极圆极顿， 难议难思， 唯有大智， 方能谛信。 – 净土宗九祖澫益大师 《佛说阿弥陀经要解》 Extremely complete [and] extremely sudden [for enlightenment], difficult [to] discuss [and] difficult [to] conceive, only with great wisdom, [is one]...
(A Summary Of The Ullambana Sūtra) 常以孝慈，忆所生父母， 为作盂兰盆，施佛及僧， 以报父母，长养慈爱之恩。 – 释迦牟尼佛 《盂兰盆经》 Constantly with filial loving-kindness, recollect Fathers [and] Mothers born of, for [them] conduct...
破地狱偈 [3] 每自作是念： ‘以何令众生， 得入无上道， 速成就佛身？’ – 释迦牟尼佛 《法华经》如来寿量品第十六 Verse For Breaking Free From Hell [3] [I] always personally have this thought, ‘With what [can I] enable sentient beings, [to]...
破地狱偈 [1] 若人欲了知，三世一切佛，应观法界性，一切唯心造。 – 觉林菩萨《华严经》升夜摩天宫品第十九 Verse For Breaking Free From Hell [1] If [a] person desires [to] understand fully,[the] three periods’ [i.e. past, present and...
若有众生， 闻是说者， 应当发愿， 生彼国土。 – 释迦牟尼佛 (佛说阿弥陀经) If there are beings who hear this, they should vow to be born in that [Pure] Land. – Śākyamuni Buddha (Sūtra [In Which The] Buddha Speaks [Of] Amitā Buddha)...
As featured in October 2018 issue of For You Information (佛友资讯) 若作是言 ‘我当灭度无量众生’， 则不名菩萨。 – 金刚经 (释迦牟尼佛) If to make this statement, ‘I will deliver to Nirvāṇa immeasurable sentient...
Be it with skepticism or faith in the Buddha’s teachings, the Buddha welcomes all to question them, all to question him. – Stonepeace Near the beginning of Śākyamuni Buddha’s life of...
Ask well to be answered well. Ask better to be answered better. – Stonepeace In the last line of ‘[The] Twenty-Third [Light] Precept [Against] Arrogant [And] Biased Speaking [Of The...
The Buddha: What is a mirror for? Rahula: For reflection, sir. The Buddha: … Actions are to be done with repeated reflection. – Ambalatthika-rahulovada Sutta As summarised from the second part...
Question: Is it alright to get pets to take the Threefold Refuge in the Triple Gem? Although all sentient beings have Buddha-nature, can animals understand refuge? Answer: Getting animals to take...
To always rest well, always live well when awake, without greed, hatred and delusion. – Shilashanti According to the Hatthaka Sutta, the Buddha was staying in a forest near Alavi, on a spread of...
As the title card of ‘The Alienist’ informs, ‘In the 19th century, persons suffering from mental illness were thought to be alienated from their own true natures. Experts who...
此诸众生 云何具有 如來智慧， 愚痴迷惑， 不知不见？ – 释迦牟尼佛 （华严经） [Of] all these sentient beings, why [are they] complete with [the] Tathāgatas’ wisdom, [yet] ignorant [and] confused, not knowing [and] not seeing [it]...
Question: There is an unexpected guest at home – a ‘man’ in olden Chinese attire. Please advise. Answer: Note that those dressed in traditional clothes might not be from ancient times as...
‘Toc Toc’ is a lighthearted take on the serious issue of OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). While offering humour, it also offers much needed hope. A band of strangers scheduled for...
When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves. – Viktor Frankl (Man’s Search For Meaning) In the movie ‘The Week Of’, Isaac the boy had to...
Question: If higher management requires reorganisation by retrenchment of workers, will I create negative karma by being part of the decision-making? Answer: Realistically, the company does not owe...
The law of karma affects all, positively and negatively, according to that done, especially negatively for those who think it does not affect them. – Stonepeace | Books The girl had a short-sighted...
Question: Will I create negative karma by not being a relative’s guarantor for buying a house? As he has a high rolling credit card debt, I am worried that the loan might not be serviceable...
愿我命终时， 除灭诸障碍， 面见阿弥陀， 往生安乐国。 – 文殊师利菩萨 《文殊师利发愿经》 May I [Mañjuśrī Bodhisattva], when life [is] ending, eradicate all obstacles, [to] personally see Amitā[bha Buddha come to receive me], [to be] reborn...
见端正人，当愿众生， 于佛菩萨，常生净信。 见丑陋人，当愿众生， 于不善事，不生乐著。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第86-87偈) Seeing proper-looking persons, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings, in [the] Buddhas [and] Bodhisattvas, always give rise to...
In ‘Café Society’ is discussion of some interesting existential issues. Bobby exclaims, ‘[W]hen the end’s near, you need something… I have to know that all this just...
见无病人，当愿众生， 入真实慧，永无病恼。 见疾病人，当愿众生， 知身空寂，离乖诤法。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第84-85偈) Seeing persons without sickness, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings, enter true wisdom, [to] forever [be] without sickness and...
Question: Some say religion, including Buddhism, can lead to indulgence or addiction. Or if put in a condescending way, lead to fanaticism. How should I respond? Answer: (As we cannot speak for all...
If it is meaningless to be trapped in birth and death, what meaningful would be to seek liberation from birth and death. [to be continued…] – Stonepeace | Books In the Greek myth of Sisyphus...
Question: When I visited a temple, the Buddha statue there seemed to stir up some aversion in me, as its face did not look peaceful or compassionate to me. Does this feeling create negative karma...
Nothing is more complex than simplification.
Question: What should I chant if I wish to pay respects before images of different Buddhas (e.g. Medicine Buddha) and Bodhisattvas (e.g. Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva)? I only know how to chant...
‘Mad World’ (一念无明) accurately depicts of how the mentally ill, who deserve more empathy by society get more demonisation instead. Much more dangerous than the extremely rare ‘raving...
‘The Outsider’ tells a fictitious tale of how a foreigner (gaijin) joined a yakuza gang, rising in its ranks to be its most ‘honourable’ leader. Often the case, such stories...
爱不重， 不生娑婆。 念不一， 不生极乐。 – 杨次公 (宋) (If greedy) attachment is not heavy, there will not be birth in this Saha World. If mindfulness (of Amituofo) is not wholehearted, there will not be birth in (his Pure...
‘The Push’ is a reality TV documentary by the mentalist Derren Brown. For choosing its ‘participants’, he shortlists, through an experiment, those who are especially socially...
Make a significant point or even a few major points, or this life would be pointless.
奇哉！奇哉！ 此诸众生云何具有 如來智慧，愚痴迷惑， 不知不见？ 我当教圣道， 令其永离妄想执着， 自于身中得见 如來广大智慧与佛无异。 – 释迦牟尼佛 （华严经） Strangely wonderful! Strangely wonderful! Of all these sentient beings, why are they complete with the...
Within chaos is less apparent order. Within order is no chaos at all. – Stonepeace | Books Is every single experience in life part of some master plan, designed to lead us to some predetermined...
This documentary (2017) features how one famous comedian Jim Carrey portrayed another famed comedian – Andy Kaufman (1949-1984) in the latter’s biopic – ‘Man On The Moon’ (1999)...
Just do your best now, till you can do better – later.
Exploring issues due to inter-speciesism, ‘Bright’ portrays the near-future – with a hybrid of the familiar and gritty real world, mixed with a couple of fantastical species. Set in...
The challenge is to make it* in time. * Whatever ‘it’ is, especially liberation!
Original TDE article, as featured in For You (Information) 佛友(资讯) magazine The Dharma for the unenlightened is a one-sided mirror for self-reflection. With this mirror turned away, its proper...
When Commissioner Gordon asked, ‘How many of you (i.e. heroes) are there (in the Justice League to be)?’, Batman replied with ‘Not enough!’ How many then, are enough? When...
The gift of the Dharma excels all other gifts. Delight in the Dharma excels all delights… – The Buddha (Dhammapada, Verse 354) The clothing you give, after being worn much, gets worn out and...
Question: How do I convince someone that there is the cause and effect of karma? Answer: This is a question you can ask… If he/she does not believe in cause and effect, why does he/she not rob...
This prequel instalment of the Alien series shows the ‘historical’ interconnections – of humans who created and ‘nurtured’ A.I. (Artificial Intelligence), who in turn tampered...
We must make the best of those things that are in our power, and take the rest as nature gives it. – Epictetus (Discourses, I.I) Cicero, who was sympathetic to Stoicism, once gave the analogy of a...
‘Shockwave’ is about the expertise of a heroic bomb disposal officer… and his tragic limitations. Even the most cool-headed and skilled ones who were able to save many in the nick...
In the unessential they imagine the essential; in the essential they see the unessential – they who entertain [such] wrong thoughts never realise the essence [of the Dharma]. – Sakyamuni Buddha ...
A man whose wife died in a car crash is seemingly numb at first. He even tries to cry but found it hard. As it turned out, he was too unmindfully spaced out in the final days of their relationship...
Enough is enough, while too much is too much.
色不异空； 空不异色； 色即是空； 空即是色。 – 观世音菩萨 （心经） Form is not different from emptiness; emptiness is not different from form; form is the same as emptiness; emptiness is the same as form. – Guanshiyin Bodhisattva...
‘Nerve’ is, (for now at least, thank goodness) a fictitious phone app game from the dark web. There are two ways to participate – as a watcher or player. The first decides and sees the...
Change perception of your self, to change your perception of everything else.
Give with generosity, compassion and wisdom, [to be continued below…] – Stonepeace | Books If a stranger wants to borrow a little money for a bus ride, should it be lent, though s/he might...
Question: Can someone in a family suffer due to the mistakes of another in the family? Answer: Conventionally speaking, this is possible. For example, parents often suffer due to their...
If there is one word to summarise the essential message of this Tarzan movie, it could well be anti-speciesism… or anti-racism, or anti-discrimination. (Case 1) Due to misunderstanding of the...
The first thing to learn is what is truly essential to truly learn.
The greatest Bodhisattvas have the greatest aspirations, as motivated by great Bodhicitta, with vows to perfect their virtues for the liberation of one and all. – Stonepeace | Books As summarised...
In the opening of the fictional (2001) movie ‘Samsara’ (i.e. not the 2011 documentary), Tashi the monk, who ordained at the age of five, emerged from a traditional three-year three-month...
Even if still before your eyes, the unappreciated fades away, as it remains continually missed.
All beings need to conquer their inner Maras – including all outer Maras themselves! – Stonepeace | Books Is Mara (the evil one) immortal? Well, as Mara is a heavenly demon...
In the stand-up comedy routine of ‘Jerry Before Seinfeld’, he told this joke – ‘This whole concept of the team [in competitive sports] – your team, my team… Really? Is It our...
Question: In Buddhism, what are the best ways to express filial piety to our parents? Answer: Beyond the usual ways of taking physical care of them, in terms of offering enough clothing, food...
若见大河， 当愿众生， 得预法流， 入佛智海。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第68偈) If seeing a great river, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings, attain advancement [in] the stream of Dharma, [to] enter the Buddha’s ocean of...
‘Munich’ retells the ‘politically’ driven Palestinian 1972 Black September killings, and its spate of Israeli vengeance attempts. Arguable accuracy aside, Avner who led the...
A half-truth is a half-lie too. An already whole truth with additions to that extent makes it a lie too. – Stonepeace | Books In the Abhasita Sutta (Discourse On What Was Not Said), Sakyamuni...
Question: Why is it that when there is chanting or doing good in the name of another, that the person can only receive one-seventh of the merits, while six-sevenths are received by the chanters or...
‘Don’t Breathe’ is a thriller on the most primordial kind of monster we know – humans! Youngsters who assumed they are in control broke and entered to steal from a blind old...
若见树华， 当愿众生， 众相如华， 具三十二。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第66偈) If seeing a tree flower, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings’ many forms be likewise flower, complete with thirty-two [forms].’* – Manjusri...
‘King Arthur: Legend Of The Sword’ retells the tale of how King Arthur came to be. After his father King Uther was ‘forced’ to kill himself, Arthur’s Uncle Vortigern...
In a burning house now, quickly look for the fastest way out! (The Buddha described the Three Spheres as a burning house that we are trapped in, that threatens to collapse upon us at any time due to...
若见华开， 当愿众生， 神通等法， 如华开敷。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第65偈) If seeing a flower blossom, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings’ supernormal powers and other dharmas,* like flowers blossom fully.’ – Manjusri...
‘The Darkest Hour’ is really a simple science fiction flick… about invisible and thus insidious aliens, who are energy vampires. As in the case of all sudden catastrophes, be it...
Even zillionaires cannot carry a single cent to their next lives.
若有众生， 闻是说者， 应当发愿， 生彼国土。 – 阿弥陀经 （释迦牟尼佛） If there are [sentient] beings who hear this [teaching], they should vow [aspire] to be born in that [Pure] Land. – Amitā[bha] Sūtra (Śākyamuni Buddha) This is...
In case you missed it about 10 years ago, ‘Death Note’ is a (thankfully) fictitious book granted by a death god (Ryuk). Its keeper can write to actualise the death of anyone in any...
But he who has abandoned greed, hatred and delusion, is no longer Māra’s prisoner; he is freed from Māra’s snares, no longer subject to the Evil One’s will and pleasure. – The Buddha (Itivuttaka 68)...
Question: Were there Dharma ceremonies (法会) in the Buddha’s time? If not, how did they arise? Answer: The original meaning of Dharma ceremonies is more accurately ‘Dharma...
Just rewatched this powerful 1999 film on Netflix, whose message on the senselessness of racial hate remains as relevant as ever in the light of Charlottesville’s white supremacist rallies...
May all beings give rise to Bodhicitta – that most noble spiritual aspiration to guide oneself and all other beings to the same goal of Buddhahood. – Stonepeace | Books Why even do anything to help...
Question: How do I practise to see emptiness, to depart from forms? I have tried asking myself where is the self-nature of phenomena (which does not exist), so as to not take them too seriously, and...
Thanks to Netflix, I finally got to see ‘The Godfather’ Trilogy (which is a whopping 539 minutes) from beginning to end, with the triad (pun intended) of films made in the years 1972...
I confess to like watching films that present challenging situations, even if they concern matters of life or death. Don’t get me wrong – am neither sadistic nor masochistic...
诸恶莫作， 众善奉行， 自净其意， 是诸佛教。 – 释迦牟尼佛 (法句经, 第183偈) All evil should not to be done, [And] all good should be practised, [With] self-purification of your minds, [As] these are all Buddhas’ teachings...
Question: It is said that we should not be attached to emptiness… Answer: … and not be attached to form too, while it is practically safer to be skilfully ‘attached’ to pure...
Where Wonder Woman was created by Zeus (the absent god), Themyscira is a Greek mythological Paradise Island with only Amazon women. Somewhat feminist, perhaps sexist, yet true, it also represents how...
Since impermanence is a constant truth, be mindful of it now.
Question: How do I make my own personal spiritual vows? Answer: You can announce your vows before a Buddha image in a proper Buddhist temple while kneeling, prostrating once upon saying each vow. If...
‘Okja’ begins with the mercenary Lucy Mirando announcing, ‘The world’s [human] population is 7 billion. 805 million humans struggle with hunger every day, including 30 million...
What cannot be rid of immediately should be transformed immediately, so as to be rid of eventually. – Stonepeace | Books As beings in the Desire Sphere (欲界), we are all with the Five Desires (五欲)...
Near the beginning of the movie ‘Due Date’ is a minor accident before Ethan and Peter enter an airport. Ethan tries to console Peter – ‘My father always had a saying. When a...
It is not that we have to be free of obstacles to practise the Dharma, but that we practise the Dharma to be free of obstacles. – Stonepeace | Books There is a popular notion that obstacles are...
This is not so much a review of season 1’s ‘Iron Fist’, but a correction of its 10 mistakes made in the name of Buddhist culture. [1] Danny Rand shares a ‘Zen’ saying...
Part 1: As the first ‘Wolf!’ is hardest to cry, with the second and third ever easier, never cry it in the first place. Part 2: As the first ‘Wolf!’ is easiest to believe...
Question: How do I stay positive during an economic downturn? As there is mid-life crisis with loss of direction and confidence, it is difficult to remain positive. Answer: There is no need to...
‘The Monkey King 2’ is YET another creative retelling of ‘Journey To The West’. Even though such films tend to detour much from the original novel’s storyline, since it...
This is not so much of a film review, but a reflection on season one of the TV series. (This might be later linked to the big screen though?) Jones is a sharp private investigator, whose efforts are...
As featured in July 2017 issue of ‘For You Information’ (佛友资讯) (An Answer With Eight Bodhisattva Precepts) It is proper for you, Kalamas, to doubt, to be uncertain. Uncertainty has...
见斜曲路， 当愿众 生， 舍不正道， 永除恶见。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第54偈) [When] seeing slanting and winding roads, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings, renounce non-right paths,* [by] forever eradicating evil views.’** –...
Question: What is a karmic debt? Will it surely ripen in this lifetime? Answer: A karmic debt is simply negative karma created that has yet to ripen in effect. Its effects can be mitigated with...
In this retelling of ‘Jack And The Beanstalk’, while climbing it to rescue a princess, Jack grabs a small twig, that snaps. As he slipped down a little, before getting a grip on the stalk...
A good mirror helps us to see things as they are. A poor mirror ‘helps’ us to distort things from what they are. – Stonepeace | Books Enlightened minds work like perfect mirrors. What...
Question: When a child is born, he/she returns to the samsaric cycle of birth, ageing, sickness and death. If so, is desiring to have a child a mistake? Answer: Simply wanting a child is not a...
The world suddenly becomes apocalyptically chaotic, as the good are beamed up to heaven directly, while the rest fend for themselves, often fighting one another. At first hanging out to party...
Master now, what should be mastered in time, before your time is up.
Do you ever notice that when you’re driving… Everyone going slower than you is an idiot… Everyone driving faster than you is a maniac? – Simple Town Comic In ‘Demetri Martin:...
‘The Big Short’ tells how the 2008 financial crisis arose from the perspectives of outlier traders, who foresaw the nitty-gritty ignored details that led to the collapse. It explores how...
This story is about a young woman with early-onset Parkinson’s Disease, who fails to connect to anyone emotionally because she feels undeserving of love. Outwardly confident, she nursed self...
阿弥陀佛： 无量光佛； 无量寿佛； 无量之佛。 Amita Buddha [Amituofo] is the Buddha Of Immeasurable Light; Buddha Of Immeasurable Life; Buddha of Immeasurability. On many occasions, Chinese Buddhists often say ‘Amituofo’...
Gantz is a mysterious black sphere. Somehow, it is able to revive the deceased selectively, teleporting them to an isolated room, where they are equipped with weapons, and instructed to eliminate...
Question: Did the Buddha teach that abortion should be avoided? Answer: Yes, as killing of sentient beings is generally discouraged throughout the Buddha’s teachings, while the first to eight...
依本师所说， 依祖师所解， 依佛言祖语， 依法不依人。 Rely on what our fundamental teacher Sakyamuni Buddha taught. Rely on what the [Pure Land] Patriarchs accordingly explained. Rely on the Buddha’s words and the [13]...
Question: What are the differences between knowing and seeing truth? Answer: There are two kinds of truths – relative (conventional) truths and absolute (ultimate) truth. An article explaining...
In the movie ‘A Chinese Tall Story’ (情颠大圣), which is yet another spin-off retelling of the already fictitious novel ‘Journey To The West’, it’s clearly non-factual...
Original TDE article, as featured in SBL’s magazine Should one find a man who points out faults and who reproves, let him follow such a wise and sagacious person as one would a guide to hidden...
Question: I saw a bus driver using his phone while driving. If I were to report him, he may lose his job, but if I kept quiet, it might cause a future accident that harms the commuters. It seems like...
What does not matter at all later probably should not matter much at all now?
Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food. – Hippocrates (Greek father of medicine) In most Chinese Buddhist temples, monastics take their meals at ‘The Hall Of Five...
Is it a crime to do accounting for criminals? Some would argue that accounting in itself is neutral, regardless of those accounted for. However, if that accounted are known to be ill-gotten gains...
In ‘Nocturnal Animals’, Susan said, ‘I was so busy trying to be perfect and…’ Edward interrupts, ‘And you don’t feel that way?’ She replies, ‘No...
Superstitions are attached to due to the wrong relating of various causes and conditions with various effects. – Stonepeace | Books Some claim it never rains when they are carrying an umbrella, while...
执持应器， 当愿众生， 成就法器， 受天人供。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第48偈) Firmly upholding [a] vessel [for] accepting [food],* [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings, [be] accomplished [as] Dharma vessels,** [who] receive...
Question: What is the significance of taking vows in Buddhism? Answer: There are several kinds of vows for Buddhists. Taking refuge in the Triple Gem is one kind. Committing to the Five Precepts is...
In ‘Inferno’ is what many might see as a compelling speech by Zobrist, reminiscent of Agent Smith’s unnerving monologue to Morpheus in ‘The Matrix’, on how humanity is...
手执锡杖， 当愿众生， 设大施会， 示如实道。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第47偈) With hand holding the sounding staff,* [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings, establish great almsgiving assemblies,** [to] reveal the path that...
A driver brings a girl (Nancy) to a beautiful beach but refuses to divulge its name. There, she meets two surfers, who also refuse to tell it. This was to prevent crowds from flocking there, with it...
As featured in September 2018 issue of ‘For You Information’ (佛友资讯) What furthers greed, hatred and delusion should not be supported in any way. What furthers generosity, compassion and...
以水洗面， 当愿众生， 得净法门， 永无垢染。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第46偈) With water washing the face, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings, attain pure Dharma doors,* [to] forever be without defilements.’** – Manjusri...
Question: I saw an elderly woman scolding a younger woman in a Buddhist temple for not prostrating properly, insisting that she must follow the proper way or she might ‘go to hell’! She...
‘The Magnificent Seven’ (2016) is a remake of the 1960 Western classic. Though set in 1879, it has a contemporary multi-cultural update, perhaps accidentally hinting of how to make...
The valley of violence offers a realistic study of vengeance, on the implications of taking it up and not. A wanderer enters a salon, simply seeking a break from his travels. However, he karmically...
It is will [intention], O monks, that I call karma [created]; having willed [intended], one acts through body, speech, and mind. – The Buddha (Nibbedhika Sutta: A.III.415) It is often taught that...
Question: When chatting with meat-eating friends regarding myself going vegan, they say vegetables have life too. How should I reply? Answer: You can reply that plants do indeed have life, but not...
Writing is a deed that involves the triad of karmic thought, speech and action. All that is written is first formulated in thought, while the worded is a kind of speech and writing is action. Despite...
We are all interconnected together, though with various degrees apart, known and seen, or not. ― Stonepeace | Books As one creates positive and negative karma personally, these good and bad karmic...
The best way to live is to be ever better in helping all to be the best.
Just as we appreciate every little bit of help, why not offer it to others who will appreciate it too? – Stonepeace | Books In the famous starfish story, a child was seen picking up and hurling...
The following can be read as the ‘victim of anger’ or ‘victimiser with anger’ for self-reflection. Question: I have a family member who is polite to others but vents...
Question: I am a nutritionist who educates on healthy eating through talks and cooking demonstrations. As the company I work in produces animal-based foods, I am tasked to promote their benefits too...
In ‘Cold War 2’ (寒战 2), is an interesting courtroom debate. A police commissioner who did not do something according to traditional S.O.P. (Standard Operational Procedure) in the course...
食肉之人，不应施肉。 何以故？ 我见不食肉者有大功德。 – 大般涅槃经 (迦叶菩萨) Those [who] eat meat, should not [be] given meat. Why is [this] so? I see those not eating meat [to] have great meritorious virtues [due to practice of...
We either make more friends or enemies of present strangers, while it is hard to make friends and enemies strangers again. – Stonepeace | Books ‘It’s nothing personal’… how a...
Note more of the noteworthy and less of the not.
A school teacher who is a brother at St. Stephen’s School asks his class if anyone knows what a saint is. A girl replies that saints are ‘individuals who display and act out of...
大小便时， 当愿众生， 弃贪瞋痴， 蠲除罪法。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第42偈) When defecating and urinating, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings discard greed, hatred and delusion, dispose and eradicate transgressive phenomena...
Accomplish the selfless to outdo and outlast your short-lived ‘self’, or your’self’ would not matter much.
嚼杨枝时， 当愿众生， 其心调净， 噬诸烦恼。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第41偈) When chewing willow branch,* [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings their minds [be] tuned [to] purity, biting [off] all afflictions.’** – Manjusri...
Question: As I wish to commit spiritually to the vegan diet, is it okay to eat vegan food that is cooked or mixed with non-vegan food? Answer: Buddhists do not see spiritual defilements to be...
Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect. – Mark Twain I went to wait in a small parking lot for the delivery van. It is the last phase of a...
In ‘Central Intelligence’, while flying in a plane, Bob pretends to run of gas and sends it into a dive. He then asks Calvin, ‘What’s the one thing you wish you’d done...
Who is a peculiar? One who is seen as weird, bizarre, strange by the majority, who is more of unusual, fascinating, amazing and unique. Note that these adjectives though seemingly synonymous, differ...
真能念佛， 放下身心世界， 即大布施。 – 净宗九祖蕅益大师 To truly be able to be mindful of Buddha [Amituofo], let go of the body, mind [with stray thoughts] and the world, [the practice of] which is [the perfection of] great...
Note the noteworthy, the lessons lived – in your truest diary.
手执杨枝， 当愿众生， 皆得妙法， 究竟清净。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第40偈) [With] hand holding willow branch,* [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings all attain the wonderful Dharma, for ultimate purification.’** – Manjusri...
Question: How should we view online circulated advice from some fortune-telling masters, about the fortune of those of different zodiac signs in the coming new year, about what best colour to wear...
The long is short – of the short, and the short of the long.
The last words of ‘The Fatal Encounter’ (逆鳞/杀王者) featured an invigorated king who survived assassination quoting Chapter 23 of the ‘Doctrine Of The Mean’ (中庸), while adding in...
The short-sighted’s fault is not seeing far enough. – Stonepeace | Books Someone asked – ‘If there is a future life, I would most likely have forgotten about this life then? If so, why...
Question: Letting go of attachment is good, but I am disturbed by how a family member developed the habit of throwing away things, which include family items in a brutal and self-righteous way...
These days, the higher one climbs in power and office, the greater are temptations for high-level corruption. Without crude robbery with arms and such, white-collar crime in this digital age can...
Too much ‘patience’ with your faults becomes complacence.* * that keeps you stuck in Samsara.
Question: I feel fear and sadness whenever there are messages and calls from a sibling and other family members – as there are quarrels between them. I tried to help, but feel totally drained...
若著上衣， 当愿众生， 获胜善根， 至法彼岸。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第38偈) [When] wearing upper garments, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings be victorious [in attaining] good roots,* [to] reach [the]...
A paradox of the lure of seeing a magic trick performed, is that it couples the wish to be fooled and amazed by the magician’s trickery, with the reverse-wish to not be fooled, to be amazed by...
Question: Are my similar experiences purely coincidental, or all due to X? Answer: In this universe of cause and effect, there are never any ‘pure coincidences’, as in totally random or...
Waste not any ink, paper, time, energy, life – by writing sharp.
诸法真实相： 不生亦不灭; 不常亦不断; 不一亦不异; 不来亦不去。 – 梵网经 (释迦牟尼佛) All dharmas* true form is not arisen, also not ceased;** is not permanent, also not ended;** is not one, also not different;** is not arrived, also...
‘Krampus’ is the ‘evil’ shadow opposite of Santa Claus, the bad cop to the good cop, who takes ‘care’ of the naughty. A goat-like ‘demon’ from pre...
著下裙时， 当愿众生， 服诸善根， 具足惭愧。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第36偈) [When] putting on lower garments, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings [be] dressed [with] all good roots,* [to be] complete [with moral] shame.’ –...
自皈依佛，当愿众生，体解大道，发无上心。 自皈依法，当愿众生，深入经藏，智慧如海。 自皈依僧，当愿众生，统理大众，一切无碍，和南圣众。 – 三依文（华严经） Personally taking refuge in the Buddhas, may all sentient beings comprehend the great path, and give rise to the...
Your life is a book to write and edit till it is a masterpiece.
Question: My housewife friend said she is fed up with her spouse and children not helping with housework, and that her son stays home too much. Is there advice I can share? Answer: Her taking care of...
This animated feature tells the tale of ‘flushed pets’, who have become ‘freedom fighters’. They meet kept pets called ‘leash lovers’, to whom they explain their...
Question: Is it true that ‘to suffer is a blessing’ (吃亏是福)? Answer: No. If ‘to suffer is a blessing’, the Buddha would not have given a single teaching on how to overcome...
This instalment of Star Trek introspects the whole ‘enterprise’ of space exploration when Captain Kirk reflected thus – ‘Things have started to feel a little episodic. The...
When compassion is greater than greed, it is easy to abstain from eating animals. – Stonepeace | Books A common question among Chinese Buddhists is whether they are ‘allowed’ to eat cows...
Question: According to Buddhist teachings, is it morally alright to work in a prison? What if one’s work is linked to prisoners facing the death sentence? Answer: It is alright to work in a...
Note and do the worthy; never the unworthy – always focus!
Question: Is the positive karma created the same, between donating all of one’s wealth before death, versus writing a will to do so after death? Answer: If the amount is the same, with equal...
若生西方， 庶可与佛光寿同一， 无量无边矣。 – 净土宗十三祖印光大师 Be born in the Western Pure Land, so that you can attain the same light and life of Āmítuófó, that is immeasurable and boundless. – The Pure Land Tradition’s 13th...
ICAC (Independent Commission Against Corruption) is Hong Kong’s official internal investigation bureau. Featured in this story, its chief assigns an independent team to check ICAC’s...
All not ready for sudden enlightenment should walk the gradual path to it now. – Stonepeace | Books 《大佛顶首楞严经》卷第六：四种决定清净明诲章：第一重戒 [The] Great Buddha’s Crown’s Śūraṅgama Sūtra’s Sixth Scroll: Section...
Live a haiku life, streamlined with only the essentials!
Take note now, instead of taking notes for later that never comes.
Question: What does ‘compliance with sentient beings’ (恒顺众生) mean basically, and how do we practise it in daily life? It seems difficult, especially when dealing with children. Answer: In...
‘No Escape’ is a thriller that serves as critique on a new form of colonialisation – the corporate kind, that even leads to a kind of slavery. As the character Hammond, who is a...
The Three Poisons of greed, hatred and delusion are also the roots of all evil as they cause all suffering. – Stonepeace | Books Before you habitually think again, that the all unpleasant stuff in...
A star is like a spot of light but a sun too.
Though fictitious in the name of fun, the very title and anti-ghost logo of ‘Ghostbusters’ (2016) is already morally wrong in the eyes of Buddhism. Why bust ghosts when they ought to be...
若修于观， 当愿众生， 见如实理， 永无乖诤。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品11: 第32偈) If cultivating contemplation,* [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings see [the] principles [of] reality,** [and] forever [be] without...
Wake up purposeful, to awaken further. Lie down purposeful, to rest to better awaken. – Stonepeace | Books In a classic introspective Radiohead music video () of ‘Just’ (from their...
Take your time,* but not forever, or it would be never! * to do what you should
Question: Is there a right attitude we should have when relating to Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Arhats, the Dharma (the Buddhist teachings), the Sangha and Dharma teachers? Answer: What mentioned above...
‘The Meddler’ features Blues Traveler performing. As it is a real-life band, the lead singer John Popper commented so an interview, ‘We’re playing ourselves, which, you know...
Just as it is swiftest to master a worldly skill by enrolling in a good school to learn from a good teacher, it is swiftest to master the transcendental skills to Buddhahood by entering the most...
This film is in part about the life of an old lady (who lived in a van), and in equal part about the life of the writer (who encountered her). While both lives are interesting, this review will focus...
Question: Do evil-doers of different religions go to the same hell after death, or do they go to different hells run by hell-beings of their respective faiths? What about free-thinkers? Answer: The...
An Introduction To Maha-Veganism 大乘净素 (Short For Mahāyāna Buddhist Veganism 大乘佛教之净素)s 不听食肉，应观是食，如子肉想。夫食肉者，断大悲种。 – 释迦牟尼佛《大般涅槃经》 Not heeding eating [of] meat,[one] should contemplate this eating,[with]...
‘Our Brand Is Crisis’ is a story on political strategists’ elaborate schemes behind electoral candidates’ efforts to win votes. But of course, they are paid by the candidates...
正身端坐， 当愿众生， 坐菩提座， 心无所著。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品11: 第29偈) When uprighting [the] body [to] sit, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings sit [on] Bodhi’s seat,* [with] minds without any attachment...
诸佛念念念众生, 劝请诸众念念佛。 All Buddhas, who are mindful of all beings from thought to thought, urge and invite all beings to be mindful of Amituofo from thought to thought. – Stonepeace | Books … [T]o...
Question: Animals should not be held captive unwillingly, but a small coloured bird flew into our apartment. An expert said he might be attacked by crows if he was someone’s pet. Perhaps the...
具缚凡夫， 有大悲心， 愿生恶世， 救苦众生者， 无有是处。 – 大智度论 (龙树菩萨) For completely bound ordinary beings, who have the mind of great compassion, and aspire for birth in this evil period, to save suffering sentient beings...
Question: I have been chanting Guanyin Bodhisattva’s name with this long format – ‘南无大慈大悲救苦救难广大灵感观世音菩萨摩诃萨‘ (Namo Daci Dabei Jiuku Jiunan Guangda Linggan Guanshiyin Pusa Mohesa: Homage to...
Based on the acclaimed comic book, in its animated feature, the Joker seeks to demonstrate that there is not much difference, if any, between him and everyone else… as ‘crazy’ as...
若敷床座， 当愿众生， 开敷善法， 见真实相。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品11: 第28偈) When spreading [upon] bedding, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings [be] open [to and] spread good dharmas,* [and] see truths’ forms...
Question: Someone said he sees more spirits (ghost beings) when he chants. Is this supposed to happen? If chanting attracts spirits, is it good for us? Answer: If what said is true, why this happened...
‘Money Monster’ is an unnerving yet realistically portrayed look at the interconnections between corporations and their investors. An ‘inexplicable isolated’ computer glitch...
Titled after a 1930 jazz song by Duke Ellington and company, ‘Mood Indigo’ was originally titled ‘Dreamy Blues’. As many jazz pieces are, it is bittersweet, though arguably...
Question: When we encounter Buddhist temples with many images of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and/or Arhats, should we prostrate to all of them? Answer: There should at least be complete sets of...
An old retired man develops dementia, forgetting this and that… while not forgetting one incident every day awake – the loss of his young granddaughter, which was indirectly his fault due to an...
The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven. – John Milton (The below is based on a personal past experience) Admitted to the first hospital due to outbreak...
Question: Is it such that the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas only help those who are mindful of them, who pray to them for help with sincere faith? Answer: Having perfect compassion and skilful means...
The best way to curb negative habits is to cultivate positive habits. – Stonepeace | Books It is Buddhist general knowledge, that the Fifth Precept for beginner Buddhists is to abstain from...
The only way to prove you are not addicted, is to kick the habit now. – Stonepeace | Books In the basic Five Precepts, which are moral guidelines for beginner Buddhists, is the Fifth Precept against...
Question: Is it alright to receive donations from sources that we know are not ethical trades according to the Buddha’s teachings? E.g. Sponsorships from lottery boards and liquor companies...
Mindfulness, I declare… is helpful everywhere. – Sakyamuni Buddha In recent years, cultivation of mindfulness has become all the craze, portrayed as an indispensable life skill. Of...
Question: I sense my vengeful streak when let go by a superior not keen to renew my work contract. What should I do? Answer: You have to understand that contract work is exactly designed exactly to...
The tale of ‘Macbeth (2015)’ is one of those classic tales that simply have to be retold for all generations. It warns of the perils of listening to ambiguous soothsayers, witches...
The only way to know if you have learned enough is to keep learning, till you know and see all. – Stonepeace | Books It is best to attend proper Dharma classes to learn the Buddha’s...
Question: Who created the first physical depiction of the Buddha’s image? How did he or she know how the Buddha looked like? Answer: It is said that in the Buddha’s time, there was an...
In ‘The Dressmaker’, a haute couture dressmaker comes to a bland and dusty countryside town. Offering her high fashion skills, she somewhat transforms the resident ladies into classy...
自归于法， 当愿众生， 深入经藏， 智慧如海。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品11: 第21偈) Personally taking refuge in the Dharma,* [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings deeply enter [the] treasury of the sutras,** [to...
In the movie ‘Dark Places’, a desperate mother pays an ‘angel of debt’ (a fancy name for ‘hired gun’) to fake her murder, so as to claim insurance money for her...
(Reflections From A Retreat In The Wild) Insects The Buddha says in the Surangama Sutra (楞严经), ‘Pure Bhikṣus [monastics] and all Bodhisattvas, at diverging roads walking, do not step on living...
Question: I wish to commit to the five precepts but worry about unintentionally breaking them. I have also heard a ‘Buddhist’ say that as the negative karma from breaking precepts is...
The story continues the romanticism of swordplay and destiny. What better way to combine the duo by more harping on the ‘Sword Of Destiny’? Truly, it is an empty case of existence...
(The Buddha’s Admonition Against Killing & Eating Of Sentient Beings) 释迦牟尼佛如何逐渐提倡全素 (佛陀对杀生与食肉的训诫) The word ‘veganism’ denotes a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude —...
Question: I was shocked when I saw a volunteer speaking harshly to a group of devotees queuing up for a ceremony. No matter how stressed we are, I think we should be mindful that the Buddha taught us...
(The Bodhisattva Precepts On Going Vegetarian & Releasing Lives) How does one keep wishing all beings to be well and happy while eating many of them? – Anonone To answer the titled...
This review of the ‘Everest’ movie could prove not so predictable, perhaps not unlike the weather conditions up this highest peak. It was written not so much to celebrate the human...
Question: From the Buddhist perspective, is human/animal placenta considered vegetarian/vegan, as there is no killing involved, although it comes from them? Answer: From both Buddhist and secular...
(To Enter Or Exit ‘The Matrix’ Of Delusion?) Disciple: Do Pure Lands (净土) exist? Master: Does this defiled land (秽土) exist? Disciple: Of course it does. Master: If so, Pure Lands exist...
What excuse can excuse you for your excuse?
Question: What does being ‘awakened’ mean in Buddhism? Answer: To be awakened is opposite of being asleep or deluded; it is to spiritually wake up, to become aware. We are currently not...
Sampled by ‘superior’ aliens, Neil is lent the power to wish absolutely anything to reality. It was a test to see if humans know good from evil, to deserve life as usual, or to be...
As it is with perfectionism that we become perfect, why compromise on it? – Stonepeace | Books [1] Stages Of Seeking A Perfect Teacher (i) No Teacher: Before discovery of Sakyamuni...
A longer-lasting pain is not as good as a shorter-lasting pain. (长痛不如短痛) – Chinese Saying Why is it that some seem to suddenly become unwell when they embark on the path of Dharma learning and...
Question: In this part of the universe alone, there are already billions of sentient beings. Do Buddhas and Bodhisattvas have the ability to manifest multiples forms simultaneously to guide them with...
The girl asked, ‘How to not fall when skating?‘ The guy quipped, ‘By not being afraid to fall!‘ Thus began a love-hate relationship as he encourages and teases her at the same...
The past and future is always somewhere gone and to go, but now is always here.
The best test is that you pass despite the most testing conditions. – Stonepeace | Books Guanyin Bodhisattva sits upon the most craggy rocks on the sea. Yet she is smiling, ever at ease with what...
Don’t be distracted by the powers of Superman versus the hi-tech weapons of Batman… for this is mostly a tale of super miscommunication, or rather, lack of communication. In one corner is...
In the opening video resume monologue of ‘The Intern’, Ben says this, ‘Freud said, “Love and work, work and love. That’s all there is.” Well, I’m retired and my wife is dead. As you...
Drunk and drowsy half of the time, only half alive!* * or ‘only half a life’.
As change is inevitable, the inevitable question is how you wish to change you. – Stonepeace | Books In the comedy ‘Bridesmaids’ is this argument – H(elen): It’s too bad Lilian...
In ‘Zoolander 2’ is a satirical yet somewhat thought-provoking take on the nature of love versus lust, of how easy it is to confuse one for the other. There was Hansel, portrayed as a...
The most intense negative karma of the most evil in the universe is incomparable in magnitude and quantity to the boundless meritorious virtues of the most enlightened in the universe. [To be...
Already another birth… but not another life please, to just another death.
At the 6:45 min of the delightfully breezy (Chinese-Cantonese-English) short film ‘Beyond 24 (Reasons to Live A Veggie Lifestyle: )’, which interviews 24 folks on why they went vegan, the associate...
Be it shooting stars Or flickering stars, They both come and go.
Question: Why do some who pray to Buddha faithfully, who are even vegetarian for many years die of incurable sicknesses? Answer: Life is already a fatal disease for every unenlightened human, whether...
(The Differences & Similarities Between Veg*ns) As compassion ought to be universal, compassion is ultimately non-religious, and the ultimate spiritual virtue for all. – Stonepeace | Books...
For the uninitiated, Deadpool is an unconventional character who breaks the fourth wall of comic books to talk to readers directly, sometimes even referring to other comic books! To ‘break the...
‘But are we all lost stars, trying to light up the dark?’ If you are a recording artist, trying to get your big break into the music scene, one song might change your life – for better or...
若人欲拿金碧峰， 除非铁鍊锁虛空， 虛空若能锁得住， 再來拿我金碧峰。 – 金碧峰禅师 If one desires to seize Jin Bifeng, unless able to use metal chains to lock empty space, [and] if empty space is able to be locked and held, then come to...
Question: A friend said it is not good to give to the less fortunate who beg in public, as they have to beg due to their negative karma, and thus have to suffer. She also warned that to donate would...
Before ‘diving’ into fantasy, this eco-conscious comedy starts off on a serious foot – with sobering actual footages of deforestation, pollution and bloody slaughter of big fish. All in...
Question: A newspaper reported that a ‘mother and mother-in-law did not attend the cremation [of an accident victim] as they are not allowed to, according to Buddhist tradition’. What is...
In ‘Wild City’ is a scene of two brothers on the run from life-threatening gangsters. Fuelled by greed and hatred, they were after a case of ill-gotten money and gold that the brothers...
Always do what is right, but never with anger, as anger is never right. – Stonepeace | Books As recounted by Sakyamuni Buddha (in the Samyutta Nikaya), there was once a sickly-looking demon, who sat...
Why be a hitman, who might be silenced for having pulled a hit, by another hitman? The karmic consequences of killing are often by being killed. And karma can take time to ripen, as the unresolved...
Question: Master XYZ (not the real name) is a well known teacher respected by many. Does this mean that all of his/her teachings are truly Buddhist teachings? Answer: It is difficult, if not...
To see things as they are, we need to see them not in the ways we are. – Stonepeace | Books When we gaze at a bunch of clouds, there is a high chance that we will habitually make out a puff to...
Question: It seems that I left my all previous jobs all because of problems I cannot solve. What do you advise? Answer: In a sense, everyone leaves their jobs only because of problems they cannot...
He is not ‘one versed in the Dharma’ just because he talks much. He who hears only a little but comprehends the Dharma, and is not unmindful is, indeed, ‘one versed in the...
‘The Scorch Trials’ is part two of ‘The Maze Runner’ series. The Gladers (heroes) have escaped from a giant maze, which was an experiment to discover the strong. Turns out...
Question: Why do some Buddhist texts (sutras and treatises) seem vague, ‘saying something’ yet as if ‘saying nothing’? Answer: If you feel that their words are ambiguous, it...
In ‘Ted 2’, there is surprising probe into the mystery of what makes one a person; versus a mere thing. Ted the talking soft toy teddy bear, who miraculously came to life goes on trial...
依诸相好，而作佛像， 功德广大，无量无边， 不可称数。 – 释迦牟尼佛 （大乘造像功德经） Relying on all forms excellent, for making Buddha images, the meritorious virtues are broad and great, immeasurable and boundless, and cannot to be...
Ultron is an AI (Artificial Intelligence) so strong that that it briefly got near singularity. This is the point a single intelligence interconnects with virtually all connectable electronic systems...
Your blessings taken for granted might have already begun to disappear from your life, and you would not even know this, since you take them for granted. – Stonepeace | Books For the good people...
极圆极顿， 难议难思， 唯有大智， 方能谛信。 – 佛说阿弥陀经要解 （净土宗九祖澫益大师） Extremely complete [and] extremely sudden [for enlightenment], difficult [to] discuss [and] difficult [to] conceive, only with great wisdom, [is one]...
轮回路险， 无常迅速。 老实念佛， 莫换题目。 – 净土宗十三祖印光大师 The path of rebirth is dangerous, and impermanence comes swift. Earnestly recite ‘Amituofo’, and do not change the subject. – The Pure Land...
‘Poltergeist’ (2015) is a remake of the horror film (1982) with the same title. It is a ‘reborn’ film with similar premises and the same problem. What or rather who is a...
Question: If there are no evil intentions (based on greed, hatred or delusion) involved, there will be no negative karma created. However, do those who conduct themselves carelessly or thoughtlessly...
‘Paper towns’ are fictitious or virtual towns inserted into maps by mapmakers, in case they wish to prove other mapmakers to be simply copying theirs. In other words, they exist only on...
‘Kill The Messenger’ tells a true story that had to be told as a cautionary tale – that of dedicated investigative journalist Gary Webb (1955–2004). In the course of his work, he...
Yatohaṁ, bhagini, ariyāya jātiyājāto, nābhijānāmi sañcicca pāṇaṁ jīvitā voropetā; tena saccena sotthi te hotu, sotthi gabbhassa. – Aṅgulimāla Paritta (Pāli) According to the Aṅgulimāla Sutta, when...
若佛子， 不得贩卖 刀仗弓箭… – 梵网经: 第三十二损害众生戒 （释迦牟尼佛） If [as] Buddhas’ [Bodhisattva] disciples, [they] must not sell knives and staves, bows and arrows [i.e. all weapons]… – Brahmā Net Sūtra:...
What does not matters in the long (or short) run of your life, should matter what now?
A doppelganger is an apparition or double form of a living person… Most doppelganger movies feature a ‘mirror’ version of the protagonist, who is somewhat like an ‘evil...
The espionage thriller based on John le Carré’s novel, like any engaging story, does not tell a straightforward tale. Well, any story too predictable and clichéd is perhaps not worth telling at...
Question: Someone claimed that the Buddha only forbade monastics to be fortune-tellers as he wishes to prevent them from abusing the power of predictions. Is this so? Answer: More often than not...
Recently, Christopher Nolan, the director of ‘Inception’ finally spoke on the ambiguous ending of his film, which was a spinning top that wobbled a bit before cutting to black. For those...
The lay Buddhist precepts are encouraged for all to uphold always, especially in times being tempted, by greed, hatred and delusion. – Stonepeace | Books According to the Brahmā Net Sūtra’s (梵网经)...
The past mind cannot be attained, The present mind cannot be attained, The future mind cannot be attained. – Diamond Sūtra (Śākyamuni Buddha) 过去心不可得， 现在心不可得， 未来心不可得。 – 金刚经 (释迦牟尼佛) In the ‘Sūtra...
In the guise of a typical action thriller, ‘Skin Trade’ offers a glimpse of the notorious forced sex trade. As a title card at that end of the movie in black and white grimly says...
Question: I came across the idea that too much worry about one’s children will take away their blessings. Is it not normal for parents to worry about their children? Answer: It is...
The graphic novel (and movie) mythos of the Kingsman intelligence agency speaks of how its powerful founders who lost many heirs to inherit their wealth due to World War I decided to dedicate their...
Just as rust is formed from iron, and corrodes the iron from which it is formed, so also, his own deeds lead the transgressor to a lower plane of existence. – Dhammapada Verse 240 (The Buddha)...
Beyond the first Ant-man movie, many might not know that Ant-man in the comics later acquired the means to be Giant-man. But is it truly possible to shrink and enlarge at all, according to the usual...
Birthdays should be re-resolution days, to avoid more evil, to do more good, and to further purify our minds, lest there be more new re-birthdays! – Stonepeace | Books Since young, a question used to...
‘The Age Of Adaline’ is a study of mortality through a kind of ‘immortality’. No, there are no mythical vampires in the film, though the suggested phenomenon of possibly...
‘The Cobbler’ as an acted out thought experiment is a literal take on what can happen if you walk in another’s shoes. As the proverb goes, ‘Before you criticise a man, walk a...
一切有为法 All conditioned dharmas [phenomena] 如梦幻泡影 are like dreams, illusions, bubbles, shadows, 如露亦如电 like dew, also like lightning [flashes]. 应作如是观 [All] should have such contemplation. –...
Our lives are not too short to find time to learn the Dharma well. Our lives are too short not to learn well, so as to practise better. – Stonepeace | Books It is of course important to learn...
Question: Can the Buddha’s teachings help me to have greater self-acceptance, to not feel inferior to others? Answer: Conventionally speaking, we in some aspects of life truly inferior to...
In ‘The Man With The Iron Fists 2’, is this interesting dialogue. Li Kung says, ‘We are desperate people, Thaddeus. I need to liberate us from the ruthless Beetle Clan. And when...
[1] I undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living creatures. [2] I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given. [3] I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual...
Question: Due to presence of family members with other faiths at home, I do not have a Buddhist shrine. Is it alright to practise prostrations without a Buddha statue? Answer: While it is alright as...
It is surely a blessing, to be able to use high technology skilfully, to better rule the world with better machines. But at what point do we become ruled by machines instead, with them becoming a...
The Terminator saga, as most would know, is about the anthropomorphism and demonisation of high technology. It is a series of extreme cautionary tales on the potential danger of humans going...
Question: The fifth of the Five Precepts is to abstain from consuming intoxicants as they can cause loss of mindfulness (that leads to breaking of other precepts) and unhealthy addiction. However...
Some comedies are indeed suitable for all in the family. One good example would be ‘Alexander And The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day’. It is even educational for kids and grown...
Question: How can I be more compassionate to myself, to stop being so self-critical? Answer: It is actually very important to be self-critical, as it is the first step of being self-reflective for...
虽则身心，无杀盗淫… 若大妄语，即三摩地， 不得清净，成爱见魔， 失如来种。 Although then with bodies and minds without killing, stealing and sexual conduct… if with great false speech, immediately will their Samādhi, not...
During a car chase, the comical Lord Mortdecai asks his henchman, ‘Jock?’ He replies, ‘Yes, sir?’ Mortdecai continues in his aristocratic tone, ‘Will it be alright in...
Question: A seemingly generous friend, upon hearing feedback from mutual friends, often offers gifts of food that he does not really want, that is either about to expire or has slightly turned in...
如我所说， 名为佛说。 不如此说， 即波旬说。 Such as I [Sakyamuni Buddha] have spoken, [on the clear instructions for purity] is named [all] Buddhas’ speech [teachings]. Not such as spoken [taught], is Papiyan’s [Mara:...
In the movie ‘Julie And Julia’, Julie (Powell) got nervous about preparing a ‘lobster thermidor’ dish, by following Julia Child’s recipe in her cookbook. She lamented...
Question: Is having children not compassionate, as it is to bring more beings into this samsaric world to suffer? Answer: With mindful compassionate and wise upbringing, children can be nurtured to...
In the opening scene of the ‘Forrest Gump’ movie, a feather flutters down from the sky, blown hither and thither, twisting and turning, before landing between his shoes. Hence the story...
To let another down in a relationship, is also to let oneself down, in one’s relationship to oneself. – Stonepeace | Books A recurring theme in many Western movies, especially of the...
Question: If a parent had passed away for less than a year, can one celebrates events, such as the mooncake festival? Answer: It is generally not a Buddhist concern, this issue of whether it is...
In the movie ‘Laggies’, there is a restaurant scene of Megan making childish squeaky noises while tweaking and laughing at the nipples of a ‘Laughing Buddha’ statue. (It is...
To multiply your diligence in Dharma learning and practice, do it for always; not just later. – Stonepeace | Books To increase your motivation to learn the Buddha’s teachings, gaze upon a...
John Wick is a retired hitman who used to take out other hitmen. He is the most dreaded bogeyman of other less dreaded bogeymen. A mobster’s son who fancies his fancy car asks how much it...
‘Big Eyes’ tells the true story of how Walter Keane (1915-2000) became one of the most notorious yet unrepentant frauds in the history of art. When his newly married wife Margaret signed...
Question: How do we know what financial investments are truly ethical, as the companies (corporations, banks, insurance firms…) invested in have free rein to further invest in livelihoods which...
诸恶莫作, 诸善奉行, 自净其意。 是诸佛教。 – 释迦牟尼佛 (法句经) Of all evils, do not do them. Of all good, practise them. With self-purification of the mind, These are all Buddhas’ teachings. – Sakyamuni Buddha...
How about taking a long walk to somewhere through nowhere particular, with no one particular? Cheryl Strayed did just that – going on an almost entirely solo pilgrimage of 94 days, trekking 1,100...
The ‘Dumb And Dumber (To)’ comedies are only as hilarious as we can relate, ridiculous as they can be. For are we not sometimes also like the two key characters, with too much blind faith...
‘Nightcrawler’ is an unnerving cautionary tale on media consumption (and creation), of how audiences’ penchance for seeing sensational reports of violence in the news might...
It is impossible to help one without also helping oneself, as helpfulness brings joy to both helper and the helped. – Stonepeace | Books Why should I help you if you already have good karma to...
Question: According to this news article: , a child’s parents cryogenically froze her body after death, in the hope that future technology can resurrect her. Do you think her consciousness had...
Isolated case? There is nothing other than… Interconnections.
Be better children to your parents, as this karmically ‘creates’ better children. Be better parents to your children, as this karmically ‘creates’ better children too. –...
The script of ‘Birdman’ seems significantly influenced by Buddhist teachings, as we can see in the following three scenes… [1] Riggan watches his breathing to calm down, as he sits...
Question: I came across the concept that although the Buddha is fully enlightened and has inconceivable powers, he cannot eradicate or change sentient beings’ karmic retribution. But if this is...
Since we all truly want happiness, the question of all questions to ask is what is True Happiness, and how to truly attain it for all. – Stonepeace | Books ‘What is the meaning of life...
The movie ‘Predestination’ plays heavily with the ‘predestination paradox’, which is also known as the causal or causality loop. This is a proposed curiosity of time travel...
Question: In a situation where you are supposed to be truthful about a person’s character, but it may cause the person to not be able to secure a job, what can be done appropriately without...
Question: May I know what sutra should I recite on my birthday? Answer: There is no custom of chanting any specific sutra for this day. Birthdays, or rather, rebirthdays are actually literally...
Question: If each of us do not have a soul or spirit, how do we undergo rebirth? We know that the body is just a form, so there must be something within that takes rebirth? Is there at least a base...
If we cannot change, all would be pointless, for we are only how we are, unable to become better. – Stonepeace | Books If a candle represents the body, and the flame represents the mind, both...
Watch ‘Nuggets’ at ‘Nuggets’ is one of the most minimal yet powerful short animated works I have seen in a long time. Deceptively simple in its setup, it carries important and...
Question: Is it alright for Buddhists to just pray as form of respect to deities (gods), but not to request anything from them? Answer: It is alright for Buddhists to express respect but there should...
Question: While chatting on our faiths, I said that a difference between Buddhism and god-centric faiths, is how gods are seen as still trapped within the six realms of existence, susceptible to...
As featured in the June 2018 issue of ‘For You Information’ Anger at another’s true mistake which already harms you creates another true mistake, which further harms you. –...
The path to self-liberation aspires to transcend all of Samsara. The path to total liberation aspires to engage all in Samsara too. The ultimate Middle Path is to be transcendental yet engaged...
Question: Are sea cucumbers (海参), that are usually sold dried up sentient beings? Or are they just a form of ocean vegetable? Answer: Sea cucumbers are marine animals. Please do not be mistaken by...
We are always our worst enemies, by giving in to our inner enmity, while our outer ‘enemies’ only ‘help’ to remind us of this. – Stonepeace | Books There was a priest...
If literally translated from Chinese, the title of the movie ‘Kung Fu Jungle’ (一个人的武林) would be ‘One (Single) Person’s Wushu (Martial Arts) Jungle’. The action film...
Beyond just not taking what is not given, giving what is not asked for, this is generosity. – Stonepeace | Books There is a course I’m currently teaching on Buddhist perspectives of moral...
Life that seems good even when you are bad is just the exhaustion of your past good karma, before your bad karma ripens. – Stonepeace | Books To improve your life, improve yourself by improving...
As all immeasurable beings have Buddha-nature, the universe is naturally filled with immeasurable realised Buddhas, pervading space and time. – Stonepeace | Books There is a false dichotomy in...
Question: How is Buddha-nature linked to Bodhicitta? Answer: Buddha-nature is the universal potential in all sentient beings to become Buddhas (fully awakened in perfect compassion and wisdom). Since...
The unbelievable is not always the improbable. The inconceivable is not always the impossible. (不可思议者不一定不可能。) – Stonepeace | Books Some Mahayana sutras might seem full of amazing imagery beyond...
摘抄: 无量义经: 说法品第二 Excerpt: Sūtra Of Immeasurable Meanings [Prologue Of Lotus Sutra]: Chapter 2: Preaching The Dharma 天竺三藏昙摩伽陀耶舍译 Translated by ancient India’s Tripiṭaka Master Dharmagatayaśas...
While we speak, envious time will have [already] fled: seize the day (carpe diem), trusting as little as possible in the next day. – Horace YOLO, many say these days – ‘You Only Live...
The movie ‘Interstellar’ sings of great hope for humanity, with speak of how we are explorers not caretakers, not meant to save the world, but to leave it, born here, but not to die here...
If you use the Dharma for escapism, from doing what you should do, ‘the Dharma’ becomes your worldly trap, instead of being your path to spiritual liberation. – Stonepeace | Books...
You suffer from clinging to your misperceptions of others and yourself
Question: Somehow, I feel that upholding Buddhist principles seems idealistic and impractical in worldly work. Answer: This is absolutely untrue, as the Dharma is applicable for every situation. What...
‘… If there are those who already aspired [vowed], now aspire [vow], or will aspire [vow] to be born in Amitā[bha] Buddha’s land, all of them will attain [the Stage of] Non...
Question: Amituofo’s (Amitabha Buddha) Pure Land is to be reached with his guided lotus vehicle, which is also what one will have transformed birth from. As this seems fantastical, how is it...
With the wish to safeguard my training, I need to work hard and safeguard my mind; If I’m unable to safeguard my mind, I’ll also be unable to safeguard my training. – Shantideva...
Fantastical tales are fantastic ways to convey important truths. The movie ‘Ruby Sparks’ is one such example, packed with facts in fiction. Without giving away excess details, it proposes...
得人身者， 如手中土。 失人身者， 如大地土。 Those who attain the human body, are like the earth in the fingernails. Those who lose the human body, are like the great Earth’s earth. 人身难得今已得， 佛法难闻今已闻。 此身不向今生度，...
The nose that smells only everything else misses its own smell.
过去心不可得，The past mind cannot be attained, 现在心不可得，The present mind cannot be attained, 未来心不可得。The future mind cannot be attained. – 金刚经 (释迦牟尼佛) Diamond Sutra (Sakyamuni Buddha) Here are three...
孝顺父母， 师僧三宝， 孝顺至道之法， 孝名为戒， 亦名制止。 – 梵网经 (释迦牟尼佛) [With] filial piety [to] fathers, mothers, teachers, monastics [and the] Triple Gem, filial piety [is the] teaching [of the] ultimate path [to...
Question: In my work place, where colleagues form social cliques, I try to be myself, ending up as a loner who feels vulnerable. What should I do? Answer: Formation of cliques is natural. You do not...
Aware of the difference between being firm and angry, one can be firm when necessary, but never ever angry. – Stonepeace | Books A Dharma class participant sent me the following question…...
When you over-idealise yourself now when you are far from being ideal is when you demonise yourself instead. – Stonepeace | Books I asked a monk the question, ‘How do I generate boundless...
There is no way to know that your last good day is your last good day. At that time, it’s just another decent day. – Hazel Grace Lancaster (‘The Fault In Our Stars’, by John...
Question: As Vow #18, #19 and #20 of Amituofo (Amitabha Buddha) seem somewhat similar yet different, can you compare and contrast them for better appreciation of their intricacies? Answer: The...
酒肉穿肠过， 佛祖心中留， 世人若学我， 如同进魔道。 – 道济禅师 (济公) Wine and meat through the intestines passes, [while] Lord Buddha within my heart remains, [but] common people, if they imitate me, is similar to entering...
Question: I once put a Dharma book on my lap for reading while eating. A fellow Buddhist commented that I should not do that. Does this create negative karma? Answer: Unless there is no other place...
Seeing ‘moderate drinking’ as extreme, thus never drinking even ‘moderately’, you will never be drinking extremely. – Stonepeace | Books The traditional Pali wording of...
Question: Dear Shi’an, over the years, you have accumulated many students. You encourage them to e-mail their questions on Buddhism to you, which you have always reply promptly. I always wonder...
We are all ‘actors’ the moment we pretend to be who we are not, or to not be who we are. – Stonepeace | Books) In the Talaputa Sutta, Talaputa, who heads an acting troupe, asks the...
A being who has not been your mother [father, brother, sister, son, daughter] at one time in the past [due to many rebirths] is not easy to find. – The Buddha (Mata Sutta) Loving-kindness, as...
Question: It is said that we should have ‘healthy aversion’ towards life in Samsara. What does this mean? Answer: This means to see the spiritually limiting conditions of life in Samsara...
On behalf of all beings, may we all have calm and clear compassion, wisdom and blessings for one another. Related Article: A Water Offering
Who am ‘I’? Is it this form, feeling, perception, intention, consciousness, something or someone else? ‘I’ cannot be this form for sure, for just as ‘I’ had...
Question: Having contributed to a charity, a friend advised that I should make a personal wish before dedicating merits from the act to all beings. But I have also heard that dedication should be to...
How we see others usually reflects ourselves to some extent, even if we do not see this to any extent. – Stonepeace | Books Are eyes the windows to the ‘soul’? Perhaps, but only to...
While we cannot truly lose what we cannot truly have and hold, we can truly suffer, over what we imagine we had and held. – Stonepeace | Books Once upon a time, Zen Master Foyin encountered a...
A flappy tie is one of the most dangerous items of clothing, being susceptible to being caught in all manners of moving objects. – Anonone ‘The tie is a useless rag that constrains your...
Roundabout of (re)birth and (re)death, With tears of joy and sorrow – Hospital Samsara.
Question: I will be moving to a new house when it coincides with the seventh lunar month. However, some old folks in the family think this is unwise. What should I take note of? Or is there actually...
[1] Buddhas, Bodhisattvas & Gods By definition, gods are spiritually lesser than Bodhisattvas, who are lesser than Buddhas. The average god has more positive karma than the average human due to...
Desire that is pure arises only for true spiritual progress. Desire that is impure arises only for straying from it. Bliss that is pure arises only from true spiritual practice. Bliss that is impure...
Question: For those aware of the existence of rebirth, why do some still cling on to their lives in the face of real danger, as often portrayed in movies? Answer: Here are some possible reasons...
Change your mind to change your actions to change your life. – Stonepeace | Books Karmic affinity is a relational connection through being linked in karma. How do you know if you have karmic...
If we would like all to help us, we should like to help all too. To be helped by all is surely joyful, but to help all is even more joyful. – Stonepeace | Books Buddhahood, as we know, is the...
It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor. – Seneca José Alberto ‘Pepe’ Mujica Cordano is the current president of Uruguay, who is described to...
All Bodhisattvas openly proclaim their vows as they openly wish to benefit all with them. – Stonepeace | Books Is the making of spiritual vows (making aspirations: 发愿) humbly in silence more...
Question: If all of us became vegan, what will happen to the ‘meat animals’, as there will be too many of them? Will they pose environmental threats? Answer: Realistically, due to...
Question: I am a vegan, but a friend offered me some non-vegan food taken home as a gift, which I accepted without knowing its ingredients. How should I handle it? Should I eat it, give it away...
What you offer the world is what you offer yourself, as you are of this world too. – Stonepeace | Books Making many offerings at our home shrines daily, sometimes we might forget why we do so...
Pure motivations matter most, but consequences matter too, just as getting what you want is as important as wanting it. – Stonepeace | Get Books If a Buddhist lacking in Dharma understanding...
Question: What is the right way to bathe images of the ‘baby Buddha’ during Vesak season (which celebrates the birth of the Buddha-to-be, his Buddhahood, and commemorates his Parinirvana)...
唯可深信佛语， 专注奉行；不可信用 菩萨等不相应教， 以为疑碍，抱惑自迷， 废失往生之大益也。 – 净宗二祖善导大师 (观经四帖疏) [We] only can have deep faith in [Sakyamuni] Buddha’s words,for focus upon and practice; and not have faith in or...
Every moment a chance To outdo the previous By bettering now
Question: When someone donates to charity, does the recipient saying ‘Thank you’ negate merits of the donation? Answer: No, it does not do so at all. Question: Of course, the giver should...
For the Buddhist community to thrive, support good Buddhists by emulating their good efforts, and ‘support’ bad Buddhists by encouraging better efforts. – Stonepeace | Get Books A...
Question: If a child saw the death of his grandfather who committed suicide (by hanging), besides going for counselling, what can the parents do? Answer: This can be said to the child –...
过去心不可得，The past mind cannot be attained, 现在心不可得，The present mind cannot be attained, 未来心不可得。The future mind cannot be attained. – 金刚经 Diamond Sutra (The Buddha) ‘No man ever steps in the...
净土十疑论 The Treatise On Ten Doubts About Pure Land 隋天台智者大师著 Written by Sui Dynasty’s Tiantai Tradition’s Great Master Zhizhe (538–597 CE) 优婆塞沈时安英译 Translated to English by Upāsaka Shen Shi’an (2014 CE)...
Without a wire as tail, is a wireless mouse, really a mouse? ___ Then again, it has no whiskers, eyes, mouth, legs… either. ___ How much resemblance is considered resemblance, before losing...
此诸众生， 去佛渐远。 邪师说法， 如恒河沙。 All these sentient beings [will, in the future (now), away] from the Buddha, gradually be further apart [from him]. Evil ‘teachers’ who speak the [corrupted]...
The natural and impartial law of karma does not seek to consciously reward or punish us, while the positive and negative experience of karma can be purposely magnified or mitigated by us. –...
Question: I know a stubborn and arrogant person, who keeps claiming she is right, that she already knows enough about the Buddha’s teachings. How can I let her know she has much more to learn...
‘Ilo Ilo’ (爸妈不在家) is a movie about the intricate tensions of keeping even a small family together, of how adding a stranger into the mix can both worsen and better its dynamics. There are...
净土十疑论 The Treatise On Ten Doubts About Pure Land 隋天台智者大师著 Written by Sui Dynasty’s Tiantai Tradition’s Great Master Zhizhe (538–597 CE) 优婆塞沈时安英译 Translated to English by Upāsaka Shen Shi’an (2014 CE)...
To be late without notice for a promised appointment subtly breaks the first precept of abstention from taking life. – Stonepeace | Get Books When it comes to observation of the precepts, there...
净土十疑论 The Treatise On Ten Doubts About Pure Land 隋天台智者大师著 Written by Sui Dynasty’s Tiantai Tradition’s Great Master Zhizhe (538–597 CE) 优婆塞沈时安英译 Translated to English by Upāsaka Shen Shi’an (2014 CE)...
You can always change… to be better… and better… till you become the best. – Stonepeace | Get Books At first glance, the words ‘rebirth’ and...
Question: I learnt that unseen beings comprising of ghosts and gods are able to read minds. Do they have the power to reward or punish a person after having read one’s good or bad thoughts...
Being spiritually lazy is the easiest way to accumulate regrets. – Stonepeace | Get Books In the Kusita-Arambhavatthu Sutta, the Buddha listed eight possible grounds for [a] laziness, followed...
Will this amber light Wait a while longer, Or turn too soon?
Question: If I have broken something in a shop accidentally and no one knows about it, can I simply walk away? If I do so, would I be breaking any precept? Answer: You should pay for it. If not, the...
Question: Some say it is disrespectful to read Buddhist materials or listen to Buddhist recordings while lying down flat, that we should sit upright to do so. Is it not alright to make ourselves...
Question: If I picked up an identifiable stored value card on a bus, is it alright for me to use it, and donate its worth to charity on behalf of its owner? Answer: This seems alright in principle...
The true spiritual taboo is to embrace the three poisons, to let them grow unchecked. – Stonepeace | Get Books We often hear some Buddhists gravely discouraging the practice of chanting in...
Question: When I see acquaintances, mostly in class, I sometimes just don’t know how to respond, because I have been ignoring them almost every other time. It is as if my auto-reflex would be...
愿消三障诸烦恼， 愿得智慧增福报。 普愿罪障悉消除， 世世常行菩萨道。 May there be elimination of the Three Obstacles’* all afflictions, and may there be attainment of wisdom and increase in blessed rewards. Universally wishing...
Even the beings in the deepest hell are future Buddhas.
Question: I’m a student. When I think about my future, I forsee many obstacles due to competition in school now and probably in my work life later. I see my life ahead as nothing but a series...
If you idealise the illusory, you will beget disappointment, as you gravitate towards truth. – Stonepeace | Get Books A Buddhist teen asked how he can rid his infatuation towards superstars...
Question: My dog is very sick. Is there any Buddhist chant to help her feel better, or prepare for a better rebirth? Answer: Yes. (All of the advice below is applicable to humans as well…)...
Karma is our Mama, for we are born from our karma. – Stonepeace | Get Books Is there a need to share merits, even with those who treat us selfishly, or negatively in some way? Yes, the sharing...
The Buddha’s refuge in the Dharma even after enlightenment, is itself a Dharma lesson, to always take refuge in the Dharma. – Stonepeace | Get Books A friend shared a phone group message...
Question: I use a melodious and soothing Heart Sutra chant as a lullaby for my baby’s naps. Is this okay? Will I cultivate the wrong habit of becoming sleepy when the sutra is chanted? Answer:...
Blind adherence, even to spiritual rituals, furthers spiritual blindness. – Stonepeace | Get Books It is very common for many Chinese to believe that a death in the family means the immediate...
不知足者 Those who not know contentment, 虽富而贫 even if rich, they are however poor. 知足之人 Those who know contentment, 虽贫而富 even if poor, they are however rich. – 佛陀 The Buddha (遗教经 Sutra Of...
No true good can arise from any true harm. – Stonepeace | Get Books According to the Matakabhatta Jataka, when the Buddha was in Jetavana, some monks asked if there was any benefit in...
Like a skilful transcendental Bodhisattva whom, as instructed by the Buddha, does not reveal his identity – so as to better enter and blend into the worldly masses and protect relations...
Not only did the Buddha actively teach to promote peace, he actively prevented war too. – Stonepeace | Get Books In the Buddha’s time, the Sakiyas (Sakyas) and Koliyas (Kolis) once...
Not knowing what is enough, you will never have enough, even if you do have enough. – Stonepeace | Get Books Here is a Tibetan folk tale retold and extended: The first brother has 1 horse. The...
Question: What should I do with Buddhist-related materials (such as old sutras, books and disks) that I no longer need? Answer: The best thing to do is to pass them to friends who might be...
With this moment new, why not live anew, with will renewed? With each moment new, why not live anew, with zeal renewed? With every moment new, why not live anew, with life renewed?
Question: Is desire for a muscular body considered greed in the Dharma perspective? Answer: Actually, it takes a lot of maintenance to keep the body muscular. It is not a one-time effort to get...
For one who has a clinging mind and finds delight in babes and herds, death does seize and carry away as a great flood a sleeping village. – The Buddha (Dhammapada, Verse 287) As the young Kisa...
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Protect the great name of the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha by becoming a great disciple of the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha – Stonepeace | Get Books How should we look at ‘Buddhist’...
While the evil might be fearful of the Buddha’s lion roar, the righteous are inspired by it. – Stonepeace | Get Books As the 48th and aptly last secondary Bodhisattva precept in...
Question: I came across this teaching of the Buddha in the Surangama Sutra: and have decided to lead a vegan lifestyle. However, I have a number of leather bags (sofa chairs, belts…) and...
Beyond only sparing a little time for Dharma practice, we should reserve more time for Dharma practice too. – Stonepeace | Get Books Although regular (e.g. daily) meditative practices...
Question: What do you think about making the Buddhist teachings non-religious to reach out for benefiting more? Answer: It’s a good idea to adapt the Buddhist teachings for secular self...
The laws of nature are above those of mortals. Do watch your karma!
The Heart Sutra says, ‘Form is not different from emptiness; Emptines is not different from form.’ The Middle Path is in between. – Stonepeace | Get Books In a surprise test for...
Question: I know that we should not cling, but sometimes, I cling to things like used movie tickets. I keep them because I want to remember the good memories I had, and am afraid that I might forget...
Come empty-handed Leave empty-handed Much worth to accomplish between
Some are simultaneously busy and lazy – busy making excuses for being lazy. – Stonepeace | Get Books In the Sigalovada Sutta, the Buddha spoke of six common excuses, that especially the...
As the nature of our last thought leads to a corresponding rebirth, we should nurture the purest thought now, via mindfulness of Buddha, to be like Buddha, to be with Buddha. – Stonepeace | Get...
Question: I did something very disrespectful before a Bodhisattva image. I am feeling extremely guilty and wish to express repentance. What is the best way? Answer: You can prostrate before the image...
Even the tolerant find it challenging to tolerate intolerance. Even the truly tolerant face the challenge to tolerate intolerance.
With one’s self-limited merits, mere mindfulness of oneself when dying at best leads to a limitedly blessed rebirth. – Stonepeace | Get Books In the Dhajagga Sutta on ‘Banner...
Question: I am the leader of a team, but I have a problematic team member who keeps rejecting individually delegated tasks. How can I avoid giving in to anger at him? As I am a Buddhist, I would like...
The presence felt is really just the ghost… of my attachment, aversion and delusion.
It is indeed a fault for one, Who returns anger for anger. Not giving anger for anger, One wins a double victory. – Sakka (Vepacitti Sutta) In the Vepacitti Sutta, the discourse on ‘Calm...
Question: On the precept of not stealing… Let’s say I see money on the street and decide not to pick it up, in case the owner returns to look for it – so as to not take what is not...
Without mindfulness of the effects of suffering, there is no mindfulness of its causes. – Stonepeace | Get Books Well, it is not true at all that Buddhism focuses only on suffering. If we look...
Question: I have a classmate who asks me for answers to tutorials near exam period. He is very lazy and doesn’t pay attention in class. I feel a sense of selfishness and discomfort when passing...
Already an old forest, it looks especially ancient in autumn every year.
There is no escape from this present moment, even if unmindful of it. – Stonepeace | Get Books As we shall see, the Buddhist answer to this interesting question is complex and nuanced…...
First, it is wisdom to watch yourself well, lest no one watches you, and you fall prey to your weaknesses, and harm more along the way. Next, it is compassion to watch others well, lest no one...
Busier than work With tighter timelines Touristy sightseeing holidaying ~ Not enough time to spend time to stop and stare
Fleeting in nature is the false beauty of forms selfishly clung by the deluded. – Stonepeace | Get Books Khema, the chief consort of King Bimbisara, was said to be extremely beautiful...
Cruising along this road of life, the trip of a lifetime, like all other trips.
Spiritual practice only seems hard when worldly habits remain diehard. – Stonepeace | Get Books If you look only selectively at the Buddha’s teachings, for shortcuts that conveniently...
Question: I have been trying to find the path or work that I have passion in. I don’t have interest in my current job but will stay for the time being because it pays well, company welfare is...
All this excess eating cannot fulfil the hunger when it is not physical
Blame only to censure, to discourage more evil. Blame only the blameworthy, lest blame becomes slander. – Stonepeace | Get Books As the famous Aesop’s fable goes… An old father and...
Question: Would our learning of Buddhism in this life be brought over to the next life? Or do we have to relearn all over again when we are reborn? Answer: The bad news is, if we do not learn and...
What pride should we have, when we might be humbled by great suffering at any time, when our negative karma ripens? – Stonepeace | Get Books Among Sakyamuni Buddha’s great Arhat...
To learn who rules over you, simply find out who you are not allowed to criticise. – Source uncertain At a Buddhist bookshop, I encountered a customer who asked what is a particularly unique...
Question: When we were chanting a sutra during a relative’s wake at a temple, a family member experienced involuntary tremors, after which she had to stop. She said she felt like she was going...
To its drinker, a cup of tea is never just a cup of tea.
As the Buddhas help immeasurable beings, from this they personally gather immeasurable merits. – Stonepeace (Part 1) Is it possible to do certain good deeds to solve specific problems? Of...
She added fuel to her fire instead of putting it out, with rage over her rage.
Offer gifts with compassion and wisdom. Reject gifts with compassion and wisdom. Accept gifts with compassion and wisdom. Redirect gifts with compassion and wisdom. – Stonepeace (Get Books) ‘无...
The thoroughly unenlightened manifest confused rebirths which further confuse themselves. – Stonepeace There is a phenomenon called ‘confusion from separation (from previous lives) by...
Question: While having a meal in a public place, if a handicapped person tries to sell us items like pens or tissue paper, should we just donate if we can afford, without thinking if it is another...
法轮未转, 食轮先转. [Before] the wheel of the Dharma has yet to turn, the wheel of [hunger for] food first turns. – Buddhist Saying Once, Sakra, the king of the devas, after futile efforts of getting...
Question: Are relationships (parent-child, spouses, siblings, friends etc.) also emptiness? Answer: Emptiness means being subject to change and thus being empty of any fixed nature. If so, indeed...
Just when you think everything is rock steady… Sinkhole!
Impermanence is not just about the end of all things, but their renewal too. – Stonepeace (Get Books) Having learnt about the truth of impermanence of all things material in this life, of the...
Question: I try to observe ‘no killing’ whenever I can, even though I did not take up the precept via a formal ceremony and am not a vegetarian. However, I have investment in the fishery...
Raging twister unseen by others – trouble in mind Calming wind unseen by you – peace of mind How is the weather that you brew within your mind?
Because everything changes from moment to moment, we should treasure everything in this moment. (to be continued…) – Stonepeace (Opening half-quote) ‘The purpose of life is to find...
As you can only have one thought in each moment, you only have to take care of your mind in this moment. This is how mindfulness is practised from moment to moment, for all moments. –...
Question: I heard some saying that chanting certain mantras or sutras attracts spirits (ghosts) as they also want to listen to the Dharma. Is there any truth in this? If so, does it really matter...
Question: I have been photocopying selected pages from a Buddhist book for study and note-taking. In this way, the actual Book is kept clean, placed on my bookshelf at home. Also, bringing the...
Circa 1997, when the Internet was still young, Stonepeace quotes began to be circulated online. Other than the namesake, their author is largely unknown. Perhaps he or she prefers privacy, that...
Question: A good friend, Alvina (not her real name), who is my colleague had fallen out over a small matter. She refused to make up despite me having tried thrice. She had told me something about...
Inner hollowness can never be (ful-)filled by overeating
Fame is useless if it increases the ego selfishly. Fame is useful if it propagates the useful selflessly. – Stonepeace In one of the stories within Woody Allen’s movie ‘To Rome With...
Question: I find it difficult to observe the third precept of abstaining from sexual misconduct. I tend to have sexual thoughts of others besides my spouse. Please advise as to what I should do. I...
Why aversion to specks of dust, when this body of mine is but a big cluster of them?
If we have stronger resolutions for the worldly, we have stronger aspirations for the samsaric. – Stonepeace Come spring, we often do spring-cleaning of our houses. But what about spring...
Question: I was brought up by elders with the traditional idea that I should dress more ‘respectably’ when visiting a Buddhist temple, e.g. keeping my legs covered. I notice some of my...
All Buddhas only wish that all practise and share the Dharma well to benefit all. – Stonepeace According to the Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra, Mara (the most evil heavenly demon king from the...
Question: Recently, I was working at an engineering firm. I resigned after three months as I disliked the job. Wanting to enter public service, I applied and waited for a month, to no avail. I became...
Her beauty only made her words and action more incongruently ugly
As death can occur at any moment, this is the moment to get ready. – Stonepeace The Fiscal Cliff was a point in time (end of 2012) for the American economy, when certain tax policies expire...
Question: As Buddhists, is consuming birds’ nest drink or soup justifiable since it has lots of health benefits? The swiftlets are not harmed and they can always build new homes when their...
The terrified victim is eventually, hopefully, the courageous hero too.
click to enlarge poster Register: Feedback From Previous Rounds: Like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation of your effort in conducting the sessions. Steven and myself thoroughly...
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. – Popular saying (misattributed to Edmund Burke) A lady saw a male colleague secretly and regularly siphoning...
Trod upon every day, used or abused, mindfully or mindlessly?
Question: If I remember correctly, once, the Buddha ordained a child without his parents’ consent, which made the father angry. Therefore, the Buddha made a rule that there should not be...
click to enlarge poster Register: Feedback From Past Runs: Many thanks for your sharing yesterday on the Heart Sutra. Greatly appreciate it. I enjoyed it as it was conducted in a lively and fun...
Two big egos jammed on a small path, either one has to give way, or there is no way for either one.
If you do not believe in unenlightened rebirth, what are you seeking liberation from? [to be continued…] – Stonepeace There are some who do not believe in the Buddha’s teachings on...
Question: What would you do if you encounter those who blast their music in public transport? How should I control the feeling of being pissed off in me? Sometimes, their music is so loud that my...
Even effortless walking now was difficult at first. Walking the spiritual path too.
If merits and wisdom are always steadily cumulative from life to life, we should be liberated already. – Stonepeace One might be reborn into very favourable physical and material circumstances...
Just as no one is destined to harm you, you are not destined to harm anyone. – Stonepeace A mobster, who was supposedly also a ‘devout Buddhist’, when asked how he could do nasty...
Question: I try to be a better person to my fellow colleagues by being more compassionate to them. Sometimes, I help them with their work, which is beyond my job scope. However, they seem to be...
Although the eyes can see, they cannot see how they might see wrongly.
Having a good attitude matters more than having good experiences, as it also decides how well bad experiences are experienced. – Stonepeace There is a common misconception that absolutely...
Just as you do not wish others to generalise your character due to a single act, why generalise another’s character due to a single act? – Stonepeace
Those not smiling need encouragement to smile, through your smile. (Instead of frowning more at the already frowning, why not lessen everyone’s frowning?)
Question: I’m new to Buddhism. When I talk to my friends about what I have learnt from the Dharma classes I’m attending currently, they look at me as if I’m turning into a nun the...
Only with mindfulness of life [now] and [impending] death, can one transcend life and death – Stonepeace
Falling autumn leaves Blooming spring flowers Equally transient (Why do we only frown over fallen leaves and only smile at flowers then?)
The path to self-liberation starts from awareness of your own suffering. The path to liberating others starts from awareness of others’ suffering. – Stonepeace From a Dharma friend and...
Only when pining to hear Or swarmed with thoughts Is silence deafening. (If there is no awareness of what you crave for and you already cling to, there will be no peace of mind.)
To see a world in a grain of sand, And a heaven in a wild flower, Hold infinity in the palm of your hand, And eternity in an hour. – William Blake (Opening Verse from ‘Auguries of...
Question: Can I use a hip height table or cupboard as a shrine for a Buddha image? Answer: It is alright if you and others around are comfortable with it. However, if possible, it should be placed...
Sunset now But sunrise later Disappointment or hope… later? (There is no need to be sad or elated over the fleeting.)
The simplest spiritual joy begins with recognition and rejoice of the worthy. – Stonepeace In the Mahaparinibbana Sutta, the Buddha was recorded to have remarked, ‘Pleasant, Ananda, is...
Question: Some governments want their citizens to have more babies. That means more people will be reborn in Samsara. Is it not against Buddhism, whose aim is to end rebirth in Samsara...
The more clearly we see phenomena, we will see there is no clearly distinct or static phenomena. – Stonepeace The value of pi is that when the circumference of any circle is divided with its...
Remote not working well? Nope… Battery is low. (It is never that the Buddhadharma does not work, for it always does; it is us who do not work hard enough via practice.)
Question: I’ve heard that Guanyin Bodhisattva is an ancient Buddha (‘Brightness of Right Dharma’ Buddha). Why must a Buddha return as a Bodhisattva to guide us? Is it such that a...
Reaching for the glass Forgetting that it is empty I had drunk it all (We let ourselves down with our unmindfulness.)
