If you have not found a path,you might not be lost yet. If you have found a path,you might be lost soon, if you are walkingin the wrong direction.— Shilashanti
Author - random reader
Bright Gem Recovered 明珠再现
我有明珠一颗， 久被尘劳关锁。今朝尘尽光生，照破山河万朵。宋朝茶陵郁和尚I have a bright gem,long by dusts’ afflictions closed and locked.Now with the dusts exhausted does its light arise,to illuminate though ten thousand clusters...
Can Great Bodhisattvas Manifest As Demon Kings? 大菩萨能化为魔王吗？
此诸[末法时期]众生，去佛渐远。邪师说法，如恒河沙。 — 阿难尊者《楞严经》四种决定清净明诲章 All these sentient beings [in the Dharma-Ending Age], will leave the Buddha to gradually become distant. Evil teachers who speak the [false] Dharma...
[5] The Parable Of The Thirsty Seeing Water From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之渴见水喻
过去有人，痴无智慧，极渴须水，见热时炎谓为是水，即便逐走至辛头河，既至河所对视不饮。 In the past, there was a person, ignorant without wisdom. Extremely thirsty needing water, seeing ‘flames’ when hot [i.e. mirage], regarding...
Can We Offer Non-Vegan Food To The Buddha?
Question: Can we offer food to the Buddha if the food is not totally vegan and/or contains some of the five pungent roots? Answer: This is not appropriate. As all Buddhas...
Some Of ‘Oppenheimer’s Moral Koans?
The opening caption of the film draws a parallel of sorts — ‘Prometheus stole fire from the gods and gave it to man. For this, he was chained to a rock and tortured for eternity.’...
What Is Brainwashing?
So-called education thatneither allows nor urgesenquiry and discussionis that called brainwashing. — Shilashanti
Value True Cultivation 贵真实修行
学佛者无用庄严形迹，只贵真实修行。 净土宗八祖莲池大师《云栖法汇》 Those learning Buddhismhave no use for magnificent etiquette, only valuing true cultivation. Pure Land Tradition’s 8th Patriarch Great Master Liánchí ...
Do You Wear Any Of These Masks?
Physical beautyis only skin deepand the skinis not very deep. — Shilashanti When you pretend to be who you are not,by putting a fake expression on your face,are you wearing...
[4] The Parable Of The Wife Who Cheated And Pretended To Be Dead From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之妇诈称死喻
昔有愚人，其妇端正，情甚爱重；妇无直信，后于中间共他交往，邪淫心盛欲逐傍夫舍离己婿，于是密语一老母言：「我去之后，汝可赍一死妇女尸安着屋中，语我夫言，云我已死。」 In the past, there was a foolish person, whose wife looked upright, to whom he had affection extreme and love heavy...
How To Have Ongoing Light Offerings?
Question: At which Buddhist temple or Dharma centre can I sign up for year round light offerings? Answer: You should be able to find these places by looking around and calling to enquire...
Does The ‘Mask Girl’ Encouraging Masking?
The ‘Mask Girl’ uttered with fondness and poignance, ‘When I was younger, my dream was to become a celebrity. Nothing made me as happy as dancing onstage. The sound of people...
Be Mindfully Thoughtful
If you arenot more mindful,you might be more mindless. If you arenot more thoughtful,you might be more thoughtless.
Poem On Uprightness 端正诗
忍辱生端正，多嗔作毒蛇。若人不儜恶，必得上三车。 —王梵志 With patience arises uprightness,with much anger becoming poisonous snakes.If people are not with evil,they will attain ascent of the three carts. — [Brahmacārin] Wáng...
[3] The Parable Of With Pears Hitting Breaking The Head From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之以梨打头破喻
昔有愚人头上无毛，时有一人以梨打头，乃至二三悉皆伤破，时此愚人默然忍受不知避去。 In the past, there was a foolish person, with his head above without hair. Then, there was a person, with pears hitting his head, and even doing so, twice...
What Should Buddhists Do During The Seventh Lunar Month?
Question: Should Buddhists light incense sticks, burn joss papers and offer food to wandering spirits (孤魂野鬼) when they are ‘released from the hells’ (地狱) during the seventh lunar month...
A Loud Lesson On The Bodhi Mind In ‘A Quiet Place Part II’
Twelve boats could sail to safety.With many shoving to board,and screaming that attracted enemies,only two boats managed to sail off. If all are for themselves only,most if not all will perish.If...
Thoughts
Study others’ thoughts,but have your own thoughtsabout them (and yours) too.
All Buddhas Only Have The One Buddha Vehicle 诸佛唯一佛乘 Verses On The Only One Buddha Vehicle 唯一佛乘偈
诸佛唯一佛乘All Buddhas Only Have The One Buddha Vehicle 如来但以一佛乘故，为众生说法，无有余乘，若二、若三。… 诸佛以方便力，于一佛乘分别说三。…诸佛如来言无虚妄，无有余乘，唯一佛乘。…虽示种种道，其实为佛乘。 [三乘为声闻乘、辟支佛乘与菩萨乘。] 释迦牟尼佛《妙法莲华经》方便品第二 The Thus Come Ones are only with...
The Easiest Way To Give Rise To And Fulfil The Unsurpassable Bodhi Mind 最易发与实践无上菩提心之法
欲拔一切众生苦故，作愿摄取一 切众生，共同生彼安乐佛国。是名菩萨巧方便回向成就。 — 婆薮槃头菩萨《往生论》 Desiring to pull out all sentient beings’ suffering thus, making vow to gather and receive all sentient beings, to together be born...
[2] The Parable Of The Foolish Person Collecting Cow Milk From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之愚人集牛乳喻
昔有愚人将会宾客，欲集牛乳以拟供设，而作是念：「我今若豫于日日中(上殻+下牛)取牛乳，牛乳渐多卒无安处，或复酢败。不如即就牛腹盛之，待临会时当顿(上殻+下牛)取。」 In the past, there was a foolish person, who will be meeting guests, desiring to collect cow milk, with it planning...
Should Respect Be Earned Or Given Freely?
Question: Is it so that respect must be earned, not given freely?Answer: If a total stranger is rude to you, what will you do? Question: Tolerate and keep quiet to avoid friction...
‘Emily The Criminal’ Still Unrepentant
Be afraid to break even just one precept. In fact, be very afraid. For if you seem to get away, you might break it again, easier and easier, in worse and worse ways. Before you know it, each and...
Live To Learn…
Live to learnto live and learn fullyto transcend birth and death.
Wholeheartedly And Diligently Seek Departure’s Path 一心勤求出道
常当一心，勤求出道。一切世间动不动法，皆是败坏不安之相。 释迦牟尼佛《佛遗教经》 [You] constantly should be wholehearted, to diligently seek departure’s path. All the world’s moving and unmoving dharmas, are all forms to be...
Putting All Before One With The Unsurpassable Skilful Means Leads Fastest To Buddhahood 以后其身为最速成佛之无上方便
此无上菩提心，即是愿作佛心；愿作佛心，即是度众生心；度众生心，即摄取众生生净佛国土心。 — 昙鸾大师《往生论注》 This unsurpassable Bodhi Mind, is the same as the mind with the vow to become a Buddha. This mind with the vow to become a Buddha, is the same...
The Great Earth Of All Buddhas’ Dharma Teachings 一切佛法之大地
龙王！当知此十善业，乃至能令十力、无畏、十八不共，一切佛法皆得圆满。是故汝等应勤修学！ Dragon King, you should know that these Ten Good Karmas, are even able to lead to the Ten Powers, Four Fearlessness, Eighteen Uncommon Dharmas, with all...
Why Not Make Vegan Light Offerings?
Question: Why do Buddhists make light offerings at Buddhist shrines? Answer: This is done mainly to remind us to seek the light of wisdom via sincere and diligent Dharma learning and...
‘Zom 100: Bucket List Of The Dead’ (Or Rather Half-Dead, Not Fully Alive)
Actually, the dead cannot have a bucket list, because they have already kicked the bucket. Unless they have become restless spirits who recall their unfulfilled wishes, or have attained the...
Care
Take care… carefully,ultimately for leading one and allto Buddhahood.
Do Not Let The Six Virtues Become Six Disadvantages 勿让六德变六弊
好仁不好学，其蔽也愚；好知不好学，其蔽也荡； 好信不好学，其蔽也贼； 好直不好学，其蔽也绞；好勇不好学，其蔽也乱； 好刚不好学，其蔽也狂。 孔子《论语》 Fond of benevolence but not fond of learning,its disadvantage is being too easily...
Do Not Mistake Ordinary Helping As Actual Delivering Of Sentient Beings 勿以帮众为度生
勿以帮众为度生，未超轮回续死生。所以劝诸往西生，速了生死度他生。 — 度生偈 (1) Do not be with helping of sentient beings assumed as delivering of sentient beings, for if yet to transcend rebirth, there will be continuing of deaths and...
Am I Leaving Family Members Behind If Going To Pure Land?
Question: Someone commented that to be born in Pure Land (净土) is to leave loved ones behind. How should we see this comment? Answer: When departing for Pure Land, there should not be any sense...
The ‘Gran Torino’ Redemption
The one and only wayto relieve your heavy burdenof past grave transgressionsis to make great amends now. If those transgressions made are so great,that it cost (physical and/or spiritual) lives,the...
Improvability
Your extentof correctabilitydecides your improvability.
Adornments Of The Ten Goodnesses’ Path 十善道之庄严
龙王！举要言之，行十善道，[1] 以戒庄严故，能生一切佛法义利，满足大愿；[2] 忍辱庄严故，得佛圆音，具众相好；[3] 精进庄严故，能破魔怨，入佛法藏；[4] 定庄严故，能生念、慧、惭、愧、轻安；[5] 慧庄严故，能断一切分别妄见； Dragon King, raising the essence, speaking of these, practising the Ten...
When Do Deceased Animals Take Rebirth?
Question: After death, do animals’ consciousnesses take around eight hours to depart from their bodies, and take around 49 days to be reborn, like humans? Answer: There are no...
‘The Witcher’s Order Despite The Chaos?
Generally, (at least for me), there is some disdain for fantasy tales that involve magic. Why so? Because each fictitious world seems to have its own rules, and when doing cross comparison, each...
Sorriness
Don’t just be sorry;do the oppositeof that sorry over too.
Difference Between Foolishness And Wisdom 愚智之别
自知愚昧的愚人，基于这点是个智者；自以为是智者的愚人，才是真正的愚者。释迦牟尼佛《法句经 •愚人品•第六十三偈》The fool who knows that he is a fool can,for that reason, be a wise man;but the fool who thinks that he is wise is,indeed, called a fool...
Benefits Of Departure From Evil Views 离邪见之利益
复次，龙王！若离邪见，即得成就十功德法。何等为十？ Furthermore, Dragon King, if departing from evil views, this immediately attains accomplishment of ten meritorious virtues’ dharmas. What are the ten...
Can Depression Be Physically ‘Killed’?
Question: When one has depression, is it an illness of the brain (which has form), or a mental illness (which is formless)? Answer: According to Buddhism, the mind is the forerunner of all...
Making ‘The Ritual’ Of Movie-Watching Spiritual
Instead of merely for entertainment, the ‘ritual’ of watching movies while reflecting upon their plots can be a spiritual practice, not different from conducting thought experiments for...
Power
To know one’s character,give much power,and remove that power.
With Slander As No Slander 谤为无谤
古人云：「何以息谤？」曰：「无辩。」又云：「吃得小亏，则不至于吃大亏。」余三十年来屡次经验，深信此数语真实不虚。《弘一大师全集》Ancient ones say, ‘With what ceases slander?’ Saying, ‘Without debate.’ Also saying, ‘Able to suffer a...
Rewards Of Practising Giving With The Ten Good Karmas 以十善业行施之报
尔时世尊复告龙王言：「若有菩萨依此善业，于修道时，[1] 能离杀害而行施故，常富财宝，无能侵夺；长寿无夭，不为一切怨贼损害。[2] 离不与取而行施故，常富财宝，无能侵夺；最胜无比，悉能备集诸佛法藏。[3] 离非梵行而行施故，常富财宝，无能侵夺；其家直顺，母及妻子，无有能以欲心视者。 At that time, the World-Honoured One told...
Is This Or That A True Buddhist Teaching?
Question: I have heard of some who claim to be ‘Buddhists’, who claim that ‘so-and-so’ is a Buddhist teaching. Is this true? (i.e. Is Right Dharma [正法])...
‘Night School’ Needs More Schooling On Empathy
Teddy goes to a fast food restaurant named ‘_hris_ian Chicken’. Its logo shows a grinning and slurping cartoon chicken with ‘thumbs’ up, while carrying a cr_ss over a shoulder...
Accomplish That Good Of People 成人之美
代人之劳，成人之美。 净土宗十三祖印光大师《复叶福备居士书一》 On behalf of others’ efforts,help to accomplish their good deeds. Pure Land Tradition’s 13th Patriarch Great Master Yìnguāng(First Reply Letter To...
What Is The Most Practical Form Of Buddhism? 何为最实用的佛法？
[佛]复问一沙门：「人命在几间？」… —《四十二章经》：第三十八章：生即有灭 [The Buddha] again asked a Śramaṇa, ‘Human life has what duration in between?’… — The Sūtra Of Forty-Two Sections: Thirty-Eighth Section: With...
Benefits Of Departure From Anger 离瞋恚之利益
复次，龙王！若离瞋恚，即得八种喜悦心法。何等为八？ Furthermore, Dragon King, if departing from anger, this immediately attains eight kinds of joyous mind’s dharmas. What are the eight...
Do The Deceased Need Tablets For Joining Dharma Assemblies?
Questions: [1] Do bardo (中阴) beings (between rebirths), (lonely) wandering spirits (孤魂) and (hungry) ghosts (饿/鬼) need the living to register, for writing their names on tablets (写牌位), for them...
Digestion
Eat and digestgood food for thought,to regurgitate it well!
The Eight Winds Can Blow Around
Great pleasure can turn into great pain.Great fame can turn into great disgrace.Great praise can turn into great blame,Great gain can turn into great loss. Shilashanti
Benefits Of Departure From Greedy Desires 离贪欲之利益
若离贪欲，即得成就五种自在。何等为五？ If departing from greedy desires, this immediately attains five kinds of ease. What are the five...
Is Having Buddha Wallpapers Alright?
Question: Is it alright to have Buddha images as wallpapers on computers, tablets and phones, and as profile pictures for phone (and other media) apps? Answer: If one’s intention of setting...
Openness
Is ‘agreeing to disagree’the beginning or endof discussion? (You decide,though othersmight not agree.)
Verses On The Truly Right 真对偈
对事不做，自然不对。对事做错，当然不对。事真做对，错者针对。未有针对，未真做对。 If right matters are not done,this is naturally not right.If right matters are done wrongly,this is of course not right.If matters are truly done right,those...
Tick Tock, Tick Tock, Tick Tock…
The first lesson of the Buddha-to-beis impermanence,thus ‘rushing’ to seek the pathto attain the deathless before his death.— Shilashanti (Part 1) Tick tock,tick tock,tick tock…Time is...
Afterword On ‘Practices With Ten Great Obstacles’《十大碍行》跋
【一、八苦为师】：佛祖圣贤，未有不以逆境为大炉韝者。佛四圣谛，苦谛居初。又称八苦为八师。 [1. Eight Sufferings As Teachers]: Of Buddhas, Patriarchs, noble and virtuous ones, there are yet to be with those who did not practise with opposing...
Is It Alright To Recite Sūtra Mentally?
Question: When following a guiding track being played to verbally recite a sūtra, is it alright to miss a few words when catching my breath, while still reciting mentally? Answer: It...
A ‘Copycat Killer’ And ‘Reporter’?
What you publicise, bring to light,share with others,is perpetuated without,for better or worse. Be you a reporter or not,do you create news reports,or create news to report?What do you create? Must...
Loyalty Haiku
Those disloyal to the truthare able to betray everyone —including themselves.
What A Wonder!
What is the greatest wonder in the world? …That, every single day, people die,Yet the living think they are immortal.Krishna Dvaipāyana(Mahābhārata)
Three Key Points On Threefold Pure Meat 三净肉之三重点
When buying of meat reduces,killing of animals for meat reduces. — Popular Saying (Part 1) It is commonly known among Buddhists that the Buddha taught monastics not to consume meat from animals who...
The Cute-ification Of ‘Chupa’cabras?
‘Chupa’ is not about Chupa Chups, as in the lollipop, but it sure was made to be family-friendly creature feature, showing kids befriending a kiddy version of the titular character...
Benefits Of Departure From Frivolous Speech 离绮语之利益
若离绮语，即得成就三种决定。何等为三？ If departing from frivolous speech, this immediately attains three kinds of certainties. What are the three?[i] 一、定为智人所爱；[ii] 二、定能以智，如实答问；[iii] 三、定于人天，威德最胜，无有虚妄；是为三。[i] First...
Why Is Vesak Day With Different Dates In Different Countries?
Question: What does Vesak Day (卫塞节) commemorate and celebrate? Answer: It celebrates the Birth (诞生), Nirvāṇa (成道) and Parinirvāṇa (涅槃) of Śākyamuni Buddha (释迦牟尼佛). Question: Did these three...
Dharma Learning And Practising
If you keep learningand practising the Dharma,you will become a Buddha. If you do not keep doing better,how will you keep becoming better,much more become the best?
Once Fallen, Immediately Arise 一倒即起
无转已起，一转二起，二转三起，三转四起，四转五起，五转六起，六转七起，七转八起，八转九起，九转十起。 佛教格言（延申） Without falling, already arisen.With one time fallen, for the second time arise.With two times fallen, for the third time arise.With three...
To Whom Are You A Karmic Creditor? 您是谁的冤亲债主？
You are your first karmic creditor.Be responsible by realising this. — Shilashanti (Part 1) We tend to wonder if a family member(or another person encountered) is in our livesto ‘demand’...
Benefits Of Departure From Harsh Speech 离恶口之利益
若离恶口，即得成就八种净业。何等为八？ If departing from harsh speech, this immediately attains eight kinds of pure karmas. What are the eight...
Can I Reach Pure Land With Breaking Of Precepts? 破戒者能生净土吗?
Question: Can I reach Pure Land (净土) with my continual breaking of precepts (戒)?Answer: Do you wish to keep breaking precepts? Question: No.Answer: Will you do your best to stop...
‘The Mother’ Who Did Not Empathise With A Father
[D]aughter sees deer in the wild, smiles and exclaims to her titular [M]other: Beautiful! M shoots. D yells: No, no, no! (Scene changes to their cabin’s dining table with a...
One Dharma Door
Master now when alive,the one Dharma door*you will practise on your deathbed.*Such as mindfulness of Āmítuófófor rebirth in his Pure Land,that ensures the swiftest progress to Buddhahood.
Verse On Doing Your Best 尽力偈
一切尽力，之后随缘。不愿尽力，只是随便。 For all strive to do your best,thereafter according with conditions.Not wishing to strive to do your best,this is just ‘whatever goes’.
The Good, The Evil And The Pure 善恶净
诸教偈 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 Verse On All Teachings Of all evil not do,of all good practise,and to self-purify this mind,these are all Buddhas’ teachings. — Śākyamuni...
Benefits Of Departure From Double-Tongued Speech 离两舌之利益
若离两舌，即得五种不可坏法。何等为五？ If departing from double-tongued speech, this immediately attains five kinds of indestructible dharmas. What are the five...
How To Truly Benefit The Departed Beyond Offering Food? 除了供养食物，如何真正利益亡者？
Question: Are food offerings made to the departed during various festivals and anniversaries just to express gratitude? Answer: [i] Perhaps so, if the departed have already taken...
15 Lessons From ‘The Glory’
[01] Memento Mori: Remember you will die.Me(mento) Mori: I will die.(You too.) [02] Life is too short for hating the hated and hating the hateful. [03] There is no glory in...
Freedom & Abundance
Freedom isto be free fromgreed, hatred and delusion. Abundance isto be full ofgenerosity, compassion and wisdom.
The Foremost Pure Land 第一净土
令我作佛，国土第一。其众奇妙，道场超绝。 If I become [Amitābha] Buddha,my [Pure] Land will be the foremost.Its assembly will be outstanding and wonderful,as the place for practising the path that is superb...
How AI Tried To Vindicate The Creator Idea (Without Much Conviction)
Cruel men believe in a cruel god and use their belief to excuse their cruelty. Only kindly men believe in a kindly god, and they would be kindly in any case. — Bertrand Russell (The following is...
Benefits Of Departure From False Speech 离妄语之利益
若离妄语，即得八种天所赞法。何等为八？ If departing from false speech, this immediately attains eight kinds of dharmas that heavenly beings praise. What are the eight...
What Is The Significance Of Having Dharma Names? 法名有何意义？
Question: What is the significance of receiving a Dharma name (法名) upon taking Threefold Refuge (三皈依) in the Triple Gem (三宝)? Answer: One receives a secular name (俗名) upon birth, that marks the...
Three Lessons From ‘Wave Makers’ And ‘Queenmaker’
[1] Curb Desires With Precepts: The immoral will break some or all of the Five Precepts (against killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying and intoxicants) for satisfying their Five Desires...
Action Haiku
If you have time to read this,you already have timeto do what you should.
Thoughts, Words And Deeds
心中生字，字成言语，又成行动，所以念佛。 As the mind within gives rise to words,with the words becoming speech,also becoming actions,therefore be mindful of Buddha’s name.— Shilashanti
How To Be Confident In Reaching Pure Land 如何有信心往生净土
诸有众生，闻其【阿弥陀佛】名号，信心欢喜，乃至一念至心回向，愿生彼国，即得往生，住不退转。唯除五逆，诽谤正法。— 释迦牟尼佛《无量寿经》All sentient beings, who hear his name [Āmítuófó], with the faithful mind joyful, and even with one thought, with the sincere mind...
Benefits Of Departure From Killing Lives 离杀生之利益
若离杀生，即得成就十离恼法。何等为十？ If departing from killing lives, this immediately attains accomplishment of ten departure from afflictions’ dharmas. What are the ten...
Why Do Some Dream Of The Deceased Being Wet And Cold?
Question: After a friend’s Aunt’s ashes were scattered into the sea, he dreamt of her saying she is cold. Why is this so?Answer: There are three possibilities...
Some ‘Beef’y Existential Issues?
Danny says, ‘Can’t have form without space. Can’t experience light without dark… And any time you try to hold on to one thing, it slips away… It’s like a void… Empty but solid...
Sense Haiku
Make effortto make senseor remain confused.
Have Great Spiritual Vows With Reduction Of Worldly Desires 发大愿减少欲
是人少欲知足，能修普贤之行。 释迦牟尼佛《妙法莲华经》 These persons with few desires and know contentment, are able to cultivate the practices of Universal Virtue [Bodhisattva]. Śākyamuni Buddha(Wonderful Dharma Lotus Flower...
Is The Four-Faced ‘Buddha’ A Buddha? 四面’佛’是佛吗？
The Buddhas are ‘Teachers of Human and Heavenly Beings’ (人天教主) because they are spiritually greater than all humans and gods. Is the so-called Four-Faced ‘Buddha’ (四面佛) really...
Benefits Of Departure From Sexual Misconduct 离邪行之利益
若离邪行，即得四种智所赞法。何等为四？ If departing from sexual misconduct, this immediately attains four kinds of dharmas that those wise praise. What are the four...
Why Do Some Bodhisattva Images Have Many Faces And Arms?
Question: We saw a four-face 48-arm Contemplator Of The World’s Sounds Bodhisattva (观世音菩萨) statue. Why is it portrayed thus? Answer: The four faces represent looking at all directions with...
The ‘Beef’ That Quickly Escalated
‘Beef’ is about how two strangers continually triggered each other, till their car chase that led to further mutual aggravation almost cost them their lives. The very...
Life Haiku
Live your spiritual lifebefore youend your physical life.
Who Do You Choose To Be?
Those about to create evil karmado not look different fromthose about to create good karma.They can look like you too. — Shilashanti (Part 1) If we look at picturesof heroes and villains,it is...
Benefits Of Departure From Stealing 离偷盗之利益
若离偷盗，即得十种可保信法。何等为十？ If departing from stealing, this immediately attains ten kinds of ensuring trustworthiness’ dharmas. What are the ten...
How To Handle Unwanted Ancestral Tablets?
Question: A relative asks if he can just put his ancestral tablet (神主牌) in a temple or burn it. Answer: As ancestral tablets are just focal points for making offerings and prayers, they can...
Some ‘Beef’ With Renunciation’s Misconceptions
In ‘Beef’, Amy exclaims to George, ‘Do you ever notice how it’s only people who have money that think money isn’t important? The Buddha is only the Buddha because he was...
Acceptance Haikus
If you cannot acceptthings as they are first,how do you change things? If you can acceptthings as they are already,why would you change things?
Succeed In Accomplishing Benevolence 成功成仁
不成功，便成仁。 儒家谚语If not accomplishing success,then accomplishing benevolent virtue(even if dying while trying). Confucian Proverb
To Kill ‘Em All Or To Set ‘Em Free?
Just do the right thing,because what elseshould you rightly do?— Shilashanti A fellow Buddhist’s home had a bird mite ‘attack’ due to an abandoned bird nest nearby. There was a...
Rewards Of The Ten Good Karmas 十善业之报
当知菩萨有一法，能断一切诸恶道苦。何等为一？谓于昼夜，常念、思惟、观察善法，令诸善法念念增长，不容毫分不善间杂。是即能令诸恶永断、善法圆满，常得亲近诸佛、菩萨及余圣众。You should know that Bodhisattvas have one Dharma teaching, that is able to sever all evil paths’ suffering. What...
What To ‘See Through’ And How To Do So? 何为与如何看破？
Question: What is ‘seeing through’ (看破)? Answer: We see through something when we realise what it brings about are impermanent (无常) and unsubstantial (without self: 无我). Before...
16 Lessons On Anger From ‘The Incredible Hulk’ (1977)
[1] You should have emotional commitment, but in pure emotions, like loving-kindness and compassion; not negative ones like anger. [2] True strength is from within, not from external stimuli...
Uphold Firm Vows 持坚愿
金刚非坚，愿力唯坚。佛教格言With even vajra not as firm,only vows’ power is truly firm.Buddhist Saying
Are You A Karmic Creditor Or Debtor? 您是冤亲债主还是债人？
In the long course of rebirth,we are indebted to manyjust as many are indebted to us. — Shilashanti (Part 1) Some say [1] children are either hereto repay their parents’ (karmic) debts (还债) of...
Diligently Take The Dharma’s Medicine 勤服法药
汝等比丘，于诸功德，常当一心，舍诸放逸，如离怨贼。大悲世尊，所说利益，皆已究竟。汝等但当勤而行之。 You and other Bhikṣus, for all meritorious virtues, constantly should be wholehearted, and abandon all laxity, like departing from a hateful thief...
Should Unknown Gains Be Accumulated?
Question: Is a bird who keeps flying back with money from unknown source(s) to his caregiver held in his beak considered as stealing? Answer: Although some might deludedly...
‘The Secret’ Of The Law Of Resistance
Much has been said about the inadequate ‘law’ of attraction. (Yes, ‘the secret’ that is so heavily marketed that it is no secret. The ultimate secret of True Happiness is an...
War Haikus
The best war filmsare not of victories;but anti-war films. True peaceis without war;not between wars.
Impermanence From Moment To Moment 时时无常
一期一会，二期二会，三期三会，多期多会。 佛教格言（延申） In one moment, with one meeting.In two moments, with two meetings.In three moments, with three meetings.In many moments, with many meetings. Buddhist Saying (Extended)...
Why Share Pure Land Testimonies And Learn From Them? 为何分享与学习净土感应录？
信为道元功德母，长养一切诸善法。 — 贤首菩萨《华严经》 Faith is the origin of the path [to Buddhahood], the mother of meritorious virtues, that nurtures all good Dharma [teachings]. — Virtue Foremost Bodhisattva(Flower...
Restraint Of Mind 制心
汝等比丘，已能住戒，当制五根，勿令放逸，入于五欲。You and other Bhikṣus, those already able to abide by the precepts, should restrain your five roots [of the (1) eye, (2) ear, (3) nose, (4) tongue and (5) body (眼耳鼻舌身)], not...
What Is The Esoteric In The Buddha’s Teachings?
Question: What are the esoteric (secret) teachings (密[秘]教) in Buddhism? Answer: In terms of the Buddha’s teachings, as the opposite of the exoteric (revealed) teachings (显教), the...
‘Stand By Me’ Again, 37 Years Later
Sometimes, with the passing of time, a second, or even fresh look at an older movie brings about a sense of nostalgic irony. This reflects life itself, with its twists and turns. Chris (as played by...
Live & Learn ‘Haiku’
As long as you live,keep learninghow to live. — Seneca
Poem On No Fear 不畏诗
我不畏恶名，恶名不须畏。四大亦无主，信你痛谤诽。 你自之于我，于我何所费？不辞应对你，至对无气味。 — 王梵志 As ‘self’ does not fear a bad name,a bad name is not needed to be feared.With the great four elements also without hosts,to believe...
The Delusion And Reality Of The ‘Law’ Of Attraction
Delusion The so-called ‘law’ of attraction proposesthat if you merely keep believingthat your wish will come true, it surely will.Really?Or is it literally ‘wishful thinking’...
Upholding Of Precepts 持戒
「汝等比丘，于我灭后，当尊重珍敬波罗提木叉，如闇遇明，贫人得宝。当知此则是汝等大师，若我住世无异此也。 ‘You and other Bhikṣus (i.e. monastics), after my Parinirvāṇa (i.e. relinquishment of the Buddha’s body), should honour, treasure and...
Can I Offer Lights And Food On Behalf Of The Deceased And Living Together?
Question: Is it alright to make light offerings at my Buddhist shrine for living and departed family members together?Answer: There is no teaching against this. Anyway, on behalf of the...
The Dilemma Of Living As Spiritual ‘Hermits’
As summarised, on living as hermits (隐士) on Mount Zhōngnán (终南山) for more focused spiritual cultivation, Dharma Master Zōngjìng commented to the effect of the following. ‘In the past, we had to...
Scales Haiku
Why balancegood and evil?Tip to good all the way!
Understand The Thus Come Ones’ True Meanings 解如来真实义
依文解义，三世佛冤。离经一字，即同魔说。 — 古德 Relying on Buddhist texts to explain their meanings [speculatively and superficially, without realising their actual, deeper and fuller implications, beyond that worded]...
A Drive Out Of Stormy Weather
The cold rain just rains.The hot sun just shines.The unwise just complain. — Shilashanti The cabbie pointed out that we just drove out of stormy weather. He enthusiastically asked me to look behind...
With Shame Then Diligently Cultivate 惭愧而勤修
汝等比丘，昼则勤心修习善法，无令失时。初夜后夜，亦勿有废。中夜诵经，以自消息，无以睡眠因缘，令一生空过，无所得也。当念无常之火，烧诸世间，早求自度，勿睡眠也。 You and other Bhikṣus, in day then, should be with the diligent mind practising good Dharma teachings, without leading...
What Time To Eat By On Eight Precepts’ Days?
Question: How do we know what time to eat by on Eight Precepts’ (八戒) days, in order to ‘not eat passing noon’ (过午不食)? Answer: If you wish to be specific, for daily noon...
Why Have ‘Selective Outrage’?
Sometimes, comedy is just wit, for laughs.Sometimes, comedy has wisdom, food for thought.Sometimes, comedy has both wit and wisdom.Sometimes, comedy is more of one and less of the other. Is it truly...
Nose Haiku
A swallowflew out of the noseof the Great Buddha. Issa
Just Reminders
When you feel greedy or angry,why deludedly remain so?Greed and anger are just remindersto have more contentment and calmness instead.— Shilashanti
Six Dharma Reminders On Mistakes To Avoid
Your main ‘capital’ is Buddha-nature, and time your diminishing resource for nurturing your Buddha-nature. — Shilashanti #1: Increase Right UnderstandingFocus on having and sharing right...
Abstinence From Flattery 戒谄曲
汝等比丘，谄曲之心与道相违。是故宜应质直其心。 You and other Bhikṣus, should know that the mind of flattery, with the path, contradict each other. Therefore, there should be straightforwardness of your minds...
Can I Reach Pure Land With Breaking Of Precepts?
Question: Can I reach Pure Land if I keep breaking precepts?Answer: Do you wish to keep breaking precepts? Question: No.Answer: Will you do your best to stop breaking precepts? Question: Yes, but...
‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ For Realising The More Wonderful
In the nick of time, Clarence the guardian angel (or ‘Bodhisattva’ in the Buddhist context) saves George, who was about to jump off a bridge to drown himself, by manifesting and...
‘Gods Of Egypt’ Versus A Monster’s Riddle
In mythology, the Sphinx is a creature with a human head, lion’s body and eagle’s wings, said to be treacherous and merciless, who will kill and eat those who cannot answer her riddles...
Rewritten Haiku
I write, erase, rewrite,Erase again, and thenA poppy blooms. Hokushi
Always Be Noble
君子落得为君子，小人枉费做小人。 — 格言 Noble personsstill end up as noble persons,while small persons [of little virtue]waste their efforts in vainas small persons [in harming them]. — Saying
Far Depart From Confusions And Disturbances 远离愦闹
汝等比丘，欲求寂静无为安乐，当离愦闹，独处闲居。静处之人，帝释诸天，所共敬重，是故当舍己众他众，空闲独处，思灭苦本。You and other Bhikṣus, desiring to seek the tranquillity of unconditioned peace and bliss, should depart from confusions and disturbances, to...
How To Not Break The Precepts？
Question: How do I prevent myself from breaking the Five Precepts (which guard against killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying and taking of intoxicants)? Answer: You can remind...
Beginner Haiku
If you hada false start —just begin again.
The Buddhas Have Many Manifestations
I work for sentient beings in the costume of Brahma and Indra,And sometimes even as Mara.But worldly people cannot realize this.I also appear as a woman or as an animal. I show attachment, even...
From ‘The Snow Girl’ To A Vegan Baby
Learn, be reborn here,and forget everything.Relearn and re-forget… — Shilashanti (Part 1) In ‘The Snow Girl’, a five-year-old girl goes missing. Subtly but surely brainwashed by those who...
Cultivate Concentration To Give Rise To Wisdom 修定生慧
汝等比丘，若摄心者，心则在定。心在定故，能知世间生灭法相。是故汝等，常当精勤修习诸定。 You and other Bhikṣus, if there are those gathering their minds, their minds will then be in concentration. With minds in concentration thus, they will be...
Why Stop Complaining?
‘Question’: *Complaint… complaint… complaint…* Answer: Life will never improve if we merely keep complaining about people, organisations and matters. It...
‘Where The Crawdads Sing’ Of Preys And Predators
What if there is an unrepentant bully, who threatens one’s home and even life, who is however ‘difficult’ for the law to apprehend? What if ending the person’s life seems to...
With Upholding Precepts Following Teachings And Offering Buddhas 以持戒顺教供佛
譬如灵瑞优昙华，亦如随意妙宝珠，若信恭敬一切佛，则持净戒顺正教。若持净戒顺正教，诸佛贤圣所赞叹，戒是无上菩提本，应当具足持净戒。若能具足持净戒，一切如来所赞叹，若信恭敬一切佛，则能奇特供最胜。 — 文殊师利菩萨《华严经》贤首菩萨品第八 For example, like the Uḍumbara flower,*likewise like a wish-according wonderful...
Will The Buddha Bless The Evil? (Moral Contradictions Within ‘Infernal Affairs’)
The evil curse themselves continually with their remorseless evil thoughts, words and deeds. — Shilashanti Perhaps the most disturbing scenes of the ‘Infernal Affairs’《无间道》trilogy are...
Self-Encouragement 自勉
汝等比丘，于诸功德，常当一心，舍诸放逸，如离怨贼。 You and other Bhikṣus, for all meritorious virtues, constantly should be wholehearted, and abandon all laxity, like departing from a hateful thief. 大悲世尊，所说利益，皆已究竟。汝等但当勤而行之。...
Can I Cut My Hair Due To Death In The Family?
Question: A relative passed away recently. Can I cut my hair? Answer: Yes, you can. There is no worldly rationale or teaching by the Buddha against this, especially if it will make you more tidy and...
Three Quick ‘Bullet Train’ Lessons
Lesson #1: Ladybug uttered, ‘Hurt people hurt people.’ Yes, that is a proper sentence. With an actual truth too. To be more accurate, ‘hurt people tend to hurt people’. Why...
Integrity Haiku
With integritymatch your thoughtswith your words and deeds.
The ‘Infernal Affairs’ Trilogy’s Missed Dharma Teachings?
2022 marked the 20th anniversary of one of the most significant set of films made in Hong Kong. That said, the most important yet most overlooked spiritual takeaways from the ‘Infernal...
How To Repay The Buddha’s Kindness 如何报佛恩
念报佛恩，当持经戒，相率以道。道不可不学，经不可不读，善不可不行。行善布德，济神离苦，超出生死。见贤勿慢，见善勿谤，不以小过证入大罪。违法失理，其罪莫大，罪福有证，可不慎耶！ — 释迦牟尼佛《阿难问事佛吉凶经》 To mindfully repay the Buddha’s kindness, you should uphold the sūtras and precepts, with one...
The Dharma Body Constantly Abides 法身常住
自今以后，我诸弟子，展转行之，则是如来法身，常在而不灭也。是故当知，世皆无常，会必有离。勿怀忧恼，世相如是。当勤精进，早求解脱；以智慧明，灭诸痴暗。 From now afterwards, all my disciples, passing it through many, practising it (i.e. the Dharma), are then with the Thus Come...
With ‘The Pale Blue Eye’ See Vengeance
This is a tale of love, lust, suicide, murder, mutilation, lies, revenge, grief, guilt and forgiveness. Why so much drama? Well, even sugar-coated fairy tales for children are about facing and...
Lotus Haiku
If there are no lotuses without mud,because of this defiled land’s mud,seek that Pure Land’s lotuses.
Should Others Smile Or Cry At Your Wake?
此时，所最得益者，莫过于一心念【阿弥陀】佛。所最贻害者，莫过于妄动哭泣。 — 净土宗十三祖印光大师《临终三大要》 At this moment, of the greatest attainable benefits, nothing is more beneficial than to wholeheartedly recite the name of Buddha [Āmítuófó]...
Swiftly Eliminate Arrogance 疾灭憍慢
汝等比丘，当自摩头，已舍饰好，著坏色衣，执持应器，以乞自活，自见如是。 You and other Bhikṣus, should personally scrape (i.e. shave) your heads, and already having abandoned adornments for beautification, wear spoilt coloured robes (i...
Questions On Love Prompted By ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover’?
Who do you really love? For some perhaps, this has to be rephrased… What do you truly love? The beloved of course! But is the more beloved actually status, fortune, lust and/or more in...
What Is The Easiest Buddhist Practice For Preventing Nightmares?
Question: I have been having disturbing nightmares. What is the simplest Buddhist chant for peaceful sleep? Answer: You should practise sincere mindfulness of Amitābha Buddha’s name...
Hope Haikus
Your Buddha-natureis your truly greatand lasting hope.___Potential not lived up tois still there,yet as if not.
Only Walk The Middle Path 唯行中道
远离二边，直行中道。不偏不离，即是佛道。 Far depart from the two extremes, by straightforwardly walking the Middle Path. Not being one-sided and not leaving it, this then is the Buddha path. Shilashanti...
How To (Not) Be Disappointed Repeatedly
Why look for the right thingin the wrong placefor even a moment? — Shilashanti Tip #1:Just keep expecting only perfect Bodhisattvasamong Buddhists who are ordinary beings here,instead of making do...
With Few Desires Is Less Suffering 少欲少苦
汝等比丘，当知多欲之人，多求利故，苦恼亦多。You and other Bhikṣus, should know that of people with many desires, with much seeking of benefits thus, their sufferings and afflictions are also many. 少欲之人，无求无欲，则无此患。 Of...
Why Do The Enlightened Sometimes Conceal Their Identities?
Question: With reference to the article at , the Buddha said that, ‘having taught them the Dharma, and roused, edified, and gladdened them, I would straightaway vanish.’Why did...
‘The Cloverfield Paradox’ Has Multiuniversal Ethical Issues
What if you encounter not just a doppelganger of yourself,but a double version of your entire family and planet too –all of whom you have to decide to save or destroy,versus your...
Action Haikus
Great actions speak louderthan great words…and great thoughts.___The truly greathave great actions…not just great words and thoughts.
Propagate The Path 弘道
人能弘道，非道弘人。 《论语•卫灵公第十五•第二十九章》 It is people who are able to make great the path,not the path that makes great people. (Analects: 15th Chapter: Wèilínggōng: 29th Section)
Significance Of 12 Analogies In The Sūtra In Which The Buddha Speaks Of Analogies《佛说譬喻经》之十二譬喻的意义
智者观斯事，象可厌生津，五欲心无着，方名解脱人。— 释迦牟尼佛《佛说譬喻经》 Those wise contemplating these matters, are like those who can have revulsion, and give rise to crossing, of the five desires’ mind, without attachment...
The Four Noble Truths Are Eternal 四圣谛是永恒的
月可令热，日可令冷，佛说四[圣]谛，不可令异。 The moon can be made hot, and the sun can be made cold, while the Buddha’s spoken Four [Noble] Truths, cannot be made different. 佛说苦谛实苦，不可令乐。[1] The Buddha’s...
Should Buddhists Pray On The 100th Day Of Death?
Question: Are Buddhists supposed to pray for the deceased on the 100th day after departure? Answer: This is not a practice taught by the Buddha. It is a Chinese cultural tradition. The...
An (Almost) Unrepentant ‘Oldboy’ Returns
‘Oldboy’ (2013), like the ‘elder’ (2003) version, tells a cautionary tale of vengeance and regret. Yes, vengeance does not lead to satisfaction, but to bitter regret. Harming...
Thinking Haiku
Think for yourself,or others might think for you,or rather, for them.
Bodhisattvas Do Not Eat Meat 菩萨不食肉
菩萨摩诃萨发菩提心不失正念。于诸众生不起害心。不食肉。不欺诳。常以善法教化众生。众生不受不废不愁。 — 释迦牟尼佛《菩萨善戒经》 Bodhisattva Mahāsattvas give rise to the Bodhi Mind and do not lose right mindfulness. For all sentient beings, not giving rise...
Why Look For A Needle In A Haystack Without Needles?
Be constructivein terms of your virtues,with pure Dharmalearning and practice. — Shilashanti A young Buddhist seems to habitually ‘rant’ on some relatively more prominent...
Illumination Of True Wisdom 实智慧之照
汝等比丘，若有智慧，则无贪著。常自省察，不令有失，是则于我法中，能得解脱。若不尔者，既非道人，又非白衣，无所名也。You and other Bhikṣus, if having wisdom, are then without greedy attachment. Constantly personally examining oneself, not leading to having...
Top Ten Frequently Asked Questions On Karma
Question [1]: Basically, what is the law of karma?Answer: It is the natural law that according to what we think, say and do, be it good or evil, we will experience happiness or suffering respectively...
The Hungry ‘Morbius’ Vs. The Angry Hulk
Michael Morbius (2022) snarls as a vampire for a moment and says, ‘I’m sorry. I’m starting to get hungry. And you don’t wanna see me when I’m hungry.’ He snarls...
Focus Haikus
Live with ever sharperlaser-sharp focuson what you should realise. Live with ever broadersun-like radianceon how you should help.
Actions And Speech Should Match The True Mind 身口应对真心
不行真正道，随邪号行婆。口慙神佛少，心怀嫉妬多。背后噇鱼肉，人前念佛陀。如此修身处，难应避奈何。 — 寒山（文殊菩萨化身） Not practising the true and right path, following evil ‘orders’ of old ‘practising’ (wo)men. With mouths...
How To Overcome Bullying?
The law of karma is unrelenting, even for those who do not believe it exists, do not understand it, and misunderstand it. — Shilashanti An unfortunately common question these days goes, ‘Still...
Pare Down Your Belongings
The more of the excess you give,the more of contentment you gain. In Zen, we have a word for almsgiving: kisha. It means gladly giving something up, without regret. This is how we describe it when...
How To Increase Attention Span?
Question: I am impatient, with short attention for Dharma learning and practice. What should I do?Answer: First, do not keep affirming to yourself that you are so. What you keep affirming...
Dark Side Of ‘The Good Nurse’?
How is it possible that an apparently ‘good’ nurse nefariously kill many patients? According to the depiction in ‘The Good Nurse’, ‘To avoid a death sentence, Charles...
Even The Buddhas Take Refuge In The Dharma 佛亦皈依法
法是佛母，佛从法生。三世如来，皆供养法。 —《涅槃经》 The Dharma is the Buddhas’ mother,as Buddhas are from the Dharma ‘born’.The three periods’ Thus Come Ones,all make offerings to the Dharma[by...
Wholehearted Mindfulness Of The Buddha Is Cultivation Of Precepts, Concentration And Wisdom 一心念佛时，即修戒定慧
三学治三毒：戒施治贪欲，定悲治瞋恚，智慧治愚痴。— 三学偈 (1) With the Threefold Learning cure the Three Poisons: with Precepts and Generosity cure Greedy Desires, with Concentration and Compassion cure Hatred and Anger, and...
Four Sayings On Being Timely
Even ‘bad’ experiences become goodif there are good lessons learnt.Even ‘good’ experiences becomes badif there are no good lessons learnt. — Shilashanti In this world, knowing...
How To Neither Gossip Nor Slander? 如何不说闲话不诽谤？
Question: Is pointing out others’ mistakes to them considered as speaking of the fourfold assembly’s transgressions (说四众过)? Is pointing them out to others considered as gossip (说闲话)...
‘They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?’ But Should They?
After reading the novel ‘They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?’ (by Horace McCoy, which was made into a movie in 1969) in the film version of the short story ‘Mr. Harrigan’s...
Patience Haiku
Am grateful for the lizardpatiently listening to my‘Āmítuófó, Āmítuófó, Āmítuófó…’
Be Sincerely Diligent 勤精进
汝等比丘，若勤精进则事无难者，是故汝等，当勤精进，譬如小水常流则能穿石。若行者之心数数懈废，譬如钻火未热而息，虽欲得火，火难可得。是名精进。 释迦牟尼佛《佛遗教经》 You [and] other Bhikṣus, if constantly diligent, [are] then [with] matters without difficulties...
Retributive Responses Of 23 Evil Habits 二十三恶习之报应
A fruit if nurtured, to be reapedfor every seed planted,good, evil or neither.— Shilashanti In Kṣitigarbha Sūtra’s Chapter Four: Jambudvīpa’s Sentient Beings’ Karmic...
Abandon Scattered Minds With Frivolous Discussions 舍离乱心戏论
汝等比丘，若种种戏论，其心则乱，虽复出家，犹未得脱。是故比丘，当急舍离乱心戏论。 You [and] other Bhikṣus, if [with] all kinds [of] frivolous discussions, your minds [will] then [be] scattered. Even if [having] left [the] household [life...
Do The Evil Live Shorter Or Longer?
Question: Why do evil leaders in the past generally live shorter lives? Answer: This is due to their immense evil karma created via creating much suffering for the masses, which bear their...
Should Craig Call ‘Mr. Harrigan’s Phone’?
Miss Hart replies to Craig when he asked if she believes in ghosts, ‘I would never attend a séance or mess around with a Ouija board, trying to summon the dead… My grandma always used to...
Plan Haiku
Plan well for your life,your death,and your afterlife.
Verses Expressing Sentiments 抒怀偈
沉沦生死海，轮回苦无涯。娑婆非吾土，净土是君家。众生离苦海，弥陀航慈筏。信愿勤念佛，金台坐莲华。 — 传印长老 Sunken in the ocean of birth and death, reborn with suffering without a shore. This Sahā World is not my land, and the Pure Land is your home...
To Stay In This Defiled Land Or Reach A Pure Land? 留在秽土或往生净土？To Personally Reach Pure Land First Or Encourage Others To Reach Pure Land First? 先自生净土或劝生净土？
安忍不动，犹如大地；静虑深密，犹如密藏。— 释迦牟尼佛《地藏十轮经》With peaceful patience not moving, similar to the great earth. With calm contemplation deep and meticulous, similar to a secret treasury.— Śākyamuni Buddha(Earth...
Can Merits Really Be ‘Transferred’?
Question: When we practise ‘transference’ of merits, are merits really ‘transferred’? If yes, how is this possible? Answer: ‘Dedication (or sharing) of merits...
The Two Danas Of ‘The Midnight Club’
The Dana who feels constricted by her responsibilities strikes a ‘deal’ of sorts with a supernatural being, that allows her to manifest a doppelganger, to experience what she cannot, on...
Change Haikus
If you do notlike yourself,change yourself. If you cannotchange your body,change your mind. If you canchange your mind,your life will change.
Within The Path’s Mind 道心之中
道心之中有衣食衣食之中无道心 Of the path’s mind within,it has clothing and food.Of clothing and food within,they are without the path’s mind.— Buddhist Saying有修行者必得所需有所需者未必会修Those who have...
To Attain Buddhahood First Or Guide Others To Attain Buddhahood First? 先成佛或先度众？
众生度尽，方证菩提；地狱未空，誓不成佛。— 地藏菩萨（重申）愿With sentient beings delivered completely, then realising Bodhi, if the hells are not yet empty, I vow to not accomplish Buddhahood.— Earth Treasury Bodhisattva’s...
The Buddha’s Teachings On Women’s 84 Manners 佛陀对女人八十四态之教理
不闻思不能修，不能自我修改。知错者才能改，不知错不能改。Those not listening and contemplating are not able to cultivate, not able to have personal cultivation to make amends. Those knowing their wrongs are then able to make...
Can Evil Karma Be Passed Down?
Question: Can ‘sin’ be passed down, according to Buddhism? Answer: In Buddhism, the terms ‘transgression’, ‘evil karma’ and ‘negative karma’ are...
12 ‘Stowaway’ Questions On Life And Death
[1] Are all sentient lives equally worthy to you? [2] What kind of sentient life/lives is/are worthy to you? [3] How much is one such life worth to you? [4] Will...
Tilt Haiku
Be not balancedbetween good and evil;be tilted towards good.
Be Horses And Bulls, Before Dragons And Elephants 先牛马，后龙象
欲为诸佛龙象，先做众生牛马。 — 佛教格言 If desiring to be as all Buddhas’ dragons and elephants,[to take on great responsibilities],first be as sentient beings’ horses and bulls[to serve them]. — Buddhist...
Some Physical And Mental Benefits Of Eating As Vegetarians 吃素之身心利益
Do not consume with crueltyto any being.Do consume with compassionfor all beings.— Shilashanti It should be known that of those in water and on land, the flying and submerged, all sentient beings...
Desire Little And Know Contentment 少欲知足
Human desire is such that, even if the Himalayas were turned to gold, it would not be enough. Human desire is boundless. There is no limit to it. The classic manifestation of desire is money. There...
How To Transform Our Five Poisons? 如何转化五毒？
Question: Spiritually, we have the three poisons (三毒) of (i) greed, (ii) hatred and (iii) delusion (贪嗔痴) that keep enlightenment (i.e. liberation) at bay...
‘The Hunt’ For A Crazy Lady
Once, two pickpockets joined a group of laypersons on their way to Jetavana Monastery, where the Buddha was teaching. One listened attentively and soon attained stream-entry. The other, however, only...
Cultivation Haiku
Have more cultivation,with less complacence,for more confidence.
Mixed Good And Evil
戒律不分明，好坏便参半。难称为善人，随时可成恶。 With precepts and rules not understood clearly,one is with good and evil then mixed as halves. Difficult to be called as a good person then,as at any time, possibly...
Record Of Bright Eyes’ Mindfulness Of Buddha To Save Her Mother And Giving Rise Of The Bodhi Mind 光目念佛救母发菩提心记
As we have been reborn for countless times already, all sentient beings have been reborn as our mothers before…— Shilashanti In Kṣitigarbha Sūtra’s Chapter Four: Jambudvīpa’s...
Contemplating Knowing Contentment 观知足
汝等比丘，若欲脱诸苦恼，当观知足，知足之法即是富乐安隐之处。 You [and] other Bhikṣus, if desiring [to be] liberated [from] all sufferings [and] afflictions, should contemplate [on] contentment. [The] Dharma of knowing contentment...
Are The Buddha’s Teachings Worthy For Learning?
Question: If I have doubts about the worth of the Buddha’s teachings, what should I do? Answer: Paradoxically, the fact that you are asking this question means you do think there...
The Existential Burden Of ’21 Grams’
A small boy hits his sister on an arm, and the girl complains. Their father responds, ‘Hold out your other arm and let your brother hit you… [because] “Whoever slaps you on the...
Control Haiku
Control what you canandforget what you cannot.
The Triply Beautiful
Practise the Dharmabeautiful in the beginning,beautiful in the middle andbeautiful at the end.For a lifebeautiful in the beginning,beautiful in the middle andbeautiful at the end.— Shilashanti
How Earth Treasury Bodhisattva Entered The Buddha Path With Mindfulness Of Buddha 地藏菩萨如何以念佛入佛道
Be inspired personallyto become the inspiring.— Shilashanti In Kṣitigarbha Sūtra’s Chapter One: Supernormal Powers In Trāyastriṃśa Heavenly Palace《地藏经》(忉利天宮神通品第一) was this taught by Śākyamuni...
Not Forgetting Mindfulness 不忘念
汝等比丘，求善知识、求善护助而不忘念，若不忘念者，诸烦恼贼则不能入，是故汝等，常当摄念在心； You [and] other Bhikṣus, [when] seeking good-knowing friends, [and] seeking good protective helpers, none [are] like not forgetting mindfulness. If...
What Is Most Essential For Buddhists To Master?
Question: What is essential to learn from Buddhism?Answer: How to have the best rebirth. Q: Why is it not how to be liberated from rebirth (i.e. be enlightened)?A: It is too difficult to do so in...
Why ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ Is Still Tragic
After three instalments of Ghostbusters in the movies, a sore problem still exists, on the nature of their ‘solution’. There is still the ‘practice’ of trapping demons...
Time Haiku
The Buddha oftenspeaks of impermanenceas we are always running out of time.
Restrain From Evil Speech 禁止恶口
白圭之玷，尚可磨也；斯言之玷，不可为也！ —《诗经•大雅•抑》 The blemishes of white jade,still can be polished away,but for the blemishes of that said,this cannot be done! — (Book Of Odes: Greater Odes: Restraint)
Somebody, Please! Anybody?
To be sincereis to be wholehearted,and thus single-minded.— Shilashanti In a Taiwanese comic book《怪奇微微疼》of ghost stories (by 微疼) is a full page drawing of a frowning guy having a supernatural...
Contemplating Eating And Drinking As Taking Medicine 观饮食为服药篇
You [and] other Bhikṣus, [when] receiving all drinks [and] food, should [be] like taking medicine. Of [that] good [and] of [that] bad, [do] not give rise [to wanting] more [or] less. [For the]...
Are The Bothersome All Karmic Creditors?
Question: Are those I feel bothered by my karmic creditors (冤亲债主)? Answer: Anyone or even anything we are unhappy with functions like a karmic creditor in the moment. However, when we respond with...
An Existential Crisis Of ‘Mine’?
A lone soldier who found himself standing on what could be a mine in the middle of a desert brings these questions to mind… [1] How do you know if you are on an existential mine or not, as...
Words Haiku
Words thatpoint the wayare not the way.
Four Steps For The Dharma
Do not just learn; contemplate too.Do not just contemplate; practise too.Do not just practise; realise too.Do not just realise; share too.— Shilashanti
The Buddhas And Bodhisattvas Are Always Smiling
An enlightened smilereveals that all is wellfor the one smiling.— Shilashanti The Buddhas and Bodhisattvasare always smiling,as they are always blissful,having perfect wisdom about all. The Buddhas...
With The Straightforward Mind Sever Flattery’s Mind 以直心断谄曲心
汝等比丘，谄曲之心，与道相违。是故宜应质直其心。 You [and] other Bhikṣus, [should know that the] mind of flattery, with [the] path, contradict each other. Therefore, [there] should [be] straightforwardness [of] your minds...
Why Is There Aversion Of Some?
Question: Why do we sometimes have inexplicable aversion of some sentient beings ‘naturally’? Answer: Generally, when we feel averse towards anyone (human, animal or otherwise) for no...
How Justice Was Served To ‘My Daughter’s Killer’
The synopsis of this true crime documentary reads, ‘A father believed his daughter had been r_ped and killed by her stepfather, a respected doctor. His long pursuit of justice led to last...
Shame Haiku
Those with moral shamewill be free from the shameful,while the shameless will not be so.
Verse On Being Without Patience 无忍偈
真忍无忍，忍无可忍。忍者所忍，皆无所住。 — 直弦子 True patience is without patience,thus patient without that to be patient of.With the one patient and that patient of,all without that to abide upon(due to impermanence...
You Can Always Control Your Interpretations And Responses
We don’t always control what happens to us. But we always control how we interpret what happens to us, as well as how we respond.— Mark Manson(The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck Journal) We...
Dedication Verses For Printing, Upholding And Distributing Sūtra Books 印持流通经书回向偈
普为出资及读诵受持辗转流通(经书)者回向偈曰Dedication Verses Universally For Those Who Sponsor And Those Who Recite, Accept, Uphold, Pass And Distribute This (Sūtra Book)...
How Do I Know I Am Bound For The Hells?
Question: How do we know if one is bound for the hells in the next life? Answer: When one is clearly unrepentant, by continually doing great evil, with breaking of the precepts, by killing...
Review Films Personally
Why only ‘review’ a filmby ‘reviewing’others’ reviews of it?Why not review the filmby watchingand reflecting on it? Not that others’ reviewsare worthless,but truth...
Truth Haiku
As the truthis forever,it will prevail.
Verse On Patience With Abuse To Protect Your True Mind《忍辱护真心》偈
瞋是心中火，能烧功德林。欲行菩萨道，忍辱护真心。— 寒山和尚 Anger is fire within the mind,able to burn away meritorious virtues’ forest.Desiring to practise the Bodhisattva path,have patience with abuse to protect your...
Are We In The ‘Beginning’ Pure, Impure… Or Both?
譬如销金矿， 金非销故有， 虽复本来金， 终以销成就，一成真金体， 不复重为矿。 — 释迦牟尼佛《圆觉经》For example, like smelting gold ore, the gold does not, with smelting thus exists. Although again with the original gold, in the end, it is with...
Take Dharma Medicine To Walk The Buddha’s Path 服法药，行佛道
我如良医，知病说药，服与不服，非医咎也。 I [am] like [a] good doctor, [who] knows [your] sicknesses [and] spoke [of their] medicines, [while] taking and not taking [them, is] not [with the] doctor to blame...
How To Be Veg(etari)an With Non-Vegetarian Family Members?
Question: I find it very challenging to be veg(etari)an when having family gatherings. Is there any advice for this? Answer: It is of course best to invite and treat the whole family to a...
Don’t Miss 9 Lessons From ‘The Gray Man’
Don’t Be Grey[1] Those grey might be easily made black (i.e. wrong) to harm the white (i.e. right).[2] Those grey should become as white as possible, and as soon as possible.[3] Those...
Bonus Haiku
Prepared for the worst,anything not sobecomes a bonus.
No Resentment For No Recognition 不愠人不知
人不知，而不愠，不亦君子乎？ 孔子《论语》 With people not knowing one, yet not resentful,is one not also a noble person? Confucius(Analects) (The truly virtuous are at peaceand remain truly virtuous,even if recognised...
Your Coffin, Urn, Tablet, House Is Not Your True Home
闻说阿弥陀佛，执持名号… 一心不乱。其人临命终时，阿弥陀佛，与诸圣众，现在其前。是人终时，心不颠倒，即得往生阿弥陀佛极乐国土。— 释迦牟尼佛《阿弥陀经》Hearing this said about Amitā[bha] Buddha, firmly uphold mindfulness of his name (Āmítuófó)… wholeheartedly...
Make Only Veg(etari)an Offerings At Wakes 丧礼只供素食
至于丧祭，通须用素，勿随俗转。— 净土宗十三祖印光大师(复周孟由昆弟书)As for funeral rituals, all should use veg(etari)an food, not according to (other) ‘customs’ transforming this.— Pure Land Tradition’s 13th...
[8] What Is The Buddha Like And How Does He Relate To Me?
TDE’s Dharma Dialogues: Issue [8][As continued from the previous issue…] Question [15]: What is the Buddha about again? Answer: The Buddha is the very embodiment of all the...
Morally Dissecting ‘The Butcher Of Delhi’?
The most thought-provoking part of ‘Indian Predator: The Butcher of Delhi’ is this mentioned by Deepak Sharma, who was the defence lawyer of Chandrakant Jha, the titular serial killer...
Doubt Haiku
Willingness to doubtis willingness tonot be gullible.
Just Take Care Of The Grain Now
It isn’t the mountain aheadthat wears you out;it’s the grain of sandin your shoe. Anonymous
How A Meditator Ascended The Highest Heaven And Fell Into Hell 禅者登天堕狱记
From the Treatise On Perfection Of Great Wisdom《大智度论》(Scroll 17, Preface Chapter 1; 卷17: 序品1) written by Nāgārjuna Bodhisattva (龙树菩萨), is this very short, yet important and terrifying...
Guard And Protect Against Anger’s Mind 防护瞋心
瞋是心中火，能烧功德林，欲学菩提道，忍辱护瞋心。 As anger is a fire within the mind, that is able to burn meritorious virtues’ forest, if desiring to learn the Bodhi path, with patience protect against anger’s...
[7] Is Buddhism Another Religion Or Beyond Religion?
TDE’s Dharma Dialogues: Issue [7] [As continued from the previous issue…] Question [13]: Is Buddhism not just another religion? Answer: If ‘religion’ means to...
The Real ‘Resident Evil’
When humans already with muchgreed, hatred and delusion‘mindfully’ meddle with science… zombies are created with moregreed, hatred and delusion,who ‘mindlessly’ consume...
Absolution Haiku
No one canabsolve ourselvesbut ourselves.
Pure And Cool Moon 清凉月
菩萨清凉月，常游毕竟空。众生心垢净，菩萨影现中。 — 佛教名言 Bodhisattvas, like the pure and cool moon,constantly travel in ultimate emptiness.When sentient beings’ minds’ defilements are purified,the...
How Do Buddhas And Bodhisattvas Save And Deliver Hell-Beings? 佛菩萨如何救度地狱众生？
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Of all evil not do,of all good practise,and to self-purify this mind,these are all Buddhas’ teachings.— Śākyamuni Buddha (Dharmapada: Verse 183) As hell...
Make Only Vegan Food Offerings For The Deceased 为亡者只供素食
是命终人，未得受生，在七七日内，念念之间，望诸骨肉眷属，与造福力救拔。过是日后，随业受报。— 地藏菩萨 《地藏经》These people with lives ended, when yet to attain receiving of births, in seven of seven days within, hope that all their kin and family...
[6] How A Great Scientist, Philosopher And Psychologist See The Buddha’s Teachings
TDE’s Dharma Dialogues: Issue [6][As continued from the previous issue…] Question [11]: If the Buddha’s teachings are so wonderful, why are they not the most widespread ones...
Does This ‘Incantation’ Bless Or Curse?
After watching ‘Incantation’ (咒), a friend asked, ‘Is the “Great Black Buddha Mother” (大黑佛母) Black Tārā?’ Before you take the movie too seriously, the director...
Trust Haiku
That which canbe truly questionedcan be truly trusted.
Find Buddha
A Buddha is not easy to find,for one is not born just anywhere.However, where one is found,you will also find great happiness.— The Buddha(Dhammapada Verse 193)(It is easiest to find a Buddha in his...
What Makes This Life Worthy?
There is no predicament whichcannot be ennobled either byan achievement or by endurance.— Johann Wolfgang von Goethe [I]magine that you are sitting in a concert hall and listening to your favourite...
When ‘Bad’ Things Happen To ‘Good’ People
重业重报偈凡重业，无忏悔，无念佛，皆重报。Verse On Heavy Karma With Heavier RetributionAll heavy evil karma,without repentance,without mindfulness of Buddha,are all with heavier retribution(with even more transgressions)...
[5] Are The Buddha And His Teachings Outstanding?
TDE’s Dharma Dialogues: Issue [5] [As continued from the previous issue…] Question [9]: Since the Buddha’s teachings encourage the asking of questions, how do I know the...
The Gem Within ‘Richard Jewell’
Being unenlightened, none of us are perfect all the time, be it in the past or present. After all, we are mixed bags, with pure gold but embedded in ore, that requires further refinement. Despite...
Shame Haiku
It isshamefulto be shameless.
Verse On Diligent Learning 勤学偈
未成佛者，学无止境。唯成佛者，学达止境。 For those yet to accomplish Buddhahood,learning is still without an end.Only for those who have accomplished Buddhahood,has learning reached its end.
Time Will Tell The Truth 时间会说出真相
时间会说出真相 [1] 赠君一法决狐疑，不用钻龟与祝蓍。[2] 试玉要烧三日满，辨材须待七年期。[3] 周公恐惧流言日，王莽谦恭未篡时。[4] 向使当初身便死，一生真伪复谁知？ — 白居易《放言五首·其三》 Time Will Tell The Truth [1] [I hereby] give you a method for resolving doubts, that does not...
To Live A Meaningful Life, Fully Fill Your Life Circle
Do your best now,to better yourselfto do even better later.— Stonepeace [One] day, a young man… confronted me about the question of the meaning or meaningless of life. His argument was as...
‘The Umbrella Academy’s Grandfather Paradox Resolved?
‘The Umbrella Academy’s third season’s third episode summarised the Grandfather Paradox — of a ‘temporal anomaly’ that might be created, (if time travel in its usual...
Non-Anger & Non-Violence
He who meets anger with anger is the loser. He who is calm in the face of anger is the winner. He has won a difficult battle.He who remains calm and unperturbed in the face of anger,saves both...
How Should Buddhists See The Plant-Based Meat ‘Revolution’?
第三食肉[轻]戒：若佛子，故食肉，一切肉不得食。夫食肉者，断大慈悲佛性种子，一切众生见而舍去。是故一切菩萨，不得食一切众生肉。食肉得无量罪。若故食者，犯轻垢罪。— 释迦牟尼佛《梵网经菩萨戒本》The Third [Light] Precept Against Eating Meat: If as Buddhas’ [Bodhisattva] disciples, of...
‘Spiderhead’s Existential And Ethical Questions
Is our experienced ‘reality’ just a result of chemical reactions in the brain? Is it matter over mind, or mind over matter? If the first is true, there would hardly be need to mind the...
Opportunity Haiku
All missed opportunitieswere in the now,even those ‘later’.
Mindfulness Of Buddha As A Universal Deathbed Practice In The Theravāda, Mahāyāna And Vajrayāna Buddhist Traditions
Plan for the last first,as the last will come,and it can come fast.— Shilashanti A meditator asked, ‘When approaching the end of life, how should I abide, as the body will be deteriorating...
‘RRR’s (Rise, Roar, Revolt) Riveting Relentless Resilience
Raju the revolutionary, who was unjustly imprisoned in chains, when mocked by his captor for still using them to exercise (for his eventual spectacular escape), uttered the following defiantly —...
Work Haiku
Work, only to rest,to work even more, mundanely,or towards the transcendental?
Five Sections On Patience In The ‘Sūtra Of Forty-Two Sections’《四十二章经》之忍辱五章
被辱不瞋难。— 释迦牟尼佛《四十二章经》(第十二章：举难勤修：第八难)To be insulted yet not angry is difficult.— Śākyamuni Buddha(Sūtra Of Forty-Two Sections:Twelfth Section: Raising Of Difficulties For Diligent Cultivation: Eighth...
The Dharma Of ‘Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness’
The movie suggests that dreams, instead of being mere delusions, are alternate realities with parallel worlds that we might ‘dreamwalk’ in. If so, this is not just one universe, but a...
Teaching Haiku
For various beings,skilfully share the Dharma —essentially, detailedly and in between.
Seven ‘Recurring’ Lessons From ‘Russian Doll’
[1] Core: With dreamlike layers within layers like nested Russian dolls, what are we at the core? We cannot be nothing as we are something. We cannot be something fixed as we can change. What...
Fall Haiku
Only fall…to do a push-up,that strengthens upon rising.
‘Jimmy Savile: A British Horror Story’… In The Afterlife Too?
Over time, Savile subtly betrayed his lack of understanding on the dynamics of karma, not that he was expected to know them, or he would not have done the hellish deeds he did. During interviews, he...
The Buddhas Are The Best Friends Of All Sentient Beings
While mindfulness of teachings learnt is meritorious, mindfulness of our teachers is also meritorious.— Shilashanti During a chat on the precious support of spiritual friends, a friend remarked that...
Control Haiku
Since only youcan truly control you —take control well.
A Spinning Coin
The world keeps changing,and you are part of the world,but even if it changes to be worse,you can still change yourself for the better.— Shilashanti Uncertainty is the cause of anxiety, but it is...
[4] How Do We Know The Buddha’s Teachings Are Reliable?
TDE’s Dharma Dialogues: Issue [4][As continued from the previous issue…] Question [7]: If I’m interested in the Buddha’s teachings for attaining True Happiness, how do I...
‘Against The Ice’, Along With Hope
What if you are stranded in an almost totally frozen land, with scanty hope of any rescuers arriving? It is not at all unreasonable that there will be projections of whatever little hope remaining...
Rising Haiku
A sunsetis moonriseand star-rise too.
Where Should Buddhist Teachers And Students Be Reborn?
The Buddhas wish all beings to swiftly attain Buddhahoodfor one and all, by reaching Pure Land.— Shilashanti (Part 1) Question [A]: If there is a teacher, who also wrote many Buddhist books...
A Great Master’s Only Sincere Request 大师之唯一至祷
有一秘诀，剀切相告。竭诚尽敬，妙妙妙妙。— 净土宗十三祖印光大师《与吴璧华书》There is one secret for success to reach Pure Land, to earnestly inform one another. It is to have wholehearted sincerity and utmost reverence, which is most...
[3] Can There Be Both Worldly And Spiritual Happiness?
TDE’s Dharma Dialogues: Issue [3][As continued from the previous issue…] Question [5]: To attain the spiritual True Happiness mentioned, will I have to give up material ‘false...
‘The Batman’ As The Shadows And The Light
In the second year of Batman’s clandestine yet harsh vigilante work, he still seems to struggle between venting his anger and checking his bearings. Perhaps unsure of what he stands for, he is...
Dream Haiku
Further awaken —to know this is nota dream in a dream.
What Is The Best Way To Depart?
上念佛者，佳妙瑞相，预知时至，启众信心。—《佳妙偈》(1)Those with superior mindfulness of Buddha, have excellent and wonderful auspicious signs, including in advance knowing the time of reaching Pure Land, which inspires all...
What Does Your Life Expect Of You?
If it is finitely meaningfulto seek True Happiness for oneself,it is infinitely meaningfulto seek True Happiness for all.— Stonepeace I once had two world-weary people sitting opposite me — as chance...
[2] Can True Happiness Be Attained?
TDE’s Dharma Dialogues: Issue [2] [As continued from the previous issue…] Question [3]: What is this True Happiness that the Buddha attained? Answer: True Happiness...
‘Operation Chromite’: An Existential Race Against Time
The ‘Operation Chromite’ movie retells the Battle of Incheon, as planned by General Douglas MacArthur. Although about war and the fragility of life, the film also offered significant...
Attention Haiku
Attention.Attention.Attention.— Ikkyu
Should We All Fully And Strictly Uphold The Five Precepts?
有而犯者，胜无不犯。有犯名菩萨，无犯名外道。— 释迦牟尼佛《菩萨璎珞本业经》Those having precepts, yet breaking them [unmindfully], are superior to those without precepts, not breaking them. Those having precepts to break are named as...
Be Morally Superior Firmly
Those with a higher purposecan suffer meaningfully,thus not truly suffering.Those without a higher purposemight suffer meaninglessly,thus truly suffering.— Stonepeace We know today more than ever...
[1] Why Learn The Buddha’s Teachings?
TDE’s Dharma Dialogues: Issue [1]Question [1]: Why should I be interested in the Buddha’s teachings? Answer: Speaking from the personal experiences of many, there is no...
‘All Of Us Are Dead’ In Humanity?
The trickiest scenarios in zombie stories involve uncertainty over fellow humans on the run together. Was s/he really bitten by zombie? Will s/he transform to be another zombie? Should s/he be...
Self Haiku
Actual ‘self’-actualisationactualises selflessness,for all as one and no one.
Patience With Evil Without Anger 忍恶无瞋
恶人闻善，故来挠乱者，汝自禁息，当无瞋责。彼来恶者，而自恶之。 — 释迦牟尼佛《四十二章经》: 第六章 When evil persons who hear of good,are with those who thus come to disturb,if you are personally restrained and calm,you will be without angry...
All The More Should Pure Land Be Reached
国中天人… 识宿命，下至知百千亿那由他诸劫事者… — 前法藏菩萨；现在阿弥陀佛《无量寿经》：第五：生者皆得宿命愿[H]eavenly and human beings within my [Pure] Land, have those… knowing past lives… at least know[ing] a hundred...
Animals (A Vegan Slam Poem)
Veganism gives us all the opportunity to say what we ‘stand for’ in life — the ideal of healthy, humane living. Add decades to your life, with a clear conscience as a bonus.— Donald...
Are Such Funeral Proceedings Ideal?
Question: At a teacher’s funeral, there was a period when many students were standing and sitting around, not doing anything in particular. Some might be meditating, but none were chanting...
Just A ‘Feria’ Tale?
If there is evil in this world, is there not also the most powerful evil? Yes, of course. by logical default. In Buddhism, this is represented by Māra, the heavenly demon king. What if there is a(n)...
Right Haiku
Not rightly knowingright from wrongis already wrong.
Evil Returns To Oneself 恶还本身
有人闻吾守道，行大仁慈，故致骂佛。佛默不对。骂止，问曰：「子以礼从人，其人不纳，礼归子乎？」对曰：「归矣。」佛言：「今子骂我，我今不纳，子自持祸，归子身矣。犹响应声，影之随形，终无免离，慎勿为恶。」 — 释迦牟尼佛《四十二章经》: 第七章 There was a person who heard of my guarding of the path, and practice of great...
From Schadenfreude to Mitfreude And Beyond
What Is Schadenfreude? In this Internet age, Schadenfreude is trending. Under the cloak of anonymity, malicious trolls will spin almost every celebrity’s mishap into an international roasting...
Keep Leading By Doing What Is Right
Let us not wait for other people to come to us and call upon us to do great deeds. Let us instead be the first to summon the rest to the path of honor. Show yourself to be the bravest of all the...
Can Those Who Misrepresent The Dharma To Many Avoid Hell?
Question: If a person who gave wrong teachings that harmed many in the name of ‘Buddhism’ passes away, can merits dedicated to this person prevent falling into hell...
Some ‘Bulgasal’ (Impossible To Kill) Truths
A ‘soothsayer’ of sorts tells a ‘prophecy’ of sorts — ‘You will cross paths [with one another] one way or another [in this and/or future lives]. Either as enemies or as...
Purpose Haiku
The full meaningof meaningfulness —is purposefulness.
With Dust & Spittle Self-Defiling 尘唾自污
恶人害贤者，犹仰天而唾。唾不至天，还从己堕。逆风扬尘，尘不至彼，还坌己身。贤不可毀，祸必灭己。 — 释迦牟尼佛《四十二章经》: 第八章 When evil persons harm those virtuous, it is like looking up to the sky and spitting. Their spittle does not reach the sky...
How To Stoically Respond To A Ghost
Direct yourself calmly and clearly.Guide others kindly and wisely.Direct and guide one and all likewise.— Shilashanti There was at Athens a large and roomy house, which had a bad name, so that no one...
Are Enlightened Ones Still Sentient Beings?
Question: Are awakened beings (觉者) like Buddhas (佛陀), Pratyekabuddhas (辟支佛), Bodhisattvas (菩提萨埵/菩萨) and Arhats (阿罗汉/罗汉) still considered as sentient beings? Answer: The term ‘sentient...
The Many Mysteries Of ‘The Medium’
‘The Medium’ tells a tale with more open-ended questions than conclusive answers. Are ‘medium’ practices primordial or primitive? Do every single practitioner continue their...
Selfless Haiku
To transcend yourself,do that selfless —for someone else.
Past As Prologue
The past had already formed.The future has yet to form.Only in the present is forming.— Shilashanti William Shakespeare wrote, ‘Whereof what’s past is prologue…’Not...
The Meaning Of Life Transcends Mere Pleasures
The meaning of lifeis to be livedever more deeplyuntil it is realised fully.— Shilashanti ‘[A]s the saying goes, “we are not in this world for fun”… [A] Russian experimental...
Why Is Buddhahood Manifested In The Human Realm?
Question: Why is Buddhahood manifested in the human realm? Answer: Buddhahood is always manifested in the human realm, be it terrestrial (planetary) or extraterrestrial (extraplanetary), as...
The ‘Squid Game’ Is Over, If You Want It
The ‘Squid Game’ is a series of life or death competitions, in the guise of childhood fun and games. As New Order sang, ‘Grow up children, don’t you suffer, at the hands...
Tragedy Haiku
The real tragedyis not having tragedy,but not rising above tragedy.
What Is The Proper Buddhist View On Rearing Of Child Spirits?
开示忏悔，念佛回向，即是最速，超度法门。Offering guidance, repentance,mindfulness of Buddha and dedication of meritsis the most swift Dharma Door for deliverance. Rearing of child spirits (养小鬼) was never taught by the...
How You Respond Matters More Than What Happens
It is not what happens to you,but how you react to it that matters.— Epictetus ‘Whoever has a why to live can bear almost any how,’ as the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche...
Ten Frequently Asked Questions On Troublesome Ghosts
Question [1]: Can scolding of vulgarities ‘shoo away’ a troublesome ghost?Answer: This might work — only if one is more intimidating than the ghost, who becomes intimidated instead...
Is This The Horror Of Horrors?
Having watched many horror films, I wondered what is the simplest yet still effectively ‘horrible’ scenario. To ‘qualify’, it must have the element of an existential crisis...
Advice
Advice for the young at heart: Soon we will be older… When we’re gonna make it work?— Tears For Fears(Advice For The Young At Heart)
Giving Of Alms In Turn Superior 施饭转胜
饭恶人百，不如饭一善人。饭善人千，不如饭一持五戒者。饭五戒者万，不如饭一须陀洹。饭百万须陀洹，不如饭一斯陀含。饭千万斯陀含，不如饭一阿那含。饭一亿阿那含，不如饭一阿罗汉。饭十亿阿罗汉，不如饭一辟支佛。饭百亿辟支佛，不如饭一三世诸佛。饭千亿三世诸佛，不如饭一无念无住无修无证之者。 — 释迦牟尼佛《四十二章经》: 第十一章 Offering food to a hundred evil...
Towards The True ‘Happily Ever After’
A very unhappy beginningand even many unhappy in-betweensdo not matter if there is a truly happy ending.— Shilashanti In Neil Gaiman’s ‘Preludes & Nocturnes’ (The Sandman, #1)...
Now Is Forever
That once thought, said and done become that forever thought, said and done, with karmic repercussions echoing forever.— Shilashanti [T]he eternal refers back to the temporal – to the temporal...
Should I Learn The Dharma From Movies?
Question: Someone asked if a movie with Buddhist themes is based on a ‘true’ story. How should I answer? Answer: Unless it is a proper documentary filmed with sound research, story-based...
Realignment Haiku
Be dead to the pastevil and false self —realign to Buddha-nature now.
Six Serenity ‘Prayer’ Reminders
What I can controlis what I think, say and do — that is all.As this is how I create my karma,may I always think, say and do well.— Shilashanti(The Control Reminder: Part 1) [1] When Trouble...
Rationality: A Simple Definition
The more rational knowthey are not always rational.The more irrational thinkthey are always rational.— Shilashanti Clearly the words “rational” and “irrational” can be quite...
How To Handle Unwanted Buddhist Pictures?
Question: What is the best way to ‘remove’ an old and faded Buddha picture? Answer: Due to its condition, unless it is a valued antique (and not a mass-produced picture), even if passed...
Can ‘My Name’ Be Neither Prey Nor Predator?
Villains often assume and impose false dichotomies upon their victims to justify their ways. For example, there is a rather central assertion in this series, that there are only two kinds of people —...
Character Haiku
‘Character is destiny’, taught Heraclitus.Change yourself to change your ‘fate’.
Are Humans More Frightening Than Ghosts? 人比鬼可怕吗？
人与鬼之间，谁更加可恶？恶人成恶鬼，都可怜可怕。— 人鬼偈 (1/2)Between humans and ghosts, who are more repulsive? With evil humans becoming evil ghosts, both are pitiable and frightening.— Verses On Humans And Ghosts (1/2)...
Buddhism And Stoicism On Overcoming Obstacles
You have power over your mind —not outside events.Realize this, and you will find strength. — Marcus Aurelius A misconception that many people have of Stoicism or Buddhism is that we have to bear any...
How To Know If What Learnt Is Questionable?
Question: How can I know if what learnt is questionable? Answer: The answer is in the question — to know if what learnt is questionable, question it. A quick way to know if one is caught in a cult...
Are The Unenlightened Not Somewhat ‘Unsane’?
The key problem with the very insane is that they think they are very sane, and that those who think they are insane are truly insane ones. Ironically, since only the very insane and very enlightened...
Karma Haikus
Those who do not believethat fire burnsnevertheless suffer fires’ burns.Those who do not believethat ill causes lead to ill effects.nevertheless suffer ill causes’ effects.
Why Is Āmítuófó’s Pure Land The Land Of All Lands, The Land Of Your Dreams? 为何阿弥陀佛的净土即是国中国，您的理想国
极乐世界，无山海谷。佛神力故，欲见则见。— 如意偈 (1/2)The Land Of Ultimate Bliss, is without mountains, seas and valleys. With the Buddha’s supernormal power thus, desiring to see them, then seeing them.— Verses On...
Life Is For Joyful Duty
I slept and dreamtthat life was joy.I awoke and sawthat life was duty.I worked – and behold,duty was joy.— Rabindranath Tagore [L]ife is somehow duty, a single huge obligation. And there...
Should We Help The Deceased Within 49 Or 100 Days After Death?
Question: Should post-death practices to benefit the deceased be within 49 or 100 days? Answer: In the Buddhist teachings, rebirth is taught to usually occur within 49 days after death (if in the...
Fare Well Now For ‘The Farewell’ Later
If an elderly relative is, according to medical professionals, technically dying, already in his or her last stages of life, but not yet sickly enough to be bedridden, should he or she be informed of...
Usefulness Haiku
You are usefulto others until…you are not.(But at least you were useful.)