Let’s continue our discussion on conditions: all conditioned origination (pratītyasamutpāda) is inherently empty. When you feel that a condition or opportunity has arisen, in truth, it is empty. A person once asked me, “Master, when will I have the right condition [for a romantic relationship]?” I replied, “You’ll have one in August.” And indeed, in […]
Everything we experience in life comes from the combination of causes and conditions. In other words, everything you think about doing, everything you hear, and everything you take action on is the result of certain conditions. Why are you here at the Guan Yin Citta Practice Centre in Sydney today? Because you have a connection […]
When there is the origination of conditions, there will eventually be the ending of conditions. This is a profound truth for the Age of Dharma Decline, a truth you must understand. Why? Because the wisdom of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas can only be manifested when the Dharma is applied to the human world. If the […]
Today, I want to talk to you about ignorance-based afflictions. These afflictions can be categorised into several types. One type is simply a lack of understanding—this is what we call ignorance. Another type is feeling troubled for no apparent reason, which is also a form of ignorance. Sudden bursts of anger are another example. There’s […]
I say that whoever can sit still during my Dharma Talk possesses the power of concentration. In Buddhism, we speak of precepts, concentration, and wisdom. When you can remain concentrated, you gain wisdom; if you can’t concentrate, you lack wisdom. When I address certain issues, some of you may feel like I’m talking about you. […]
When we gather together, even just one or two unpleasant individuals can disrupt the entire atmosphere. This is why those who practise Buddhism and cultivate their minds must completely transform their thoughts and mindset. If someone clings to worldly distractions and scattered thoughts, they will never experience the joy of the Dharma. Living life constantly […]
To all the disciples sitting here today, I want to tell you this: without precepts, there is no genuine spiritual practice, and without that foundation, there can be no true understanding of Buddhism or the Dharma. A person who does not follow precepts will inevitably fall into the Three Lower Realms. Why? Because these realms—the […]
Today, I want to discuss some major transgressions with you. In practising Buddhism, you must remember that many serious transgressions can lead to Hell. Think about it for a moment. Major transgressions include killing or severely harming a highly virtuous monk or spiritual teacher, or verbally abusing them. Transgressions like killing one’s father or mother, […]
Many scientists believe that much of what exists in this world—electricity, microorganisms, bacteria, and so on—are their creations or inventions. In reality, scientists are merely identifying things that already exist and then sharing this knowledge with others. They think they’ve discovered these tangible scientific phenomena and concepts, and by organising their findings, they inform the […]
I will continue sharing the key points of cultivating the mind. What are the essentials for someone who wants to cultivate their mind? It begins with resolving one’s own afflictions and habits. Do you have many afflictions? Of course—every day brings new ones. And what about habits? Plenty. They’re typically bad habits: insulting others, getting […]
To practise Buddhism effectively, you need a Master to guide you. Relying solely on yourself won’t lead to success, and you may lose direction in your practice. Many people are practising Buddhism, but it’s essential to understand where your efforts will ultimately lead. Someone once asked me, “If I follow you, can I reach the […]
Many couples, when arguing, often say: “I treat him like he’s dead. I do my own thing and don’t bother with him.” While this doesn’t sound pleasant, it’s actually a method of coping. The idea is not to pay attention to the other person or place any expectations on them, which in turn prevents disappointment. […]
Remember: you must often contemplate “non-self” (anātman). This means letting go of the ego. When you accomplish something, think, “Oh, it wasn’t me—it was my colleague’s effort. I’m so grateful to them.” Or, “This wasn’t my doing; it was everyone working together.” Non-self is about erasing the idea of “self” and recognising that nothing revolves […]
Today, Guan Yin Bodhisattva told me that even if great disasters do not occur or are delayed, humanity’s true disaster lies within—the disaster in one’s own heart. What is a disaster of the heart? It is being at odds with yourself: thoughts of suicide, constant confusion, depression, worry, and sadness. A person may seem fine […]
Sometimes, we feel lost when faced with the many spiritual schools and religions available. What should we choose to learn? Today, someone might tell you that a particular Dharma Door is excellent, so you follow it. Tomorrow, another person suggests another is better, and you switch to that instead. Before my Dharma Door was introduced, […]
Patience can be divided into three types. The first type is enduring harm caused by others. You must be able to endure slander, harm, and insults directed at you. When others speak badly of you, grit your teeth and refuse to believe or accept it. If you take in the harm others inflict on you, […]
I have previously explained to everyone that many issues arise after the start of the Year of the Tiger. Why? This is due to what is known as “Heavenly Timing.” The concept of “Heavenly Timing, Earthly Advantage, and Human Harmony” essentially refers to the interconnectedness of Heaven, Earth, and humanity. The totem of the tiger […]
The concept of “understanding and practice are both important” emphasises the need to combine comprehension and resolution with action. In other words, both spiritual cultivation and mental cultivation are essential—you need both. Without understanding, merely performing good deeds will only generate limited merit and virtue. For instance, some Buddhist practitioners visit nursing homes to feed […]
Do you remember last week when I mentioned the possibility of an earthquake in Australia? Recently, there was an earthquake near Newcastle on Australia’s central coast, and today, Los Angeles experienced a tremor measuring over magnitude four. Geologists have convened several emergency meetings. The reality is that the Earth’s crust has already begun to shift. […]
In the Dharma Realm, your mind experiences delusive movement. Are we not within the Dharma Realm while living in the human world? Within the Dharma Realm, the mind often falls into delusive movement. This refers to the restless and incessant activity of the mind—stirring thoughts that should not arise, which inevitably leads to karmic consequences. […]
Last time, I spoke about the concept of “the three unattainable minds.” You must learn to let go of anger and resentment because, when you give in to anger, your true inherent nature leaves your heart. Those who are frequently angry drive away their true inherent nature, leaving behind only a heart filled with hatred. […]
In the Diamond Sutra, there is a phrase: “Practise generosity without attachment to form.” Let me give you an example: a man donates $3,000 and signs the donation as “Anonymous.” Later, when a friend visits, he shows his friend the newspaper and says, “Look, $3,000 from Anonymous—that was me.” Although this man intended to practise […]
Today, I’d like to talk to you about “Afflictions Are Bodhi.” Where do human afflictions come from? First, they arise from what your eyes see. Second, from what your ears hear. Third, from what your nose smells. Fourth, from what your tongue tastes. Fifth, from what your body touches. Sixth, from the thoughts in your mind. In Buddhism, […]
Compassion brings thirteen benefits. First, a compassionate person becomes more beautiful over time. Their face won’t appear harsh or angry. Second, blessings always follow compassionate people. The more compassionate you are, the more blessings you receive. Conversely, those who lack compassion often find themselves without blessings. Third, compassionate people sleep peacefully. They don’t experience sadness, […]
If you frequently speak about the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas but fail to truly understand and apply their teachings in your life, your merit and virtue will be nearly non-existent. This is why both understanding and practice are essential. What is practice? It is cultivation. And what is understanding? It is cultivating your mind. If someone […]
For any Dharma Door, if there isn’t a good teacher, that Dharma Door will struggle to thrive. However, if there is a teacher who is highly skilled, well-respected, and admired by everyone, that Dharma Door will flourish. In my journey of practising Buddhism, I tread carefully, as if walking on thin ice, always mindful of […]
A person who understands the law of karma (the principle of cause and effect) will not engage in wrongdoing or commit evil deeds, knowing that bad actions will inevitably lead to consequences. It’s like understanding the importance of the law in society: if someone is unaware of its existence, they might act recklessly and create […]
Next, let me share with you the Ten Precepts for Personal Conduct. First: Be cautious with your words and actions to minimise mistakes. This means you should be especially mindful of what you say and do to avoid making errors. As the saying goes, “Disaster comes from the mouth.” Speaking carelessly or acting recklessly often […]
When practising Buddhism, you should become increasingly diligent; when cultivating your mind, you should achieve greater clarity with each step. As a person, you should strive to embody what it truly means to be a decent human being. Your spiritual state should grow ever closer to that of a Bodhisattva. Your actions must align with […]
Beings in the Asura Realm enjoy the blessings of the Heavens but lack heavenly virtues. Although they belong to the spiritual realm, their thoughts are often base and crude. Look at what men and women who descend from the Asura Realm do in the human world, and you’ll understand. Some of you help your deceased […]
