“Time And Tide Wait For No Man” – A BUDDHIST PERSPECTIVE OF TIME

< Buddhism in Plain Terms < 白话佛法共修分享    

Time : Saturday 2pm-4.00pm
Platform : ZOOM Cloud Meeting
Topic of Discussion : “Time And Tide Wait For No Man” – A BUDDHIST PERSPECTIVE OF TIME

 

On 8 May 2021, Guan Yin Citta, Singapore held another online English Group Study. It was an insightful session that pored over the essence of Time from Buddhism perspective.

In an impactful video delivery, Master Lu reminded, “There is nothing you cannot bear to part with. To live is to remind ourselves of death. Death is a law that no one can defy. This is the agony of the human race.” This reinforces the need for us to only focus on the critical things in life and we must act to elevate our spiritual cultivation this very moment.

The participants were reminded to make good use of their karmic affinities to have chanced upon Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door – the last dharma vessel to take them “Home” – by strictly adhering to Master Lu’s teachings to liberate themselves from the cycle of rebirth in this very lifetime!

For that, we must stop making excuses for not having the time for Buddhism practice and instead, we should make good use of every single second on Buddhism practice. Comprehending the Buddhist teachings, abide by the Buddhist precepts, and safeguarding one’s mind and body are other essential ingredients in this era of Dharma Decline.

In the second part of the session, the true meaning of diligence was presented:
❑ Diligence means making sure every single thought is kind and geared towards spiritual cultivation;
❑ Diligence means dedicated to progress and connecting one’s daily tasks with Bodhisattva;
❑ Diligence means filling with the desires to be enlightened every single moment;

Last but not least, the participants were reminded that they owe all their blessings to the protection of Bodhisattva. This reinforces the importance of being steadfast in their cultivation and make real efforts to transform their mental attitudes. 

In the upcoming session – scheduled on 22 May – we will delve into the first of the Five Buddhist Precepts, Abstain from Killing, which will straddle over two sessions.

 

? Let us now look at some comments from participants:

I always look forward to every Saturday session!

This session is like a wake up call for me, contemplating death is very important, we need to know that death is not the misfortune of the old. 

We should live like we are one day closer to death!

 

?Join us in our next session 

Please contact Loh SX (96978356) / Woan Yi SX (82182248) for more information

 

 ⏰ Date and time:
Saturday 22 May 2021 (2.oopm – 4.00pm)

 

Please click here to download the Summary Slides shared during the Group Study:

 Summary Slides_A BUDDHIST PERSPECTIVE OF TIME

 

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WHAT ARE WE LEARNING TODAY?

 

< “Time is Precious: Align Your Life with Your Values” >

What is the TRUTH OF LIFE? It is IMPERMANENT.

Take a look around us, there are those who managed a narrow escape from a calamity while there are also others who failed and they are gone for good. Haven’t we seen many around us who left this world in this manner?

In this world, there is nothing you cannot bear to part with. We bring nothing with us when we’re born, and we take nothing with us when we die. To live is to remind ourselves of death. Death is a law that no one can defy. This is the agony of the human race.

 

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< CONTEMPLATE DEATH >
Buddhism in Plain Terms Video – Episode 83 (An Excerpt)

To Contemplate Death (念死).

This may not sound too pleasant to many people. No one would even entertain negative thoughts like, “Gosh, I am going to die!” as they are deemed to bring bad luck.

However, if you are constantly contemplating the impermanence of life, don’t you think you are actually contemplating death? Think, how old are you now? How many yearshave you lived?

It is important that we are always reminded of death. Bear in mind that life is short and pathetic, so is it even worth the while to fight tooth and nail among ourselves over something or harbour jealousy towards others? 

Always think: it is so pathetic that all of us are going to die, sooner or later. We can’t even be compared with a dead old log as it can still be carved into an antiquated artwork. As for us? All is gone when we die!

This calls for the need for us to contemplate: Life is anything, but impermanent and brief. Some may even give excuses like, “I’m still young. It doesn’t matter if I don’t commit myself to spiritual cultivation now. I can do so when I retire from my job, when I have nothing else to do. By then, I would surely dedicate myself to spiritual cultivation and performing recitation.”

By then, for all you know, it is all too late as you can never be too sure that you get to live to see the day that you retire. The ancient Chinese sages had often said, “Death does not discriminate between the old and the young (黄土坡上无老少)”. This means, living is not a privilege of the young and death is not necessarily the misfortune of the old.

In reality, many youngsters die prematurely – way too many of them. For this reason, we must always think about how precious life is and deliberate on its impermanence. Not cherishing time only means you are wasting your life away. You are one step closer to death with each passing day.

Herein lies the urgency to embark on your spiritual cultivation journey this very moment. Don’t wait anymore! Throw all trivial matters and worries of this world to the back of your mind (把人间的烦事、杂事、烦恼全部先抛在一边).

Focus on the most meaningful tasks in life and that are, to help sentient beings (救度众生), embark on the spiritual path with the aim of attaining Buddhahood (修心成佛), form positive connections with people (广结善缘), and last but not least, dedicate yourself to a life of kind deeds (众善奉行).

 

< CHERISH TIME = TREASURE LIFE >
Zongshu20190105 12:38  (Master Jun Hong Lu’s Call-In Radio Program)
DO NOT WASTE TIME; CHERISHING TIME MEANS TREASURING LIFE

Master Jun Hong Lu: Everything in life is like a dream, illusion, bubble and shadow. In the blink of an eye, it is gone for good.

Do you think you can still afford to waste your time? Sadly, there are still many people who spend their time on playing mahjong or even squander it on things that don’t bear any meaning in life. These people are practically wasting every single second of their precious time.

Every minute and every second that goes by is gone for good. This highlights that cherishing your time is tantamount to treasuring your life(珍惜时间就是珍惜你的生命).  

As your Master, I can’t stress this enough – life is paramount (生命很重要) because without it, nothing matters anymore. All of you must understand, we must be broad-minded and know that the most valuable thing in life is none other than life itself. That’s how it is. It is sad to see some people have it all in life, except life. 

 

< GUAN YIN CITTA: THE LAST DHARMA VESSEL “HOME” >
Wenda20180909A 51:07  (Master Jun Hong Lu’s Call-In Radio Program)
Success requires not only one’s diligence but also the opportunity; cherish the true dharma in the Age of Dharma Decline and strive to break away from the cycle of rebirth

Caller: It is stated in the Buddhist scriptures: In the True Dharma (正法时期) and the Semblance Dharma Age (像法时期), to attain the state of Arhat or Bodhisattva may potentially take many lifetimes. Comparatively, being in the right time, that is, the Age of Dharma Decline (末法时期) makes it easier for one to make great vows (许大愿) and perform virtuous deeds (做功德).

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (地藏王菩萨) has also revealed that in this Age of Dharma Decline (末法时期), Guan Yin Bodhisattva’s Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door is the best Dharma Door, thus, encouraging us to follow Master’s teachings and practise diligently. Guan Yin Bodhisattva called on Master to lead home those Bodhisattvas that have been left stranded in the human realm. As Master would not return to this world anymore, this shall be the last Dharma Vessel (最后的法船).

Hence, if we failed to transcend the cycle of rebirth in this lifetime (一世修成), we would miss this final opportunity to embark on this vessel. And, if that happens, it will take us billions of years before we are liberated, that is when Maitreya Bodhisattva (弥勒菩萨) comes to this world. This is precisely the reason why Master urged us to practise Buddhism with diligence and aim to transcend the cycle of rebirth in this lifetime (一世修成).

Master Jun Hong Lu: Indeed, it is not easy. To succeed, it requires not only one’s diligence but also the opportune timing and karmic affinity (机缘). Many do not succeed due to the absence of the latter factor. For example: In the past when the Buddha and His teachings had yet to arrive in India, there were many who wished to seek liberation too. Hence, they went for practices like Brahmanism (婆罗门教) or Zoroastrianism (worshipping the sun – 拜火教). They were unable to chance upon Buddhism back then. This is the picture I am trying to paint to you now.

Caller: Understood. Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is a Bodhisattva who practises great resolution and filial piety (大愿和大孝). We too, should be filial and be grateful towards Master Lu.

Master Jun Hong Lu: I just wanted everyone to understand the aspiration and the power of the Bodhisattva’s vow to allow you to find your way ‘home’ and rediscover your true conscience and inherent quality (正的良心和本性). This is of utmost importance. We once lived without morality and conscience, and were in a constant pursuit for status and wealth like most people. However, many have found their humanity, morality and conscience now. This world has thus become a better place. 

 

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<< Radio Recording >>
Shuohua20170505 31:28 (An Excerpt)
When all is too LATE!! 

When you see someone else’s death it should dawn on you that, “This day will come to me too”. It is with this mindset that you learn to seize every moment of your life. 

 

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< IN THE AGE OF DHARMA DECLINE, WHAT SHOULD BE OUR FOCUS? >

 

Wenda20200501 52:13 (Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)
IT IS ESSENTIAL TO LEARN BUDDHIST TEACHINGS IN DEPTH IN THIS AGE OF DHARMA DECLINE

Caller: Recently, we have been watching the video clips of Buddhism in Plain Terms lectures and realise that Master’s discourses are much more in depth compared to before. Is this because Bodhisattva and Master have increased expectations of us? Can Master elaborate on this?

Master Jun Hong Lu: In this Age of Dharma Decline, you must learn Buddhism in an in–depth manner, you can’t say you don’t understand the teachings nor merely keep saying “perform all good deeds and do no evil”; this is only a principle. The key point is, you have to start comprehending the Buddha’s teachings.

Caller: I see, thank you Master Lu. Now we must elevate our understanding of the teachings and catch up with our Master’s pace.

Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes, that’s great.

 

shuohua20150717  15:03  (Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)
STRICT ADHERENCE TO PRECEPTS; SAFEGUARD ONE’S MIND AND BODY

Caller: Master has often used a white shirt with various degrees of stains of soy sauce or ink as the metaphor to remind us that we must be an absolute morally-upright person and there is no two-ways about it.

Recently, I heard of Master’s guidance on practising vegetarianism in which Master has said that if a person adopts a vegetarian diet only once a month, it is as good as not practising vegetarianism at all. This has reminded me of a mathematical formula that I learned in my primary school, that is, no matter how big a numeric is, when it is multiplied by zero, it equals to zero.

I’d like to ask is it because we are now in the age of dharma decline where the rules are more stringent? 

Master Jun Hong Lu: It’s true that the rules are very strict in the age of dharma decline. It was equally strict outside this period. 
As many did not have the opportunity to encounter Buddhism, when we enter into this era of dharma decline, we need to bear the reality of such trials and tribulations (承受这些现实的磨难). This calls for stricter effort in safeguarding our body and mind
(保护好自己的身心). Please bear this in mind. Let me ask you a question: Would you consider a person to be a vegetarian if he or she only observes vegetarianism two days in a month? 

Caller: No. 

Master Jun Hong Lu: There you go! It’s very simple. Would you consider someone to be a good person if this person upholds the moral values only for two days in a month and for the remaining 28 days, he or she does a lot of inappropriate things? To be considered as a genuinely good person, you must be someone who upholds the moral values throughout the entire month and practise full vegetarianism. Do you understand me?

Caller: Yes, Master.   

 

< ESTABLISH A STRONG WILL AND SQUEEZE TIME FOR SPIRITUAL CULTIVATION >
Buddhism in Plain Terms (Volume 7, Chapter 26)

When practising Buddhism, we must know how to manage our time with ease (自由支配时间). Once again, we are going to touch on how things are in this world. So, what does it mean by ‘to manage one’s time with ease”?

Many people say, “I really don’t have much time. It’s very difficult for lay practitioners like us to practise Buddhism as we are constantly so hard pressed for time.” 

As a matter of fact, whether or not you are able to manage your time with ease lies in your intention. When you have an intention to recite the Buddhist scriptures, chances are, you are able to do so. Likewise, when you wish to pray to the Buddha, you will do so. 

Time is like the water in the sponge that can be squeezed out.

There are many who start work at 6 a.m. and for that, they get up at 4 a.m. to perform recitations. As for those who do not wish to recite the Buddhist scriptures, even if they have all the time in the world, they will never get down to doing it.

The ability to manage one’s time is in itself a form of wealth and wisdom. You may not understand this.

Don’t you think a person who makes good use of his or her time reciting Buddhist scriptures and performing good deeds is a wise person? If they perform so many good deeds and are so diligent in their recitation, do you think they are wealthy too? 

Blessed with both wealth and wisdom, they are able to freely allocate their time. All of you are now dedicating all of your time, helping sentient beings, it goes to show that you have wisdom. This wisdom will in turn generate wealth for you.

This is because you know what your future is like, that is to return to the embrace of Guan Yin Bodhisattva.

Won’t you call this wisdom? When you go all out in your spiritual cultivation and help others, how much will you gain? Would you also agree that this is also a form of wealth? 

 

< RACE AGAINST TIME IN SPIRITUAL CULTIVATION  >
Wenda20200906   01:25:23  (Master Jun Hong Lu’s Call-In Radio Program)
TO ACHIEVE ENLIGHTENMENT, ONE MUST BE CONSTANTLY RACING AGAINST TIME AND REMAIN DILIGENT AND STEADFAST AND NEVER SLACK 

Caller: How are you Master? Nowadays, the majority of us are aware that most things in life are predetermined (有定数).

One example is the Buddha who attained enlightenment at a predetermined time and moment. The same goes for the things that we pray for or do – when conditions are right, success will follow naturally (水到渠成). This makes some of us worry because despite having done our best in our spiritual cultivation, there remain a lot of obstacles that we need to overcome. In this context, I would like to seek Master’s advice…

Master Jun Hong Lu: You must constantly race against time (跟时间赛跑). Never slack, don’t waste your time and do your utmost so that you will succeed on this spiritual path. There is no two-ways about it. Every minute and second that you did not squander will grant you the time needed for your spiritual cultivation and Buddhism practice. If you are still watching movies, even if it is for a few minutes, it is considered a waste of time. It’s as simple as that.

Take a look at the monastics (法师) in the temple and see how they spend their 24 hours cultivating themselves. If you continue to remain the way you are, do you think it is even possible for you to become a Bodhisattva? Even the monastics may not have such attainment, let alone you.

 

< BREAK YOUR PHONE ADDICTION  >
Wenda20200419 01:00:51 (Master Jun Hong Lu’s Call-In Radio Program)
(An Excerpt)

A person who often uses his phone is wasting his life and time. Do you not understand? Unless you are using your phone to propagate Buddhism, you are essentially wasting your time. Do you know how much time you spend on your phone? Do you know how much time you have wasted each day? If only you could set aside one-third of the amount of time you waste, you would be surprised by how many Little Houses you can recite. 

 

 

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<< A TESTIMONY >>

< Through Diligence, the Course of Our Destiny Can Be Altered > 

 

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< DILIGENCE: THE KEY TO CHANGING ONE’S DESTINY >
Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse (Question 401) – 28 July 2020

In the golden circular pavilion near the entrance of the Pure Land, Guan Yin Bodhisattva and Great Strength Bodhisattva
(Da Shizhi Pusa) were talking to some children.

Guan Yin Bodhisattva:

Children, you see these worldly people who are buying wet tissues? Although the difference in price is only $0.037, if this variance is multiplied by 1,000, it will be 37 Malaysian Ringgit. The person who is buying will feel that it is too expensive and not worth it.

The same is true in your practice of Buddhism. If you don’t pay attention to your own words and deeds every day, such as committing the act of killing live creatures (活杀), lying (妄语), double-tonguing (两舌), cursing others (恶口骂人), becoming loose in moral (淫荡), committing sexual misconduct (邪淫), etc….

Over time, don’t you think a major karmic obstacle and karma will be formed? For all of you, Buddhist practitioners, doing this at the expense of your spiritual life is certainly not worth it. All of you, Buddhist disciples, be vigilant  (警惕) and practise diligently.

 

Great Strength Bodhisattva (Da ShizhiPusa):

In order to understand the factors that contribute towards evil consequence, please learn from the metaphor of haggling over the price of wet tissues quoted by Guan Yin Bodhisattva and be meticulous in your spiritual cultivation.

Buddhas and Bodhisattvas fear the law of causation (畏惧因果), while the worldly people are ignorant to it and go all out to create bad karma. Only when their days are numbered, and retribution is served, will they start to fear. Unlike others, all of you are Buddhist practitioners who recite the Buddhist scriptures, you must be wise enough to know that you should not commit evil karma.

  

 

Master Jun Hong Lu:

The Bodhisattvas are telling us the Law of Accumulation (累积). A small thing accumulated over time can become a big thing, including our evil deeds. Over time they will become great evil (大恶). Conversely, if you continue to accumulate good, no matter how little, over time you will be a great person.

Be wise. The Bodhisattvas advise us not to create negative karma. If you apply the worldly “calculative” mentality (斤斤计较), you will realise, we can’t afford to make any mistakes or do any bad deeds – only then you are truly Diligent (精进).

 

< CREATE OUR OWN OPPORTUNITIES >
Master Jun Hong Lu’s Public Talk, Jakarta, Indonesia 
12 March 2018 (An Excerpt)

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 the one word his mother once said to him. At that time, he was just 18 years old, 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. He said to his mother: “It’s all because my sword is too short!”. However, his  mom said: ‘No, son. Remember this. Go ahead, step forward as that’s when your sword is lengthened.”

We should never blame or accuse others (怨天尤人) as our destiny is actually in our hands. When opportunities knock on one’s door, it is natural for everyone to grab them. Hence, do not be jealous of others. When we see the success of others, we should know that it is because of their diligence and hard work.

If opportunities do not present themselves to us, we should work hard to create them. When you have the favourable conditions and spiritual foundation to back you up, be diligent so that you can return to Guan Yin Bodhisattva in the future.

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 and return to the warm embrace of our heavenly mother this very lifetime.

 

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< The Words Of A Loving Father – “Be Diligent” >

Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse (Question 390) – 16 June 2020

Our most revered Master, our loving father, Master Lu says, “You still have a long way to go. If you are not diligent, you will only have yourself to blame when you suffer in the future. I have talked to you for so many years, how many more years do I have to talk to you?” Essentially you can only depend on yourselves. You need to have self-awareness. 

Master Lu, added, “If you are a good child, whether I am around or I am not, there shouldn’t be any difference. If you need someone to watch over you all the time, shame on you!

Master Lu then reminded us, “If you do not have self-awareness, aren’t you a disgrace to Bodhisattva? On the contrary, if you are awakened and you see through the reality of things and be able to let go, you wouldn’t intentionally be behaving differently just because others are watching, and behaving otherwise, when they are not. You need to transform yourself for the better. Time and tide wait for no man.”

Master Lu then touched us with his words further, he said, “I shall teach you as much as I can and help you as much as I can; if I can’t help you anymore, I shall stop. It is impossible for me to help you all the time. I hope you will rely on your own self-awareness.

Our loving father then urged us, he says “You need to be more enlightened, develop this positive habit of a Buddhist practitioner that is, being self-aware where you don’t need others to push you to do your recitation. This is what it means by being self-aware. You are not in a kindergarten, where you need someone to watch over you all day long!”

On a fatherly note Master reminded us, “I hope you will put in your best effort. Cherish the opportunity given to you by the Bodhisattva. Don’t muddle through life in this world, and keep falling down. You need to keep up, otherwise, you will be eliminated.”

The loving words of our loving Master dated, 16 June 2020

 

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< WHAT CONSTITUTES DILIGENCE? >

Buddhism in Plain Terms Vol. 9 Chapter 42 (An Excerpt)
EVERY SINGLE THOUGHT IS GEARED TOWARDS SPIRITUAL CULTIVATION

How do you practise diligence? It is the consistent mindfulness to practise (念念在行). That is, every single thought is geared towards spiritual cultivation (每一个念头都是在修行) and every single thought is kind. It also means forcing yourself out of bed in the morning, even if you don’t want to!

You should be telling yourself, “I am going to bite the bullet, perform chanting and transform my own destiny.” A person who has consistent mindfulness to practise will never degenerate (念念在行的人，才不会堕落). If any one of you is experiencing family break-up or squabbles, it’s because you are not diligent in your practice. You are too lazy!

“I can‘t get up in the morning, I just can’t wake up”. You can’t stop being lazy and in the end,you will enter into a state of degeneration.

Some couples hardly quarrelled when they first got married; both were eager to do their parts of the house chores. “You do the dishes; I do the laundry”. They worked hard and they were diligent. However, after some time, both of thembecome lazy.”

“So, you won’t do the dishes? Neither will I!” After some time, even their room starts to stink, and they can’t even find a fresh change of clothes! This is what degeneration (堕落) means. 

 

Wenda20200510 51:43 (Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program) – An Excerpt
DILIGENCE IS NOT ABOUT THE TIME SPENT BUT RATHER THE INTENTION YOU GIVE RISE TO

Caller: Master, with regards to the definition of Diligence, does it have to do with the time we spend on Buddhism-related effort, besides reciting sutras, such as dharma propagation, studying Buddhism in Plain Terms etc. If that is the case, how much time do we need to spend to be regarded as being diligent?

Master Jun Hong Lu: It is not about the time spent, it is about your heart. If you are diligent in your mind (心一直在精进当中), even if you haven’t done a lot of things today, you are considered to be diligent. 

Hence, it is about having a mind that is dedicated to progress (心精进). In everything you do, you should think, for example, “Here I am washing vegetables. Why am I washing vegetables? So that I can earn a living, so that I am able to help more sentient beings and be liberated from the cycle of rebirth (解脱).”

Master Jun Hong Lu: This is what it means by Diligence – where you connect your daily tasks with Bodhisattva. It is not about finding reasons, but rather to have a true understanding. And with such a concept in your mind, you can regard yourself as a diligent person.

 

Buddhism in Plain Terms Episode 24 (An Excerpt)
DILIGENCE IS WHEN YOU TRANSFORM YOUR THOUGHTS

Many people say, “When I was little, fortune-teller told me that
I would be blessed with good fortune (福气). But, why don’t I see any of these good fortunes now?” 

It is because every day, you have too many worries (烦恼) and are living in distress, so much so that they are constantly consuming your good fortune (消耗你的福报). Your mind starts off being negative to being more negative and gets more and more negative to being permanently negative. This is the beginning of a web of evil thoughts with mutual influence.

If your mind goes from negative to positive, and you slowly transform your thoughts:

Evil ->  Kindness (由恶转善)

Unrighteous -> Righteous (由邪转正)

Being Bewildered -> Awaken (由迷转觉)

Deluded -> Purity (由染转净)

This is the concept of “Diligence” (精进)

Every day, you are filled with commitments to make progress (向上精进) and the desires to be enlightened (觉悟) and filled with all the pure (干净) and righteous energy (正能量). This is how you will gain self-improvement day by day.

 

DILIGENCE IS WHEN YOU TRANSFORM YOUR THOUGHTS >
Buddhism in Plain Terms Vol. 6 Chapter 32 (An Excerpt)

For Buddhist practitioners, we should understand that it is only through dedication (奉献) that we are considered to be truly  diligent (正精进). Have you dedicated yourself today? How much have you done for others, being of service to others and helping others? All of these are attributes of dedication and true diligence.

When you introduce Buddhism to others, don’t you think you are practising true diligence? As such, those who are truly wise will devote their lives to helping others. They will abandon their selfish interests (舍弃小我) and focus on helping others instead. This Buddhist tradition is termed as Mahayana Buddhism (大乘佛法), a tradition whose aim is to help sentient beings to be awakened spiritually. 

In the age of Dharma Decline, it would be a challenge to eradicate our attachment to self (破除我执) if we do not dedicate ourselves to helping others. Do you understand? 

If you do not help others you will always believe yourself to be infallible (自以为是); only when you are able to blend in harmoniously with sentient beings (融化在众生当中), that you are a true Buddha and that’s because the Buddha exists among sentient beings. Many of us have long gone astray in the human wilderness. To be truly enlightened to the Buddha’s teachings, we must work hard without expecting anything in return. 

 

< WHAT CONSTITUTES DILIGENCE? ALL-ENCOMPASSING DILIGENCE  >
Wenda20130503  01:11:17 (Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio programme)

Caller: Master, you often make comments about those who have been very diligent in their cultivation. I am in the opinion that just by being diligent in performing recitation is far from enough.

One needs to study the Buddhism in Plain Terms and also to keep the “body, speech and mind” pure, help others, and to constantly reflect on oneself. Can all these be considered as qualities of being Diligent?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes, one’s Diligence should be all-encompassing (全方位的精进). For e.g. you cannot deem a child is good, just by him being good at doing the house chores. He must be good at work, study, etc. It should be the comprehensive kind of Diligence.

 

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< SUMMARY > 

 

< Buddhism in Plain Terms < 白话佛法共修分享