Time : Saturday 2pm-4pm
Platform : ZOOM Cloud Meeting
Topic of Discussion : Uprooting The Seeds of Anger
Master Lu says, “Anger is mankind’s biggest weakness. Do not find excuses to get angry. Anger only begets more anger. Taming our anger is the golden key to our physical and mental well-being.”
On 16 April 2022, Guan Yin Citta, Singapore held an online English sharing session to delve into uprooting the seeds of anger.
Through a slew of interesting discourses, the facilitator helped us understand the perils of anger. Not only would anger set our forests of virtues on fire, the negative implications could bring harm to ourselves and others, and the damage could be irreversible. The message is crystal clear: It’s simply not worth it!
When faced with an upsetting situation, Master Lu offered the following four guidelines:
1.‘Patience for a moment, comfort for many years’ – learn to endure in all situations as it is the best way to stave off calamities. Endurance is not a sign of cowardice!
2.When someone hurts you, embrace the mindset of “I have come to this world not to be troubled by vexations nor did I come here to suffer. I am here to liberate myself and to help others” so that you can see through the true nature of things.
3. Conduct yourself responsibly. One who owns up to his mistakes is a person of integrity.
4. Let go of your prejudice and focus on the good side of others.
To break the cycle of anger, the participants were told to let go and stop taking things personally simply because all occurrences are governed by the law of causality. Other recommended practical methods were leveraging the power of compassion and silence, and always giving others some wiggle room.
In the upcoming session we will delve into Gratitude – The Mighty Catalyst for True Happiness. Join us on 30 April to find out why gratitude is a paramount tool in our cultivation and how to remain thankful when things go awry.
🌿 Join us in our next session
Please contact Loh SX (96978356) / Woan Yi SX (82182248) for more information
⏰ Date and time:
Saturday 2 April 2022 (2pm – 4pm)
Please click here to download the Summary Slides shared during the Group Study:
Summary Slides_Uprooting the Seeds of Anger
WHAT ARE WE LEARNING TODAY?
< WHAT YOU HOLD IN YOUR HEART YOU WILL SEE IN YOUR WORLD >
Our fate as humans depends on what we wish to hold in our hearts
< THE POWER WE HAVE OVER OUR EXPERIENCES AND EMOTIONS >
Master Jun Hong Lu’s Public Talk | Sydney, Australia | 27 January 2019
THE BATTLE OF THE TWO WOLVES
Master Jun Hong Lu: An old Indian man once told his grandson, “Within us lies two wolves that fight with each other ferociously. One of them represents the anger, jealousy, arrogance, fear and shame in us, while the other represents our gentleness, kindness, gratitude, hope, smiles and love”. The young boy excitedly asked, “Grandpa, which wolf is more powerful then?” The grandpa answered, “The one that you feed every day will be the most powerful”.
By exercising your freedom of choice,
you can make a life-changing decision of which wolf you want to feed.
Are you feeding the wolf that is hungry for resentment?
< RESENTMENT >
怨恨，愤怒，怨气
Definition: A feeling of anger or unhappiness about something that you think is unfair
< RESENTMENT >
Shuohua20170707 21:45 (Master Jun Hong Lu’s Call-In Radio Program)
RESENTMENT FOR OTHERS IS CONSIDERED A FORM OF GREED
Caller: Master Lu often teaches us not to be greedy, expressing ideas such as, ‘Nobility is obtained through contentment’ (“人到无求品自高”). May I ask, is resentment towards others considered a form of greed as well?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Absolutely! Feelings of resentment for others arise from hatred, jealousy, not getting what you want or because you feel that they are not as good as you are. Aren’t these elements of greed? Don’t you think these feelings stem from greed?
Caller: Yes.
Master Jun Hong Lu: What has the character of other people got to do with you?
Caller: I see.
Master Jun Hong Lu: These feelings are all due to your own greed. For example, think of how you feel when you see a person who is better looking than you. There’s nothing you can do about this fact. After all, you have your strengths as well.
Caller: Yes.
< Seven Reasons Why You Should Not Get Angry >
Master Jun Hong Lu’s Public Talk, Singapore – 17 February 2017
SEVEN REASONS WHY WE SHOULD NOT GET ANGRY
Master Jun Hong Lu:
1. We should never get angry as our anger will only eliminate the very last trace of rational thought in us.
2. We should never get angry as our anger will ignite the excruciating sense of grievance deep inside us.
3. We should never get angry as our anger will destroy our normal course of life.
4. We should never get angry as our anger will engulf our last bit of courage to forgive others in the end.
5. We should never get angry as our anger will only make things worse.
6. We should never get angry as our anger will not hurt anyone else but ourselves, aggravating our pain and worsening our own emotional distress.
7. We should never get angry as our anger will not make anyone see the truth; it only steers us back to the wrong behaviour which leads us to make the same mistake again.
< 1st Reason: Our anger will only eliminate the very last trace of RATIONAL thought in us >
Master Jun Hong Lu, Words of Wisdom Volume 2
1ST REASON WHY YOU SHOULD NOT GET ANGRY
Master Jun Hong Lu: From a psychological point of view, attachment is an unwholesome type of consciousness deep in our heart and our unconscious mind.
From a Buddhism standpoint, attachment is the manifestation of one’s erroneous inner thoughts that are reflected in one’s conduct and ideals. This has the effect of inhibiting us from transforming our existing thinking.
No matter where criticisms come from, we as Buddhists should accept them as long as they hit the nail on the head. After all, there is always something that we can learn from someone. This is RATIONALITY.
Master Jun Hong Lu’s Public Talk, Singapore | 9 May 2019
DO NOT TAKE THINGS FOR GRANTED
Master Jun Hong Lu: Even a strong predestined relationship cannot survive if we are hasty and superficial; even the most profound love needs to be cherished in order to sustain.
When others are willing to act naive for us, please remember, there is no absolute fool in this world. We are forgiven, only because they do not wish to lose us.
Stay true and we will be able to savour the love; be appreciative as only then will love endure.
Master Jun Hong Lu says,
“Whether you are ‘madly in love’ or ‘burning with irredeemable hatred’ you need to know that you have accumulated these feelings from COUNTLESS LIFETIMES”.
< 2nd Reason: Our anger will ignite the excruciating sense of grievance deep inside us >
Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhism In Plain Terms | Volume 4 Chapter 35 (An Excerpt)
THE CONCEPTION OF LOVE AND HATE
Master Jun Hong Lu:
Any form of love or hatred in this mortal world is accumulated from countless lifetimes. If you are deeply in love with someone today, it is because of the love you had for this person in your past lives and the same goes for the hatred you have towards another person. This is an irresolvable problem (不能解决的问题).
For example, you have carried over 20% of the hatred for another person from your past life, which resembles a detonating fuse, if you do not understand the principles behind and start lighting up the fuse everywhere you go, the degree of hatred between you and that person will increase to 60% – 80% in your next life.
This explains the conception of hatred and gives justification to the phenomena of “madly in love” and “burning with irredeemable hatred” (爱得就死去活来，恨得就咬牙切齿). It is like a drama, with all of you being the puppets, being controlled by an invisible rope fastened on you. This rope is your fate and destiny, leading you through life by your nose. You are a puppet living in this world, being led by the nose by others.
All the karmic debts that you are repaying now are grievances of past lives, which include the karmic debts to your children, spouse and parents. They constitute a circle of repayment of which the dues may not be completely settled even until the day you die. What’s more? You also need to make repayment for karmic debts incurred in this life, in your following life.
< 3rd and 4th Reason: Our anger will destroy our normal course of life and make things worse >
Buddhism In Plain Terms Episode 10 (An Excerpt)
NEGATIVE CAUSES CAN ONLY HAVE NEGATIVE IMPACTS ON YOUR FUTURE AND CAREER
Master Jun Hong Lu:
Imagine that a husband and wife have been quarrelling for quite some time. One asks, “Why are you picking a fight with me today?”
The other one says, “Because of something you just said”.
“When did I say this?”
“You don’t even know what you just said?”
“You don’t even want to admit what you just said?”
“When did I say this?”
People sow many negative ‘causes’ like these due to their ignorance; not realising that these have negative impacts on their future and career.
I have always told you that our greatest enemy is ourselves. To correct our shortcomings is to conquer ourselves. Only then, we can overcome all difficulties and pains in life.
Remember, your job is not to conquer others but to conquer yourself! You won’t be troubled by affliction or suffering, once you are able to do so.
For example, it is normal to get angry when others yell at you. However, if you are able to take control of your temper by telling yourself, “I mustn’t get angry because if I do, I am the one who will suffer. He can slander me all he likes, I know well I’m not like what he claims I am, so it doesn’t matter.” This is how you conquer yourself.
Buddhism In Plain Terms Episode 12 (An Excerpt)
‘THE INVISIBLE WOUND’ – THE AFTERMATH OF CONFLICTS AND DISPUTES
Master Jun Hong Lu:
One of the reasons we as humans suffer is because of our inability to see the reality, we are as if blind to the true nature of things.
All conflicts and complex interpersonal relationships entail invisible wounds. What do we mean by invisible wounds? They are the unseen scars left behind after every conflict and squabble.
After having a row with someone, you may say, “Hey, I am cool about it. We were just joking. I won’t take it to heart”.
But it would still leave behind unseen and hidden anguish. Hence, no matter what happens, we must learn to take things easy because when a dispute or conflict happens, you will definitely suffer from its aftermath. This explains why a wise person always seeks tranquility.
< 5th Reason: Our anger will engulf our last bit of courage to forgive others in the end >
Our state of mind determines our destiny.
We must approach people with compassion, forgiveness and understanding.
If we refuse to forgive, we will end up hurting ourselves.
— Words of Wisdom Volume 1
< DO NOT LET THE TOXINS OF GRIEVANCES TO POLLUTE OUR SOUL >
Buddhism In Plain Terms Episode 12 (An Excerpt)
DO NOT LET THE TOXINS OF GRIEVANCES TO POLLUTE OUR SOUL
Master Jun Hong Lu: Let there be serenity in us. Regardless of whom we deal with, be composed.
At times, there may be grievances, hate or envy but you need to know that these are the toxins engendered from your body and you need to control them.
We should be broad-minded and use our wisdom to remove the toxins in us every day and never allow them to pollute our soul.
< 6th Reason: Our anger will not make anyone see the truth; it only steers us back to the wrong behaviour which leads us to make the same mistake again >
Buddhism In Plain Terms Episode 12 (An Excerpt)
IT IS ONLY THROUGH CALMNESS THAT YOU SEE THE TRUTH
Master Jun Hong Lu:
As Buddhist practitioners, we should actively practise concentration. No matter what suffering and tragedy we are faced with, we need to stay calm. Do not be confused and troubled by what you see. This is because what you see today may not be real. When others tell you, “This is good and that is bad”. Even if you have seen it with your own eyes, it may not be real. You should instead use your inner wisdom to perceive the true essence of all things.
For example, someone highlighted to you the faults of your dad or mom. They brought to your attention that your dad was picking rubbish outside – things that others throw away.
When you returned home, you saw your dad taking out what he had collected, and you felt disgusted. “Dad, why did you make me look bad? Why did you collect the things that people throw away? You are a disgrace to me!”
The reality is, your family is not well-to-do, and your father is just being frugal. He collects cans and bottles to make ends meet so that he can feed you. Indeed, the love of a father and a mother knows no bounds.
What we see with our eyes may not be the truth. The evil we see may not be true either. Thus, Bodhisattva wants us to apply our wisdom to comprehend what we are doing today. No matter what happens, it is through concentration that wisdom arises. If you are able to keep your composure today, you will have wisdom. Failing which, you won’t have wisdom whatsoever.
< 7th Reason: Our anger will not hurt anyone else but ourselves, aggravating our pain and worsening our emotional distress >
Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse | Sydney Guan Yin Hall | 16 October 2020
THE MIND IS THE ROOT OF ALL INTERNAL DISORDERS
Master Jun Hong Lu:
There is another type of ailment that we humans suffer from and that is, internal disorder (内伤). We are highly vulnerable emotionally, either due to the lack of understanding from others or our lack of understanding towards others. All of these are capable of causing us harm and have a significant bearing on our health.
Jealousy, resentment, greed and ignorance are sources of internal disorders. Those who harbour jealousy towards others over a prolonged period will feel an increasing pain in their heart.
People who always bear grudges towards others will experience worsening dry eyes and suffer from heartbreaks.
The Bodhisattva has advised us, to do away with our internal disorders, the best method is to “do no evil” (诸恶莫作). I shall now caution that not only it is important to do no evil, all of you must “think no evil” (诸恶莫想) and do all good (众善奉行).
For some physical ailments, certain medication may help restore your health. But, in the case of internal disorders, you must “think no evil” and dedicate yourself to a life of good deeds.
< THE FOUR LIFE GUIDELINES >
Buddhism In Plain Terms Episode 12 (An Excerpt)
THE FOUR LIFE GUIDELINES
1. Endure 忍得过
‘Patience for a moment, comfort for many years’ – we should learn to endure in all situations as it is the best way to stave off calamities. Endurance is not a sign of cowardice！
2. See Through the Nature of Things 看得破
When someone hurts you, instead of holding on to resentment, think “I have come to this world not to be troubled by vexations nor did I come to suffer. I am here to liberate myself and to help others”. With this mindset you are able to see through the real nature of things.
3. Able to Take Responsibility 拿得起
Conduct yourself responsibly. One who owns up to his mistakes is a person of integrity. It’s a character favoured by Bodhisattva.
4. Able to Let Go 放得下
Let go of your prejudice and focus on the good side of others. Remove those unpleasant memories that they have hurt you. Learn to forget and set it aside, and you will be the primary beneficiary.
< HOW DO WE BREAK THE CYCLE OF ANGER? >
Master Jun Hong Lu’s World Buddhist Fellowship Meeting | Sydney, Australia | 26 January 2019
THE BUDDHIST MENTALITY OF LETTING GO
Master Jun Hong Lu:
We live in agony because we care too much; we hurt ourselves and others because we are filled with doubt.
Take things lightly and we will live life happily; learn to let go and we will gain wisdom.
After all, we exist as mere visitors in heaven and on earth (天地的过路客) — our relationships with all matters in the world are entirely governed by the law of causality and the affairs of our youth are lost in the past.
Hence, the Buddhist mentality of letting go is about understanding the law of causality and having the ability to accord with all conditions.
Wenda20170915 27:07 (Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)
THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A PERSON WITH HIGH-LEVEL PERCEPTION
Caller: How do we determine a person’s level of perception (个人的悟性高低)? What are the characteristics of a person with high-level perception?
Master Jun Hong Lu: What are the characteristics of a person with high-level perception (悟性高)? These people do not take things to heart. Whatever they see or whenever they come to know about something, they try to understand it, but avoid any form of fight or argument over it. This is because they are fully aware of the impermanence of this world (把这个世界看成无常的).
Don’t you think such a person has high-level perception? To put it plainly, these people will not quarrel or contend with others, because they have broken away from the nonsense and annoyances of this world (已经摆脱人间的烦恼了).
Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhism In Plain Terms
Volume 5 Chapter 10 (An Excerpt)
Master Jun Hong Lu:
As Buddhist practitioners, you should learn not to take everything to heart as this will be the cause of your suffering. This suffering will then lead you to heartaches and your heart will be tied in knots. This is referred to as the knot of the heart (心结).
Master Jun Hong Lu says,
“When karmic conditions arise, we will experience the results of our own deeds (因缘会遇时，果报还自受).”
Whatever happens is the fruit of our karma coming into effect.
Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhism In Plain Terms Episode 13
14 March 2020 (An Excerpt)
Master Jun Hong Lu:
Buddhist scriptures say, “When karmic conditions arise, we will experience the results of our own deeds (因缘会遇时，果报还自受).”
This tells us that when you come to a realisation, whatever happens is the fruit of karma coming into effect, you will not be fixated on it.
When you know that a positive affinity is upon you today, do not be overjoyed, because it is merely the fruit of what you have sown.
Similarly, if a negative affinity comes knocking at your door, do not feel too miserable, because it is also the result of your past actions. No one will be able to stand in to experience them on your behalf.
For example, a person develops a grudge against you, and you say, “Can someone step in on my behalf to shoulder it for me”. That’s impossible. The person will still come after you.
On the flip side, if something positive falls into your lap,
even if someone says, “Please let me take this over from you”, there is no way that it will work because it is meant for you owing to the good ‘cause’ you once planted.
This explains why it is important for us to learn to endure, come what may. First and foremost, we must embrace the challenge. While carrying the weight of our karmic affinity, gradually we transform it and last but not least, resolve it.
Wenda20180603A 06:51 (Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)
DO NOT BE ENTANGLED IN THE RIGHT AND WRONG OF THIS WORLD – HOW TO BREAK FREE FROM IGNORANCE?
Master Jun Hong Lu:
Like how I always tell you, the most important thing that a Buddhist practitioner should learn is to never allow yourself to be ‘entangled’ (不要把自己缠住). Things can be right and wrong in this world. A person who gets entangled in the web of right and wrong, is clearly someone who fails to cherish the brief life he lives in this world. That is why he continues to contend with others.
Think about how short your life is! You will have to be broad-minded, just like the sea. To achieve this, you will have to accord with conditions. The right and wrong in this world will only increase your afflictions, not wisdom.
How do we overcome ignorance? You have to be righteous.
Like I always tell you, ‘With the right mindset, you let the Buddha be your guide; with a deviant mindset, you let the demons become your guide’.
How do we achieve a righteous mind then? You will have to fill yourself up with an everlasting positive energy. To do this you will have to embrace the mindset of Bodhisattva, that is, to treat everyone with compassion.
Master Jun Hong Lu says,
“You must learn the compassion of the Buddha and use it to fight against your ‘greed’.
This is because as soon as compassion arises in you, you will no longer be greedy”
Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhism In Plain Terms – Volume 8 Chapter 10 (An Excerpt)
Master Jun Hong Lu’s Public Talk | Auckland, New Zealand | 10 November 2019
ALWAYS LEAVE ROOM FOR MANOEUVRE IN OUR INTERACTION WITH PEOPLE
Master Jun Hong Lu:
Anish Kapoor, a contemporary British sculptor, became famous overnight with his sculpture “Descent into Limbo”.
One day, a reporter from the famous British newspaper “The Sunday Times” interviewed him. The reporter, who was a sculpture amateur, wanted to ask Kapoor the secret of a good sculptor, and probed, “Dear Mr. Kapoor, can you tell us the secret of your success?”.
Kapoor only said, “Actually, there is no secret at all. My personal experience is to be a good sculptor, you only need to do two things. First, when sculpting, you have to carve the figure’s nose a bit bigger and second, sculpt the eyes smaller. ”
The reporter was puzzled and asked again, “Why do you want to do this? If the nose is big and the eyes are small, wouldn’t the sculpture look ugly?”
Kapoor explained, “Carving the nose big and the eyes small leaves room for modification. Think about it, a big nose allows you to make it small, and you can expand out the small eyes, if need be.
On the contrary, if you carve a small nose at the outset, it will be ugly no matter how you modify it. Similarly, if you carve the eyes very big in the beginning, there is no way that you can modify and make them small.”
Kapoor enlightens us with the wisdom of leaving room for manoeuvre (留有余地的智慧).
In our interaction with people and dealing of matters, we should leave some leeway for ourselves and others (回旋的余地).
For example, we should be considerate in our speech and should not go overboard when dealing with issues. Only then, we can enjoy the freedom of movement, while putting others at ease.
In Buddhism, this is known as “Tolerance can bring about acceptance from others, and compassion can resolve grievances”
(宽容能聚人气，慈悲能化解冤气). These are the qualities that will put us in an impregnable position (立于不败之地).
In life, we know that compromise makes conflicts easier to resolve (退一步海阔天空). But why are there still people who will remain obstinate and choose not to budge even over the most insignificant matters (钻死牛角尖)? Why are they so pushy and aggressive all their life? Don’t they know that everyone deserves some wiggle room?
Master Jun Hong Lu’s World Buddhist Fellowship Meeting | Paris, France | 1 October 2017
THREE WAYS TO AVOID BEING ANGRY (An Excerpt)
Master Jun Hong Lu: When someone in your family is angry, the first thing you should do is learn to stay away. For many people, their first reaction is to talk back to their spouse, only to be embroiled in a heated exchange. In fact, just like if a house is on fire, the very first thing you should do is to flee the scene. You can find a way to put out the fire afterwards. Thus, staying away is a good approach.
The second approach is diversion of attention. When a family member is having a fit of anger, you can either change the subject or take the spouse out on a shopping trip.
Thirdly, learn to resolve the conflicts. When you get an earful from the other party, you should not retaliate. Instead, you should find a friend and sit down for a talk. There is no smoke without fire. There must be some reason why the wife loses her temper, or the husband is unhappy.
Understanding the working of karma helps elevate a person’s state of mind. View someone’s wrath against you as an opportunity to make you a better person. It helps you identify your weaknesses. In this way, you’ll be able to rectify your shortcomings and learn to control your emotions. Whoever can control their emotions is already a winner.
Master Jun Hong Lu’s Public Talk | Singapore | 23 April 2016 (An Excerpt)
TAKE CONTROL OF OUR EMOTIONS
Master Jun Hong Lu:
The most important factor in the practice of Dharma is the ability to control one’s emotions. Causing hurt to others verbally is the most ignorant behaviour. Our many vexations stem from the negative emotions inside us. As such, never allow your inner negative emotions to control you.
Please remember, a person who is able to control his negative emotions is a person who cultivates well. We learn traffic rules so that we can drive on the road. We learn to observe the Precepts as we want to emulate the Buddha.
“Still water runs deep” (水深则流缓).
A sage is one who knows well that he should think before he speaks or responds to others. We spend two years learning to speak; however, we need to spend decades learning to be silent.
“Silence is Golden”
To speak is strength; to be silent is wisdom! (说是一种能力，不说是一种智慧)
< YOU’LL ONLY BE HURTING YOURSELF MORE THAN THE PEOPLE YOU HATE >
Be aware of whom the anger is hurting. Usually, it’s yourself first and foremost.
Thus, we must learn to adjust our mindset to allow our mind to restore to its fundamental state where,
“Originally there was not a single thing: Where can the dust alight?”
Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhism In Plain Terms Episode 17 (An Excerpt)
Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhism in Plain Terms | Volume 12 Chapter 9 (An Excerpt)
A GREAT PERSON IS ONE WHO HAS A BIG HEART
Master Jun Hong Lu:
Buddhist practitioners should understand that regardless of whom you are troubled by, they should be regarded as a person who toughens your self-cultivation and elevates your state of mind. No matter what others say about you or how they insult you, you should learn to endure.
The stronger your endurance, the greater the status of cultivation you are able to attain. Hence, the saying – “the Prime Minister can hold a vessel in his stomach” (宰相肚里能撑船), which means a great person is one who is large-hearted or magnanimous, a characteristic that a normal person lacks.
I hope all of you will be steadfast in your Buddhism practice and mind cultivation. This is my only wish; I have no other wishes. Tracking my footsteps, all of you have achieved the halfway milestone – never allow yourself to trip and fall, neither should you backtrack nor tumble down the mountain, lest you will be ruined.
< Buddhism in Plain Terms < 白话佛法共修分享