in helping you appreciate the power of positivity and how you can transform your life with a positive mindset.
We invite you to reflect on all the teachings we have shared as it may well be the starting of a new and rewarding journey in your life.
As we close this series, let us be motivated by Master Lu in this final video:
< “Be unperturbed and let nature take its course” >
We look forward to seeing you in the next pack…
< Buddhism in Plain Terms < 白话佛法共修分享