The karmic is not fatalisticas the karmic is dynamic. Stonepeace Pitfalls of Wrong Understanding of Karma [1] When something bad happens to you,you might wallow in misery,resigned that it’s...
Author - tdeditors
[3] Why Be Mindful Of Our Teachers And Seniors’ Kindness? 云何念师长恩？
丙三、念师长恩C3: Mindfulness Of Our Teachers And Seniors’ Kindness 念师长恩[3] Mindfulness Of Our Teachers And Seniors’ Kindness 云何念师长恩？父母虽能生育我身，若无世间师长，则不知礼义；若无出世师长，则不解佛法。 Why be mindful of our...
Practise The Dharma Well Enough
Having known the Dharma for a long timeis not the same ashaving practised the Dharma well enough. Stonepeace
Not Dare To Not Encourage Oneself 不敢不自勉
佛既丈夫我亦尔，敢不自勉力修持？ As the Buddhas are already Persons Of Great Character [i.e. Supreme Beings: Puruṣas: 大丈夫], while I am but thus now, how can I dare to not encourage myself to resolutely practise...
How To Better Your Life?
Karmically speaking,to not harm others isto not harm oneself too. — Shilashanti There was a guywho wanted to improve his life.In fact, he wanted a quick fix. He says he keeps losing his jobs,though...
[2] Why Be Mindful Of Our Fathers And Mothers’ Kindness? 云何念父母恩？
丙二、念父母恩C2: Mindfulness Of Our Fathers And Mothers’ Kindness 念父母恩[2] Mindfulness Of Our Fathers And Mothers’ Kindness 云何念父母恩？哀哀父母，生我劬劳。 Why be mindful of our fathers and mothers’...
Will Chanting Of Āmítuófó’s Name Attract Ghosts? 念阿弥陀佛会吸引鬼吗？
Question: Will Buddhist chanting practice like recitation of Amitā[bha] Buddha’s name (i.e. Āmítuófó: 阿弥陀佛) attract ghosts? Answer: As sincere mindfulness of the Buddha (念佛) immediately...
’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’s 6 Dharma Lessons?
[1] Rebirth After the dehumanisationwith demonisation,the rehumanisation. [2] D/evolution Humans can become monstrousand monsters can become humane,cyclically, time and again. [3] Skilful Means What...
From Convenience To Afflictions 从便利到烦恼
不用人脑，只用电脑，一无电脑，即生烦恼。 Not using the human brain,only using the electric brain (AI),once without an electric brain,then arises afflictions.
When Darkness Meets Light 黑暗遇明时
千年暗室，一灯能破。忏力既殷，业便无定。 净土宗九祖蕅益大师《灵峰宗论》 A thousand years’ dark room,with one lamp, is able to be destroyed.With repentance’s power since earnest,evil karmas are then without those definite...
You Are Already Shot By A Poisoned Arrow
If we are already‘shot’ by suffering now,why are we suffering longer?Shilashanti As summarised from the Cūḷa Mālukya Sutta (Shorter Discourse To Mālunkyāputta): A monk, thinking that if...
[1] Why Be Mindful Of The Buddha’s Heavy Kindness? 云何念佛重恩？
乙二、别释发心正义B2: Special Explanation Of Giving Rise To The Bodhi Mind’s Right Meaning 丙一、念佛重恩C1: Mindfulness Of The Buddha’s Heavy Kindness 念佛重恩[1] Mindfulness Of The Buddha’s Heavy Kindness...
Which Dharma Door Should I Choose To Cultivate? 我应当选修什么法门？
Question: Which Dharma Door should I choose to cultivate? Answer: Here are top ten reasons to focus on the Pure Land Tradition’s (净土宗) Dharma Door Of Mindfulness Of Buddha (念佛法门)? [1]...
How Liars ‘Trap’ Themselves Eventually
Rachel reveals to Cooper (the apparent family man who is her husband) how she came to suspect him to be ‘the butcher’, ‘I saw you make up a lie once. To our neighbour. About why we...
Be Careful With Your Karma
Ease of creating evil karmasdoes not equate toease of getting away with them. Stonepeace
Repentance Verse 忏悔文
忏悔文Repentance Verse我昔所造诸恶业，皆由无始贪瞋痴，从身语意之所生，一切我今皆忏悔。 普贤菩萨《普贤菩萨行愿品》 From my past, those created all evil karmas,all due to beginningless greed, anger and ignorance,from body, speech and mind, of those...
How To Definitely Be Born In The Western Pure Land? 如何决定生西？
无论在家在庵，必须敬上和下，忍人所不能忍，行人所不能行。代人之劳，成人之美，静坐常思己过，闲谈不论人非。 Regardless of being at home or in temples, there must be respect of those above and harmony with those below. Bear with that others are not able...
What Is The Buddhist View Of UAPs (UFOs)?
Question: How should Buddhists relate to the increasing evidence of UAPs‘ (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena, previously called UFOs: Unidentified Flying Objects) existence worldwide? Answer: Due...
Six ‘Legends’ Lessons
Mylonas the gangster who helps the law undercover says, ‘In this world, there are… those who think there are rules and those who don’t. And the men who think there are rules, they...
May The Right Dharma Long Abide 正法久住
常勤修学者，则正法久住。 For those with constant diligencecultivating that learnt,then will the Right Dharma long abide.
Why Have A Broken Heart?
If your loving was true,why have a broken heart?Be glad you were true,better ever than never. If your beloved is not true,why have a broken heart?Be glad you know now,better sooner than later...
Buddhist Purification Days And Months 佛教斋日与月
一日持斋，得六十万世余粮。释迦牟尼佛《佛说护净经》On day’s upholding of purification (i.e. with the Eight Precepts), attains more than six hundred thousand lives’ provisions.Śākyamuni Buddha(The Sūtra In Which...
How Meritorious Is Severing From Meat And Alcohol? 断酒肉有多少功德？
Summary: The meritorious virtues of severing from meat-eating and alcohol-drinking far exceed those from… giving away of many animals, gems, treasures, jewels, lands, families, gold, banners...
Who Should Enter The Hells? 谁该入地狱?
Question: Some remark to Buddhists that ‘你不入地狱，谁入地狱?’ (If you do not enter the hells, who will enter the hells?), asking Buddhists to make sacrifices to benefit others, including...
Top Ten Lessons From ‘Eden’ On How ‘Paradise’ Can Be Lost
[1] CreationWhen trying to create a ‘paradise’ with others,self-centred clashes might arise,but a ‘paradise’ for oneself (or a few) onlyis no true ‘paradise’ at...
Rely On Buddha’s Power
If we readily rely ona vehicle’s physical power,why not also rely ona Buddha’s spiritual power?
Mother Guānyīn / Guānyīn Mother
My Mother isGuānyīn Púsà to meby praying toGuānyīn Púsà for me. Stonepeace
Top Ten Lessons From Demons Destined For Pure Land 十大将往生净土之魔的教训
前魔后修，亦能生西Earlier Demons Who Later Cultivate Are Also Able To Be Born In The Western Pure Land 如我先说于当来世多作佛者，即此众中百亿诸魔，却后皆于安乐国中成佛世尊。 Like I first spoke, of the future period’s many of those who...
[iv] Bodhi Mind’s Ten Kinds Of Causes And Conditions 菩提心十种因缘
甲二、本论（正宗分）A2: Main Treatise (Main Principles’ Section) 乙一、总标发心因缘B1: General Title On Giving Rise To The Bodhi Mind’s Causes And Conditions 菩提心十种因缘[iv] Bodhi Mind’s Ten Kinds Of Causes And Conditions...
Can I Stay In Pure Land Forever? 我能永远留在净土吗？
Question: Can we stay in Āmítuófó’s (阿弥陀佛) Pure Land (净土) forever after reaching it? Answer: To know the complete answer, there are ten factors to note, as below. [1] Dharma...
‘Crime 101’ On Walk Away Money
Before consideringhow much ‘walk away money’to get once and for all… Remember thatyou must be able tokarmically walk away with it… Or rather, able towalk away from it —if it...
More Precious Than Gold 比金珍贵
一寸光阴一寸金，寸金难买寸光阴。 One inch of timeis worth one inch of gold,but one inch of goldis difficult to buy one inch of time.
Verse For Hearing The Bell 闻钟偈
闻钟声，烦恼轻，智慧长，菩提生。 Hearing the bell’s sound,may afflictions lighten,wisdom grow,and the Bodhi Mind arise. 离地狱，出火坑，愿成佛，度众生。 May those in the hells depart,from their fire pits exit,with the vow to...
The Four Assurances’ Reasons To Avoid Evil And Do Good
Why Avoid Evil And Do Good? Firstly, if there is afterlife,and if there is karma,I will have a good rebirthas I do good.Secondly, if there is no afterlife,and if there is no karma,I will live happily...
[ii] Eight Forms Of (Bodhi) Minds’ Vows 心愿八相 [iii] Truly Right Bodhi Mind 真正菩提心
乙二、别辨心愿为立行之标准B2: Criteria Of Differentiation Of (Bodhi) Minds’ Vows For Establishing Practices 心愿八相[ii] Eight Forms Of Minds’ Vows...
18 Spiritual Lessons From ‘Trust Me: The False Prophet’
Faith [1] True faith is cultivated with eyes opened wider and wider, while blind faith is with eyes closed smaller and smaller.[2] True faith is able to stand questioning, while false claims cannot...
Verse On Two Directions 两方偈
人生苦短，迈向西方。滞留此方，轮回苦长。 As this human life is with suffering and short,stride towards the Western Pure Land Of Ultimate Bliss.If lingering in this direction,there is rebirth with suffering for long...
Face That Fear
The more isthat feared faced, the less isthat faced feared. Stonepeace
Dharma Sounds From The Nánpíng Evening Bell《南屏晚钟》之法音
闻钟声，烦恼轻，智慧长，菩提生。闻钟偈 (前半)Hearing the bell’s sound, may afflictions lighten, wisdom grow, and the Bodhi Mind arise.Verse For Hearing The Bell (First Half) In the classic song ‘Nánpíng...
[i] Entering The Spiritual Path’s Essential Door 入道要门
不肖愚下凡夫僧实贤，泣血稽颡，哀告现前大众及当世净信男女等，唯愿慈悲，少加听察。 I, the unworthy, foolish, lowly and ordinary monk Shíxián [i.e. ‘Truly Virtuous’ literally], weeping blood and prostrating with my forehead to the...
Who To Blame For My Unhappiness?
Question: Who should I blame for my unhappiness?Answer: The main persons to take responsibility are always ourselves. This is so as our unhappiness is caused by our past personally created evil...
The Power Of Later… Now
The happy endingand happier rebeginningfrom reaching Pure Land latershould keep us motivated now.This is the power of ‘later’… now.
Sickness And Wellness
When sick, contemplate true sickness,due to the three poisonsof attachment, aversion and delusion. When well, contemplate true wellness,due to the three antidotesof generosity, compassion and wisdom.
Why Is Seeking Birth In Āmítuófó’s Pure Land Easier Than Becoming Human Again? 为何求生阿弥陀佛净土比来生做人容易?
人一生中所造罪业，不知多少。无量劫来所造罪业，更是无量无边。 A human, within one lifetime, of all created transgressive karmas, not known is how many there are. Immeasurable kalpas since, those created transgressive karmas, then...
For Those Very Sick, Should We Dedicate For Speedy Recovery Or Swift Rebirth? 应当为病重者回向于速愈或速生西方？
Question: If someone is severely sick, with the risk of losing life, should there be dedication of meritorious virtues (回向功德) for speedy recovery or swift rebirth in Pure Land (净土)...
Un/Learning
Unlearn well to learn well.Relearn well to learn better. Stonepeace
Verses On Focusing On That Right 专正偈
因标新立异，邪法学不尽。因正法已定，学而自有尽。 Because of proposing the new and establishing the different, evil (false) teachings cannot be learnt completely. Because the Right Dharma is already definite, it then...
Do You Aspire To Be A Mud Bodhisattva Or Great Bodhisattva? 您愿作泥菩萨还是大菩萨？
自利利他偈Verses On Self-Benefitting And Benefitting Others [泥菩萨][‘Mud’ Bodhisattvas] 不往西方去，登不退转地，直轮回娑婆，得隔阴之迷。 If not reborn in the Western Pure Land, to ascend non-retrogression’s...
Earlier Demons Who Later Cultivate Are Also Able To Be Born In The Western Pure Land 前魔后修，亦能生西
如我先说于当来世多作佛者，即此众中百亿诸魔，却后皆于安乐国中成佛世尊。 Like I first spoke, of the future period’s many of those who become Buddhas, they are thus within this assembly, the hundred koṭis of all demons, who will...
Should Recitations Of The Buddha’s Name Be Counted? 该计算念佛次数吗？
Question: Should there be using of prayer beads (念珠) to count Āmítuófó’s (阿弥陀佛) name when reciting it? Answer: Keeping track of the number is to ensure there is discipline to stick to a quota...
Many ‘Malena’ Matters
Confusion Beauty might lead to idealisation.Lust might lead to objectification.Both are confusions. Ugliness One’s great beauty,even if humble and discreet,can bring out others’ great...
The Dharma As The Ultimate Art
The Buddha’s Dharmais the art ofliving well,dying well,being reborn well,and being liberated well.
Are You Able To Practise The Buddha’s Teachings On Your Deathbed?
If You Are Thus… If despite having learnt ‘much’of the Buddha’s (佛陀) so-called ‘teachings’ (法),yet unable to practise any of themon your deathbed… Such that...
For The First Day Of The New Year And The Last Day Of This Human Life 为了新年的第一天和人生的最后一天
Introductory excerpt by Raoul Birnbaum, in the chapter, ‘A Peripatetic Bodhisattva-Artist: Hóngyī: II: An Experiment in Reforming Faults’, of the book, ‘Buddhist Masters of Modern...
Absolute Best Thing
Since you cannot do absolutely nothing,and have to do something,you might as well do the absolute best thing,by being mindful of the absolute best,a Buddha who represents all Buddhas —Āmítuófó, whose...
Regardless Of Age
医院即是，看病人的，包括你我，不分大小。 Hospitals are thus for seeing patients, including you and me, regardless of adults or children.棺材即是，装死人的，包括吾人，不分老少。Caskets are thus for holding the deceased, including us...
[98] The Parable Of The Small Child Getting A Big Turtle From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之小儿得大龟喻
昔有一小儿，陆地游戏得一大龟，意欲杀之不知方便，而问人言：「云何得杀？」In the past, there was a small child, on the land playing a game getting a big turtle. With the intention desiring to kill it, not knowing the ‘skilful means’, he...
Why Having A Right Livelihood Matters?
Question: Why is having a Right Livelihood (正命) on the Noble Eightfold Path (八正道) important? Is a job not just a job for survival’s sake? Answer: A job is never merely a job. For example, in...
Incline Well
Since we tend tohave that inclined to,knowingly or not,we might as wellmindfully be inclinedto the best direction. Related Article: 西行偈Verses On Going West磁化喻Magnetisation Analogy一心加油Wholeheartedly...
Salty Water
The practice of all the Bodhisattvas is to turn away immediatelyFrom those things which bring desire and attachment.For the pleasures of the senses are just like salty water:The more we taste of...
Essence Of The Sūtra In Which The Buddha Speaks On Impermanence《佛说无常经》之精华
【释迦牟尼佛】: 老病死于诸世间实不可爱、实不光泽、实不可念、实不称意。若…… 世间无者，如来…… 不出于世，为诸众生说所证法及调伏事。……[Śākyamuni Buddha]: Ageing, sickness and death, in all worlds, are truly not lovable, truly not lustrous, truly not longed for...
[97] The Parable Of Those By Evil Thieves Robbed, Losing Fine Cotton Cloaks From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之为恶贼所劫失㲲喻
昔有二人为伴共行旷野，一人被一领㲲，中路为贼所剥，一人逃避走入草中。其失㲲者先于㲲头裹一金钱，便语贼言：「此衣适可直一枚金钱，我今求以一枚金钱而用赎之。」In the past, there were two persons as companions together travelling in the wilderness, with each person covered with a...
Be Vigilant And Diligent
Be very vigilantwhen in the grey,for that is whenyou might slipfrom the whiterto the blacker.Be very diligentwhen in the grey,for that is whenyou should shiftfrom the darkerto the brighter.
Itchy?
There is pleasure when a sore [or an itch] is scratched,But to be without sores [or itches] is more pleasurable still.Just so, there are pleasures in [satisfying] worldly desires,But to be without...
Which Buddhist Is More Fortunate And Wise?
First Buddhist The first Buddhist is old and sick,and has just gotten to know aboutthe Pure Land teachings barely. He hears that they will leadto liberation in the next life,but is running out of...
[96] The Parable Of Cheating And Pretending To Be With Eyes Blinded From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之诈称眼盲喻
昔有工匠师，为王作务不堪其苦，诈言眼盲便得脱苦。In the past, there was an artisan master, for the King working. When he could not bear its suffering, he lied by saying his eyes were blinded, then getting liberation from his...
The True Cosmic Horror
The true horror is thatas cosmic in proportionas incomprehensible in reason,that defies our usual perceptionand limited imagination.It is Saṃsāra itself. (Saṃsāra is the cycle of birth and...
Learn & Practise The Dharma Today
Why save Dharma learningfor a good day,as it is for bad days too? Why save Dharma practicefor a bad day,as it is for bettering every day?
More Sense On Some Cents
If you do not knowwhat is enough,how will youever have enough?Shilashanti If you are to die witha cent in your pocket,you would have dieda single cent too much,with it yet to be spent,or given away...
[95] The Parable Of The Two Doves From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之二鸽喻
昔有雄雌二鸽共同一巢，秋果熟时取果满巢，于其后时果干减少唯半巢在，雄瞋雌言：「取果勤苦，汝独食之，唯有半在。」In the past, there were a male and female, two doves together living in the one same nest. When in autumn, with fruits ripening, they obtained...
Project Rebirth: Rediscover, Reflect, Recharge (Round 13)
Click HERE To Register Feedback From Previous Rounds: Dear Teacher Shi’an, your interesting talks on Project Rebirth is coming to an end. We have benefited and learnt much from you… I am...
Beyond The Usual ‘100 Metres’
A true race isfor competing with yourself,for outdoing your previous self. A real race isfor winning without becoming egoistic,for losing without becoming despondent. A noble race isfor training...
Right Or Not?
Having the rightto do a thing does not mean it is rightto do that thing. Stonepeace
Like A Mother Recollecting Her Child 如母忆子
十方如来，怜念众生，如母忆子。若子逃逝，虽忆何为？子若忆母，如母忆时，母子历生，不相违远。 大势至菩萨《大势至菩萨念佛圆通章》 The ten directions’ Thus Come Ones, are sympathetically mindful of sentient beings, like a mother recollecting her child. If the...
Verses On Cause And Effect’s Paths 因果道偈
因果道偈Verses On Cause And Effect’s Paths 不信因果者，不遵佛人法，不戒身口意，后堕三恶道。 Those who do not believe in karmic cause and effect, do not follow the Buddha’s Dharma and human laws...
[94] The Parable Of The Maṇi Or Water Burrow From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之摩尼水窦喻
昔有一人与他妇通，交通未竟夫从外来，即便觉之住于门外，伺其出时便欲杀害。In the past, there was a person with another person’s wife committing adultery. With intercourse yet to be complete, the husband from the outside came. Immediately...
How Should Buddhist Practitioners Compare?
Question: It is said that ‘comparison is the thief of joy‘. As it is difficult to not compare at all, how should we do it? Answer: Comparison ‘steals’ joy from oneself only...
Are You A ‘Troll 2’?
Trolls were thought to troll humans,which led to them being demonised,with humans trolling them then. The world is complexbecause things are usuallynot so straightforward black or white. Just as...
Linear Yet Cyclical
Time is as if linearfrom birth to death. Time is as if cyclicalfrom redeath to rebirth. Stonepeace
Keep Learning How
As long as you live,keep learninghow to live [better]. Seneca As long as you live,keep learninghow to die best. Stonepeace
Are Good-Looking People Good And Ugly-Looking People Evil?
现在受过去善报者，未必现在仍在行善。Those now receivingpast good karmic rewards,might not be now still doing good.Shilashanti (Part 1) Since time immemorial,there has been the problem of lookism,which is to judge by...
[93] The Parable Of The Old Mother Catching A Bear From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之老母捉熊喻
昔有一老母在树下卧，熊欲来搏，尔时老母绕树走避，熊寻后逐，一手抱树欲捉老母，老母得急，即时合树捺熊两手，熊不得动。In the past, there was an old mother at a tree below lying down, when a bear desired to come and seize her. At that time, the old mother ran...
Can A Person’s Evil Karma Bear Fruit Through A Family Member? 自己的恶障能报在家人身上吗？
Question: Can one’s karmic retribution be exacted upon one’s loved ones?Answer: No, as the law of karma operates fairly, such that ‘what by oneself created, is by oneself...
What Transformation?
The water a cow lapsturns into milk.The water a snake licksturns into poison.Buddhist Saying
Unspoken Lessons From Unseen Wigs
Since we all run on our limited perception,we do not perceive all with complete clarity.Shilashanti (Part 1) There is innately nothing wrongwith wearing an obvious wig (for fun),that looks just like...
[91] The Parable Of The Poor Person Desiring To, With The Rich Have Equal Wealth And Property From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之贫儿欲与富等财物喻
昔有一贫人少有财物，见大富者意欲共等，不能等故，虽有少财欲弃水中。In the past, there was a poor person who had little wealth and property. Seeing those with great riches, with the intention desiring to together have that equal, not...
What Is The First Buddhist Lesson To Learn?
Question: What can be regarded as the very first lesson to learn in Buddhism? Answer: The first spiritual lesson to learn is the truth that you are subject to the suffering of ageing, sickness, death...
Three Awakenings From ‘Train Dreams’
Dead Or Alive ‘A dead treeis as importantas a living one.’ A departed personis as significantas a surviving one. Interconnection If haunted by pining,live on worthilyto honour that...
Are You More Worldly Or Spiritual?
More worldly onesplan the Dharmaaround their lives. More spiritual onesplan their livesaround the Dharma. Stonepeace
Leaf Or Tree
A leaf is ‘not the tree’and not ‘not the tree’. Stonepeace
[90] The Parable Of From The Ground Getting Gold From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之地得金钱喻
昔有贫人在路而行，道中偶得一囊金钱，心大喜跃即便数之，数未能周，金主忽至，尽还夺钱，其人当时悔不疾去，懊恼之情甚为极苦。In the past, there was a poor person on the road then walking, in the middle of the path accidentally getting a bag of gold coins. His mind...
How Should We View Asking Of Questions When Learning Buddhism?
Question: How important is asking of questions on the journey of learning the Buddha’s teachings (i.e. the Dharma)? Answer: It should first be understood that the asking of questions when...
Playing Well As ‘Alice In Borderland’
Life is a series of choicesmade by our attitudesthat determine our actionswith karmic consequences. As some actions are cyclical,so are some consequences,we must repent, learn and move on,to break...
Most Humbling Duo
These two are the most humbling:the first is the gravity of our karmas’ eviland the second is the greatnessof the Buddhas’ compassionate vowsto help us overcome the first. Stonepeace
Greatest Hope
As we always have Buddha-nature,we always have the greatest hope. Stonepeace
The Six Bardos Of Life And Death 生死六中阴 You Are ‘Alice In Borderland’, In A Bardo State Now 您现在就是中阴里，「弥留之国的爱丽丝」
Restlessness is due totrying to find the constantwithin the truly inconstant.– Shilashanti (Part 1) Even among Buddhists, not many are aware of the deeper meanings of bardo (中阴) states. These are...
[92] The Parable Of The Small Child Getting Joy Pills From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之小儿得欢喜丸喻
昔有一乳母抱儿涉路，行道疲极眠睡不觉。In the past, there was a wet nurse, who embraced a child and set off on the road. Travelling on a path with weariness extreme, she became sleepy and unconscious...
What If There Is Support-Chanting Without Guidance? 得助念而不得开示者将如何？
Question: We know that there should be offering of guidance (开示) before support-chanting (助念), for those dying and recently deceased (as explained at ). [1] What if there is only support-chanting...
What Truly Are The ‘Last Samurai Standing’ For?
So what if swords cannot overtake guns?So what if samurai cannot outsmart snipers?So what if the samurai reign of the sword is over? Samurai culture is not in essenceabout swords...
Swift Sacrifice
Swiftly and gladly sacrificewhat should be sacrificed,with no sense of sacrifice,as it is not a true sacrifice. Stonepeace
Fundamentally True And Pure 本真净
一切众生，实本真净，因彼妄见，有妄习生；因此分开，内分外分。 释迦牟尼佛《楞严经》 All sentient beings are really fundamentally true and pure, because of their false views, having false habits arising, because of these, separating into...
Four Questions For All ‘Ghost Hunters’
[1] Why Provoke?Why venture into supposedly haunted placeswith so-called ‘scientific’ instruments and such,to explore, film, enquire and speculate arbitrarily,which is to provoke and...
Which Are You In ‘The Horse Analogy’? (马喻)
马有四种：[1] 其最上良马，见鞭影而驰，不待驱策；[2] 次则一鞭即走；[3] 又次之鞭轻不走，鞭重方走；[4] 其最下驽马，鞭重亦不走，必锥入于肤，痛极而始走。 Horses have four kinds. [1] Those most superior good horses, seeing the whip’s shadow then gallop, do not wait...
Are We Doomed With Evil Collective Karmas Together?
Question: Are we destined to be co-victims of collective karmas (共业) that are evil (恶), which will result in suffering (苦)? Answer: While there is the reality of collective karmas to deal...
Have You Seen The Unseen ‘Under The Skin’?
If an alien were to observe humans,one of their characteristics readily seenwould be that we seem superficial,rather physically surfacy creatures. Yet, if the alien further observes,and sees the...
Spiritualisation
Spiritualise doing of the mundanewith mindfulness of the Buddhaat the same time.Stonepeace
The Greatest Spiritual Reception To Pure Land Vs The Limited Worldly Reception Here 最殊胜生净土的接引与在此有限的世间接引之比较
从是西方，过十万亿佛土，有世界名曰极乐。其土有佛，号阿弥陀，今现在说法。释迦牟尼佛《佛说阿弥陀经》 From here, in the western direction, passing a hundred thousand koṭis of Buddha lands, is a world named “Ultimate Bliss”. In that land...
[89] The Parable Of Getting A Golden Weasel From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之得金鼠狼喻
昔有一人在路而行，道中得一金鼠狼，心生喜踊持置怀中，涉道而进至水欲渡，脱衣置地，寻时金鼠变为毒蛇。In the past, there was a person on the road then travelling. In the middle of the path, getting a gold weasel, his mind gave rise to joy. Holding and...
Did Dharma Assemblies Exist In The Buddha’s Time?
Question: Since Dharma assemblies (法会) did ‘not’ exist in the Buddha’s time, are they ‘not’ so important today? Answer: Dharma assemblies were founded by the Buddha...
Vegetarian-Eating 蔬食
蔬食卫生，肉食伤生，杀时恨心，其毒非轻。Veg(etari)an-eating is healthy [and hygienic], while meat-eating harms those living. When killing with the hateful mind, its poison is not light. 勿贪吃肉，吃了须还，还的时候，真个可怜。 Do not...
Top Ten Kinds Of Buddhist Faith 十大佛教信念
[1] There Is Buddhahood: Have faith that…the historical Śākyamuni Buddha (释迦牟尼佛)has attained Buddhahood (佛果). [2] There Are Many Buddhas: Have faith that…as the Buddha realised,there...
[88] The Parable Of The Macaque’s Handful Of Beans From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之猕猴把豆喻
昔有一猕猴，持一把豆，误落一豆在地，便舍手中豆欲觅其一，未得一豆先所舍者鸡鸭食尽。In the past, there was a macaque, holding a handful of beans, by mistake dropping one bean on the ground, then giving up the beans within his hand, desiring...
How To Prevent Dementia And Still Reach Pure Land Despite It
Question: If I get dementia, will I still be able to reach Āmítuófó’s (阿弥陀佛) Pure Land (净土)? Answer: The first thing to do is to prevent getting dementia physically by noting these medical...
Thoughtfulness
Be thoughtfulabout the useful.Be thoughtlessabout the useless. Stonepeace
Learn Principles And Cultivate Practices 学理修事
[1] 但行不学，十修九到。[2] 若学不行，十无一到。[3] 行学两全，十修十到。[4] 不行不学，万无一到。 [1] Only with practising without learning,with ten cultivating are nine arriving[as there will be much learning along the way]. [2] If...
Ten Motivations From Suffering
[1] HumilityMay your suffering (苦) motivate youto keep being humble (谦虚),as you might have much more evil karmas (恶业). [2] Diligence May your suffering motivate youto practise the Dharma (法) more...
[87] The Parable Of The Robbers Dividing Wealth From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之劫盗分财喻
昔有群贼共行劫盗，多取财物即共分之等以为分，唯有鹿野钦婆罗色不纯好，以为下分与最劣者。In the past, there was a group of thieves together doing robbery, with the much obtained wealth and property, then together dividing them equally, with them...
Why Do Ghosts Follow Some And Appear In Their Dreams?
Question: Why do some encounter ghosts, who might follow them home, and appear in their dreams? Answer: These ghosts are encountered because of karmic connections created in past and/or present...
‘Blackberry’ On Good, Better, Best
Be Good ‘”Perfect” isthe enemyof good’ (?) This is so (spiritually)if you onlywant to be good. Be Better If you are attachedto what you thinkis ‘good enough’, you...
Peacefulness
The most peacefulare the most restful. Stonepeace
Commit To Be Good First
Most evil is done by peoplewho never make up their mindsto be good or evil. Hannah Arendt To receive and recite the preceptsis to commit and remember in advance,to be good instead of evil...
[86] The Parable Of The Father Taking His Son’s Earring From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之父取儿耳珰喻
昔有父子二人缘事共行，路贼卒起欲来剥之，其儿耳中有真金珰，其父见贼卒发，畏失耳珰，即便以手挽之，耳不时决，为耳珰故便斩儿头，须臾之间贼便弃去，还以儿头着于肩上不可平复。In the past, there was a father and his son, with these two persons, conditioned by a worldly matter, together...
Endure For The Enduring
May there beenduring interestin the enduring. May there befleeting interestin the fleeting. Stonepeace
Stop To Take Stock Of Life
Because I could not stop for Death –He kindly stopped for me. Emily Dickinson
[85] The Parable Of The Woman Suffering Eye Pain From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之妇女患眼痛喻
昔有一女人，极患眼痛，有知识女人问言：「汝眼痛耶？」In the past, there was a woman, who suffered extremely with her eyes having pain. There was a ‘knowledgeable’ woman who asked, saying, ‘Do your eyes have pain?’答言：「眼痛。」She...
True Emptiness Is Wondrous Existence 真空妙有
色不异空，妙有真空。空不异色，真空妙有。 Forms are not different from emptiness,as wondrous existence is true emptiness.Emptiness is not different from forms,as true emptiness is wondrous existence.
With Mindfulness Of Buddha, See The Buddha 念佛见佛
若众生心，忆佛念佛，现前当来，必定见佛，去佛不远。 大势至菩萨《大势至菩萨念佛圆通章》 If sentient beings’ minds, recollect the Buddha, or are mindful of the Buddha’s name (Āmítuófó), manifesting in the present or in the future...
[84] The Parable Of Those During Lunar Eclipses Beating Dogs From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之月蚀打狗喻
昔阿修罗王，见日月明净以手障之；无智常人，狗无罪咎横加于恶。In the past, an asura King, seeing the sun and moon bright and clean, with his hands ‘obstructed’ them. Ordinary persons without wisdom, to dogs without faults, are then...
Verse On Upholding The Precepts 持戒偈
持戒偈 学戒知善恶，受戒得戒体。诵戒常反省，此是持戒行。 Verse On Upholding The Precepts With learning of the Precepts, know good and evil. With receiving of the Precepts, attain the Precepts’ Essence. With reciting of...
Four Right Efforts 四正勤
【1】已生恶令永断，【2】未生恶令不生。【3】未生善令生起，【4】已生善令增长。【一念阿弥陀佛，一时修四正勤】[1] May already arisen evils be caused to be forever severed.[2] May yet to arise evils be caused to not arise.[3] May yet to arise good be...
Ten Existential Questions On Seeing Your Doppelganger
If you can keepletting yourself down,who is the real you?Shilashanti [1] Is s/he really like you, or are you really like her/him? [2] If s/he is the fake(r) you, what is s/he trying to do to the...
[83] The Parable Of The Macaque From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之猕猴喻
昔有一猕猴，为大人所打，不能奈何，反怨小儿。In the past, there was a macaque, by a grown-up that beaten. Not able to cope with it, he instead resented a small child...
How To Deal With Attachment To Pain And Suffering? 如何处理对痛苦的执着？
Question: How can we handle ‘attachment’ (执着) to long-term suffering (苦) from ‘constant’ pain (痛)? Answer: As this place is not Avīci Hell (阿鼻地狱) where immense...
Verses On Reliance On The Dharma 依法偈
佛虽教吾人，依法不依人，诸多凡夫人，依人不依法。The Buddha, although having taught us, to rely on the Dharma and not rely on the person, a great many ordinary persons however, rely on the person and not rely on the Dharma...
External Vs Pure Land Path
The external pathsoffer worldly promises ofperhaps better healthwith more wealth,although all have to die,without a cent kept. The Pure Land pathoffers spiritual promises ofdefinite immeasurable...
[4] With Suffering From Disadvantages For Correcting Faults 以吃亏改过
From Great Master Hóngyī’s (弘一大师) ‘Discussion On Experiments For Correcting Faults’《改过实验谈》: 4、吃亏：古人云：「我不识何等为君子，但看每事肯吃亏的便是。我不识何等为小人，但看每事好便宜的便是。」 [4] Suffering From...
[82] The Parable Of Comparing Planting In The Field From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之比种田喻
昔有野人，来至田里，见好麦苗生长欝茂，问麦主言：「云何能令是麦茂好？」In the past, there was a savage man, who came and arrived in a field. Seeing good wheat sprouts growing lushly, he asked the wheat master, saying, ‘How are you able...
Teaching On Cause And Effect 因果教
念佛是因，成佛是果。念佛成佛，不离因果。 佛教格言 Mindfulness of Buddha is the cause, accomplishment of Buddhahood is the effect. Mindfulness of Buddha for accomplishing of Buddhahood, does not depart from cause and effect...
Straightforward Mind 直心
直心是菩萨净土，菩萨成佛时，不谄众生来生其国。释迦牟尼佛《维摩诘经》 The straightforward mind is Bodhisattvas’ Pure Land, as when Bodhisattvas accomplish Buddhahood, sentient beings who do not flatter will come...
[3] With Magnanimity And Leniency, Sincerity And Kindness For Correcting Faults 以宽厚改过
From Great Master Hóngyī’s (弘一大师) ‘Discussion On Experiments For Correcting Faults’《改过实验谈》: 3、宽厚：「造物所忌，曰刻曰巧。」圣贤处事，惟宽惟厚。古训甚多，今不详录。 [3] Magnanimity And Leniency, Sincerity And...
[81] The Parable Of By A Bear That Bitten From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之为熊所啮喻
昔有父子与伴共行，其子入林为熊所啮，爪坏身体，困急出林还至伴边。In the past, there was a father with his son as companions together travelling. His son entered a forest and was by a bear that bitten, with claws injuring his body...
Should Buddhists Focus On Physical Exercises?
Question: As a Buddhist, is it wise to focus on many bodily-related exercises? Answer: Having some regular exercises is surely beneficial for health. However, those practised should not be in...
Six Lessons On Winning ‘The Match’
[1] What if a student defeats the teacher?While it seems ‘natural’ to have some sense of indignation or jealousy, should each teacher not have great rejoice instead, for having finally...
Protect Precepts Like Bright Gems 护戒如明珠
于诸佛净戒，护持如明珠。过去诸菩萨，已于是中学。未来者当学，现在者今学。 《梵网经菩萨戒本》 Of all Buddhas’ Pure Precepts, protect and uphold them like bright gems. All past Bodhisattvas, already have thus within learnt. Those in the future...
[2] With Cautiousness When Alone For Correcting Faults 以慎独改过
From Great Master Hóngyī’s (弘一大师) ‘Discussion On Experiments For Correcting Faults’《改过实验谈》: 2、慎独：吾等凡有所作所为，起念动心，佛菩萨乃至诸鬼神等，无不尽知尽见。若时时作如是想，自不敢胡作非为。 [2] Cautiousness When...
[80] The Parable Of Inverted Pouring From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之倒灌喻
昔有一人，患下部病，医言：「当须倒灌乃可差耳。」便集灌具欲以灌之。In the past, when there was a person, suffering from a lower body part sickness, a doctor said, ‘You will need inverted pouring in of medicine [i.e. like using...
What Are The Direct And Formal Ways Of Dedicating Meritorious Virtues? 何为直接与正式的回向功德方法？
Question: If I wish to help someone having a hard time far away, will my mindfulness of the Buddha’s name (i.e. Āmítuófó’s: 阿弥陀佛) name be able to help? Answer: If the intention is clear...
Beyond Seven Endless Lessons From ‘The Sandman’s ‘Death: The High Cost Of Living’
[1] Worth What makes life worth living?The opportunities it offersfor learning to transcendthe cycle of birth and death. [2] Freedom Nobody gets to live for free.Nobody gets to die for free...
Uphold Precepts For Cultivation 持戒修行
五戒保人身，十善业升天， 八戒修解脱，菩萨戒成佛。 佛教偈颂With the Five Precepts maintain this human body,with the Ten Good Karmas ascend to the heavens,with the Eight Precepts cultivate for self-liberation,with the Bodhisattva...
[1] With Humility For Correcting Faults 以虚心改过
From Great Master Hóngyī’s (弘一大师) ‘Discussion On Experiments For Correcting Faults’《改过实验谈》: 1、虚心：常人不解善恶，不畏因果，决不承认自己有过，更何论改？但古圣贤则不然。今举数例： [1] Humility: Ordinary persons who do...
For The First Day Of The New Year And The Last Day Of This Human Life 为了新年的第一天和人生的最后一天
Introductory excerpt by Raoul Birnbaum, in the chapter, ‘A Peripatetic Bodhisattva-Artist: Hóngyī: II: An Experiment in Reforming Faults’, of the book, ‘Buddhist Masters of Modern...
Progression Without Retrogression
Since progressionmight have retrogression,true progressionmust have non-retrogression. Stonepeace
Be Open And Aboveboard 光明磊落
省察以后，若知是过，即力改之。…… 改过之事，乃是十分光明磊落，足以表示伟大之人格。故子贡云：「君子之过也，如日月之食焉；过也人皆见之，更也人皆仰之。」又古人云：「过而能知，可以谓明。知而能改，可以即圣。」 弘一大师《改过实验谈》 After self-examination, if knowing there is a fault, immediately diligently correct...
Never Gloss Over Or Conceal Your Faults 不文不覆自己的过失
[7] 不文己过：子夏曰：「小人之过也必文。」我众须知文过乃是最可耻之事。弘一大师《改过实验谈》[7] Not Glossing Over One’s Faults: Zǐ Xià said, ‘The faults of small persons certainly will be glossed over.’ We all must know that the...
[79] The Parable Of For The King Bearing Low Stools From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之为王负机喻
昔有一王，欲入无忧园中欢娱受乐，敕一臣言：「汝捉一机，持至彼园我用坐息。」In the past, there was a King, desiring to enter Sorrowless Garden within for amusement to receive joy, who ordered a minister, saying, ‘You should for me clutch...
How Should I Be Remembered (Or Not)?
Question: How should our family members and friends, and even strangers now and beyond remember us after our deaths? Answer: We should strive to be remembered, not out of egotism for ourselves, but...
‘D’ For Duality In ‘The Sandman’
Destruction remarks to Dream,on their ‘Endless’ family members,each of whom embodies and expresses a quality,‘There’s no such thing as a one-sided coin… Our sister...
Brace, Brace, Brace!
You can continueworrying foreverby not bracingfor that feared. Or you can stopfretting nowby preparingfor that dreaded. Stonepeace
Time Flies Like An Arrow 光阴似箭
光阴迅速，时序更迁，刹那刹那，一念不住。…人命无常，荣华不久，急寻归路，免受沉沦… 净土宗十三祖印光大师《示某比丘尼》 Time passes swiftly, with the seasons’ sequence also with changes, from kṣaṇa to kṣaṇa, for one thought not abiding… [As] human...
Top Ten Lessons On Impermanence 关于无常的十大教训
[1] Departure: Impermanence (无常) is about ongoing ageing (老), toward more sicknesses (病), and eventually death (死). In this sense, it might seem ‘depressing’. [2] Renewal: Impermanence is...
[78] The Parable Of With The Son Expecting Morning Travel From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之与儿期早行喻
昔有一人，夜语儿言：「明当共汝至彼聚落有所取索。」In the past, there was a person, at night speaking to his son, saying, ‘Tomorrow, I will together with you, reach that village. It has that we have to obtain, what we are...
The ‘Untamed’ To Be Tamed First
While humans struggle and striveto tame and rule wilderness,they often forget to tame themselves. The sparking of wild rage within,given enough time and fuel,can become ‘untamable’...
Obligations Vs Aspirations
May we reduce or spiritualiseour worldly obligationsto fulfil our spiritual aspirations. Stonepeace
Only Rely On Mindfulness Of Buddha To Attain Deliverance 唯依念佛得度
《大集经》云：「末法亿亿人修行，罕一得道，唯依念佛得度生死。」 The ‘Great Collection Sūtra’ says, ‘In the Dharma-Ending Age, when a hundred million of a hundred million people cultivate the path, rarely will one...
Top Ten Definitions Of What Buddhist Translation Is And Is Not 十大佛教翻译之是与非的定义
[1] To translate isto say it as it is,not to comment with what it might or might not be. [2] To translate isto be exact to the letter,not to be approximate in spirit. [3] To translate isto reflect as...
[77] The Parable Of Forming Donkey Milk From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之构驴乳喻
昔边国人不识于驴，闻他说言驴乳甚美，都无识者。In the past, a border country’s people did not have understanding of donkeys. Hearing others say donkey milk is extremely delicious, with all without those understanding it...
What Is The Buddhist Perspective On Playing Of Games?
Question: Why are the Bodhisattva Precepts worded to be against playing of games, such as (Chinese or English) chess? How can they be ‘harmful’? Answer: According to the ‘Thirty...
Graduations & Distinctions
There are sometimesgraduations fromthe white to the black,but there are oftenclear distinctions ofthe light from the dark too. Stonepeace
Heart Transmission Of The Buddhas And Patriarchs 佛祖之心传
以所【此】录虽不及原书【文钞】之十一，而佛祖之心传，圣贤之道脉，净土之奥旨，持【阿弥陀佛】名之奇勋，凡吾师所称性而谈，如实而说者，采撷靡遗。尝海一滴，可知全味。 李净通《印光大师文钞菁华录》编者之言 With those recorded [here], although they do not reach the original books’ [Collected...
[76] The Parable Of The Ploughman Longing For The King’s Daughter From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之田夫思王女喻
昔有田夫游行城邑，见国王女颜貌端正世所希有，昼夜想念情不能已，思与交通无由可遂，颜色瘀黄即成重病。In the past, there was a ploughman touring by walking in a city. Seeing the country’s King’s daughter, with countenance upright, that the world rarely...
Sooner Or Later
If stayingin this defiled land longer,be a Bodhisattva longer. If departingfor the Pure Land sooner,be a Buddha sooner. Stonepeace
With Observing Of The Precepts As Giving 以戒为施
一、不杀生… 二、不偷盗；三、不邪染；四、不妄语；五、不饮酒。是为大施。… 谓不杀故，能与无量有情施其无畏。以无畏故，无怨、无憎、无害。… 人间得安隐乐。… 不偷盗、不邪染、不妄语、不饮酒，亦复如是。 释迦牟尼佛《佛说五大施经》 First, not killing lives; … second, not stealing; third, not having evil defilements...
Why ‘Yángqí’s Lamp Remains Bright And Bǎoshòu’s Ginger Stays Spicy’ 为何「杨岐灯久明，宝寿姜仍辣」
When Yìnguāng (印光) first left the household life, seeing the couplet of ‘Yángqí’s oil lamp is bright for a thousand ages, Bǎoshòu’s raw ginger is spicy for ten thousand years’, and...
[74] The Parable Of Ordinary Beings Who Have Left The Household Life Greedy For Profit And Gain From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之出家凡夫贪利养喻
昔有国王设于教法，诸有婆罗门等在我国内制抑洗净，不洗净者，驱令策使种种苦役。In the past, there was a country’s King [who] established [that] those giving teachings [of the] Dharma, all existing Brahmins and others in my country...
Eight Solid ‘Brick’ Lessons?
Hell ‘Hell is other people?’Or two or more persons?Or essentially just one person — you? Mirrors Being forced to be with otherscan force you to face yourself,with one another being...
Keep Learning
The moment learningto learn ends isthe moment ignoringof ignorance begins. — Stonepeace
Lamp & Ginger 灯姜
杨岐灯盏明千古，宝寿生姜辣万年。 — 佛门对联 Yángqí’s oil lamp is brightfor a thousand ages,Bǎoshòu’s raw ginger is spicyfor ten thousand years. — Buddhist Couplet Note: As Dharma Master Yángqí did not use even a...
Bodhisattva Precepts’ ‘Thirty-Sixth Precept Against Not Giving Rise To Vows’ Thirteen Vows 菩萨戒之《第三十六不发誓戒》之十三愿
[1] 宁以此身投炽然猛火，大坑刀山，终不毁犯三世诸佛经律，与一切女人作不净行。… [1] Rather to be, with this body thrown into a ferocious burning fire, great pit and knife mountain, to the end not breaking and violating the three...
[75] The Parable Of The Camel And Urn Together Lost From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之驼瓮俱失喻
昔有一人先瓮中盛谷，骆驼入头瓮中食谷又不得出，既不得出以为忧恼。In the past, there was a person, first within an urn filling grain. His camel’s head then entered the urn within, not again getting out. Thereupon, not able to get it...
What Best To Give Your Parents 送给父母最好的礼物
若父母无信，教令信 …；无戒，与戒教授 …；不闻，使闻教授 …；悭贪，教令好施，劝乐教授 …；无智慧，教令黠慧，劝乐教授，获安隐处。 释迦牟尼佛《佛说父母恩难报经》 If fathers and mothers are without faith [in the Triple Gem], teach to enable them to have faith…; if without...
Ten Great ‘Meritorious Virtues Of Printing Sūtras And Creating Buddhist Images’ 十大《印造经像之功德》
一、从前所作种种罪过，轻者立即消灭，重者亦得转轻。 [1] Of those previously created all kinds of transgressions, those light will immediately be eliminated, and those heavy will also transform to be light...
[73] The Parable Of Lying About The Horse’s Death From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之诈言马死喻
昔有一人骑一黑马入阵击贼，以其怖故不能战鬪，便以血污涂其面目，诈现死相卧死人中，其所乘马为他所夺。In the past, there was a person riding a black horse, entering a formation to attack thieves. With him being terrified, thus not able to fight, then...
Do Intentions Matter More Than Actions?
Question: Is it so that whether a precept is considered broken or not depends mainly on the integrity of the intention behind the action? Answer: Yes, the nature of the intention decides the nature...
Rights And Wrongs On ‘The Waterfront’
Moral BearingsIf you lack a clear senseof what is right and what is wrong,you are likely to edge towards the wrongsooner or later.VictimisationNo one is really a victim of circumstances,while...
Reminder Of Impermanence
Hodie mihi, cras tibi.Today me, tomorrow you.今日我，明日你。 Latin Saying (Translated)
Protection And Upholding Of Right Dharma’s Vow 护持正法愿
【1】见毁戒者，劝化安止，令住持戒；【2】远离正见堕诸见者，劝化安止，令住正见；【3】散乱心者，劝化安止，令住定心；【4】无威仪者，劝化安止，住圣威仪。 韦驮菩萨：第二大愿《悲华经》 [1] Seeing those destroying the precepts, encourage them to be transformed, to have peaceful abiding, for...
[72] The Parable Of Holding In Rice And Breaching The Mouth From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之唵米决口喻
昔有一人至妇家舍，见其捣米，便往其所偷米唵之。In the past, there was a person who arrived at his wife’s family house. Seeing their hulled rice, then going to that place, stealing rice by holding it in his mouth...
In The Right Place
好雪片片，不落别处。 庞蕴居士 Good snow, flake after flake,does not fall in other places. Layperson Páng Yùn
[71] The Parable Of Because Of Two Wives Thus Losing His Two Eyes From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之为二妇故丧其两目喻
昔有一人娉取二妇，若近其一，为一所瞋。In the past, there was a person who married to obtain two wives. If approaching the first, it would make that other one angry.不能裁断，便在二妇中间正身仰卧。Not able to consider and decide upon...
Can One’s Bad Karmas Be Dedicated To Harm Another?
Question: We know that meritorious virtues (功德) or good karmas (善业) can be dedicated (回向) to others for their well-being, as blessings. Can ‘demeritorious vices’ or evil karmas (恶业)...
Choose How To Change
No one stays the same.You either becomebetter or worse.Choose well. Stonepeace
[70] The Parable Of Tasting Āmra Fruits From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之尝庵婆罗果喻
昔有一长者，遣人持钱至他园中买庵婆罗果而欲食之，而敕之言：「好甜美者汝当买来。」即便持钱往买其果。In the past, there was an elder, who dispatched a person, to hold money and arrive at another’s garden within to buy āmra fruits, then desiring to eat...
How To Swiftly Try To Deliver The Deceased 如何迅速试法超度亡者
Question: When in a hurry, is there a quick way to offer guidance (开示) and support-chanting (助念) to the deceased, such as insects and small animals come across? Answer: To offer guidance, say aloud...
Choose Well
Choose what decreasesthe three poisons,not what sustainsor increases them. Choose to decreasethe three poisons,not to sustainor increase them. — Shilashanti
All Buddhas’ Dharma Door 诸佛之法门
反闻闻自性，性成无上道，圆通实如是。此是微尘佛，一路涅槃门，过去诸如来，斯门已成就；… 诚如佛世尊，询我诸方便，以救诸末劫，求出世间人，成就涅槃心，观世音为最。… 文殊师利菩萨《楞严经》 Reverse hearing to hear your self-nature, and with this nature accomplish the unsurpassable...
[69] The Parable Of Copying That Ancestor’s Hurried Eating From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之效其祖先急速食喻
昔有一人从北天竺至南天竺，住止既久，即娉其女共为夫妇。In the past, there was a person, from Northern India arriving at Southern India. Having stayed already for long, he then married this woman, to together be husband and wife...
Can Enlightened Beings Be Portrayed As Cartoons?
Question: Does it accord with the Right Dharma (正法) to portray images of the enlightened in simplified and even cartoonish (e.g. manga: 漫画) ways? Answer: This is alright, as long as there are also...
The Sky Is Not The Clouds
Never mistakenthe dark clouds in frontas the clear sky behind. Stonepeace
Essence And Expressions
The universe is simple,the three universal characteristics[of impermanence, non-self and suffering]in its essence. The three universal characteristics are complex,the universein its expressions...
An Imaginary Dialogue
The confused sentient being asked, ‘Dear Great Bodhisattva,if you are an ancient Buddha already,why are you still a Bodhisattva now?’The Bodhisattva smiled and answered, ‘Dear...
With Three Kinds Of Contemplations, Wash Away Sexual Conduct’s Mind 以三种想，涤除淫心
淫心不除，尘不可出With Sexual Conduct’s Mind Not Eliminated, These Dusts Cannot Be Exited 色欲一事，乃举世人之通病。不特中下之人，被色所迷。即上根之人，若不战兢自持，乾惕在念，则亦难免不被所迷。试观古今来多少出格豪杰，固足为圣为贤。只由打不破此关，反为下愚不肖，兼复永堕恶道者，盖难胜数。 Of sexual...
Is It Alright To Stop Medicating A Sick Pet?
Question: We have a pet who has been sick for some time, whose condition worsened recently. Although his condition is under control, there is less activeness now. Is it alright to stop medicating...
In Principle And Practice
Be firm in personal principles,yet all-rounded with skilfulness. Be disciplined in personal practices,yet all-forgiving with others. Stonepeace
Never Join The Demon Dance
The longer you dance with a demon,the harder it will be to stop dancing,till you start tripping and end falling.
Fay, Kay, May & Ray On Karma, Indifference & Empathy
True empathy is for everyone,including ‘demons’ who are suffering,and ‘demons’ who will be suffering.Shilashanti Hearing that Fay was bullied,Kay commented indifferently to...
[68] The Parable Of Together Resentfully Harming Each Other From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之共相怨害喻
昔有一人，共他相嗔，愁忧不乐。In the past, there was a person, together with another person, angry at each other, worried, anxious and unhappy.有人问言：「汝今何故愁悴如是？」There was a person who asked, saying, ‘You are now for...
Should The Bodhisattva Path Only Be Practised In This Human World? 应当只修人间菩萨道吗？
Question: Is it so, that Buddhist practice, in terms of the Bodhisattva path (菩萨道) should be done in this human world (人间), for bettering this world’s people only? Answer: No. Below...
Is ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ Beginning To Deliver?
After so many films in the franchise, the ‘eternalistic’ problem with the Ghostbusters’ universe is still there. What is supposed to happen to the ghosts trapped in the single...
Unbreakablity
Though breakable in body,be unbreakable in spirit. Stonepeace
Bodhisattvas Must Not Eat Meat, Pungent Roots Or Drink Alcohol 菩萨不得食肉辛饮酒
[2] 酒生过失无量。… 一切酒不得饮。… [2] Alcoholic beverages give rise to faults that are immeasurable… All alcoholic beverages must not be drunk… [3] 一切肉不得食。夫食肉者，断大慈悲佛性种子… 食肉得无量罪。… [3] All meat must not be eaten...
Interconnections Between Āmítuófó And Samantabhadra Bodhisattva’s Great Vows 阿弥陀佛与普贤菩萨的大愿之互连关联
普贤弥陀二愿偈Verses On Universal Virtue Bodhisattva And Amitābha Buddha’s Two Vows 生在末法沉船中，洞难补尽救整艘。尽力补救亦劝众，备上愿船登西岸。 Born within this Dharma-Ending Age’s sinking ship, with holes difficult to...
[67] The Parable Of The Husband And Wife With Eating Cakes Together As Essential From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之夫妇食饼共为要喻
昔有夫妇有三番饼，夫妇共分各食一饼，余一番在，共作要言：「若有语者要不与饼。」In the past, there was a husband and wife with three pieces of cake, with the husband and wife together dividing them, together each eating one cake. With the...
Why Should The Five Pungent Roots Not Be Eaten? 为何不应食五辛？
Question: Why should the five pungent roots (五辛) not be eaten? Answer: As taught by Śākyamuni Buddha (释迦牟尼佛) in Śūraṅgama Sūtra《楞严经》: 「众生求三摩提，当断世间五种辛菜【大蒜、革葱、慈葱、兰葱、兴蕖】。是五种辛，熟食发淫，生啖增恚。 ‘Sentient...
Verses On Losses And Wins 输赢偈
[+ +] 吃素念佛，消业增福。保身净心，即得双赢。 Eating vegan and mindful of the Buddha, eliminates evil karmas and increases blessed rewards. Protecting the body and purifying the mind, then attaining a win-win situation...
Practise Compassionate Patience To Swiftly Accomplish Buddhahood 行慈忍，疾成佛
菩萨作是念，行忍益众生。摧伏刚强心，疾得成佛道。 Bodhisattvas have this thought, of practising patience to benefit sentient beings. With subduing of their stubborn minds, to swiftly attain accomplishment of the Buddha path...
Does Not Urging Precept-Violators To Repent Violate Any Precept? 不劝犯戒者忏悔是否犯戒？
Is it against any Precept (戒) to not teach those who break any Precept to repent? Yes, if one is a Bodhisattva Preceptee (菩萨戒子). According to the Fifth Light Precept Against Not Teaching To Repent...
[66] The Parable Of With The Mouth Reciting Ship-Sailing Methods Yet Not Understanding Their Applications From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之口诵乘船法而不解用喻
昔有大长者子，共诸商人入海采宝。In the past, there was a great elder’s son, together with many merchants entering the ocean to gather treasures.此长者子善诵入海捉船方法，若入海水漩澓洄流矶激之处，当如是捉、如是正、如是住，语众人言：「入海方法我悉知之。」This elder’s son...
Ten Truths On Lies In ‘The Boy And The Heron’
In the liar’s paradox… If a person says ‘I am lying’,and if the person is lying,then the person is truthful,which makes him not a liar,which makes him a liar… If a...
Shojin Ryori 精进料理
本来就该精进慈悲。所以精进慈悲料理。 As originally, there should be diligent compassion,therefore with diligence have compassionate cuisine.
Seeing Yet Not Seeing 见而不见
见之不识，识之不见，若欲见之，不得取相，乃可见之。 丰干禅师(阿弥陀佛之化身) Seeing them [i.e. Bodhisattvas and Buddhas manifested among us], not recognising them [as they are ‘blend in’ skilfully]. Recognising them, not...
[65] Parable Of The Five Hundred Joy Pills 五百欢喜丸喻
昔有一妇荒淫无度，欲情既盛嫉恶其夫，每思方策规欲残害，种种设计不得其便。In the past, there was a wife licentious without limit. With lust thereupon abundant, she detested her husband. Often thinking of strategies, desiring to kill and...
Be Those Wise, Compassionate And Brave 作智仁勇者
知者不惑，仁者不忧，勇者不懼。 孔子《论语》 Those wise are not confused.Those benevolent are not worried.Those courageous are not afraid. Kǒngzǐ(Analects)
Strictly Uphold The Four Heavy Precepts To Attain Samādhi For Liberation 严持四重戒，得三昧解脱
汝修三昧，本出尘劳。[1] 淫心不除，尘不可出。…[2] 杀心不除，尘不可出。…[3] 偷心不除，尘不可出。…虽则身心无杀盗淫，三行已圆。若 [4] 大妄语，即三摩地，不得清净。 释迦牟尼佛《楞严经》清净明诲章 You cultivate Samādhi, originally to exit dusts’ afflictions. [1] With...
[64] The Parable Of People Saying A Old House Within Has An Evil Ghost From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之人谓故屋中有恶鬼喻
昔有故屋，人谓此室常有恶鬼，皆悉怖畏不敢寝息。In the past, there was an old house, with people saying this house often has an evil ghost within, with all terrified, not daring to lie down and rest in it...
‘I Am Married… But!’ No Buts!
Communication is the lifeblood between best friends,what more before considering commitment to marriage… Always have sincere care and concern,sharing honest thoughts and feelings,without...
Poisons And Antidotes 毒与药
放下贪嗔痴三毒，提起施悲智三药。 Let go of the three poisonsof attachment, aversion and delusion,and give rise to the three antidotesof generosity, compassion and wisdom.
[63] The Parable Of The Singing And Dancing Performer Wearing Rākṣasa’s Costume Together With One Another Alarmed From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之伎儿着戏罗刹服共相惊怖喻
昔乾陀卫国有诸伎儿，因时饥俭，逐食他土，经婆罗新山，而此山中素饶恶鬼食人罗刹。In the past, in Gandhāra kingdom, there were many singing and dancing performers. Due to then having famine, seeking food in other lands, they passed by Bhala...
Your Moral Compass
Our Buddha-natureis our moral compass,our Precepts’ Essence. Shilashanti 相关经典Related Sūtra: 《梵网经菩萨戒本》Brahma Net Sūtra Bodhisattva Precepts’ Texthttps://purelanders.com/pusa
Concluding Remarks Of The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之结语
此论我所造，合和喜笑语，多损正实说，观义应不应。 As this treatise that I have compiled, is harmonised with laughable words, with many diminishing the right and true said, contemplate the meanings on what corresponds and...
How The Horrifying Might Become The Horrified (How To Flip A Ghost Story Around)
或漂流巨海，龙鱼诸鬼难，念彼观音力，波浪不能没。— 无尽意菩萨《观世音菩萨普门品》Perhaps drifting in the great ocean, with dragons, fish and all ghostly difficulties, with mindfulness of that Guānyīn’s power, the waves will not be...
[62] The Parable Of The Sick Person Eating Pheasant Meat From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之病人食雉肉喻
昔有一人病患委笃，良医占之云：「须恒食一种雉肉可得愈病。」In the past, there was a person from a sickness suffering, becoming critically ill. A good doctor observed him and said, ‘You should constantly eat a kind of pheasant...
What Is Nirvāṇa? 何为涅槃?
Question: What is Ultimate Nirvāṇa (究竟涅槃) in the light of the Great Vehicle’s (大乘: Mahāyāna) teachings? Answer: The Sanskrit (梵文) word ‘Nirvāṇa’ means ‘extinguishment’...
With Water Drops Although Tiny 水滴虽微
勿轻小罪，以为无殃。水滴虽微，渐盈大器。刹那造罪，殃堕无间。一失人身，万劫不复。壮色不停，犹如奔马。人命无常，过于山水。今日虽存，明亦难保。 《梵网经菩萨戒序》 Do not slight a small transgression, with it as being without disaster. With water drops although tiny, they can...
[60] The Parable Of Seeing The Water’s Bottom’s Gold’s Reflection From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之见水底金影喻
昔有痴人往大池所，见水底影有真金像，谓呼有金，即入水中挠泥求觅。In the past, there was an ignorant person who went to a big pond’s place. Seeing the water’s bottom’s reflection having true gold’s image, crying out that there is...
How Is ‘Vegetarianism’ Different From ‘Purification’? 素与斋有何分别?
Question: How is ‘素’ (veg[etari]anism) different from ‘斋’ (purification)? Answer: Although these two Chinese words are often used interchangeably, they have differences...
The Non-Problem Of ‘The Three-Body Problem’
There is nothing to calculateabout a single body’s gravitationsince there is nothing else around,with no trajectory at all.There is no problem for this. There is something to calculateabout two...
Grief Or Gratitude
When the Buddha departed,the unenlightened grieved,while the enlightened thanked.When you depart,how will others feel? Stonepeace
Be True Buddhas’ Disciples 成真佛子
大众心谛信：『 汝是当成佛，我是已成佛。』常作如是信，戒品已具足。一切有心者，皆应摄佛戒。众生受佛戒，即入诸佛位。位同大觉已，真是诸佛子。 卢舍佛《梵网经菩萨戒本》 The great assembly should with their minds truly believe, “You are the future’s accomplished Buddhas, and I am...
The Classic Hulk Problem (To Transform)
Your defilements harder to dissolvecan still be transformed,such as anger becoming drive.Shilashanti The classic Hulk problemis that people tendto remember him morethan Bruce Banner. Even if the...
[61] The Parable Of Brāhma’s Disciple’s Created Things’ Cause From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之梵天弟子造物因喻
婆罗门众皆言：「大梵天王是世间父，能造万物。」Brahmin disciples all say, ‘The Great Brāhma Heaven’s King is the world’s father, able to “create” the ten thousand things.’[Note 1: The Great (Mahā) Brahmā Heaven’s King...
How To Respond To Those Who Insist That We Eat Meat? 如何回应坚持我们吃肉的人？
Question: I face challenges going veg(etari)an because of my Mother’s insistence to eat her cooked meat dishes. Is there advice for this? Answer: As a reminder, here are six key reasons to not...
From Broken ‘Eastern Promises’ To Complete Precepts
How many degrees away can you be, from the clearly transgressional, to be not morally culpable at all? For example, if you are a gangster’s driver, are you kind of a gangster too, encouraging...
There Is Always Hope
As we always have Buddha-nature,and we always have Buddhasstriving to awaken us,we will always have hope. Stonepeace
The Root Of Accomplishing Buddhahood Is Compassion 慈悲为成佛之本
慈悲为成佛之本 慈悲是佛道之根本。所以者何？菩萨见众生老病死苦、身苦心苦、今世后世苦等诸苦所恼，生大慈、悲，救如是苦，然后发心求阿耨多罗三藐三菩提。 龙树菩萨《大智度论》 The Root Of Accomplishing Buddhahood Is Compassion Loving-kindness and compassion are the roots of the Buddha...
Top Ten Points On What Buddhism Is Not About (Some Reasons To Reach Āmítuófó’s Pure Land)
[1] Purification: Buddhism is not just about avoiding some evil and doing some good. It is also about complete moral purification, perfecting compassion, wisdom and skilful means for all...
[59] The Parable Of Looking At Making Bottles From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之观作瓶喻
譬如二人至陶师所，观其蹋轮而作瓦瓶，看无厌足。For example, two persons arrived at a pottery master’s place, to look at him step on a rotating disk and make earthenware bottles, seeing this insatiably...
Compounding Effect
To not face retribution yetis not a consolation,but a reminderthat it will be compounded in effectif still not repentant. Shilashanti
Encouraging Mindfulness Of Buddha, Cultivates Blessings And Wisdom 劝念佛，修福慧
[能将净土法门劝人，即是福慧双修。] … [Those able to use the Pure Land Dharma Door to encourage people, then are with blessings and wisdom both cultivated.] …...
How To Perfectly Cultivate Both Blessings And Wisdom With The Greatest Ease 如何最自在圆满福慧双修
如何最自在圆满福慧双修How To Perfectly Cultivate Both Blessings And Wisdom With The Greatest Ease 修福不修慧，象身掛瓔珞。修慧不修福，罗汉应供薄。— 佛教偈颂Cultivating blessings and not cultivating wisdom, on the elephant’s body...
[58] The Parable Of The Two Sons Dividing Wealth From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之二子分财喻
昔摩罗国有一刹利，得病极重，必知定死，诫敕二子：「我死之后善分财物。」In the past, in Malla Kingdom, there was a kṣatriya, who got a sickness that was extremely serious. Knowing he will definitely die, he ordered his two sons, ‘After...
Three Steps For Good Communication
[1] The first stepfor a fruitful conversationis to listen calmly and clearly. [2] The second stepis to speak calmly and clearlyto respond to that heard. [3] The third stepis to return to the first...
With Blessings And Wisdom Together Cultivated 福慧双修
「 [1] 修福不修慧，象身挂璎珞；[2] 修慧不修福，罗汉应供薄。」… [2] ‘Cultivating blessings and not cultivating wisdom, on the elephant’s body hangs necklaces. [1] Cultivating...
Our Buddha-Nature Is Most Honourable 吾人佛性最为尊
奇哉！奇哉！此诸众生云何具有如来智慧，愚痴迷惑，不知不见？– 释迦牟尼佛《华严经》Marvellous! Marvellous! Of all these sentient beings, why are they complete with the Thus Come Ones’ wisdom, yet ignorant and confused, not knowing and...
[57] The Parable Of Stepping On The Elder’s Mouth From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之蹋长者口喻
昔有大富长者，左右之人欲取其意皆尽恭敬。长者唾时，左右侍人以脚蹋却。In the past, there was a great wealthy elder, with people on his left and right, desiring to obtain his favour, who are all completely reverent to him. When the...
‘M3GAN’ (Megan) Is Not Human(e) After All
With ongoing crimes and mass unrest physical and mental, since humans are already not so predictable, how can collective human ‘knowledge’ as AI (Artificial Intelligence), which also...
With Blessings And Wisdom Both Cultivated 福慧兼修
[1] 修慧不修福，明了而穷困。[2] 修福不修慧，富贵而愚痴。[3] 福慧若兼修，富贵而明了。[4] 二者皆不修，愚痴而穷困。 [1] Cultivating wisdom and not cultivating blessings, there is understanding that is clear, yet having...
[56] The Parable Of Asking For Nothing From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之索无物喻
昔有二人道中共行，见有一人将胡麻车，在崄路中不能得前。In the past, there were two persons in the middle of the path together walking, seeing there is a person leading a sesame cart, in the middle of a steep road, not able to...
The Mega 1 Lesson From ‘Meg 2: The Trench’
No matter how seeminglybig and ‘monstrous’ a challenge is,with many intricacies,do not be entrenched, stuck. ‘We work the problemsone by one.We do what’s in front of us.And...
Hard Truths Vs Sweet Lies
Hard truths eventually lift you up,while sweet lies will let you downas they do not align with reality.
With The Six Roots Not Lustful Attain Purity 六根不淫得清净
若有持心、 持身不造淫欲，持眼不视淫色，持耳不听淫声，持鼻不嗅淫香，持舌不触淫舌，如此名为具足智慧，行八正路。 不淫净身心，喻如莲花，不著尘垢，成… 无上大道，皆从不淫清净故得。 释迦牟尼佛《受十善戒经》 If having upholding in mind,uphold the body by not creating lustful desires,uphold the eyes by...
[55] The Parable Of Wishing To, For The King Shave His Beard From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之愿为王剃须喻
昔者有王有一亲信，于军阵中没命救王使得安全，王大欢喜与其所愿，即便问言：「汝何所求？恣汝所欲。」In the past, there was a King who had a close and trusted minister, within a battle formation risking losing of his life to save the King, causing him...
Seven Nearly Silent Lessons From ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’
[1] Calmness: The more chaotic and panicky the rest of the crowd is, the more personal calmness there has to be, for finding a method to make sense of and survive the madness. The world might by...
Not So Bad Or Much Worse?
If well preparedfor the worst,if it occurs,it will notbe so bad. If unpreparedfor the bad,if it occurs,it mightbe much worse. Stonepeace
Never Departing From The Bodhi Path 不离菩提道
举足下足，常在道场。 施为举动，皆是菩提。 禅宗四祖道信大师《入道安心要方便门》 Be it raising a foot or lowering a foot,constantly in the place for practising the path.Conduct and movements,are all for Bodhi (Awakening). Chán...
[54] The Parable Of The Snake’s Head And Tail Together Disputing Who To Be At The Front From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之蛇头尾共争在前喻
譬如有蛇，尾语头言：「我应在前。」For example, there is a snake, with the tail speaking to the head, saying, ‘I should be at the front.’头语尾言：「我恒在前，何以卒尔？」The head spoke to the tail, saying, ‘As I am constantly at the...
Four Uneasy Haikus On The ‘Boston Strangler(s)’
It is easy to pointthe blame to someone else,instead of acknowledging one’s complicity. (Why not reflect more completely?) It is easy to assumethe guilty being one person,instead of possibly...
How To Purify ‘The Cursed Land’?
In many Thai supernatural movies, some monks usually eventually save the day from malevolent ghostly encounters. However, this horror story tells of disturbances by (otherwise neither innately good...
What Is ‘It’ Really?
‘It’ is evil (personified).‘It’ is (your) greed (or attachment).‘It’ is (your) hatred (or aversion).‘It’ is (your) delusion (or ignorance)...
The Three Rules Of Love
The Three Rules Of Love [1] Expression: Show it well[2] Commitment: Hang on well[3] Relinquishment: Let go well
From The Roots To The Fruit 从本至果
一切善法，戒为根本。持戒之人，则心不悔。不悔则欢喜，欢喜则心乐，心乐得一心，一心则生实智，实智生则得厌，得厌则离欲，离欲得解脱，解脱得涅槃，是名净持戒。 圣天菩萨《百论》上卷舍罪福品第一 All good Dharma [teachings], are with the [1] Precepts as roots. Of people upholding the [1] Precepts...
[53] The Parable Of The Teacher’s Suffering Feet Handed Over To His Two Disciples From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之师患脚付二弟子喻
譬如一师有二弟子，其师患脚，遣二弟子人当一脚随时按摩。For example, a teacher has two disciples. As this teacher has suffering feet, he sent the two disciples, to be with each person supporting one leg, at all times massaging...
Shine
With decloudingis the shining. Stonepeace
Practise Good To Cease Evil 行善止恶
若勤修善时，罪恶心不起；于福不勤者，心便造诸恶。 释迦牟尼佛《根本说一切有部毗奈耶卷》 If when diligently cultivating good,transgressions’ evil mind does not arise.Of those for blessings not diligent,their minds will then create many...
[52] The Parable Of The Musician Making Music From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之伎儿作乐喻
譬如伎儿，王前作乐，王许千钱。For example, when a musician, before the King made music, the King promised him a thousand coins.后从王索，王不与之，王语之言：「汝向作乐空乐我耳，我与汝钱亦乐汝耳。」Later, from the King asking for them, the King did...
The Best Offering
The best offering isthe fragrance of virtuefrom utmost sincere Dharma practice.
With True Repentance Uproot Transgressions’ Roots 真忏拔罪根
若人造重罪，作已深自责，忏悔更不造，能拔根本罪。 释迦牟尼佛《业报差别经》 If a person has created a heavy transgression,done already with deep personal reproach,repenting and again not creating it,this is able to uproot the root of the...
Reports Of Those Reborn In Pure Land Returning To Inform So 往生净土归来报告之公案
Confusion: There are some who might doubt the reality of rebirth in Āmítuófó’s (阿弥陀佛: Amitābha Buddha) Pure Land (净土), assuming that without news of those reborn returning to inform of their...
[51] The Parable Of The Five Persons Buying A Servant And Together Ordering Him To Work From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之五人买婢共使作喻
譬如五人共买一婢，其中一人语此婢言：「与我浣衣。」For example, five persons together bought a servant. Among then, a person spoke to this servant, saying, ‘For me wash my clothes.’次有一人复语浣衣。Next, there was a person, who again...
‘Suzume’ Reflections On One Portal, Gateway, Keystone And Feeling
One Portal: If Āmítuófó’s (阿弥陀佛) Pure Land (净土) is reached, it is also like a ‘portal’ for seeing the past (for missed lessons), the present and the projected future (with the...
True R.I.P.
True rest and peaceis from Rebirth In Pure Land,for training before leaving,to deliver others with ease.
Personally Eliminate Evils And Teach Others To Eliminate Evils 自除教他除
菩萨摩诃萨先自除恶，后教人除。若不自除，能教他除，无有是处！是故菩萨先应自施、持戒、知足、勤行精进，然后化人。 释迦牟尼佛《优婆塞戒经》自利利他品第十 Bodhisattva Mahāsattvas should first personally eliminate evils, after that teaching people to eliminate them. If not...
Āmítuófó Has Long Since Prepared How To Save And Deliver Us 阿弥陀佛早已预备如何救度吾人
愿我作佛，齐圣法王。过度生死，靡不解脱。布施调意，戒忍精进，如是三昧，智慧为上。吾誓得佛，普行此愿。一切恐惧，为作大安。 — 过去法藏菩萨；现在阿弥陀佛《无量寿经》：总愿 May I become a Buddha, equal to the noble Dharma King. Crossing over, delivering beings from birth and death...
[50] The Parable Of Healing The Hunchback From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之医治脊偻喻
譬如有人卒患脊偻请医疗之，医以酥涂，上下着板，用力痛压，不觉双目一时并出。For example, there was a person who suddenly became a hunchback, who invited a doctor to heal him. The doctor, with ghee applied, and with his above and below...
What Is (Not) Self-Praising And Slandering Of Others?
Question: If a ‘teacher’s answer on an important Buddhist question is unorthodox, inconsistent with the Dharma taught by the Buddha, and if this is highlighted by the confused asking us...
The ‘Mindful’ Killer In ‘Woman Of The Hour’
There is Right Mindfulness (正念),aligned to goodness and purity,and there is evil mindfulness (邪念),aligned to greed (with lust), hatred and delusion. How ‘deranged’ is onewho is...
Repentance & Forgiveness
While we should practiserepentance for our mistakes,we should also practiseforgiveness for others’ mistakes,even if they do not repent. Stonepeace
The Bodhisattva Precepts Are Like A Lamp, Mirror And Maṇi Gem
戒如大明灯，能消长夜暗。戒如真宝镜，照法尽无余。戒如摩尼珠，雨物济贫穷。离世速成佛，唯此法为最。是故诸菩萨，应当勤护戒。 These Precepts are like a great bright lamp, able to eliminate long night’s darkness. These Precepts are like a true treasure mirror...
How To Complain And Handle Complaints Properly (With And Without AI)?
若佛子，自瞋、教人瞋、瞋因、瞋缘、瞋法、瞋业。而菩萨应生一切众生善根无诤之事，常生慈悲心、孝顺心。而反更于一切众生中，乃至于非众生中，以恶口骂辱，加以手打，及以刀杖，意犹不息。前人求悔，善言忏谢，犹瞋不解者，是菩萨波罗夷罪。 — 释迦牟尼佛《梵网经菩萨戒本》：第九瞋心不受悔戒 If, as Buddhas’ [Bodhisattva] disciples, they should...
[49] The Parable Of The Small Boys Disputing When Differentiating Hair From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之小儿争分别毛喻
譬如昔日有二小儿入河遨戏，于此水底得一把毛，一小儿言：「此是仙须。」For example, in past days, there were two small boys entering a river to play. At this water’s bottom getting a handful of hair, a small boy said, ‘This is a sage’s...
Three ‘Spectre’ Haikus On Protection
[1] M reminds Bond:‘A license to killis also a licensenot to kill.’ Reflection: Killing is the last resort,for protecting the living,not for making a living. [2] On the Nine Eyes...
Already In Simulation
We are living in a simulationpowered by our three poisonsof greed, hatred and delusion,to be awakened from,with generosity, compassion and wisdom.
Verse On Autumn And Winter 秋冬偈
看天入秋，不知余年，也许秋冬，善用余生。 Seeing nature entering autumn, not knowing my remaining years, perhaps already in my autumn or winter, I have to well use the rest of this life.
Not Can Or Cannot, But Should Or Should Not 不是可不可，而是该不该
大爱偈Verses On Great Love 于食众生肉，非是可不可，而是该不该，是否顺大爱。 Of eating sentient beings’ flesh, it is not a matter of can or cannot, but a matter of should or should not, whether it accords with great love...
[48] The Parable Of That Jackal By A Broken Tree Branch Hit From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之野干为折树枝所打喻
譬如野干在于树下，风吹枝折堕其脊上，即便闭目不欲看树，舍弃而走到于露地，乃至日暮亦不肯来。For example, there was a jackal at a tree below. When the wind blew, a branch broke and fell on his spine above. He immediately closed his eyes, not...
Thought
Be thoughtful about the thoughtful,thoughtless about the thoughtless. Stonepeace
Mountain Vs Mind Bandits
破山中贼易，破心中贼难。 王阳明 Defeating bandits within mountains is easy.Defeating bandits within minds is difficult. Wáng Yángmíng
Uphold The Bodhisattva Precepts Like The Grass Tied Monks 持菩萨戒如草系比丘
若受佛戒者，应护佛戒，如念一子、如事父母，不可毁破。 — 释迦牟尼佛《梵网菩萨戒本》 If there are those who have received the Buddha’s [Bodhisattva] Precepts, they should protect the Buddha’s Precepts, like being mindful of their...
[47] The Parable Of The Poor Person Making A Mandarin Duck’s Chirp From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之贫人作鸳鸯鸣喻
昔外国节法庆之日，一切妇女尽持优钵罗华以为鬘饰。 In the past, as a foreign country’s etiquette and law, on its day of celebration, all its women all held utpala flowers, with them as garlands adorning themselves...
‘The Report’ On ‘Enhanced Interrogation’
Here is a moral ‘dilemma’. Is it right to torture ‘criminals and suspects’ for ‘truths’, that might save other lives? This might seem plausible at first, provided...
In And Out Of Time
We arealways runningin time.We arealways runningout of time. Stonepeace
[46] The Parable Of Stealing The Yak From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之偷牦牛喻
譬如一村共偷牦牛而共食之。 For example, there were people from a village who together stole a yak and together ate it. 其失牛者逐迹至村，唤此村人问其由状，而语之言：「尔在此村不？」 That person who lost the yak followed the footprints and...
Escape The ‘Killer Heat’ Of Jealous Rage
It is often observed that identical (i.e. monozygotic) twins tend to get along well. After all, they have the same DNA, having come from fertilisation of a single egg by a single sperm, with the...
Apologise And Thank
Live each day fully,and love more deeply,with no apology not offered,and no thanks not given,such that even if this is the last meeting,there will be absolutely no regrets. — Stonepeace
With Precepts And Repentance Is The Buddha Path 有戒，有忏悔，有佛道
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 with precepts, yet transgressing them, are superior to those without [precepts] and not transgressing them. Those with [precepts] to transgress are named...
[45] The Parable Of The Servant Guarding The Door From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之奴守门喻
譬如有人将欲远行，敕其奴言：「尔好守门并看驴索。」 For example, there was a person who will be about to travel far, ordering his servant, saying, ‘You should well guard the door, and look after the donkey’s rope...
How To Constantly Comply With Sentient Beings?
Question: When we practise ‘constantly complying with sentient beings’ (恒顺众生) as a Bodhisattva practice, how do we decide what can and cannot be done? (To comply with beings means to...
Top Ten Power Reflections From ‘The Rings Of Power’
[1] Initiation: Power tends to be needed to manage matters, for the good of oneself and others. [2] Accumulation: Power tends to be accumulated increasingly for increasing efficiency. Power is easy...
On And On?
Life must go onbut life must not go onlike it will always go on and on. Stonepeace
[44] The Parable Of Desiring To Eat Half A Pancake From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之欲食半饼喻
譬如有人，因其饥故食七枚煎饼，食六枚半已便得饱满，其人恚悔，以手自打而作是言：「我今饱足由此半饼，然前六饼唐自捐弃，设知半饼能充足者，应先食之。」 For example, there is a person, because of his hunger thus, eating seven pieces of pancakes. After eating six and a half...
Can Food Offered To The Deceased Be Eaten After?
Question: Is vegan food already offered to the deceased suitable for eating? Answer: The idea that post-offered food is unhealthy is not true. If not fit for eating, many who eat it should know...
Indestructibility
That which is indestructible by allis that which can destroy all.(That is truth.) Stonepeace
Be Like The Rock
To be like the rockthat the waveskeep crashing over. It stands unmovedand the raging of the seafalls still around it. Marcus Aurelius(Meditations)
The Root Ten Precepts Of All Buddhas And Bodhisattvas’ Practices 一切佛菩萨行之根本十戒
佛子！有十不可悔戒，应受应持。 Buddhas’ [Bodhisattva] disciples, there are Ten Unrepentable Precepts, that should be received and should be upheld. [Note 1: The breaking of these precepts has to be very...
Towards The Extraordinary
To err is ordinary;to repent less ordinary,and to not err again extraordinary. Stonepeace
Verse On Threefold Refuge 三皈偈
何为皈依三宝？归命十方诸佛，归命诸世出法，归命诸贤圣僧。 What is refuge in the Triple Gem? It is refuge for life in the ten directions‘ all Buddhas, refuge for life in all worldly and world-transcending Dharma teachings, and...
[43] The Parable Of Polishing A Big Rock From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之磨大石喻
譬如有人，磨一大石勤加功力，经历日月作小戏牛，用功既重所期甚轻。 For example, there is a person polishing a big rock with diligence, additional labour and strength, going through days and months making a small toy cow, with use of...
[42] The Parable Of The Merchant With His Camel’s Death From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之估客驼死喻
譬如估客游行商贾，会于路中而驼卒死，驼上所载多有珍宝，细软上㲲种种杂物。 For example, like a merchant guest who is a travelling merchant, when meeting on the road, then with his camel suddenly dying, on the camel above, those carried...
Responsiblity
You remain responsiblefor having chosento relinquish responsibilitywhen you should have not.
Retain Mindfulness Of The Triple Gem 存念三宝
怖心难生、善心难发，故经云：『勿轻小罪以为无殃，水滴虽微渐盈大器。刹那造罪殃堕无间，一失人身 万劫不复。壮色不停犹如奔马，人命无常过于山水，今日虽存明亦难保。众等各各一心勤修精进，慎勿懈怠懒惰睡眠纵意，夜即摄心存念三宝。莫以空过徒设疲劳，后代深悔。』卢舍那佛《梵网经菩萨戒序》摘录 As the terrified mind is difficult to produce, and the...
How Giving Rise To Aspiration For Birth In Pure Land Aligns With The Four Noble Truths And Four Great Vows 发愿往生净土如何对齐四圣谛与四弘誓愿
若有人已发愿、今发愿、当发愿，欲生阿弥陀佛国者，是诸人等，皆得不退转于阿耨多罗三藐三菩提，于彼国土，若已生、若今生、若当生。是故舍利弗，诸善男子、善女人，若有信者，应当发愿，生彼国土。 释迦牟尼佛《阿弥陀经》 If there are people who have already vowed, are now vowing, or will be vowing, with the desire...
[41] The Parable Of Piśāca Ghosts From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之毗舍闍鬼喻
昔有二毗舍闍鬼，共有一箧一杖一屐，二鬼共诤各各欲得，二鬼纷纭竟日不能使平。In the past, there were two piśāca ghosts, together having one trunk, one cane and one pair of clogs. With the two ghosts together disputing, with each one...
Quickly Accomplish Buddhahood 速成佛
生西方极乐世界，受用种种功德庄严清净佛土大乘法乐，日夜六时亲近供养无量寿【阿弥陀】佛，游历十方供养诸佛，于诸佛所闻法受记，福慧资粮疾得圆满，速证无上正等菩提。 释迦牟尼佛《称赞净土佛摄受经》 Be born in the Western Land Of Ultimate Bliss, to receive and use all kinds of meritorious...
[40] The Parable Of Curing Baldness From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之治秃喻
昔有一人头上无毛，冬则大寒夏则患热，兼为蚊虻之所唼食，昼夜受恼，甚以为苦。 In the past, there was a person, with his head above without hair, in winter then with great cold, and in summer then suffering from heat, together by mosquitoes...
Cultivate And Extinguish 修与息
勤修戒定慧，息灭贪嗔痴。Diligently cultivate precepts, concentration and wisdom,to extinguish greed, hatred and delusion. 佛教格言Buddhist Saying
[39] The Parable Of Seeing Another Person Applying On His House From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之见他人涂舍喻
昔有一人往至他舍，见他屋舍墙壁涂治，其地平正清净甚好，便问之言：「用何和涂得如是好？」 In the past, there was a person who went to and arrived at another’s house. Seeing the other’s house’s walls applied and treated, with...
Lion Verse 狮子偈
佛已狮子吼，应至心闻法。不闻胡乱说，狮子身上虫。 As the Buddha has already roared the lion’s roar, there should be, with the sincere mind, listening to the Dharma. If not listening to the Dharma and carelessly...
Should We Be Good Children To ‘Bad’ Parents?
右肩负父、左肩负母，经历千年，正使便利背上，然无有怨心于父母，此子犹不足报父母恩。 释迦牟尼佛《佛说父母恩难报经》 If on the right shoulder carrying one’s Father, and on the left shoulder carrying one’s Mother, going through a thousand years...
[38] The Parable Of Drinking The Wooden Bucket’s Water From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之饮木筩水喻
昔有一人，行来渴乏，见木筩中有清净流水，就而饮之，饮水已足即便举手语木筩言：「我已饮竟，水莫复来。」 In the past, there was a person, with walking coming to be thirsty and exhausted. Seeing a wooden bucket, within having pure flowing water, he right...
Verse On Bell’s Sounds 钟声偈
愿此钟声超法界，铁围幽暗悉皆闻。闻尘清净证圆通，一切众生成正觉。 May this bell’s sound transcend the Dharma realm, with those in Iron Wall Mountain’s darkness all hearing it. May hearing’s dust be purified, for...
[37] The Parable Of Killing A Herd Of Cows From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之杀群牛喻
昔有一人，有二百五十头牛，常驱逐水草随时餧食。 In the past, there was a person, who had two hundred and fifty count of cows, constantly driving them to lands with water and grass, at all times for feeding food and drink...
Verse On Definitely Having 必有偈
四大必有，成住坏空。五蕴亦有，生老病死。 The four great elements definitely have forming, abiding, disintegrating and emptiness. The five aggregates also have, birth, ageing, sickness and death.
How To Spiritually Deliver And Be Delivered 如何超度与得度
为人子女，应该注重于父母亲的神识得到安居之所【阿弥陀佛之净土】。 — 净土宗十三祖印光大师《临终三大要》 As children, we should emphasise on the attainment of settlement for our parents’ consciousnesses [in Āmítuófó’s Pure Land]. — Pure Land...
[36] The Parable Of Destroying Eyes Of The Sage With Five Supernormal Powers From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之破五通仙眼喻
昔有一人，入山学道得五通仙，天眼彻视，能见地中一切伏藏种种珍宝。 In the past, there was a person, who entered a mountain to learn the path and attained to be a sage with five supernormal powers. With the heavenly eye having...
Learn On
As only the fully enlighteneddo not need to learn further,may we learn on to practise on.
[35] The Parable Of The Treasure Trunk’s Mirror From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之宝箧镜喻
昔有一人，贫穷困乏，多负人债无以可偿，即便逃避至空旷处。 In the past, there was a person, poor, with difficulties and lacking, owing many people debts. Without that which can be used for repayment, he immediately escaped and...
Flattered Or Bettered?
Those who dolike being praisedare more easily flattered. Those who donot dislike being blamedare more easily bettered. Stonepeace
Those Who Have Transgressions Should Repent 有罪者当忏悔
诸佛子等！合掌至心听。我今欲说诸佛大戒序。众集，默然听。自知有罪当忏悔，忏悔即安乐，不忏悔罪益深。无罪者默然，默然故，当知众清净。 《梵网经菩萨戒序》 All Buddha’s disciples and others! With joined palms and the sincere mind listen. I now desire to speak on all Buddhas’...
The Second Best Story I Know
This is the second best story I know.It is based on the best story I know –the life story of the Buddha. Once upon a time, when the Buddha was still Prince Siddhartha,He had all that most of us would...
[34] The Parable Of Delivering Sweet Water From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之送美水喻
昔有一聚落，去王城五由旬，村中有好美水。王敕村人，常使日日送其美水，村人疲苦，悉欲移避远此村去。 In the past, there was a village, from the King’s city five yojanas away, with the village within having good and sweet water. The King ordered...
Verse On Pure Veganism 净素偈
戒肉五辛，奶蛋酒蜜，勿用众生，皮毛羽劳。 Abstain from consuming flesh, five pungent roots,dairy products, eggs, alcohol and honey,and do not use sentient beings’skin, fur, feathers and toil. Related Article: How...
Countdown Reflection
Why is countdown to a new year celebrationwhen it counts another year gone by?Why is it not for solemn reflectionon how best to use the time left? May all live a spiritually fulfilling new year.
[33] The Parable Of Cutting The Tree To Obtain Its Fruits From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之斫树取果喻
昔有国王，有一好树高广极大，当生胜果香而甜美。 In the past, there was a country’s King, who had a beautiful tree that was tall, wide and extremely big, that will grow supreme fruits that are fragrant and sweet...
Will, Thought, Purpose, Spirit, Demeanour, Words & Deeds 志、意趣、气度与言动
作恶事须防鬼神知，干好事莫怕旁人笑。 Doing evil deeds, there ‘must’ be preventing of ghosts and gods from knowing them. [which is impossible]. Doing good deeds, there must not be fearing of other people laughing at...
Verse On Listening To Teachings 闻法偈
听善人言，或得善法。信受佛言，才得正法。 Listening to good persons’ words,perhaps getting good teachings.Faithfully receiving the Buddha’s words,then attaining the Right Dharma.
[32] The Parable Of The Merchant Guest Who Stole Gold From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之估客偷金喻
昔有二估客，共行商贾，一卖真金，其第二者卖兜罗绵。 In the past, there were two merchant guests, together as travelling merchants trading, with one selling true gold, and that second one selling tūla cotton...
Thought
May thoughtlessness bring calmness.May thoughtfulness bring clarity.
With One Recitation Of Námó Buddhāya 一称南无佛
若人散乱心，入于塔庙中，一称南无佛，皆已成佛道。于诸过去佛，在世或灭度，若有闻是法，皆已成佛道。 释迦牟尼佛《妙法莲华经》方便品第二 If people with scattered minds, enter in a pagoda within, with one recitation of ‘Námó Buddhā[ya]’, all already are...
[31] The Parable Of Hiring An Earthenware Master From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之雇借瓦师喻
昔有婆罗门师欲作大会，语弟子言：「我须瓦器以供会用，汝可为我雇借瓦师诣市觅之。」 In the past, there was a Brahmin teacher, desiring to have a great assembly, who spoke to his disciple, saying, ‘As I need earthenwares, with them for...
Will You Duel The ‘Dual’ You?
Doppelganger tales are literally good for self-reflection. ‘Dual’ gives rise to much dualistically balanced food for thought… If not informed, how do you know if you are the original or a...
Verse On Seeing Mountains 看山偈
假观是山，空观非山，中观是非，三观看山。 With false contemplation are mountains, with empty contemplation not mountains, with middle contemplation are and/or not, with the Three Contemplations see mountains. Related...
[30] The Parable Of The Person Tending Sheep From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之牧羊人喻
昔有一人，巧于牧羊，其羊滋多乃有千万，极大悭贪不肯外用。 In the past, there was a person, skilful in tending sheep, with his sheep increasing in number, thus having ten million of them. With extremely great greed, he was not...
Perfect The Fundamentals
Spiritual perfection is just full extensionof the Dharma’s fundamental principlespractised and realised.
Verse On Buddha Crowns 佛顶偈
世有山顶，佛无见顶。超越一切，世出世间。 The world has mountain peaks, the Buddhas have unseeable crowns (uṣṇīṣas). Surpassing all, of the worldly and world-transcending.
[29] The Parable Of The Poor Person Burning Coarse Hemp Clothes From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之贫人烧粗褐衣喻
昔有一人贫穷困乏，与他客作，得粗褐衣而被着之。 In the past, there was a person poor with difficulties of that lacking, for another as a servant working, who got coarse hemp clothes and wore them...
Is It Advisable For Buddhists To Burn Paper Offerings For The Deceased? 佛教徒该为亡者烧纸扎供品吗？
Question: Is it alright for a Buddhist wake to have burning of paper offerings? Answer: Unless it is an absolute ‘must’ to appease those who insist, this should be avoided. And if done...
Relistening To ‘Blade Runner’s ‘Tears In Rain’ Monologue
The runaway rebel replicant (i.e. bioengineered humanoid) Roy Batty delivered the following iconic monologue, right before his synthetic body shut down. This was after chasing and confronting the...
Thoughtfulness
To know if your thoughtsare thoughtful enough,think about others’ thoughts too.
[28] The Parable Of For The Wife Changing Her Nose From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之为妇贸鼻喻
昔有一人，其妇端正唯有鼻丑，其人出外见他妇女面貌端正其鼻甚好，便作念言：「我今宁可截取其鼻着我妇面上，不亦好乎？」 In the past, there was a person, whose wife looked upright, only having her nose being ugly. When that person went out and saw another...
[27] The Parable Of Curing Whip Wounds From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之治鞭疮喻
昔有一人为王所鞭，既被鞭已，以马屎拊之欲令速差。有愚人见之心生欢喜，便作是言：「我决得是治疮方法。」 In the past, there was a person who was by the King whipped, having been whipped already, with horse dung applying it on his wounds, desiring to...
Contemplate The Sound Of The Buddha’s Name 观佛音
观音念佛，观念佛音。When Contemplator Of The World’s Sounds Bodhisattva recites the Buddha’s name, she contemplates the sound of the Buddha’s name recited.
[26] The Parable Of The Person Imitating A King’s Eye-Twitching From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之人效王眼瞤喻
昔有一人，欲得王意，问余人言：「云何得之？」 In the past, there was a person, desiring to get the King’s agreeability, asked other people, saying, ‘How can I get it?’ 有人语言：「若欲得王意者，王之形相汝当效之。」 There...
Verse On Time 时间偈
快乐时候，时间快过。难过时候，时间难过。 When happy,time quickly passes.When sad,time slowly passes. (Thus, time in higher realms, including heavens and Pure Lands, with more happiness, passes much quicker, while time...
Reverent Mindfulness
Reverent mindfulnessof an awakened Buddhaalso reverently awakensyour Buddha-nature.
Verse On Four Immeasurable Minds 四无量心偈
慈愿快乐，悲拔不乐，喜随同乐，舍愿等乐。 Loving-kindness wishes happiness,compassion removes unhappiness,rejoice accordingly together has happiness,equanimity wishes all equal happiness.
[24] The Parable Of Planting Roasted Sesame Seeds From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之种熬胡麻子喻
昔有愚人，生食胡麻子以为不美，熬而食之为美，便生念言：「不如熬而种之，后得美者。」 In the past, there was a foolish person, with raw eating of sesame seeds, with them as not delicious, and with roasting then eating them as delicious. He...
Strive On
As long as we are not yet Buddhas,(and not yet in Pure Land),with this precious and short human life,may we keep learning and practising the Dharma.
Verse On Cultivating And Learning 修学偈
学佛非佛学：学佛学作佛；佛学做学问；修学修与学。 Learning from the Buddha is not the same as having Buddhist studies: learning from the Buddha is learning to become a Buddha; having Buddhist studies is to learn...
[23] The Parable Of The Thief Stealing Brocade To Use For Wrapping Felt And Coarse Hemp Cloth From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之贼偷锦绣用裹氀褐喻
昔有贼人入富家舍偷得锦绣，即持用裹故弊氀褐种种财物，为智人所笑。 In the past, there was a thief who entered a wealthy family’s abode, stealing to get brocade, immediately holding to use it, to wrap old and damaged felt...
The Disappointment Paradox
Only be disappointedfor not learningfrom being disappointed.
Which Person In Which River? 何河何人？
从来无有人，再踏入同河。因河非同河，而人非同人。 — 赫拉克利特No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it is not the same river and he is not the same man.— Heraclitus 人空即我空，五蕴皆是空。河空即法空，四大皆是空。 The person being empty is the...
Have You Heeded The Five Heavenly Messengers’ Warnings Yet? 五位天使的警告您听了吗？
Warned by the deva messengers,those ‘youths’ who are heedlessgrieve for a long, long time—[as] people entering a lower state. — The Buddha(Devadūta Sutta) In the Devadūta...
[22] The Parable Of Entering The Ocean To Take Water-Sunken Incense From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之入海取沉水喻
昔有长者子，入海取沉水积有年载，方得一车持来归家。 In the past, there was an elder’s son, who entered the ocean to take water-sunken incense (i.e. agarwood) that was accumulated for years, then getting a carriage to...
Four Lys
See clearly,think carefully,speak kindlyand act rightly.
[21] The Parable Of The Woman Desiring Again To Seek A Child From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之妇女欲更求子喻
往昔世时有妇女人，始有一子更欲求子，问余妇女：「谁有能使我重有子？」 When in a past period, there was a women, first having a child, again desiring to seek another child, asked other women, ‘Who has the ability to cause me to...
The Only Complaint
Only complain about yourselffor only complaining about others. Never mistakemere complaintsas actual solutions.
All Bodhisattvas’ Thirty-Eight Wonderful Practices’ Causes And Effects 诸菩萨三十八妙行之因果
忍辱得端正，施莲花化生，法施知宿命，汝当如是解。…修心得三昧，忍获陀罗尼，敬重于众生，发言人信受。…不谄得正念，巧观智慧生，尊重所修行，护法心坚固。…由施得诸相，行慈获随好，等心于众生，观者无厌足。… With patience attains uprightness, with giving from a lotus flower manifesting birth, and with the...
Three Existential Queries On Life And The Universe
Question [1]: How did the universe (宇宙) and life (生命) come into existence? Answer: According to the Buddha’s teachings, due to the natural law of impermanence (i.e. 无常: constant change), the...
Choose Your Battles Well
If you do not chooseyour meaningful battles,others’ meaningless battlesmight choose you.
[20] The Parable Of A Person Saying A King Is Recklessly Brutal From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之人说王纵暴喻
昔有一人说王过罪，而作是言：「王什暴虐治政无理。」 In the past, there was a person who spoke of a King’s faults and transgressions, then making this statement, ‘The King is extremely brutal, with his governance...
In/Difference
Be indifferentto what you shouldbe indifferent to. Make a differenceto what you shouldmake a difference to.
[19] The Parable Of Riding A Ship And Losing An Alms Bowl From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之乘船失釪喻
昔有人乘船渡海，失一银釪堕于水中，即便思念：「我今画水作记，舍之而去后当取之。」 In the past, there was a person riding a ship crossing the ocean, where he lost a silver alms bowl, with it falling within the water. He immediately thought...
[18] The Parable Of Accommodating Stairs To Sharpen A Knife From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之就楼磨刀喻
昔有一人，贫穷困苦为王作事，日月经久身体羸瘦。王见怜愍，赐一死驼。 In the past, there was a person, who was poor, with hardship and suffering, for the King doing work. With days and months long passing, his body became thin and weak...
[17] The Parable Of The Debt Of Half A Coin From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之债半钱喻
往有商人贷他半钱久不得偿，即便往债。 In the past, there was a merchant who lent another person half a coin. For long, not getting it repaid, he immediately went to collect the debt. 前有大河，雇他两钱然后得渡，到彼往债竟不得见，来还渡河复雇两钱。 As...
[16] The Parable Of Irrigating Sugar Cane From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之灌甘蔗喻
昔有二人共种甘蔗，而作誓言：「种好者赏，其不好者当重罚之。」 In the past, there were two persons together planting sugar cane, then making this vow, saying, ‘That person who plants well will be rewarded, and for that who...
Verses On Natural And Man-Made Disasters 天灾人祸偈
天灾人祸偈Verses On Natural And Man-Made Disasters 天灾即人祸：贪心生水灾；嗔心生火灾；痴心生风灾。Natural disasters are the same as man-made disasters:with the greedy mind giving rise to water disasters;with the angry mind...
[15] The Parable Of The Doctor Giving The King’s Daughter Medicine To Enable Hastening Of Growing Up From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之医与王女药令卒长大喻
昔有国王产生一女，唤医语言：「为我与药立使长大。」 In the past, there was a country’s King who gave birth to a daughter, who called a doctor, saying, ‘For my daughter, give medicine that will immediately enable...
Why Is Āmítuófó’s Pure Land The Most Interesting Place? 为何阿弥陀佛的净土是最有趣之处？Why Is Pure Land Not Boring At All 为何净土一点都不无聊
令我作佛，国土第一。其众奇妙，道场超绝。 — 过前法藏菩萨；现在阿弥陀佛《无量寿经》法藏因地第六 If I become a Buddha, my [Pure] Land will be the foremost. Its assembly will be unique and wonderful, in a place for realising the path surpassing. —...
[14] The Parable Of Killing The Merchants’ Leader To Offer A ‘Heavenly God’ From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之杀商主祀天喻
昔有贾客欲入大海，入大海之法要须导师然后可去，即共求觅得一导师，既得之已相将发引至旷野中。 In the past, there were merchants who desired to enter the great ocean. As for the method of entering the great ocean, there must be a guiding teacher...
[12] The Parable Of Roasting Black Rock Candy From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之煮黑石蜜浆喻
昔有愚人煮黑石蜜，有一富人来至其家。时此愚人便作是念：「我今当取黑石蜜浆与此富人。」 In the past, there was a foolish person roasting black rock candy, when there was a rich person coming, arriving at his house. Then, this foolish person...
[11] The Parable Of The Brahmin Who Killed His Son From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之婆罗门杀子喻
昔有婆罗门自谓多知，于诸星术种种技艺无不明达，恃己如此，欲显其德，遂至他国，抱儿而哭。 In the past, a Brahmin personally called himself to have much knowledge, to be with all of astrology’s all kinds of skills, without that not...
[10] The Parable Of The Three-Layered Storeyed Building From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之三重楼喻
往昔之世，有富愚人痴无所知，到余富家见三重楼，高广严丽轩敞踈朗，心生渴仰即作是念：「我有财钱不减于彼，云何顷来而不造作如是之楼？」 In a period of the past, there was a rich and foolish person, ignorant without that known, who reached another rich person’s...
Brief Introduction To The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》简介
After studying the Sūtra Treasury (经藏), having selected those deemed as the most important parables, the Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》was compiled by the Elder Saṅghasena (尊者僧伽斯那) in Central...
[8] The Parable Of The Qiāng Mountain Person Who Stole From An Official Storehouse From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之山羗偷官库喻
过去之世有一山羗，偷王库物而远逃走。尔时国王遣人四出推寻捕得，将至王边。 In a period of the past, there was a Qiāng mountain person, who stole a King’s storehouse’s property and to far away escaped. At that time, the...
[7] The Parable Of Recognising A Person As One’s Brother From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之认人为兄喻
昔有一人形容端正智慧具足，复多钱财，举世人闻无不称叹。 In the past, there was a person with appearance upright, and wisdom complete, also with much money and wealth, whom people throughout the world, when hearing of him, are...
[6] The Parable Of Having A Son Dead, Desiring To Leave And Put Him At Home From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之子死欲停置家中喻
昔有愚人养育七子，一子先死。时此愚人见子既死，便欲停置于其家中，自欲弃去。 In the past, there was a foolish person who nurtured seven sons, with one son first dying. Then, this foolish person, seeing that since the son has died, then...
To Await Or Create The Ideal Karma?
Question: May I be a full Buddhist vegan soon… if my karma is good enough. Answer: It is better to go beyond hope, by actively choosing to consume with more compassion and wisdom each...
[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...
[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...
[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...
[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...
[1] The Parable Of The Foolish Person Eating Salt From The Sūtra Of A Hundred Parables《百喻经》之愚人食盐喻
昔有愚人至于他家，主人与食嫌淡无味，主人闻已更为益盐。既得盐美，便自念言：「所以美者缘有盐故，少有尚尔况复多也？」愚人无智便空食盐，食已口爽返为其患。 In the past, there was a foolish person who reached the house of another person, where the host gave him food, that he...
Verse On Learning And Questioning 学问偈
为求学问，要学要问。有学无问，非全学问。 For seeking knowledge [i.e. learning and questioning],there must be learning and questioning.Having learning without questioning,this is not complete knowledge. — Shilashanti
Far Depart From Wrong Views & Jealousy 远离邪见与嫉妒
受彼邪见言，当堕诸恶道，嫉妒痴浊故，则失于善心。恶见三毒缘，如是贪增长，颠倒痴心故，远离诸佛法。 无量千万劫，难得闻佛名，父应于佛所，深生清净信。 月光童子妹月上《德护长者经》 Accepting those wrong views’ words,will there be fall into all evil paths,and with...
Does Astrological Phenomena Affect Our Well-Being? 星宿会影响我们的幸福吗？
If your destinyis cast in the stars,what are you striving for? … — Shilashanti (Part 1) 摘要于《优婆塞戒经》净三归品第二十Excerpt From ‘Upāsakā Precepts’ Sūtra’s Chapter Twenty On Pure...
Despair
There is no timeat allto despair now.Despair nowwill lead tomore despair later. It is timeto just dowhat to be done now.
From More Invitations To More Notices
If life ends in death,and death The older,the more marriage invitations,of people coming together. The even older,the more wake notices,of people departing from one another. Yet even older,the more...
Is Coffee After Mealtime Permitted On Eight Precepts’ Days?
Question: Having committed to the Eight Precepts, is it permissible to drink coffee after mealtime? Answer: Although different Buddhists might have different views on this, according to the spirit of...
Waters With Moon, Sky Without Clouds 水有月，天无云
千江有水千江月，万里无云万里天。 宋朝•雷庵正受 A thousand rivers with watersare a thousand rivers with the moon.Ten thousand miles without cloudsare ten thousand miles with the sky. Sòng Dynasty’s Léi’ān...
Immeasurable Haiku
Immeasurable suffering from rebirth hereor immeasurable bliss from rebirth in Pure Land?Choose.
See Others’ Buddha-Nature (With Yours)
See things as how they are now.See things for how they can be too.— Shilashanti ‘Don’t wear coloured glasses.‘ It is a strong admonishment against judging people based only on...
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...
Sunset’s Impermanence Verse 日没无常偈
人间匆匆营众务，不觉年命日夜去。如灯风中灭难期，忙忙六道无定趣。未得解脫出苦海，云何安然不惊惧？各闻强健有力时，自策自励求常住。 — 净土宗二祖善导大师《往生礼赞偈》 In this human world hurriedly managing many matters, unconsciously our lifespans by day and night depart. Like a...
Leaving The Household Life To Realise The Fruit 出家证果
辞亲出家，识心达本，解无为法，名曰沙门。常行二百五十戒，进止清净，为四真道行，成阿罗汉。阿罗汉者，能飞行变化，旷劫寿命，住动天地。次为阿那含。阿那含者，寿终灵神上十九天，证阿罗汉。次为斯陀含。斯陀含者，一上一还，即得阿罗汉。次为须陀洹。须陀洹者，七死七生，便证阿罗汉。爱欲断者，如四肢断，不复用之。 — 释迦牟尼佛《四十二章经》: 第一章 Those who personally take...
Severing Desires And Ending Seeking 断欲绝求
出家沙门者，断欲去爱，识自心源。达佛深理，悟无为法。內无所得，外无所求。心不系道，亦不结业。无念无作，非修非证。不历诸位，而自崇最，名之为道。 — 释迦牟尼佛《四十二章经》: 第二章 Those who have left the household life to be Śramaṇas, sever their desires and eradicate attachments, to...
Cut Attachments And Eradicate Greed 割爱去贪
剃除须发，而为沙门。受道法者，去世资财，乞求取足。日中一食，树下一宿，慎勿再矣。使人愚蔽者，爱与欲也。 — 释迦牟尼佛《四十二章经》: 第三章 Shaving to rid beard and hair, then as Śramaṇas. Those receiving the path’s Dharma, eradicate worldly goods and wealth, with...
Good And Evil Both Explained 善恶并明
众生以十事为善，亦以十事为恶。 何等为十？身三、口四、意三。身三者，杀盗淫。口四者，两舌、恶口、妄言、绮语。意三者，嫉恚痴。如是十事，不顺圣道，名十恶行。是恶若止，名十善行耳。 — 释迦牟尼佛《四十二章经》: 第四章 Sentient beings are with ten matters as good, likewise with ten matters as evil. What are...
Transforming The Heavy To Be Light 转重令轻
人有众过，而不自悔，顿息其心，罪来赴身，如水归海，渐成深广。若人有过，自解知非，改恶行善，罪自消灭，如病得汗，渐有痊损耳。 — 释迦牟尼佛《四十二章经》: 第五章 If a person has many misgivings, yet not personally repenting, to instantly cease that mind, transgressions will come...
Return To Original Nature By Meeting The Path 返本会道
博闻爱道，道必难会。守志奉道，其道甚大。— 释迦牟尼佛《四十二章经》: 第九章 Widely listen to and treasure the path,as the path is definitely difficult to meet.Guard your aspiration for receiving the path,as that path is extremely great...
With Joy Giving Obtaining Blessing 喜施获福
佛言：「睹人施道，助之欢喜，得福甚大。」沙门问曰：「此福尽乎？」佛言：「譬如一炬之火，数千百人，各以炬来分取，熟食除冥，此炬如故，福亦如之。」 — 释迦牟尼佛《四十二章经》: 第十章 Buddha said, ‘Observing people practising giving’s path, and supporting them joyfully, attains blessings...
Raising Of Difficulties For Diligent Cultivation 举难勤修
人有二十难。[1] 贫穷布施难。[2] 豪贵学道难。[3] 弃命必死难。[4] 得覩佛经难。[5] 生值佛世难。[6] 忍色忍欲难。[7] 见好不求难。[8] 被辱不瞋难。[9] 有势不临难。[10] 触事无心难。[11] 广学博究难。[12] 除灭我慢难。[13] 不轻未学难。[14] 心行平等难。[15] 不说是非难。[16] 会善知识难。[17] 见性学道难。[18] 随化度人难。[19]...
Asking About The Path And Past Lives 问道宿命
沙门问佛：「以何因緣，得知宿命，会其至道？」佛言：「净心守志，可会至道。譬如磨鏡，垢去明存。断欲无求，当得宿命。」 — 释迦牟尼佛《四十二章经》: 第十三 章 A Śramaṇa asked the Buddha, ‘With what cause [and] condition, attains knowledge of past lives, and understanding...
Asking About Good And Greatness 请问善大
沙门问佛：「何者为善？何者最大？」佛言：「 行道守真者善，志与道合者大。 」 — 释迦牟尼佛《四十二章经》: 第十四 章 A Śramaṇa asked the Buddha, ‘What is good? What is the most great?’ The Buddha said, ‘Practising the path with guarding of that true is...
Asking About Power And Brightness 请问力明
沙门问佛： 何者多力？何者最明？佛言：忍辱多力，不怀恶故，兼加安健。忍者无恶，必为人尊。心垢灭尽，净无瑕秽，是为最明。未有天地，逮于今日，十方所有，无有不见，无有不知，无有不闻，得一切智，可谓明矣。 — 释迦牟尼佛《四十二章经》: 第十五章 A Śramaṇa asked the Buddha, ‘What is with much power? What is the most bright...
Renouncing Attachments To Attain The Path 舍爱得道
人怀爱欲不见道者。譬如澄水，致手搅之，众人共临，无有睹其影者。人以爱欲交錯，心中浊兴，故不见道。汝等沙门，当舍爱欲。爱欲垢尽，道可见矣。— 释迦牟尼佛《四十二章经》: 第十六章 People who cherish attachments and desires do not see the path. For example, like clear water, putting in...
Mindfulness Of Equal Fundamental Emptiness 念等本空
吾法念无念念，行无行行，言无言言，修无修修。会者近尔，迷者远乎。言语道断，非物所拘，差之毫厘，失之须臾。 — 释迦牟尼佛《四十二章经》: 第十八章 My Dharma is mindfulness without thinking thought, practising without practising practice, speaking without speaking speech...
Your Invincible Summer Despite The Changing Weather
Man is condemned to be free;because once thrown into the world,he is responsible for everything he does.— Jean-Paul Sartre(Being And Nothingness)(tr. Hazel E. Barnes) In Albert Camus’ essay...
Is Dying Younger More Unfortunate?
Better than a hundred yearsin the life of a person who is idle and inactive,is a day in the life of onewho makes a zealous and strenuous effort.— The Buddha(Dhammapada Verse 112) Is dying younger...
Many Evil Demons Will Claim To Be Enlightened Good-Knowing Friends 多恶魔将称得法善知识
此诸众生，去佛渐远。邪师说法，如恒河沙。 —《楞严经》All these sentient beings, will leave the Buddha to gradually become distant. Evil teachers who speak the false Dharma, will be like the Ganges River’s sands.— Śūraṅgama...
How Buddhas And Bodhisattvas Use Innumerable Manifestation Bodies To Deliver Sentient Beings At The Same Time 佛菩萨如何以千百亿化身同时度众生
诸菩萨，及阿罗汉，应身生彼末法之中… 终不自言：『我真菩萨、真阿罗汉』，泄佛密因…— 释迦牟尼佛《楞严经》清净明诲章 All Bodhisattvas and Arhats, manifesting bodies to be born within that Dharma-Ending Age…. to the end, not self...
How To Reduce Lust 如何减少淫欲
必使淫机，身心俱断，断性亦无，于佛菩提，斯可希冀。 — 释迦牟尼佛《楞严经》清净明诲章 If enabling sexual conduct’s intention,in body and mind to be together severed,also without the nature of severance,then of the Buddha’s...
With Wives And Children, More Trapped Than Those In Prisons 妻子甚狱
人系于妻子舍宅，甚于牢狱。牢狱有散释之期，妻子无远离之念。情爱于色，豈惮驱驰？虽有虎口之患，心存甘伏。投泥自溺，故曰凡夫。透得此门，出尘罗汉。 — 释迦牟尼佛《四十二章经》: 第二十三章 People bound to their wives, children and homes, are more trapped than those in prisons. Prisons have...
Lustful Desires Obstruct The Path 色欲障道
爱欲莫甚于色。 色之为欲，其大无外。 賴有一矣。 若使二同，普天之人，无能为道者矣。 — 释迦牟尼佛 《四十二章经》: 第二十四章 Of attachments and desires, none is more extreme than lust. With lust as desire, its greatness has no other. Fortunately, there is...
Inscription On ‘Song Of The Mind And Fate’ 题心命歌
心好命又好，富贵直到老。[1] 命好心不好，福变为祸兆。[2] [1] With the mind good and fate (i.e. life circumstances) also good, are wealth and honour until old. [2] With fate good and the mind not good, are blessings changing...
Learning Haiku
Hearing only whatyou want to hear,you will never learn.
Bǎo Níngyǒng Chán Master’s Cautionary Text For Reading Sūtras 保宁勇禅师看经警文
用心来看经。 看经即看心。 Use the mind to see the sūtras. To see the sūtras is to see the mind. — Shilashanti That method of reading sūtras, that younger students must know, is that they should purify their...
Introduction To ‘The Three Great Essentials When Approaching Death’《临终三大要》序文
To prepare to depart well,is to prepare to dwell well.To prepare to die well,is to prepare to live well.— Shilashanti In this world, the most tragic, with nothing more so, is death. Moreover, of...
The Mind Like A Wild Horse Should Not Be Indulged 意马莫纵
慎勿信汝意，汝意不可信。慎勿与色会，色会即祸生。得阿罗汉已，乃可信汝意。— 释迦牟尼佛《四十二章经》: 第二十八章 Be cautious not to believe your mind, as your mind cannot be believed. Be cautious not to with lust meet, as with lust met, then will...
Right Contemplation To Resist Lust 正观敌色
慎勿视女色，亦莫共言语。若与语者，正心思念：我为沙门，处于浊世，当如莲花，不为泥汙。想其老者如母，长者如姊，少者如妹，稚者如子。生度脫心，息灭恶念。— 释迦牟尼佛《四十二章经》: 第二十九章 Be cautious not to ee females’ forms, also not with them together speaking. If with those speaking...
Right Contemplation To Resist Lust 正观敌色
慎勿视女色，亦莫共言语。若与语者，正心思念：我为沙门，处于浊世，当如莲花，不为泥汙。想其老者如母，长者如姊，少者如妹，稚者如子。生度脫心，息灭恶念。 — 释迦牟尼佛《四十二章经》: 第二十九章 Be cautious not to see females’ forms, also not with them together speaking. If with those speaking...
With The Mind Still Are Desires Eradicated 心寂欲除
有人患淫不止，欲自除阴。佛谓之曰：『若断其阴，不如断心。心如功曹，功曹若止，从者都息。邪心不止，断阴何益？』佛为说偈：『 欲生于汝意，意以思想生。二心各寂静，非色亦非行。』佛言：『此偈是迦叶佛说。』— 释迦牟尼佛《四十二章经》: 第三十一章 There was a person who suffered from lust unceasingly, who desired to self...
How Long Or Short Is Life? 生命之长短
佛问沙门：「人命在几间？」… 对曰：「呼吸间。」 佛言：「善哉，子知道矣！」 —《四十二章经》第三十八章 The Buddha asked a Śramaṇa,‘Human life has what duration in between?’…In reply said,‘That of breathing out...
Three Ways To See Mountains And Rivers 三看山水
[1] 参禅之初，看山是山，看水是水。[2] 禅有悟时，看山不是山，看水不是水。[3] 禅中彻悟，看山仍然山，看水仍然是水。— 青原惟信禅师 (意译) As above, it was proposed by Chán Master Qīngyuán Wéixìn in his paraphrased saying, there are three key...
Be Born In Pure Land To Be Without Humans’ 20 Difficulties 生净土而无人二十难
From ‘The Sūtra Of 42 Sections’ 12th Section: Raising Of Difficulties For Diligent Cultivation (《佛说四十二章经》之第十二章：举难勤修): ‘The Buddha said, “Humans have 20 difficulties...
Brightness & Darkness
当明中有暗，勿以暗相遇。当暗中有明，勿以明相睹。明暗各相对，比如前后步。 石头希迁禅师 《参同契》 When in brightness within, there is darkness,but do not with darkness meet it.When in darkness within, there is brightness,but do not with...
Sūtra In Which The Buddha Speaks Of Eight Great Beings’ Realisations《佛说八大人觉经》
By Later Hàn Dynasty’s Parthian Empire’s Tripiṭaka Dharma Master Ān Shìgāo Translated [Into Chinese] (后汉安息国三藏安世高译): As the Buddha’s disciples, they should...
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One Same Buddha-Nature 同一佛性
我肉众生肉，名殊体不殊，原同一种性，只是別形躯。 — 宋黄庭坚 My flesh and other sentient beings’ flesh,have names different but essence not different,originally with the same one kind of nature,only with other shapes and...
Natural Joy
For a person free from remorse, there is no need for an act of will, ‘May joy arise in me.’ It is in the nature of things that joy arises in a person free from remorse. – The...
Will Dharma Learning And Practice Create Obstacles?
The cause of Right Dharma learnt gives rise to the effect of Right Dharma practised and realised. – Shilashanti Is it so, that with when we are keen to learn and practise the Buddha’s teachings...
Cultivate & Uphold Faithful Understanding 修持信解
诸善男子，汝等当信解 如来诚谛之语。 复告大众， 汝等当信解 如来诚谛之语。 又复告诸大众， 汝等当信解 如来诚谛之语。 – 释迦牟尼佛 《妙法莲华经》 （如来寿量品） ‘All good men [and women], you all should believe [and] understand [the] Tathāgata’s speech of honest...
See All Kindly
大慈视一切， 怨亲等无异。 一切有识类， 咸皆知此事。 – 大智度论 （龙树菩萨） [With] great loving-kindness see all [beings], [with] enemies [and] close ones equally without difference. [Of] all kinds [of beings] with consciousness...
Hell, Heaven, Liberation
Those who have ignorance will engage in bad karma and go to hell. Those who have ignorance will create good karma and go to heaven. Those who are wise will go beyond karma, and attain liberation.* –...
Four Seeds To Guard
若不去淫，断一切清净种；若不去酒，断一切智慧种；若不去盗，断一切福德种；若不去肉，断一切慈悲种。 – 净土宗六祖永明大师《永明延寿禅师全书》 If not departing from lust,this severs all seeds of purity. If not departing from alcohol,this severs all seeds of wisdom. If...
Should We Offer Food Even Long After Departure?
Question: When offering food during Qingming season and such, many will say aloud – ‘May so-and-so to come and eat.’ Is this right? Answer: There is no need to call anyone by name...
Verses On Stupas
见佛塔时，当愿众生，尊重如塔，受天人供。 When seeing Buddhist stupas,¹[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,[attain] deep respect like [the] stupas [do],receiving heavenly [and] human beings’ offerings.’²...
Verses On Buddhas
若得见佛，当愿众生，得无碍眼，见一切佛。 谛观佛时，当愿众生，皆如普贤，端正严好。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第130-131偈) If attaining sight [of a] Buddha,*[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,attain [the] unobstructed [Buddha] eye,**[to] see all...
Verses On Summer
盛暑炎毒，当愿众生，舍离众恼，一切皆尽。 暑退凉初，当愿众生，证无上法，究竟清凉。 – 文殊菩萨(华严经: 净行品: 第127-128偈) [During] sweltering summer’s* fierce heat,[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,renounce and depart from all...
Verses On Water
洗浴身体，当愿众生，身心无垢，内外光洁。 – 文殊菩萨(华严经: 净行品: 第126偈) Washing and bathing the body,[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings’bodies and minds be without defilements,*[with] inside and outside bright and clean...
如何运用佛法确认正法
Verse On Chanting
讽诵经时，当愿众生，顺佛所说，总持不忘。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第129偈) When chanting sūtras,[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,accord with [the] Buddha[‘s teachings] as said,totally retaining* [and] not forgetting...
Verse On Wisdom
若入水时，当愿众生，入一切智，知三世等。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第125偈) If entering water,[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,enter the [ocean of] all[-knowing] wisdom,*to know [everything in the] three periods** equally.’***...
Is Lab-Grown Meat Ethical?
Question: Is lab-grown meat (i.e. cultured meat; clean meat; in vitro meat) ethical from the Buddhist perspective? Answer: It must be noted that starter cells from animals are used in the initial...
Verse On Departure
从舍出时，当愿众生，深入佛智，永出三界。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第124偈) [When] from a dwelling coming out,[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,deeply enter the Buddha’s [sea of] wisdom,to forever depart from the three...
Verse On Dharma-Speaking
若说法时， 当愿众生， 得无尽辩， 广宣法要。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第123偈) If speaking the Dharma,* [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings, attain inexhaustible eloquence, to widely proclaim the Dharma’s essentials.’ –...
Verses On Eating
若饭食时，当愿众生，禅悦为食，法喜充满。 若受味时，当愿众生，得佛上味，甘露满足。 饭食已讫，当愿众生，所作皆办，具诸佛法。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第120-122偈) If eating meals,[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,[have] meditative bliss as food,[with] Dharma joy be...
Verses On Food (2)
得柔软食，当愿众生，大悲所熏，心意柔软。 得粗涩食，当愿众生，心无染著，绝世贪爱。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第118-119偈) Attaining tender and soft food,[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,[by] great compassion as permeated,[have] minds that are...
Verses On Food (1)
若得美食，当愿众生，满足其愿，心无羡欲。 得不美食，当愿众生，莫不获得，诸三昧味。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第116-117偈) If attaining delicious food,[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,fulfil their aspirations,*[with] minds without envious desires.’...
The Buddha When Just A Gardener Sage
Cherry blossoms Scatter at the peak of their beauty – It is much harder for us To fall away from our own Attachment to the world. – Rengetsu The Bodhisattva, a gardener, decides to leave home...
Verses On Moral Shame
见惭耻人，当愿众生，具惭耻行，藏护诸根。 见无惭耻，当愿众生，舍离无惭，住大慈道。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第114-115偈) Seeing those with [moral] shame,[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,[be] complete with [moral] shame [in their] practice,[to]...
The Three Bodies Of Buddhas
Everything the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas do and not do are expressions of perfect compassion for all. – Shilashanti The Buddhas are described as having three bodies (Trikāya 三身) or aspects of...
Is Sponsoring Of Buddha Images To Create Them?
Question: A Buddhist temple has fund-raising, calling for sponsorship for many small Buddha images in its Buddha hall. Is offering of these Buddha images (供佛像) by donations classified as...
Verses On Reverent Respect
若得恭敬，当愿众生，恭敬修行，一切佛法。 不得恭敬，当愿众生，不行一切，不善之法。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第112-113偈) If attaining reverent respect,[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,[have] reverent respect for cultivating practice,[of] all...
Verses On Almsbowls
若见空钵，当愿众生，其心清净，空无烦恼。 若见满钵，当愿众生，具足成满，一切善法。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第110-111偈) If seeing empty almsbowls,[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,their minds be [clear and] pure,empty [of and] without afflictions...
Verses On Giving
见不舍人，当愿众生，常不舍离，胜功德法。 见能舍人，当愿众生，永得舍离，三恶道苦。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第108-109偈) Seeing those not willing to give,[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,always never renounce or depart,[from the] supremely...
Verses On Almsfood
入里乞食，当愿众生，入深法界，心无障碍。 到人门户，当愿众生，入于一切，佛法之门。 入其家已，当愿众生，得入佛乘，三世平等。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第105-107偈) Entering villages to request [alms]food,[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,enter the profound...
Verse On Hermitages
见处林薮，当愿众生，应为天人，之所叹仰。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第104偈) Seeing [those] residing in forest hermitages,[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,be worthy of heavenly [and] human beings’praise and respect.’ –...
Verses On Vices Vs Virtues
若见城廓，当愿众生， 得坚固身，心无所屈。 若见王都，当愿众生， 功德共聚，心恒喜乐。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第102-103偈) If seeing city walls, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings, attain firm* bodies, [and] minds without [any] crookedness.’** If...
Verse On Dharma Kings & Princes
若见于王，当愿众生， 得为法王，恒转正法。 若见王子，当愿众生， 从法化生，而为佛子。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第98-99偈) If seeing kings, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings, attain as Dharma kings,* [who] constantly turn [the wheel of the] right...
Verses On Elders & Officials
若见长者，当愿众生， 善能明断，不行恶法。 若见大臣，当愿众生， 恒守正念，习行众善。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第100-101偈) If seeing elders, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings, be good at clear judgement,* to not practise evil dharmas.’** If seeing...
Verse On Livelihood
见正命人， 当愿众生， 得清净命， 不矫威仪。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第97偈) Seeing those with right livelihoods,* [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings, attain pure livelihoods, [and] not pretend to be awe-inspiring.’** –...
Verse On Orthodoxy
见论议人， 当愿众生， 于诸异论， 悉能摧伏。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第96偈) Seeing those in debates,* [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings, of all heterodox teachings,** all be able to destroy and subdue them.’*** – Manjusri...
Verses On Armour
见著甲胄，当愿众生， 常服善铠，趣无师法。 见无铠仗，当愿众生， 永离一切，不善之业。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第94-95偈) Seeing those wearing armour, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings, always wear the armour of goodness,* and approach the Dharma...
Verses On Asceticism & Morality
见苦行人，当愿众生， 依于苦行，至究竟处。 见操行人，当愿众生， 坚持志行，不舍佛道。 — 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第92-93偈) Seeing ascetics, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings, rely on ascetic practices,* [to] reach [the] ultimate destination.**’...
Dharma Haiku
The true Dharma will never ever let you down.
Verses On Sramanas & Brahmins
若见沙门， 当愿众生， 调柔寂静，毕竟第一。 见婆罗门，当愿众生， 永持梵行，离一切恶。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第90-91偈) If seeing Sramanas, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings, be harmoniously gentle and tranquil,* ultimately [accomplishing the]...
Refuge Haiku
Even if everything is renounced, never forsake the Dharma.
Verse On Gratitude
见报恩人，当愿众生，于佛菩萨，能知恩德。 见背恩人，当愿众生，于有恶人，不加其报。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第88-89偈) Seeing persons repaying kindness, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas,be able to know gratitude...
FAQs On The Pure Land Passport Book
Question: Why is it called so? Answer: As stated in the book’s first section at purelanders.com/passport, ‘As a skilful means to spur interest, this handy book is titled “The Pure...
Always Be Truthful & Disciplined
For your own sake always speak the truth even if it leads to your death or the loss of your sovereignty. Never speak in any other fashion. Devote yourself always to the discipline of acting in accord...
Learning Haiku
It is never too early or too late to learn the Dharma.
True Haiku
Those truly true to themselves, will be truly true to all.
Verses On Adornment
见严饰人，当愿众生， 三十二相，以为严好。 见无严饰，当愿众生， 舍诸饰好，具头陀行。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第78-79偈) Seeing magnificently adorned persons, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings, [have the] thirty-two forms,* as [their] excellent...
Some Karmic Causes For Our Suffering
Attachment, anger, confusion [greed, hatred (aversion), delusion (ignorance)] and the karma that arises from them are non-virtuous. Non-attachment, non-anger, non-confusion, and the karmas that arise...
Extreme Decisions For ‘Extremis’ Situations?
‘Extremis’ is a documentary on the tough decisions that family members have to make in extremely difficult situations, near moments of potential death of their loved ones. Medical...
Project Patience: How To ‘Fight’ The Fire Of Anger (4th Run)
As featured in the June 2018 issue of ‘For You Information’ Click HERE To Register Praise From Previous Runs: An extremely important course to help oneself to neutralise and transform...
The 48 Great Vows Of Amituofo (7th Run): Boundless Blessings For This Life & The Next
Click HERE To Register Some Participants’ Feedback: I am thankful for what you have done for us in the class. Your immerse knowledge, wisdom and the way you explain makes it so interesting...
Be Not An Animal
畜牲本是人来做， 人畜轮回古到今。 若不披毛并戴角， 劝君休使畜性心。 – 普庵禅师 Livestock [animals] originally were humans, [who have] become [them, as] humans and animals [are] reborn [as one another and other beings from] ancient...
10 Reflections On Repentance
我昔所造诸恶业，皆由无始贪嗔痴，从身语意之所生，一切我今皆忏悔。 – 普贤菩萨（华严经普贤行愿品） Of all my past created evil karma, all by beginningless greed, anger and delusion,from my body, speech and mind as arisen,for all I now express...
[10] How To Cultivate To Reach Pure Land? 如何修行生净土？
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)...
Foolish Haiku
The foolish imaginethe certainty of the wise to be foolish.
Verses On Pleasure
见乐著人，当愿众生，以法自娱，欢爱不舍。 见无乐著，当愿众生，有为事中，心无所乐。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第80-81偈) Seeing those attached to [sense] pleasures, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,with the Dharma personally [find spiritual]...
[9] How Do Those Lacking Roots Reach Pure Land From Afar? 缺根者如何从远处生净土？
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)...
Ego Haiku
Only keep dissolving; never hardening the ‘solid’ illusion of ego.
Verses On Joy & Suffering
见欢乐人，当愿众生，常得安乐，乐供养佛。 见苦恼人，当愿众生，获根本智，灭除众苦。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第82-83偈)Seeing those who are joyful,[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,always attain peace and bliss,[by] joyfully making...
All Great Trees Were Once Small Seeds
Since all good and evil start small, may all nurture even minor good, and never nurture even minor evil. – Stonepeace | Books … [Sakyamuni Buddha said,] ‘Have you ever seen the seed of a...
Introduction To Buddhist Perspectives On Death & Dying
Feedback: ‘Brother Shi’an, thank you for your enlightening talk this evening. It was certainly the most engaging talk we’ve had in a while… Thank you so much once again, and...
Mindfulness Of Buddha Is A Must For Buddhahood
With bad advisors forever left behind, From paths of evil he departs for eternity, Soon to see the Buddha of Limitless Light, And perfect Samantabhadra’s Supreme Vows. – Samantabhadra...
Notice On Reprinting Without Permission
It came to the attention of TDE Press that its latest publication, a fresh English translation of ‘The Prajna Paramita Heart Sutra’ (as below) with footnotes had been...
Verse For Lamp-Lighting (点灯偈)
灭除心头火，提起佛前灯，愿以大智慧，照破众无明。 Eradicating the mind’s fires [of greed, hatred and ignorance],lifting up, before the Buddha, [I offer] this lamp,May [I], with great wisdom,illuminate to shatter [the...
Verse On Cultivation
若见园苑，当愿众生，勤修诸行，趣佛菩提。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第77偈) If seeing gardens [and] parks, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,diligently cultivate all practices,[for the] aspiration [of the] Buddhas’ Bodhi...
How Great Bodhisattvas Complete The Six Perfections
念念离行於施。 念念净行於戒。 念念寂行於忍。 念念续行於进。 念念一行於定。 念念佛行於智。 – 净土圣贤录 (袁宏道, 石头居士篇) Thought to thought with Renunciation is practice of Generosity. Thought to thought with Purity is practice of Morality (Precepts)...
Verse On Sorrow
见无忧林，当愿众生，永离贪爱，不生忧怖。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第76偈) Seeing groves [with trees named] ‘without sorrow’,* [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings, forever depart [from] greedy attachment,[to] not give...
Why It Is Wrong To Kill To Celebrate Weddings
Since all crave to live and fear to die for any, may none cause any to live or die fearfully. – Stonepeace | Get Books The fourth point: It is not right to kill [or demand others to kill on...
Waters & Motivations
宁动千江水， 不动道人心。 Rather to move a thousand rivers’ waters, never move the pure motivations of practitioners of the spiritual path. – Buddhist Saying
Verse On Gardens
见修园圃，当愿众生，五欲圃中，耘除爱草。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第75偈) Seeing cultivation of garden plots, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,within the five desires’* garden,weed [to] eradicate attachment’s...
Project Rebirth: Rediscover, Reflect, Recharge (Round 12)
Click HERE To Register Feedback From Previous Rounds: Dear Teacher Shi’an, your interesting talks on Project Rebirth is coming to an end. We have benefited and learnt much from you… I am...
净土归宿：如何拥有最佳的往生
因为位子有限，必须以简讯报名 （不包住宿） Registration by messaging is compulsory for limited spaces (Lodging is not provided) Pictures & Feedback From Past Runs: Tai Pei Buddhist Centre Than Hsiang Temple (Penang)...
Offering Haiku
He just ‘offered’ food to ‘all’ beings,but got mad at a ratlooking for scraps.
Verse On Waters
若见流水，当愿众生，得善意欲，洗除惑垢。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第74偈) If seeing flowing waters, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,attain good intentional desires,[to] wash [away] confusions’ defilements.’ – Manjusri...
Truth Haiku
The truth matters foreveras it does not expire,while delusions do.
Verse On Bridges
若见桥道，当愿众生，广度一切，犹如桥梁。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第73偈) If seeing bridge crossings, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,widely deliver all [sentient beings],just as bridges [do].’* – Manjusri Bodhisattva...
Project Connection: Principles Of Classic & Modern Pure Land Testimonials (1st Run)
Click Here To Register Participants’ Feedback: ‘The turnout [for lesson one] was awesome. It simply shows that teacher’s classes are worth attending. Solid two hours of true Dharma...
Verse On Springs
若见涌泉，当愿众生，方便增长，善根无尽。 – 文殊菩萨(华严经: 净行品: 第72偈) If seeing bubbling springs, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings’expedient [skilful] means grow,[with] good roots* without exhaustion.’ – Manjusri...
Understanding Amituofo Via The Amitabha Sutra (20th Run)
Click Here To Register Scene Of Runs At Tai Pei Buddhist Centre: Scenes Of 10th Run At Kong Meng San: Practice of guided mindfulness of Buddha Practice of recitation of sutra once before detailed...
Verse On Wells
若见汲井，当愿众生，具足辩才，演一切法。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第71偈) If seeing drawing [of water from] wells,* [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,[be] complete [with] eloquence,[to] expound all Dharma [teachings].’ –...
Verse On Pond
若见池沼，当愿众生，语业满足，巧能演说。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第70偈) If seeing a pond,* [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings’ karma of speech be [completely] perfect,[with] skilful ability [in] expounding.’* – Manjusri...
Verse On Marsh
若见陂泽，当愿众生，疾悟诸佛，一味之法。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第69偈) If seeing a marsh,* [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,swiftly awaken to all Buddhas’Dharma of one taste.’* – Manjusri Bodhisattva (Avatamsaka...
Eat Poo-Poo!
Welcome any tests by others with good will, but test not others with ill spirit. – Stonepeace | Books Kyabje Khunu Lama Rinpoche told His Holiness the Dalai Lama that one time, somebody was sitting...
Promise Haiku
Promise to live upto your promiseswithout compromise.
Sight Haiku
The short-sighted and the long-sighted are equally half-sighted.
Verse On Fruit
若见果实，当愿众生，获最胜法，证菩提道。 – 文殊菩萨(华严经: 净行品: 第67偈) If seeing a fruit, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings, attain the supreme Dharma,[to[ realise the Bodhi path.’* – Manjusri Bodhisattva (Avatamsaka Sutra:...
Fool Haiku
The more foolish think they are more wise than the more wise.
Verse On Shade
见树叶茂，当愿众生，以定解脱，而为荫映。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第64偈) Seeing a tree’s leaves that are lush, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,with concentration [attain] liberation,and with it [attain] shade [from...
Truth Haiku
The truth is not wonby a popularity vote; butby the relatively awakened few.* * at any one point in time in non-Pure Lands
Verse On Thorns
见棘刺树，当愿众生，疾得翦除，三毒之刺。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第63偈) If seeing a thorny tree,[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,swiftly be able to cut and eradicate[the] three poisons’* thorns.’ – Manjusri...
Truth Haiku
Pay attention to ‘the truth’; not ‘your truth’ preferred, which might be your delusion.
Verse On Peak
若见高山，当愿众生，善根超出，无能至顶。 – 文殊菩萨(华严经: 净行品: 第62偈) If seeing a high mountain,[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings’good roots* surpass [it],[to be] unable to reach their peak.’** – Manjusri Bodhisattva...
Be The Master Of Yourself
We choose which version of ourselves to be in each and every moment. – Stonepeace | Books The Zen Master Shiyan seated on a stone in meditation often conversed with himself. ‘Master!’ he...
Realisation Haiku
One unsurprised by ‘realisation’, is yet to be enlightened; knowing what already known.
Verse On Reverence
若见丛林，当愿众生，诸天及人，所应敬礼。 – 文殊菩萨(华严经: 净行品: 第61偈) If seeing a forest monastery,* [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,[by] all heavenly and human beings,[be] worthy of reverence and veneration.’** –...
Why Denounce Precept-Breaking ‘Buddhist Teachers’?
吾般涅槃后， 汝等当恭敬， 波罗提木叉， 即是汝大师。 –《佛所行赞》 （马鸣菩萨著） After my Parinirvāṇa [i.e. of Śākyamuni Buddha], you all should have reverent respect, for the Prātimokṣa [i.e. list of precepts governing monastic conduct...
Be Responsible To Criticize Well
The truly kinder and wisercorrect the truly deluded,to be truly kinder and wiser. – Stonepeace | Books If one presents the teachings clearly, others benefit. But if someone is supposed to...
Surprise Haiku
What you know,and something about it.Then a surprising insight together!
Verse On Patience
若见大柱，当愿众生，离我诤心，无有忿恨。 — 文殊菩萨(华严经: 净行品: 第60偈) If seeing huge pillars,*[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,depart from self-centred contentious minds,[to be] without anger and hatred.’** — Manjusri...
Verse On Assemblies
若见众会，当愿众生，说甚深法，一切和合。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第59偈) If seeing masses* assembling, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,speak the extremely profound Dharma,[and with] all be harmonious.’** – Manjusri...
Meaning Haiku
Not seeking greater meaning, this is all life is (again), with death coming (again).
Verse On Dangerous Paths
若见险道，当愿众生，住正法界，离诸罪难。 – 文殊菩萨(华严经: 净行品: 第58偈) If seeing dangerous paths, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,abide in the realm of right Dharma,*[and] depart from all difficulties from transgressions...
Shame Haiku
Having no shame over the shameful is truly shameful.
Verse On Dustless Roads
见路无尘，当愿众生，常行大悲，其心润泽。 – 文殊菩萨(华严经: 净行品: 第57偈) Seeing roads without dust,[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,constantly practise great compassion,*[with] their [hearts and] minds moisturised [thus].’**...
Will We Face Obstacles During Buddhist Practice?
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...
Verse On Dusty Roads
见路多尘，当愿众生，远离尘坌，获清净法。 – 文殊菩萨(华严经: 净行品: 第56偈) Seeing roads with much dust,[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,far depart from accumulation of dust,*to obtain the pure Dharma.’ – Manjusri Bodhisattva...
Destination Pureland: How To Have The Best Rebirth (7th Run)
Click HERE To Register Pictures & Feedback From Past Runs: Singapore Tai Pei Buddhist Centre Than Hsiang Temple Poh Ming Tse Tai Pei Buddhist Centre Johor ‘Dear Shi’an 老师, this is my second...
Verse On Straightness
若见直路，当愿众生，其心正直，无谄无诳。 – 文殊菩萨(华严经: 净行品: 第55偈) If seeing a straight road, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,their minds be upright and straight,*without flattery and without deceit.’ – Manjusri...
Are All In ‘Monastic’ Robes Beyond Question?
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...
Commitment Haiku
One committed to nothing at all, is good for nothing.
Difference Haiku
As long as unenlightened,there will be differencesbetween the learnt and realised.
Verse On Walking Down
见趣下路，当愿众生，其心谦下，长佛善根。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第53偈) [When] seeing downward declining roads, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,their minds [be] humble [to those] below,*[as they] grow the Buddha’s...
Of Sumeru, Moon & Sutras
To the truly foolish, the wise are foolish. To the truly wise, the foolish are foolish. – Stonepeace | Books XI I see a lot of silly folks who claim their own small spine’s Sumeru, the sacred...
Writing Haiku
What not worth writing down is probably not worth saying out either.
Verse On High Roads
见升高路，当愿众生，永出三界，心无怯弱。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第52偈) [When] seeing high rises on the road, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,forever exit [from the] three spheres,*[with] minds without timidity.’** –...
Surprise Haiku
If you are not surprised by what you ‘realised’, you are not enlightened yet. (Enlightenment is always surprising as it is the realisation of life-changing truths that were so obvious...
Can We Have Renunciation With Bodhicitta?
Though Renunciation might be without Bodhicitta, Bodhicitta must be with Renunciation. – Stonepeace | Books Question: If we as sentient beings in this Samsara do not renounce, can we achieve...
Verse On Path 2
若在于道，当愿众生，能行佛道，向无余法。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第50偈) If [travelling] on a path, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,[be] able to practise the Buddha’s path,* towards [realisation of] remainderless...
Six Faults
The proud will never be pleased.The jealous will never be happy.The greedy will never be satisfied.The hateful will never be reconciled.The stingy will never have enough.The ignorant will never...
Verse On Path
发趾向道， 当愿众生， 趣佛所行， 入无依处。 — 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第49偈) Setting foot upon, to go towards the path,* [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings, [be] inclined [towards the] Buddha’s practices,** enter the...
Life Haiku
Figure this life out before life runs out, before running in – again.
From Ordinary To Enlightened Love
The path to full enlightenment is to learn how to love all beings fully, with full compassion and wisdom. – Stonepeace | Books Ordinary love is based and mixed with attachment. Like other afflicted...
The Prajna Paramita Heart Sutra 般若波罗蜜多心经
Is It Alright For Buddhists To Gamble?
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...
Fragility Haiku
Aware of life’s fragility, and death’s eventuality, now live with certainty!
Understanding Amituofo Via The Amitabha Sutra: Introduction To Pure Land Buddhism (19th Run)
Click Here To Register Scene Of Runs At Tai Pei Buddhist Centre: Scenes Of 10th Run At Kong Meng San: Practice of guided mindfulness of Buddha Practice of recitation of sutra once before detailed...
Today’s Haiku
If today is lived entirelyjust like yesterday was,today would be pointless!
Question Haiku
The only questionthat always matters –‘What best to do now?’
How Regret Can Be Good (Or Bad)
Always regret evil done and good not done. Never regret good done and evil not done. – Stonepeace | Books In Buddhism, regret is not guilt. Guilt is an ego-driven emotion and as such is always non...
True Liberation
He who cling to emptinessAnd neglects compassion,Does not reach the highest stage.But he who practices only compassion,Does not gain release from toils of existence.He, however, who is strong in...
Verse On Purification
以水盥掌，当愿众生，得清净手，受持佛法。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第45偈) With water washing the palms, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings, attain pure hands,* [for] receiving and upholding the Buddhadharma.’** – Manjusri...
Verse For Washing
洗涤形秽，当愿众生，清净调柔，毕竟无垢。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第44偈) [When] washing [to cleanse the] body’s dirt,[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,[be] pure with gentle harmony,*ultimately without...
Verse On Advancement
事讫就水，当愿众生，出世法中，速疾而往。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第43偈) [When (toileting)] matters are finished [and] using water, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,[to the] transcendental Dharma within,swiftly...
Writing Haiku
Writing with ink mindfully, that cannot be erased, may we communicate so.
The Pure Land Pass Card 净土信愿卡
Light, thin, strong, waterproof, glossy and credit card sized with rounded corners, ‘The Pure Land Pass Card’ is for stating crucial emergency contact information, with QR code and web...
Why Do Good Now Instead Of Later?
If it is surely good to do good,it is surely better to do betternow than later, which might be too late. – Stonepeace | Books The king [Milinda] asked Nagasena again, “Suppose a man were to do good...
Verse On Grade
著僧伽梨，当愿众生，入第一位，得不动法。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第39偈) [When] wearing the sanghati,*[reflect that] ‘May sentient beingsenter the foremost grade,**attaining the unmoving Dharma.***’ – Manjusri Bodhisattva...
Media Release On Book On Amituofo’s 48 Great Vows
(As featured in Jan 2017’s issue of For You Information 佛友资讯) Launch Of Bilingual Sutra Book On Amituofo’s 48 Great Vows On 5 November 2016, during a Pureland Practice Fellowship session...
Is The Reborn Person Same Or Different?
The reborn is not totally same as the deceased or the body and mind will be totally same. There are instead some differences due to a continuum of conditioned changes. The reborn is not totally...
The Heart of ‘The Heart Sutra’: The Core Of Wisdom (11th Run)
Click HERE To Register Feedback From Past Runs: Hi Bro Shi’an, thank you very much for your detailed teaching and guidance in the course. It has been very interesting as presented with your...
Destination Pureland: How To Have The Best Rebirth (6th Run)
Click HERE To Register Pictures & Feedback From Past Runs: Tai Pei Buddhist Centre Than Hsiang Temple Poh Ming Tse Tai Pei Buddhist Centre ‘Dear Dharma Teacher, I enjoyed every moment of your...
The 48 Great Vows Of Amituofo (6th Run): Boundless Blessings For This Life & The Next
Vows 17 to 48 will be covered in Module 2 Click HERE To Register Feedback From Past Runs: Great thanks to Bro. Shi’an, for the profound and meaningful teaching on the 48 Great Vows of Amituofo. This...
The Buddha Is All-Knowing
The severely deluded mistaken their knowing of a few things as being fully enlightened, to be knowing of everything. – Stonepeace | Books The King [Milinda] asked Nagasena again, ‘Does the...
Where Did This Anger Come From?
Beyond appreciating truth by reading texts, realise truth by facing reality too. – Stonepeace | Books Yamaoka Tesshu, as a young student of Zen, visited one master after another. He called upon...
Short Haiku
Short but not exactly sweet or bitter – just as it is.
Verse On Exit
若举于足，当愿众生，出生死海，具众善法。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第35偈) If raising [your] foot, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beingsexit [from the] sea [of] birth [and] death,* [to be] complete [with] many good Dharma...
Verse On Seat
舍跏趺坐，当愿众生，观诸行法，悉归散灭。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品11: 第33偈) [When] giving up [the] lotus posture’s seat,*[reflect that] ‘May sentient beingscontemplate [that] all practice methods,**all...
Verse On Good Roots
整衣束带，当愿众生，检束善根，不令散失。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第37偈) [When] straightening clothes [and] belt,[reflect that] ‘May sentient beingsexamine and collect [their] good roots,*not causing [them to be] scattered...
Amitābha Buddha’s Forty-Eight Great Vows 阿弥陀佛四十八大愿
Reader Feedback: ‘Congratulations and rejoice on the launch of your latest Dharma book, which will definitely benefit and guide us in our practice. It’s so good to see English...
First Class Devils For Sale
Even the shortest path requires some diligence to complete walking it. — Stonepeace | Get Books One day a fellow was strolling through the marketplace when he came to a stall that said, “For...
Where Are You Going?
Do you know who you are, why you are going where, what you are going there for, how you will get there, and when? — Stonepeace | Get Books Zen teachers train their young pupils to express themselves...
Verse On Concentration
修行于定，当愿众生，以定伏心，究竟无余。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品11: 第31偈) [When] cultivating practice of concentration,*[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings’with concentration subdue [their]...
The Snow Does Not Fall Elsewhere
There is no fairness; there is only karma. There is no unfairness; there is only karma. — Stonepeace | Get Books One winter day, while Pang was leaving the monastery of Master Yao Shan, some young...
Why Slander Of Pure Land Teachings Is Especially Grave 为何诽谤净土法门特别严重？
… 东[/南/西/北/下/上]方世界，有… 佛，如是等恒河沙数诸佛… 说诚实言：汝等众生，当信是称赞不可思议功德，一切诸佛所护念经。 – 释迦牟尼佛 (阿弥陀经; 一切诸佛所护念经) … [I]n the eastern [/ southern/ western/ northern/ below/ above]...
Verse On Firmness
结跏趺坐，当愿众生，善根坚固，得不动地。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品11: 第30偈) [When in the] lotus posture* seated,[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings’good roots** [be] firm and strong,[to] attain [the]...
Kindness Haiku
For one and all,be kindly wiseand wisely kind.
Lamentation Haiku
Instead of lamenting on of his past, he should ‘lament’ of his endless lamenting of his past.
How The Buddha Taught Completely & Perfectly
If the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are all already doing their best to skilfully guide us to Buddhahood, all that remains is for us to do our best in heeding their teachings as advised. – Stonepeace |...
Karma Haiku
Your make or break your own day, with your past karma mixed with present attitude and action, (which creates new karma).
Project Patience: How To ‘Fight’ The Fire Of Anger (Run 3)
Click here for free early bird registration (for first 132) Praise From Previous Runs: More than 10 years ago, I attended a fellowship session led by teacher Shi’an. The discussion happened to...
Verse On Entering Hall
若入堂宇，当愿众生，升无上堂，安住不动。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品11: 第27偈) If entering Buddha [and sutra] halls, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beingsrise [to enter the] unsurpassable hall,*[to] peacefully...
Rock Haiku
Particles gather more particles to form the third rock from the sun, whose rocks now grind to be particles.
Verse On Complete Precepts
受具足戒，当愿众生，具诸方便，得最胜法。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品11: 第26偈) [When] receiving [the] complete precepts,* [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings[be] complete [with] all expedient means,** [to] attain...
Contemplation Haiku
Contemplate well! Because no one else can do it for you!
Great Ease Of Coming & Going
If you cannot control your passing, you could not control your coming. if you cannot fully control your death, you cannot fully control your life. – Stonepeace | Books Once the Chinese Emperor Mu...
Verse On Non-Attachment
受和尚教，当愿众生，入无生智，到无依处。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品11: 第25偈) [When] receiving guiding teachers’* teachings, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beingsenter [the] wisdom [of] non-birth, **[to]...
Verse On Behaviour
受阇梨教，当愿众生，具足威仪，所行真实。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品11: 第24偈) When receiving acharyas’* teachings [of precepts],[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings[be] complete [with] excellent...
Project Makan: Vegetarianism & Veganism In The True Sutras (2nd Run)
Register Free By Clicking Here Some Past Feedback: Dear Shi’an Laoshi, thank you for conducting the Project Makan class. You have so much to teach and we have so much to learn, not only in this...
Verse On Precepts
受学戒时，当愿众生，善学于戒，不作众恶。 — 文殊菩萨(华严经: 净行品11: 第23偈) When receiving [and] learning precepts,*[reflect that] ‘May sentient beingsvirtuously learn [the] precepts,[to] not do all evils.’** —...
Wisdom Haiku
May all beings give rise to wisdom to guide one another to Pure Land, where they will perfect their wisdom.
Understanding Amituofo Via The Amitabha Sutra (18th Run)
Click Here To Register Scene Of 18th Run At Tai Pei Buddhist Centre: Scenes Of 10th Run At Kong Meng San: Practice of guided mindfulness of Buddha Practice of recitation of sutra once before detailed...
Verse On Refuge In Sangha
自归于僧，当愿众生，统理大众，一切无碍。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品11: 第22偈) Personally taking refuge in the Sangha,*[reflect that] ‘May sentient beingsharmoniously guide [the] great assembly,**all without...
Speech Haiku
The said is said…There is never‘just saying’
Verse On Refuge In Buddhas
自归于佛，当愿众生，绍隆佛种，发无上意。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品11: 第20偈) Personally taking refuge [in the] Buddha[s], [reflect that] ‘May sentient beingsperpetuate magnificence [of their] Buddha...
Doubt Haiku
Maybe there should be no more maybes for such things – why not verify?
Verse On Renunciation (2)
正出家时，当愿众生，同佛出家，救护一切。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品11: 第19偈) Just when renouncing household [life],*[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,like the Buddha, renounce [their] household [lives],**to save and...
How Past Lives’ Karma Can Ripen In Future Lives
Although there are changes, there are casualities in change, and thus continuums of change. – Stonepeace | Books Suppose after a very rich man and all his children die, all his property is taken by...
Verse On Wearing Robes
著袈裟衣，当愿众生,心无所染,具大仙道。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品11: 第18偈) When wearing the kasaya clothing,*[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings’minds be without any defilements,**[with] completing the...
Good Haiku
A good poem is good for all, not for one only. ___ A good poem is not vain, or it would be in vain. ___ A good poem is good for all time, not for one moment only.
Sg: Destination Pureland: How To Have The Best Rebirth (4th Run)
Dates shifted to 1 week later: 26 Jul-6 Sep Click To Register Here Feedback From Previous Rounds: ‘This is one of the most interesting courses that I have attended. What we ought to know about...
Learn The Poise Of A Dying Man Alive
The worth of a life lived is how much the three poisons were purged, and how much the three antidotes were nurtured. — Stonepeace | Get Books (The three antidotes of generosity, compassion and wisdom...
Fickleness Haiku
The fickle are easily moved by the fickle. ___ The principled are unmoved by the unprincipled.
Verse On Shaving
剃除须发，当愿众生,永离烦恼，究竟寂灭。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品11: 第17偈) When shaving to remove beard and hair,*[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,forever depart from afflictions,**[and attain] ultimate...
Worry Haiku
‘Do you never worry?’ ‘Would it help?’ *Surprised silent reflection* (Dialogue from movie ‘Bridge Of Spies’)
The Lying ‘Snake’ Vs The Sitting ‘Toad’
The wise heed wisdom from anyone who offers it. The foolish ignore wisdom from everyone who offers it. – Stonepeace | Books There was once a Zen [Chan] Master who practiced meditation with extreme...
Verse On Changing Clothes
脱去俗服，当愿众生，勤修善根，舍诸罪轭。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品11: 第16偈) When taking off worldly clothes,*[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,diligently cultivate good roots,**renounce all obstructive...
Happy Vesak 2560
Verse On Speedy Spiritual Progress
求请出家，当愿众生，得不退法，心无障碍。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品11: 第15偈) When requesting to renounce household life,*[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,attain the non-retrogressible Dharma,**with minds without...
Four Ways Bodhisattvas Lose Bodhicitta
As they might backslide, beginner Bodhisattvas should keep giving rise to Bodhicitta now, until they become great Bodhisattvas. As they might backslide, beginner Bodhisattvas should keep aspiring to...
Burn Haiku
The hot sunlight led to sunburn, but ice burns too.
Verse On Teachers
诣大小师，当愿众生，巧事师长，习行善法。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品11: 第14偈) When visiting senior and junior teachers, [reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,skilfully serve their teachers and seniors, and practise the good...
The Faith Factor: Strengthening Faith Through The Treatise On Ten Doubts About Pure Land (6th Run)
First 100 Register Free: Free Reference Book For All Course Participants Feedback From Previous Runs: Very engaging and informative lesson this evening (especially for a lay person like me)! Sincere...
My: Destination Pureland: How To Have The Best Rebirth (5th Run)
Click To Register Here Feedback From Previous Rounds: ‘This is one of the most interesting courses that I have attended. What we ought to know about preparation before and after death were well...
The Universal Door Of Guanyin Bodhisattva (5th Run)
Click To Register Here Feedback From Previous Rounds: Dear Shi’an, am full of gratitude and 法喜 (Dharma joy) to attend another one of your well-researched Dharma courses. Truly appreciate the length...
Verse On Dharma Harmony
入僧伽蓝，当愿众生，演说种种，无乖诤法。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品11: 第13偈) When entering samgharamas,*[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,expound on all kinds ofDharma teachings without disharmony and contention...
Exact Haiku
Be exact or miss the point
Verse On Renunciation (1)
舍居家时，当愿众生，出家无碍，心得解脱。 – 文殊菩萨(华严经: 净行品11: 第12偈) When renouncing living with families,[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,depart from their families without obstacles,*[with their] minds attaining...
Verse On Difficulties
若在厄难，当愿众生，随意自在，所行无碍。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品11: 第11偈) If with adversities and difficulties,[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,according [to their] wishes* be at ease,[in] that practised...
Verse On Gathering
众会聚集，当愿众生，舍众聚法，成一切智。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品11: 第10偈) [When] multitudes meet and gather,[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,renounce the many gathered dharmas,*[and] accomplish all-wisdom...
Verse On Giving
若有所施，当愿众生，一切能舍，心无爱着。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品11: 第9偈) If there is that given,[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,[of] everything* [be] able [to] renounce,[with their] minds without...
Harm Of Praising Oneself & Blaming Others
When you praise yourself, you forget to improve yourself. When you blame others, you forget to help others. – Stonepeace | Books “One can say that the habit of praising oneself and looking down...
Verse On Rising Up
上升楼阁，当愿众生，升正法楼，彻见一切。 – 文殊菩萨(华严经: 净行品11: 第8偈) When rising up in towers,[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,rise in the tower of true Dharma,*[to] thoroughly see all [truths].’** – Manjusri...
Reflection Haiku
The wise reflect while the ignorant — simply ignore.
Verse On Adornment
着璎珞时，当愿众生，舍诸伪饰，到真实处。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品11: 第7偈) When wearing [a] necklace,[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,renounce all false adornments,*[and] reach the abode of truth.’** – Manjusri...
The Heart of ‘The Heart Sutra’: The Core Of Wisdom (10th Run)
Click Here To Register For Limited Spaces Now Feedback From Past Runs: Hi Bro Shi’an, thank you very much for your detailed teaching and guidance in the course. It has been very interesting as...
The Seven Limbs As Antidotes To Afflictions
Revere the more enlightened to rid pride. Learn their teachings and ask to rid ignorance and doubt. Repent and radiate loving-kindness to rid hatred. Rejoice of others’ well-being to rid...
Verse On Entrance
若在宫室，当愿众生，入於圣地，永除秽欲。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品11: 第6偈) If in [a] house,*[reflect that] ‘May sentient beingsenter of sacred ground,**[and] forever eradicate defiled desires.’*** –...
Verse On Entertainment
伎乐聚会，当愿众生，以法自娱，了伎非实。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品11: 第5偈) With music [and dance] at gatherings,[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings,with [the] Dharma personally enjoy,*realising [that other]...
Fly Haiku
Where there’s people, there’s flies and Buddhas. – Issa hito areba hae ari hotoke ari ni keri
Verse On Peaceful Tranquillity
若得五欲，当愿众生，拔除欲箭，究竟安隐。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品11: 第4偈) If attaining the five desires,*[reflect that] ‘May sentient beingseradicate desires’ arrow,[and attain] unsurpassable peaceful...
Santideva Bodhisattva Explains Why There Is No God
As a perfect creator will never create the imperfect, and since the imperfect pervades this world, there is surely no perfect creator of this world. – Stonepeace | Books [118] [Nyaya-Vaiseka] God [as...
Verse On Equanimous Care
妻子集会，当愿众生，怨亲平等，永离贪著。 — 文殊菩萨(华严经: 净行品11: 第3偈) [When] wife and children gather,[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings’enemies [and] relatives equally,forever renounce greedy attachment.’...
Verse On Full Filiality
孝事父母，当愿众生，善事于佛，护养一切。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品11: 第2偈) [With] filiality serving [one’s] father [and] mother,[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings[with goodness skilfully] attend upon [all]...
Mundane Vs Supramundane Perfection of Giving
True giving away hopes for no takeaway. Being able to give [to help] is itself the ‘takeaway’. — Stonepeace | Get Books Sariputra: What is the worldly, and what is the supramundane...
The Parable Of Me & Mine
If even our strongest worldly attachments we too will lose attachment to later, why be so attached to them now? — Stonepeace | Get Books Some children were playing beside a river. They made castles...
Family Verse For Laypeople
菩萨在家，当愿众生，知家性空，免其逼迫。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第1偈) Bodhisattvas at home [who are laypeople],[should reflect that] ‘May sentient beingsknow their families’ [and homes’] natureto be empty...
Cloud Haiku
Tilling the field: The cloud that never moved Is gone. – Buson
How To Practise Repentance After Abortion?
Question: If a woman aborted a child at an early stage due to family planning, will this affect her rebirth? Answer: According to the Buddha’s teachings, the moment of conception is the moment...
Project Rebirth: Rediscover, Reflect, Recharge (Round 11)
click to enlarge register here Feedback From Previous Rounds: Dear Teacher Shi’an, your interesting talks on Project Rebirth is coming to an end. We have benefited and learnt much from...
Contemplation Verse When Standing
下足住时，当愿众生，心得解脱，安住不动。 – 文殊菩萨 (华严经: 净行品: 第34偈) When lowering [your] foot [to] stand,[reflect that] ‘May sentient beings’minds attain liberation [from suffering],[to] peacefully...
Away With The Dirt!
If clearing outer dirt does not remind you to clear your inner dirt, your cleaning is incomplete. — Stonepeace | Get Books Two brothers once lived in the city of Rajagaha in ancient India. Their...
How To Pray For Non-Buddhists?
Question: How do we pray for old family members with different faiths? Can we pray for them in a Buddhist way, though everyone’s karmic inclinations are different? Answer: Everyone has...
Peony Haiku
A peony fallen – on top of one another, two petals, three petals. – Buson
The Toilet Cleaner’s True Fragrance
True filth is non-physical – they are the mental poisons of greed, hatred and delusion. – Stonepeace | Books Nidhi supported himself by cleaning toilets. That was why not only his clothes, but his...
How To Handle Workplace Negativity?
Question: How can one deal with negative and insecure gossipmonger colleagues? Answer: One way is to engage but steer them in another direction, towards making them think of proactive solutions for...
‘Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation’ Of Undercover ‘Bodhisattvas & Maras’?
CIA director Alan Hunley tells the Prime Minister of Great Britain, ‘[Secret Agent Ethan] Hunt is uniquely trained and highly motivated. A specialist without equal, immune to any...
Trust Haiku
Trusting the Buddha (Amida), good and bad, I bid farewell To the departing year. – Kobayashi Issa (ともかくもあなたまかせの年の暮 tomokaku mo anata makase no toshi no kure) – Translated By D.T. Suzuki
Will Nana The Tiger Learn?
Never regret good done; only regret not knowing how to better do good. – Stonepeace | Books Once upon a time there was a man who one day was pursued by a ferocious tiger named Nana. To escape from...
Understanding Amituofo Via The Amitabha Sutra (17th Run)
Scenes Of 10th Run At Kong Meng San: Practice of guided mindfulness of Buddha Practice of recitation of sutra once before detailed learning with bilingual text Practice of guided mindfulness of...
‘Apply’ For ‘The Pure Land Passport’《净土护照》Here
As ‘Checkout’ Time Can Be Any Time, Get Your Handbook Now! Above are the new editions; below is a past edition. Get Now | FAQs | 100 Reasons To Get ItPraises | Launches | Media...
100 Reasons To Get ‘The Pure Land Passport’
To go green, you can also read it fully free atpurelanders.com/passport 100 Reasons To Get Your Pure Land Passport Design Inspired By Passport [01] Passport-like cover colour and material[02]...
Media Review Of ‘The Pure Land Passport’
As featured in the February 2016 issue of ‘For You Information’ (佛友资讯) Get Now | Intro | FAQs | 100 Reasons To Get ItPraises | Launches | Distribution | GalleryHow To...
Praise For ‘The Pure Land Passport’
Dear Brother Shi’an, I am impressed by your creative and detailed SOP [‘Standard Operational Procedures’, stated in the book] to achieve our goal of reaching Amituofo’s...
Launches Of ‘The Pure Land Passport’
Planning before launch of ‘The Pure Land Passport’ Slideshow presentation of ‘The Pure Land Passport’ First run of ‘Destination Pureland’ course,using materials of...
Distribution Of ‘The Pure Land Passport’
Free distribution of ‘The Pure Land Passport’at Singapore Buddhist Lodge’s Chinese Pure Land Class(with ‘The Immeasurable Life Sutra’ near).Copies were offered to the...
Gallery Of ‘The Pure Land Passport’《净土护照》
Above are the new editions; below is a past edition. A book that seems to ‘radiate’ golden light ‘The Pure Land Passport’ up close(comes with protective cover) Gold stamp of...
How To Use ‘The Pure Land Passport’
Below is the introduction in ‘The Pure Land Passport’ How To Use This Passport The approach of death is eventual for everyone, unless we attain enlightenment in this single lifetime...
Some Pages Of ‘The Pure Land Passport’
Below are some pages from the 128-page book.The actual book is with gold stampingon bright red protected covers,and rounded page corners for cream pages,as can be seen in the ‘Gallery’...
Trek Haikus
Part I Looking down too much At the rocky path I walk, My head strikes a branch. Part II Looking up too much At the scenery around, My foot trips a bit. Part III Pause some, to appreciate, Be still...
Should Buddhists Help Deviant ‘Buddhist’ Groups?
Question: A Buddhist friend encountered a cult-like group that rides upon but misrepresents Buddhism. He wonders if it is alright to volunteer in helping them to promote some general good values...
Talk: Reliving The Story Of The Buddha As Our Personal Story
How To Face Competition, Negativity & Hardship?
Question: Everything seems so competitive, in school now, and in work later.Answer: There is no need to compete at all, which only stresses yourself out. While you ought to be inspired by others who...
Be Kind To Be Happy
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion. – H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama Many studies have shown a link between happiness and kindness. When we...
Change You Can & Change You Should
As we decide how we change, we are responsible for who we change into. Stonepeace | Books Despite my limited experience, I am convinced that with regular training, it is quite possible to transform...
13 Everyday Aspirations For Everyone
Day by day, may all beings further spiritually awaken as they physically awaken. Stonepeace | Books On every occasion, pray tirelessly for the benefit of beings. When you are going to sleep, think:...
Do Consented Affairs Break Any Precept?
Question: Although married for over ten years and with kids, a man still has many intimate girlfriends. His wife knows about his affairs but chooses to live with them. With ‘consenting...
Guru Rinpoche & Lama Tsongkhapas’s Exhortation To Reach Pure Land
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) In order...
Boundless Blessings Of Joyful Helping
佛言：「睹人施道，助之欢喜，得福甚大。」沙门问曰：「此福尽乎？」佛言：「譬如一炬之火，数千百人各以炬来分取，熟食除冥，此炬如故，福亦如之。」 – 四十二章经:第十章（释迦牟尼佛） The Buddha said, ‘Seeing one on the path of giving, and helping him [or her] joyfully, attains...
Ideal Physical & Mental Postures For Meditation
Shamatha is the one-pointed concentration of the mind. Vipashyana is perfect discernment. – The Cloud Of Jewels Because body and mind are interrelated, if one adopts a correct physical posture, the...
Universal Compassion Arises From Impartial Detachment
While physical renunciation supports mental renunciation of greed, hatred and delusion, mere physical renunciation is inadequate without mental renunciation. Stonepeace | Books Since genuine...
Why Is Receiving Criticism Wonderful?
It is normal for the unenlightened to be criticised by the more enlightened. It is abnormal for the unenlightened to not be criticised by the more enlightened. Stonepeace | Books When you are...
Mind Like Space
Mind is like space, without birth and death. Like space, mind has no centre or periphery. Like space, mind is not bound or liberated.* Like space, mind has neither high nor low. — Last Words Of...
The Difference Between Attachment & True Love
To become a Buddha is to grow from conditioned love of one or a few to unconditioned love of not more but all. Stonepeace | Books Similarly, the feeling of being in love is usually more a form of...
Coming, Staying & Going
At the beginning nothing comes, in the middle nothing stays, in the end nothing goes.* – Milarepa * When starting Dharma practice, nothing seems to change. Later, changes occur but are unstable. When...
Shabkar’s Song Of Compassion
Compassion is the root of the Buddha path. – Nagarjuna Now I have some heart-advice to give you: a sky needs a sun, a mother needs a child, a bird needs two wings. Likewise, emptiness [which is the...
The 48 Great Vows Of Amituofo (5th Run): Boundless Blessings For This Life & The Next
Register: Feedback From Previous Rounds: Thank you for being an ever engaging and passionate teacher! Regards, Nicholas Hi Teacher Shi’an, thank you for your effort and the research that you have...
How Our Dualistic Minds Torment Us
Peace of mind arises from not seeing through the tainted lenses of deluded attachment and aversion. Stonepeace | Books Alas! If we observe how this lost mind works, When it is happy, it becomes...
Bodhicitta Haiku
Save not just yourself; Save one and all without self – The path begins now!
Become The Best You Can Be
Know not your greatest potential and actualise not your greatest potential. Know your greatest potential and actualise your greatest potential. Stonepeace | Books The first step for someone who...
Twin Wings
Even the eagle, king of birds, cannot fly if he is missing a wing. Many find the wing ‘perception of emptiness’, But only those who have also the wing of Bodhicitta Fly to the omniscient...
New Translation of Amitabha Sutra
Patient & Sincere Efforts
Without expecting quick results, Practice sincerely until your last breath! — Milarepa
Sutra With All Buddhas’ Mindful Protection
汝等众生，当信是称赞不可思议功德，一切诸佛所护念经。 – 六方诸佛诚实言 (阿弥陀经) You all sentient beings,should have faith in this ‘Sutra With PraisesOf Inconceivable Meritorious VirtuesAnd All Buddhas’ Mindful...
Letting Go While According With Conditions
放下不等于放弃。随缘不等于随便。 ‘Letting go’ of the unresolvedis not to ‘give up’ the worthy,but to be unattached to resultswhile always doing one’s best. ‘According with...
Destination Pureland: How To Have The Best Rebirth (3rd Run)
Click To Register Here Feedback From 1st & 2nd Runs: ‘This is one of the most interesting courses that I have attended. What we ought to know about preparation before and after death were...
Should Buddhists Have Missionary Zeal?
If those with no or less dustdo not help clear thatof those with more dust,who else will? – Stonepeace | Books [Editor: The answer to the question is a resounding ‘Yes!’ As we can see...
World Of Words
The whole world is tormented by wordsAnd there is no one who does without words.But in so far as one is free from wordsDoes one really understand words. – Saraha (Treasury Of Songs)
Understanding Amituofo Via The Amitabha Sutra (16th Run)
Click To Register Here Scenes Of 10th Run At Kong Meng San: Practice of guided mindfulness of Buddha Practice of recitation of sutra once before detailed learning with bilingual text Practice of...
Cause Of Buddhahood
If you aspire to Buddhahood,¹ the root of it is Bodhicitta² as firm as Mount Sumeru,³ all-pervasive compassion⁴ and non-dual wisdom.⁵ – Nagarjuna Bodhisattva (Ratnamala) 1 Supreme enlightenment 2...
Crisis Haiku
When you lack calmness for clarity of mind is when you need it most
Be A Good Friend
Greet them with the flag of generosity, Appeal to them with gentle speech, Inspire their confidence by acting with consistency, Attune yourself to them and give them perfect advice. – Gyalse Ngulchu...
Four Reliances & Four Non-Reliances (四依四不依)
依法不依人。 Rely on the Dharma; [and] not rely on the person[ality of the teacher]. 依义不依语。 Rely on the meaning; [and] not rely on the words. 依了义不依不了义。 Rely on the ultimate meaning; [and] not rely on the...
Foremost Path To Buddhahood
都摄六根， 净念相继， 得三摩地， 斯为第一。 To gather in the six [sense] roots, with pure [Buddha] mindfulness in continuous succession, to attain samādhi, this is the foremost method [to Buddhahood]. –...
How To See Buddha
若众生心， 忆佛念佛， 现前当来， 必定见佛。 If sentient beings’ minds recollect the Buddha [Amitābha], and are mindful of the Buddha, now or in the future, they will definitely see the Buddha. – 楞严经大势至菩萨念佛圆通章...
Who Buddhas Are Mindful Of
十方如来， 怜念众生， 如母忆子。 若子逃逝， 虽忆何为？ The ten directions’ [Buddhas] Tathāgatas are sympathetically mindful of sentient beings, like a mother recollecting her child. [But] if the child runs away, although...
Well-Being Haikus
Due to suffering, You want to have more well-being – But what is it for? ___ Due to your well-being, Why not aspire for more – To help others too? ___ Personal well-being Should transcend...
Circle Haiku
Going in circles, what would be the point of it? There is just no point! ___ Gather momentum To go off tangent – Use it to break free!
The Faith Factor: Strengthening Faith Through The Treatise On Ten Doubts About Pure Land (5th Run)
click to enlarge poster Register: tinyurl.com/buddhistclass Feedback From Previous Runs: Dear Brother Shi’an, attending your Dharma lessons is definitely enjoyable to the point of...
The Universal Door Of Guanyin Bodhisattva (4th Run)
click to enlarge poster Register: Feedback From Previous Rounds: Dear Shi’an, am full of gratitude and 法喜 (Dharma joy) to attend another one of your well-researched Dharma courses. Truly appreciate...
Pure Precepts
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。 — 华严经 If upholding the pure precepts [of morality] to comply with the true teachings, [which] all Buddhas and virtuous sages praise, [as] precepts are the basis...
Which Day Is Auspicious?
Evil done onan ‘auspicious’ dayis always ill-fated. Good done onan ‘inauspicious’ dayis always blessed. People createfortune and misfortune,not the calendar. – Yoshida Kenko...
如何运用正信佛法辨别附佛外道
(Though this talk is reserved for invited guests only, organisations interested to host the talk in English or Chinese are welcomed to contact the teacher.) How To Use The Right Dharma To Discern...
Why Are There No Souls?
Question: How should Buddhists explain why we do not believe in the existence of ‘souls’? Answer: According to the Buddha’s teachings, there are no unchanging mental or physical...
How Best To Learn From All
看一切众生皆是菩萨，唯我一人实是凡夫。 See all sentient beingseach as a Bodhisattva,[from whom I alwayshave much to learn],and only me, a single person,as a truly ordinary being. — Great Master Yinguang 印光大师(13th...
An Open Letter To Buddhist Practitioners
Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men. – Lord John Emerich Edward Dalberg Acton Buddha Recitation practitioners [of mindfulness of...
One Dharma
是诸世尊等， 皆说一乘法， 化无量众生， 令入于佛道。 All World-Honoured Ones [Buddhas], Each speak Dharma of the One Vehicle [Ekayana], To transform immeasurable sentient beings, For enabling entry of the Buddha path [to...
Doing As Pleased
随缘谓应众生 之缘而施教化, 非一切皆随便。 To ‘accord with conditions’ meansto comply with sentient beings’ conditionsfor giving transformational teachings;not to ‘do as pleased’ for...
Project Rebirth: Rediscover, Reflect, Recharge (Round 10)
(Chosen by Manjusri Secondary School’s Buddhist Interact Club, Round 9 of Project Rebirth will be shared with their interested students and teachers, from 26 Jan 2015 onwards. Members of the...
Dharma Gift Packets
‘The Dharma gift packets are really very well designed and the words are truly meaningful. Great thanks for initiating it and sharing with us. It’s too nice to part with them. Will find a...
Dedication Of Merits
回向偈 Verse For Dedication Of Merits 愿以此功德, May I, with these meritorious virtues, 普及以一切。Universally dedicate them to all. 我与等众生, May I, with other sentient beings, 皆共成佛道。All together accomplish...
The Buddha’s Admonition Against Making False Spiritual Claims 佛陀对大妄语的警戒
Liars are not trueeven to themselves,much less to othersand to Truth itself. – Stonepeace | Books 大佛顶首楞严经卷第六：四种决定清净明诲章：第四重戒 [The] Great Buddha’s Crown’s Śūraṅgama Sūtra’s Sixth Scroll: Section...
From Mindfulness To Buddhahood
常生大乘善信, 自知我是未成之佛, 诸佛是已成之佛, 发菩提心, 念念不去心。 – 释迦牟尼佛 (梵网经) Constantly giving rise to good faith in the Great Vehicle [for delivering one and all to Buddhahood], personally know that I am [you...
Buddha & Self
念佛非念我, 念我非念佛. Mindfulness of Buddha is not mindfulness of self. Mindfulness of self is not mindfulness of Buddha. – Stonepeace | Get Books (To be truly mindful of Buddha, one should not be...
Right Path
宁可千年不悟， 不可一日错路。 Rather to, in one thousand years, not awakening,there must not be, in one day, take the wrong path.* — Buddhist Saying * 稍微跟错教理，而真正中外道毒者，能生生世世久久迷不知返，难以找回正道。Those slightly following...
Rebirth Haiku
Life after life Year after year Month after month Week after week Day after day Hour after hour Minute after minute Second after second Now after now
The Heart of ‘The Heart Sutra’ (9th Run)
Click Here To Register Feedback From Past Runs: This class has brought me to another level of understanding the Buddha’s profound teachings. I learnt to observe things from more insightful...
Understanding Amituofo Via The Amitabha Sutra (15th Run)
Click To Register Free Here Scenes Of 10th Run At Kong Meng San: Practice of guided mindfulness of Buddha Practice of recitation of sutra once before detailed learning with bilingual text Practice of...
Destination Pureland: How To Have The Best Rebirth (2nd Run)
Click To Register Here Feedback From 1st Run: ‘This course is a must-go! Thumbs up!’ – Jane ‘Excellent course. Looking forward to recommend friends. Do join the next run if...
Mind Moon
My mind’s the autumn moon,shining in the blue-green pool,reflecting glistening, clear and pure…There’s nothing to compare it to,what else can I say? — Master Hanshan
Six Precepts
There are in essence three precepts for liberation of oneself. One should restrain and rid the three poisons of attachment, aversion and delusion. There are in essence three precepts for liberation...
Nuturing The Bodhi Seed
欲长菩提苗, 光明照世间, 应当静观察, 诸法真实相, 不生亦不灭, 不常复不断, 不一亦不异, 不来亦不去. – 梵网经 (释迦牟尼佛) Desiring [to] nurture [the] Bodhi seedling [for Buddhahood, to have] bright light illuminating [the] world, [there] should...
Is Amituofo’s Pure Land Physically Far To The West?
Question: Some say Amituofo’s (Amitābha Buddha) Pure Land is only figuratively said to be far to the West. Is this true? Answer: The brief answer is that Amituofo’s Pure Land is indeed...
Purification Gem
清珠投于浊水， 浊水不得不清； 佛号投于乱心， 乱心不得不佛。 When a purification gem is cast into defiled water, the defiled water has no way not to purify. When Amituofo’s name is cast into the scattered mind, the...
Why We Should Vow To Reach Pure Land
若有众生，If there are beings 闻是说者，who hear this [teaching], 应当发愿，they should vow [aspire] 生彼国土。to be born in that land. – 阿弥陀经 (释迦牟尼佛) Amitā[bha] Sūtra (Śākyamuni Buddha) Amitā[bha] Sūtra...
Are The Enlightened Around Us Now?
Question: During the Buddha’s time, there are many who become Arhats and Bodhisattvas. Today, we do not hear of anyone becoming enlightened. If they are around, yet not revealing themselves...
Essential Haiku
What is essentialis always to realisewhat is essential.
Self-Delusion
一切邪执, 皆依我见, 若离于我, 则无邪执。 – 禅宗十二祖马鸣菩萨 (大乘起信论) Of all evil attachments, each rely on self-view. If departing from self, thus are there no evil attachments. – 12th Patriarch Of The Chan...
Body, Speech & Mind
Thoughts are mental actions. Words are verbal actions. Deeds are physical actions. – Stonepeace | Books
Truth Haiku
Always around, mostly missed – Truth.
Complete Your TDE Book 1-6 Collection
Get Set With 30% Off @ TheDailyEnlightenment.com/store Get Set With 30% Off @ TheDailyEnlightenment.com/store ~ Series Reviews | Individual Books | eBooks | Previews ~
How Everyone Is Every Buddha’s ‘Only Child’
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 (慈)...
Of Transcendental, Celestial & Terrestrial Buddhas
Immeasurable compassion guided by immeasurable wisdom to manifest immeasurable skilful means is need to guide immeasurable beings to Buddhahood. – Stonepeace | Books The Lankavatara Sutra...
Breakthrough Haiku
Why the same old now for the same old later? Break… through!
Why The Mahayana Teachings Are Authentic
As the Buddhas have pure Bodhicitta to fully benefit all beings, all Buddhas will teach Bodhicitta to fully benefit all beings. – Stonepeace | Books If the path taught in the first turning of...
What Kind Of Pot Are You?
May we receive the good and pure.May we not reject the good and pure.May we not defile the good and pure.May we become the good and pure. — Stonepeace | Books When we listen to the sublime teachings...
Infinity Haiku
Infinitely boring with their same old ‘substance’ of emptiness. ___ Infinitely interesting with its infinite manifestations of forms.
How To Verify Truthfulness Of The Buddha’s Teachings
Any so-called ‘truth’ that cannot be practically experienced is practically useless. – Stonepeace | Books There is a process of reflection… that is helpful in determining the...
This Moment
Don’t miss this moment now [while it is still here] but don’t miss this moment later [when it is no longer here] too. – Stonepeace | Books
Project Precepts: How To Avoid Evil & Do Good
Register: www.tinyurl.com/buddhistclass Some Feedback From Other Courses: The ‘Understanding Amituofo’ course has been immensely interesting. Shi’an has a knack of breaking down...
The Mindfulness Factor : How To Be Mindful Of Buddha Purely (Run 2)
click to enlarge poster Register: www.tinyurl.com/buddhistclass Some Feedback From First Round: Hi Bro. Shi’an, Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. Though have heard and read this 圆通章...
Understanding Amituofo Via The Amitabha Sutra (14th Run)
click to enlarge poster Register: www.tinyurl.com/buddhistclass Scenes Of 10th Run At Kong Meng San: Practice of guided mindfulness of Buddha Practice of recitation of sutra once before detailed...
If Remorse Is ‘Bad’, Why Practise Repentance?
Question: I learnt from the Abhidhamma that remorse is an unwholesome mental factor. If so, why do we chant Repentance Verses? Answer: ‘Remorse’ (Kukkucca) is deemed unwholesome only when...
Make A Difference
Make a difference to the worldeven if the world is indifferent,because it makes a difference –at least to you, in trying your best. — Stonepeace | Books
Samsara Haiku
Samsara is just unresolved feelings from deluded thinking.
Your Best Ally
Your greatest spiritual challenge is your personal Mara but you have a greater spiritual ally which is your Buddha-nature. — Stonepeace | Get Books
LIGHT Issue 4
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Death Poem
If people ask about Ryokan’s death poem, tell them it was ‘Homage to Amitabha Buddha.’ — Zen Master Ryokan
Crossroads
If you follow the original vows of Amitabha Buddha, you will no longer be lost at the crossroads. – Zen Master Ryokan
Tolerance Haiku
If you tolerate intolerance, are you truly being tolerant, or supporting the intolerant? (Could you tolerate yourself? Is this a paradox?)
LIGHT Issue 3
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The Moon Shines On Behind The Clouds
How can you lose the most fundamental hope, that is your Buddha-nature? – Stonepeace | Get Books Suzuki Roshi had been quite ill. He had been falsely diagnosed with infectious hepatitis and had...
Seeing Falling Snow
The enlightened truly see what they see. The unenlightened falsely see what they see. – Stonepeace | Get Books When the Layman [Pang Yun] decided to leave Yueh-shan’s temple, Yueh-shan...
Faults
Highlight others’ faults without naming themto help them see and overcome them,while giving leeway. Highlight others’ faults while naming themto help them see and overcome them,only if...
Protection & Harm
Create only positive karma, as your positive karma is what truly protects you. Create no negative karma, as your negative karma is what truly harms you. – Stonepeace | Get Books
Gratitude & Apology
Thank to encourage others for their goodness, which is good for you too. ___ Apologise to repent for your mistakes, which is good for others too.
LIGHT Issue 2
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Better To Observe Precepts
持戒不犯不易， 犯戒能忏即可。 戒不持更易犯， 不如持戒少犯。 To observe precepts without breaking them is not easy, but having broken them, one can practise repentance. Since to not observe precepts is easier to break them, one...
Constructive Criticism
To be critical that another is critical is to be critical too. What matters is why you are critical – to better or to worsen. – Stonepeace | Get Books
Meat Eating & Violence Towards Humans
千百年来碗里羹， 怨深似海恨难平。 预知世上刀兵劫， 但听屠门夜半声。 ── 愿云禅师 That there is a casual relationship between the cruelty, torture, and death of human beings and the ongoing slaughter of millions of pigs, cows, fowl, and...
Character Haiku
Perfect character is perfect consistency of perfect behaviour
The Universal Door of Guanyin Bodhisattva (3rd Run)
Register: www.tinyurl.com/buddhistclass Feedback From Past Runs: Dear Shi’an, am full of gratitude and 法喜 (Dharma joy) to attend another one of your well-researched Dharma courses. Truly appreciate...
The 48 Great Vows Of Amituofo: Boundless Blessings For This Life & The Next (4th Run)
Register: www.tinyurl.com/buddhistclass Feedback From Previous Rounds: Dear Brother Shen, I’ve enjoyed every lesson since Module 1 of ‘The 48 Great Vows of Amituofo’ course. It is very engaging...
The Bodhicitta Factor: How To Be A Bodhisattva (3rd Run)
Register: www.tinyurl.com/buddhistclass Feedback For Related Courses: www.thedailyenlightenment.com/2013/12/understanding-amituofo-via-the-amitabha-sutra-13th-run#feedback About The Teacher: Shen...
LIGHT Issue 1
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[8] How Is Pure Land Reached With Ten Thoughts? 如何十念生净土？
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)...
[7] Why Not Seek Birth In Tuṣita Heaven? 为何不求生兜率天？
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)...
Compassion Is Essential
诸佛如来， 以大悲心， 而为体故。 All Buddha Tathagatas, are with the heart of great compassion, as their essence. 因于众生， 而起大悲。 因于大悲， 生菩提心。 因菩提心， 成等正觉。 Due to sentient beings, they gave rise to great compassion. Due...
[6] How Is There Non-Retrogression In Pure Land? 净土如何无退转？
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)...
A Matter Of Life & Death
Although life continues in this moment,it can discontinue in the next too. As such, it is just as importantto learn to die well, as it is to live well. – Stonepeace | Get Books Related...
[5] How Can Ordinary Beings Reach Pure Land? 凡夫如何生净土？
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)...
Busyness Haiku
To always be busyWithout mindful purposeIs disguised laziness
[4] Why Particularly Seek One Pure Land? 为何偏求一净土？
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)...
Higher Ground
Do you act from higher moral ground, or merely speak of higher moral ground? – Stonepeace | Get Books
Trip Haiku
On road trips to anywhere, To find yourself and truth, The journeying is the path.
Destination Pureland: How To Die Well & Be Reborn Better
Feedback From 1st Run: ‘This course is a must-go! Thumbs up!’ – Jane ‘Excellent course. Looking forward to recommend friends. Do join the next run if you missed this round...
Project Makan: Vegetarianism In The True Sutras (1st Run)
Past Praises: About The Teacher: Shen Shi’an 沈时安: An independent Buddhist teacher, author, researcher, translator, editor and poet, he was one of the founding members of the Dharma Propagation...
Project Transformation: The Eight Verses Of Thought Transformation (Run 2)
Praise From 1st Run: I love the teaching and will like to revise what you had taught… Love the teaching a lot! – Kelly After attending your courses (I have been attending Project Patience...
Project Patience: How To ‘Fight’ The Fire Of Anger (Run 2)
Praise From 1st Run: More than 10 years ago, I attended a fellowship session led by teacher Shi’an. The discussion happened to be based on a chapter in Shantideva’s ‘Guide to the...
[3] Why Be Particularly Mindful Of One Buddha? 为何偏念一佛？
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)...
[2] Do Pure Land Aspirants Renounce Here For There? 愿生净土者有舍此求彼吗？
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)...
Conscience
In moral arguments, true victory is when you win the rediscovery of your conscience. In moral arguments, true defeat is when you defend the loss of your conscience. – Stonepeace | Get Books
Good Haiku
Some lasting truth please!Not just a fleeting emotionTo make a good poem.
Forgiveness
If you have to apologise repeatedlyover the same issue,you were not apologetic even once. If you have to forgive repeatedlyover the same issue,you did not forgive even once. – Stonepeace | Get Books
Are Oil Lamps On My Shrine A Must?
Question: Is it a must to have a 24/7 lit oil lamp on my home shrine? I had ‘inherited’ the shrine from my Mother, which came with the lamp that was always lit. Answer: We should first...
[1] Do Pure Land Aspirants Forsake Other Beings? 愿生净土者有舍弃其他众生吗？
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)...
Relativity Of Space & Time In Buddhism
Time is measurement of change, and timeless is Buddhahood, which once attained is unchanging. — Stonepeace | Get Books As I understand it, the most important implication of Einstein’s theory of...
Bright Haiku
How big the contrast,just around the corner –how bright! — Stonepeace | Get Books
What Really Matters
What really matters is what you do right now. — Stonepeace | Get Books
A Brief Introduction Of Pure Land
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 (From the new...
The Faith Factor: The Treatise On Ten Doubts About Pure Land
Preview @ Promo1.pdf Get it @ TheDailyEnlightenment.com/store
Is Buddhism Against Birth Control?
Lust greases the gears on the wheel of giving birth and being reborn. – Stonepeace | Get Books In accordance with the basic principles of Buddhism, as long as one does not break the precept...
Dust Dance
A piece of dust in the eye:Illusory flowersdance wildly. — Buddhist Saying
Are The Animals You Eat Blessed?
Bodhisattvas who crave the taste of meat weaken their compassion. They should abstain! – Vajradhara Reting Trichen It is sometimes said that when practitioners of the Dharma and especially of...
Sparrow
A hunter saves the sparrow That found shelter at his chest. – Buddhist Saying
Why Drink More Salt Water?
Sensual pleasure are like salt water: The more you indulge, the more thirst increases. Abandon at once those things which breed clinging attachment. This is the practice of bodhisattvas. –...
Phone Haiku
If you have the power to call anyone at any time, what would you say? (You already have this power. Why not use it meaningfully now? What holds you back?)
Green Tea
A parrot cries, ‘green tea!’ Give it to him, but he doesn’t know what it is. – Zen Saying
Prajñā Pāramitā Heart Sūtra (The Discourse On The Heart Of Perfection Of Wisdom) 般若波罗蜜多心经
般若波罗蜜多心经Prajñā Pāramitā Heart Sūtra[The Discourse On The Heart Of Perfection Of Wisdom] 唐三藏法师玄奘译By Táng Dynasty’s Tripiṭaka Dharma Master Xuánzàng Translated [To Chinese]...
Book Haiku
Even truthful books are but gateways to understanding or misunderstanding, depending on your mis/understanding.
Moon Pearl
Strive to view the moon in the sky and lose the pearl in your hand. — Compendium of Five Lamps Strive to view the pearl in your hand and lose the moon in the sky. — Extended Saying
Understanding Amituofo Via The Amitabha Sutra (13th Run)
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The Heart of ‘The Heart Sutra’ (Run 8)
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Project Rebirth: Rediscover, Reflect, Recharge (Round 8)
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The Faith Factor: Strengthening Faith Through The Treatise On Ten Doubts About Pure Land (Run 4)
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Losing Time
If you are now living longer than expected, why waste ‘extra’ time? If you are now dying sooner than expected, why waste remaining time? – Stonepeace | Get Books
Do You Catch Yourself Red-Handed?
Group spiritual practice is crucial, in case you lack mindful discipline and do not know this is the case. — Stonepeace | Get Books Geshe Ben was an erudite and accomplished monk of the Oral Precept...
Life Is Short
Life is too short to lament that life is too short. – Stonepeace | Get Books
No Regret
My religion is to live and die without regret. – Milarepa
Gift With Stonepeace + Sam & Sara Books!
Get ‘The Stonepeace Book’ Vol 1 & 2 for 200 sayings @ www.thedailyenlightenment.com/webstore/store.php#!/~/category/id=4381322 (Use XMAS30 as coupon code for discount) 25 Reviews | 2...
Wake The Master Up Now
Empower Buddha-nature. Disempower defiled nature. – Stonepeace | Get Books In losing self to pursue the material and in pursuing the material and losing self, man is like a puppet tightly...
Grave Admonition Against Slander Of Pure Land Practice
若有众生，If there are beings 闻是说者，who hear this [teaching], 应当发愿，they should vow [aspire] 生彼国土。to be born in that [Pure] Land [of Amituofo]. – 释迦牟尼佛 Śākyamuni Buddha (佛说阿弥陀经 The Sūtra In Which...
Retreat
The accomplished hermit hides in the town; The immature hermit hides in the mountain. – Buddhist Saying A good retreat helps one to better advance for better helping others. – Stonepeace...
Road Haiku
The shortest road is often the busiest and thus the longest.
How Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Saved A Boy
A good sacrifice inspires; A poor sacrifice in vain. – Stonepeace | Get Books A thousand years ago in Anwa there was a woman who believed in Jizo [Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva; Dizang Pusa] and prayed...
The Groom Who Lost His Bride To The Stars
The only destiny worth fulfilling is that you create for the good of one and all. – Stonepeace | Get Books Once upon a time, there was a rich family living in Benares, in northern India. They...
Suit Haiku
The man maketh the suit that maketh the man
Fire & Water
Saying ‘fire’won’t burn your mouth;Saying ‘water’won’t drown you. — Buddhist Saying
From Craving Arises Grief & Fear
From craving springs grief, From craving springs fear: For one quite free of craving There is no grief — how fear? – The Buddha (Dhammapada, Verse 216) … this brahman… went one day...
Dream Haiku
My dream is to awaken. My nightmare is to dream on.
Blame
Hurt yourself holding a sword’s blade! Who’s to blame? – Buddhist Saying
Should I Search For Peace Within Or Without?
Question: About seaching inside oneself for peace versus seeking it outside, it there any tension between? Would, say, going to another country to attend a retreat be considered seeking it outside...
Tea Haiku
While tea perks you up physically, it is only mindful sipping that perks you up spiritually.
Spirit Versus Letter Of Precepts
If you live by the spirit of the precepts, you will never go wrong. If you stick to the letter of the precepts, you might sometimes do wrong. – Stonepeace | Get Books The Maha-Maya...
Self-Reflection
A blade cuts thingsbut not itself;Eyes see everythingbut themselves. – Zen Saying
Blessings From Good Observation Of Precepts
True observation of the precepts protects oneself as much as it protects others. – Stonepeace | Get Books Vakkula was a strange child. He was not born crying like most children, but entered the...
Spiritual Maturity
The immature blame othersfor ‘making’ them feel bad. The mature take responsibilityfor how they make themselves feel. — Stonepeace | Get Books
The Upholding, Breaking & Restoring Of Precepts
Those who ‘observe’ the precepts loosely, with some intention of possibly breaking them later will find their misgivings correspondingly more difficult to repent. — Stonepeace | Get Books...
Virtue
Before being insistent that others be virtuous to you, be determined to nurture those virtues for others. – Stonepeace | Get Books
Power Of Effort & Karma
凡事尽心尽力，成败交给业力。 For everything,put in all of your heart and efforts.For success or failure,leave it to the power of karma. — Buddhist Saying
Greed, Hatred & Delusion
Greed is to be slightly blamed, but it is slow to change. Hatred is to be greatly blamed, but it is quick to change. Delusion is to be greatly blamed, and it is slow to change. — Anguttara Nikaya
Beware Of Fatal Words
Illness enters through the mouth; Disaster exits through the mouth. – Chinese Saying “The Kokalika Jataka tells that many years ago in Benares, the king had a bad habit of talking too...
The Monk With Practice Without Faith & Aspiration
One with true Faith in a goal will have true Aspiration to advance with true Practice to reach it. – Stonepeace | Get Books During the Later Lê dynasty in Vietnam, there was a certain monk at...
Word Haiku
One mindful wordafter another,and the haiku forms.
Rationale
Knowing the rationale for following rules is more important than just knowing what are the rules to follow, as some rules might be irrational, which makes following them irrational too. –...
The Importance Of Teaching Appropriately
Although there are many Dharma doors, each more appropriate for some, there are also some Dharma doors, the most appropriate for most. – Stonepeace | Get Books When Buddha Sakyamuni was alive...
Dharma Pointer
If you only use the Dharma for pointing out others’ mistakes, instead of for self-reflection, you will never benefit from the Dharma – even if you learn it for countless lifetimes...
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Even The Poor Should Be Charitable
Generosity with wisdom not only does not impoverish, it enriches materially and spiritually. – Stonepeace | Get Books During the lifetime of a certain transhistorical Buddha there was a couple...
Understanding Amituofo Via The Amitabha Sutra (12th Run)
click to enlarge poster Register: tinyurl.com/dabeiform Scenes Of 10th Run At Kong Meng San: Practice of guided mindfulness of Buddha Practice of recitation of sutra once before detailed learning...
108 Zen Stories: Illustrated & Demystified (2nd Run)
click to enlarge poster Register: tinyurl.com/dabeiform Feedback from past Zen courses: Positive feedback: My non-Buddhist friend was ‘enlightened’ by your sharing just now, esp on the...
The Mindfulness Factor: How To Be Mindful Of Buddha Purely
click to enlarge poster Register: tinyurl.com/dabeiform Some Feedback From First Round: Hi Bro. Shi’an, Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. Though have heard and read this 圆通章 some time...
Reluctance
If we are somewhat reluctant to observe even the five precepts, we are somewhat reluctant to become better people and we are somewhat ‘bad’ people. – Stonepeace | Get Books
How Death From Enmity Was Averted
‘He beat me, he robbed me. Look at how he abused and injured me.’ Live with those thoughts and you will never stop hating… Abandon such thoughts and your hatred and suffering will...
Gratitude
Do not only speak of having gratitude; you have to manifest it as action for repayment of gratitude. – Ven. Shengyen 不要光是口说感恩， 必须化为报恩的行动。 － 圣严法师
The Only Way To End Hatred
Hatred is, indeed, never appeased by hatred in this world. It is appeased only by loving-kindness. This is an ancient law. – The Buddha While residing at the Jetavana monastery in Savatthi, the...
Live & Die
The Bodhisattva path is to live meaningfully, to die meaningfully, and to be reborn meaningfully – only to perfect and express compassion and wisdom. – Stonepeace | Get Books
Empty Haiku
Pen on paper Empty of words Full of possibilities
Investigation
Lack of understanding becomes misunderstanding when there is speculation instead of investigation. – Stonepeace | Get Books
Sam & Sara: #1 Buddhist Bestseller!
About Sam & Sara | 51 Reviews | 5 Trailers | Get Book
Resistance
No water pressure, no swim. No land friction, no walk. No air resistance, no flight. – Stonepeace
The Cruel Fowler
When you make an offering of generosity to others, you are also making an offering of merits to yourself. — Stonepeace | Get Books “Reverend sir (the Buddha), how did it happen that such a monk...
TDE Dharma Gift Sets
Click Flyer To Choose Set About TDE 6 | 28 Reviews | Preview About Sam & Sara | 51 Reviews | 5 Trailers About 2 Stonepeace Books & 12 Postcards | 24 Reviews | 2 Trailers About Amitabha...
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TDE Book 6 Preview
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Meet-The-Author Of Sam & Sara @ Kinokuniya
About Sam & Sara | 51 Reviews | 5 Trailers | Get Book
The Faith Factor: Strengthening Faith Through The Treatise On Ten Doubts About Pure Land (Run 3)
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The 48 Great Vows Of Amituofo: Boundless Blessings For This Life & The Next (Run 3)
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Project Samsara: Buddhist Perspectives Of 101 Life Situations
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Project Rebirth: Rediscover, Reflect, Recharge (Round 7)
click to enlarge poster Register : tinyurl.com/dabeiclass Feedback From Previous Rounds: Hi Bro Shian! Very grateful to have the opportunity to attend this class and learn more about the Dharma. The...
Can Dedication Of Merits Solve Problems? 回向功德能解决问题吗？
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...
Enough Focus
There should be enough focus on what has consequences in this life, without losing enough focus on what has consequences after this life. – Stonepeace
Music Haiku
Same birdsong, but music to him and noise to her.
Sincerity & Humility
Without sincerity and humility to learn the Dharma, preconceptions and egoism. will mar the Dharma. – Stonepeace (Get Books)
Let Go & Pick Up
We only need to let go of the three poisons of greed, hatred and delusion. We only need to pick up the three cures of generosity, compassion and wisdom. – Stonepeace
Better Seek Your Self
Realise there is no false self based on the five aggregates to realise your true self based on your Buddha-nature. – Stonepeace | Get Books Once the Buddha was sitting in meditation in a dense forest...
Sensitivity
Being insensitive is to care too little. Being oversensitive is to care too much. Being sensitive is to care just right. – Stonepeace (Get Books)
Project Transformation: The Eight Verses Of Thought Transformation
Register : tinyurl.com/dabeiclass About Teacher : tinyurl.com/shenshian Praise For Classes : I love the teaching and will like to revise what you had taught… Love the teaching a lot! –...
Project Patience: How To ‘Fight’ The Fire Of Anger
Register : tinyurl.com/dabeiclass About Teacher : tinyurl.com/shenshian Praise For First Run : More than 10 years ago, I attended a fellowship session led by teacher Shi’an. The discussion...
Dharma@Camera: Visions Thru The Objective Lens
Register : tinyurl.com/dabeiclass About Teacher : tinyurl.com/shenshian Feedback For First Run : I am enjoying your course so far… Thank you for sharing the images and I appreciate your time...
Dharma@Radio: ‘Enlightenment Thru Entertainment’
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Liberation
Not being attached to one’s suffering by realisation of its unsubstantiality to liberate oneself is wisdom. Not being attached to one’s liberation by realisation of its ungraspability to...
Launch Of The Stonepeace Book Vol 1 & 2
Get The Books @ TheDailyEnlightenment.com/store Launch Of Stonepeace Books | Reviews | Introduction | Stonepeace? | Trailers | Contents | Gallery
Reviews Of The Stonepeace Books
From Jenny Koh: ‘Hi, thank you for sharing the books. These 2 books (“The Stonepeace Book: Vol 1 & 2”) are indeed inspirational and original. Anyone can easily pick up and use...
Moods
Why affect others with your bad moods? Why be affected by others’ bad moods? – Stonepeace (Get Books)
Disappointment
Disappointment is just a reminder to further align with reality with greater diligence. – Stonepeace (Get Books)
Waves Haiku
The waves crash on, not exactly for anyone, but they enlighten the attentive ones!
TDE Store Open Now
New Guanshiyin Bodhisattva’s Universal Door & Heart Sutra Book
Get The Sutra @ TheDailyEnlightenment/store
The Equality Of All That Lives
If we cannot be kind even to a single small ant, how can be be kind to other boundless beings? — Stonepeace In 1982 His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet was dining in France with the 10th Pawo...
Stonepeace?
Is Stonepeace ancient or modern? Is Stonepeace dead or alive? Is Stonepeace young or old? Is Stonepeace male or female? Is Stonepeace monastic or lay? Is Stonepeace local or overseas? Yes? No? Maybe...
Stonepeace Book Trailers
The Stonepeace Book Vol 1 : One Hundred Illuminating Inspirations Sayings The Stonepeace Book Vol 2 : One Hundred Enlightening Inspirations Sayings Get The Stonepeace Books @ Launch Of Stonepeace...
Inside Stonepeace Books
The Stonepeace Book Vol 1 : One Hundred Illuminating Inspirations Sayings The Stonepeace Book Vol 2 : One Hundred Enlightening Inspirations Sayings Get The Stonepeace Books @ Launch Of Stonepeace...
Stonepeace Book Gallery
Get The Stonepeace Books @ Launch Of Stonepeace Books | Reviews | Introduction | Stonepeace? | Trailers | Contents | Gallery
Demons
All our outer demons arise from our inner demons. Even other outer demons arise from their inner demons. – Stonepeace
The Wonderful Open Secret Of Sincerity & Respect
With utmost sincerity and deepest reverence for a Dharma teaching learnt, there will be great diligence in practice, leading to realisation of its true goal and benefits. — Stonepeace Ultimately...
Fire & Water
Do not disregard small misdeeds, Thinking they are harmless, Because even tiny sparks of flame, Can set fire to a mountain of hay. Do not disregard small positive acts, Thinking they are without...
Stonepeace (Set 10)
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Stonepeace (Set 9)
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Stonepeace (Set 8)
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Stonepeace (Set 3)
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Stonepeace (Set 2)
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Stonepeace (Set 1)
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Evil, Self & Views
First, the unwholesome must be averted. In the middle, the self must averted. Last, all the views are averted. Wise is the one who knows this. — Aryadeva (Four Hundred Verses On The Middle Way)...
The Gold Standard Test For Truth
Do not rely merely on the person, but on the words; Do not rely merely on the words, but on their meaning; Do not rely merely on the provisional meaning, but on the definitive meaning; and Do not...
Why Not Stay In Samsara?
Just as we strive to enter good schools to study the worldly, we should strive to enter the best school [Pure Land] to master the Dharma. – Stonepeace Question: There are some who say that one...
Lost & Found
Better to have been lost, and to find yourself, than not know you are lost, and never find yourself. – Stonepeace
Beauty Haiku
Her beauty only made her words and action more incongruently ugly
The Pure Land Path Is For Everyone
Of the two Dharma schools, Samsara is the most challenging, and Pure Lands the most skilful. – Stonepeace The Dharma of Pure Land [path] can assist people of three different potentials [high...
Freedom From Intoxication
As craving addictive intoxicantsfor ‘relaxation’ causes tension,which is the opposite of relaxation,the cause of true relaxationis freedom from intoxicants. — Stonepeace
Advice
No advice should be taken without question – except this? No advice should be taken without question – including this. – Stonepeace
Course: The Universal Door Of Guanyin Bodhisattva: From Seeking To Becoming Compassion (2nd Run)
click to enlarge poster Register: Feedback From 1st & 2nd Runs: Dear Shi’an, am full of gratitude and 法喜 (Dharma joy) to attend another one of your well-researched Dharma courses. Truly...
Wasted Time
Time was never truly wasted if one realises in time, that time was wasted and wastes it no more, by being more diligent. Time was truly wasted if one does not realise in time that time was wasted and...
Are You Born With A Short Temper?
Patience is needed, even for impatience. — Stonepeace | Get Books A man went to call on a priest [Buddhist monk] for advice. “I was born with a short temper,” he confessed. “They...
The Zen In Pure Land Practice
The supreme power is when Self-Power and Other-Power become One-Power via mindfulness of Buddha. — Stonepeace | Get Books Those who practice Zen or Pure Land should all understand this truth:...
Dilly-Dallying
He who dallies till the auspicious moment arrives to begin his task, wastes his time star-gazing. When a man succeeds in what he does, did the stars have a say? — Nakkatha Jataka
How Two Brothers Reached Pure Land
Created by Buddhas with mindfulness of the Triple Gem, Pure Lands are ideal schools for learning the Dharma, from the greatest of the Arya [Noble] Sangha. Amituofo is the ‘principal’ of...
Net Haiku
What are you really searching for?Can it truly be foundonline or offline?
Favour
These two types of people are difficult to find in the world… One who will do a favour first, and one who is grateful for a favour done. — The Buddha (Anguttara Nikaya I.86) [Compassion and...
Arbitrary Conditions
Even if there areunfavourable conditions,the wise will improve them. Even if there arefavourable conditions,the deluded might worsen them. — Stonepeace
Course: Understanding Amituofo Via The Amitabha Sutra (11th Run)
click to enlarge poster Registration Form: Scenes Of 10th Run At Kong Meng San: Practice of guided mindfulness of Buddha Practice of recitation of sutra once before detailed learning with bilingual...
介绍念佛讲座系列
介绍念佛讲座系列 诸佛念念念众生 劝请诸众念念佛 ~ 十方如来 怜念众生 如母忆子 ~ 大势至菩萨念佛圆通章 (1) 您知道佛如何念您吗？ 释迦牟尼佛曾经在家喻户晓的阿弥陀经中 详细描述诸佛如何慈悲护念一切念佛人。 这即是诸佛苦口婆心劝请我们念佛的方式之一。 虽然诸佛时时忆念众生，还须我们念佛能与佛广结善缘！ ~ 若众生心 忆佛念佛 现前当来 必定见佛 ~ 大势至菩萨念佛圆通章 (2)...
Rahula’s Calmness Despite Adversities
Anger always harms oneself immediately, even if never expressed to harm others later. — Stonepeace | Get Book On another occasion, Rahula followed his teacher, Sariputra, on a trip to teach the...
What Kind Of Dharma Speaker & Listener Are You?
How you receive and express the Dharma is how you learn and practise the Dharma too. — Stonepeace | Get Book “Bhikkhus, there are these four kinds of Dhamma speakers. What four? (1) Here...
Get Amitabha Sutra Here
Throughout history, there have been countless wonderful Pure Land chanting texts. However, mindful of possible improvements to popular existing ones, this version was created with the inclusion of...
New Amitabha Sutra Book
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The WHY Series: New Insights Into Old Issues
The WHY Series: New Insights Into Old Issues[1] 04.10.12: WHY Buddhism (Over Other ‘isms’)?What Did The Buddha Teach About Various Religions?What Is The Big Deal About Buddhism?[2] 07.10...
Buddha-Nature And Egolessness
To see the illusory as so is the path to see the true as so. — Stonepeace | Get Books We have been speaking of Buddha-nature as though it was something that could be described, as though it was...
Most Important
Striving towards compassion for all, based on wisdom about all, is the most important of all. — Stonepeace | Get Books
Difference Between Faith & Respect
For one to take refuge, there must be respect. For one to have respect, there need not be refuge. — Stonepeace | Get Books Since faith and respect are different, respect for other religions does not...
Everything
Everything the same;everything distinct. — Chien-ju (All phenomena of mind and matter are equally empty of any fixed self in the absolute truth of emptiness, yet also totally different due to...
True Nature
One need ask no morewhen the true nature is seen. — Naropa (One needs to continue learning and practisingtill realisation then.)
Bittersweet Haiku
Even the sweetest becomes bittersweet, and even bitter… till we forget. (Thus are we reborn, pining for the bittersweet, time and again.)
Great Patience Is Great Strength
能行忍者， 乃可名为 有力大人。 – 释迦牟尼佛《佛遗教经》 Those able to practise patience,thus can be named asgreat persons having strength. – Śākyamuni Buddha(Sūtra On The Buddha’s Bequeathed Teachings)
Some Of The Fourteen Meaningless Things
Like returning empty-handed from an island of precious gems, it is meaningless to ignore the sacred Dharma after having obtained a human body. – Gampopa … Like a sick person holding a bag...
True Dharma Practice
Unless you practice the Dharma according to the Dharma, ‘the Dharma’ itself becomes the cause of evil rebirths. – Gampopa
At The Beginning, Middle And End Of Meditation
Life doesn’t stay in place, even for just a moment. – Gampopa Gampopa said, “When you first begin to practice, you must be like a deer locked in a pen, or a prisoner in jail, urgently seeking...
Subduing Anger
The hostile multitudes are vast as space — What chance is there that all should be subdued? Let but this angry mind be overthrown And every foe is then and there destroyed. — Shantideva
Purpose Of Life
The purpose of life is to find it, live it, and share it. — Stonepeace | Get Books
Firefly
A giant firefly:that way, this way, that way, this –and it passes by. – Issa
Be A Beginner Bodhisattva
Always here and now, Always new and fresh, Always aware and alive. – Stonepeace For a bodhisattva, the safest course is to constantly remind oneself of the initial aspiration to bodhi-mind...
Have You Met Sam & Sara?
Upon weeks of release by TheDailyEnlightenment, ‘The Amazing & Amusing Adventures of Sam & Sara: The Zen of All Kinds of Stuff’ has sold hundreds of copies! Get yours today...
Seeing Enemies As Precious Treasures
If enemies reveal our fault of enmity, are they not our spiritual friends too? — Stonepeace | Get Books There are many reasons for charity; the world is full of people in need. On the other hand...
Sooner Or Later?
Never too soon to learn the Dharma. Never too late to practise the Dharma. — Stonepeace | Get Books
Seven Down Eight Up
To fall seven times, To rise eight times, Life starts from now. – Daruma Doll Saying
Get Sam & Sara Book Here!
As featured in this comic strip collection of their 100 (mis)adventures, ‘Sam and Sara’ is subtle, direct, zany, zenny, quirky, unpredictable, playful, counterintuitive, philosophical… about...
X’mas 2012 Promotion
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Talk On The Making Of ‘Sam & Sara’
If you have read it already, come share your adventures! If you have not read it yet, come see what it’s about! Get ‘The Amazing & Amusing Adventures of Sam & Sara: The Zen of All...
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Reviews Of Sam & Sara
More about book @ Get the book @ Submit your review @ Han Kok Kwang (Author of National #1 Bestsellers, “So What If You Don’t Have A Degree?” & “No Job? No Problem...
Sam & Sara In Media (1)
‘Sam & Sara’, as featured in September 2012’s issue of ‘For You’ (Singapore’s free monthly Buddhist magazine). We were thinking of writing in, but the...
Sam & Sara In Media (2)
‘Sam & Sara’ featured in October 2012′s issue of ‘Nanyang Buddhist’ (Singapore Buddhist Federation’s free quarterly magazine). Get ‘The Amazing & Amusing Adventures of Sam & Sara:...
Sam & Sara Book Trailers
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Sam & Sara @ Evergreen Buddhist Bookshop
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Sam & Sara @ BooksActually
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Catching Up With Sam & Sara
Sara: How should we describe this book? Sam: Hmmm… It’s hard to put it in words… Sara: I say dig right in then! Sam: Or you can check out this chat first! Sara: Who are Sam and Sara...
What’s In Sam & Sara?
What’s in the Sam & Sara Book? 251 pages of 100 witty comics accompanied by 100 wise reflections covering many aspects of life! More about book @ Get the book @ Like Sam & Sara at...
About Creators Of Sam & Sara
Shen Shi’an 沈时安 An independent Buddhist teacher and writer, he was one of the founding members of the Dharma Propagation Division of Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery (Bright Hill Temple in...
Sam & Sara eCard
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Sam & Sara @ TDE
About The Daily Enlightenment The Daily Enlightenment (TDE) is an independent free Buddhist newsletter that serves more than 29,000 members worldwide. It aims to inspire its readers to live mindfully...
Others’ Mistakes
Be kind, by being forgiving, of others’ mistakes. Be more kind, by being understanding, of others’ mistakes. Be even more kind, by being correctional, of others’ mistakes. —...
Living Together
Don’t worry spiders, I keep house casually. — Issa
TDE DharMug Winners!
Han Yang, one of the three winners of the TDE DharMug. The other two winners are Kai Ying and Priscilla. Congrats! Read their winning reviews and more at :-] More about the DharMug:
Course: Project Rebirth (Rediscover, Reflect, Recharge) Round 5
Register: Feedback From Round 4: Like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation of your effort in conducting the sessions. Steven and myself thoroughly enjoyed every lesson. Though it was...
Sacred & Ordinary
If you live the sacred and despise the ordinary, you are still bobbing in the ocean of delusion. — Master Linchi (Rinzai)
Walking The Tiger’s Path
Although the true enemy of the angry is anger, to confront this anger with more anger is unwise. The true friend of the angry is loving-kindness, to transform it within, to be expressed without. —...
The Power Of Mindfulness Of Buddha
One moment of true mindfulness of Buddha deeply plants the seed for Buddhahood. More moments of true mindfulness of Buddha further nurtures the fruit of Buddhahood. — Stonepeace | Get Books...
No You Here
In reference to the seen, there will be only the seen. In reference to the heard, only the heard. In reference to the sensed, only the sensed. In reference to the cognized, only the cognized. That is...
Intentions & Experiences
Be swifter in knowing if your intentions are good or bad. Be slower in deciding if your experiences are good or bad. — Stonepeace | Get Books
Mind One Needle
One cannot succeed with two minds. One cannot sew with two needles. — Tibetan Saying One should be pure, single-minded, and wholehearted in thought, word and deed.
Conscience
How connected you are to good, evil and purity pivots upon how connected you are to your Buddha-nature. — Stonepeace | Get Books
Universal Appreciation Of Goodness
Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn’t anyone who doesn’t appreciate kindness and compassion. — H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama
Suffering Within Suffering, Decay & Process
Refuge only in the worldly and material, in clothing, food, lodging, wealth… eventually leads to suffering, when one is forced to part from them in death, when one has no greater refuge in the...
Suffering Vs Blessings
To experience suffering is to end suffering.To enjoy blessings is to exhaust blessings. — Buddhist saying 受苦是了苦， 享福是消福. (When we face inevitable sufferings bravely, they will end. When we indulge in...
Reviews Of TDE Books
Get Latest TDE Book Get TDE eBooks ‘Hi Shi’an, I am an avid reader of your TDE books and weekly series [of feature articles]. I find them informative and concise, and learnt a lot about...
Course: The Universal Door Of Guanyin Bodhisattva: From Seeking To Becoming Compassion
Register: Enquire: sem@kmspks.org Feedback from Other Courses: “Hi Bro Shi’an, my heartfelt gratitude to you for propagating great Buddhist classes to benefit us all. It’s indeed...
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Course: The ‘Magic’ Of Zen: Origins, Legends & Essence (2nd Run)
Register: Enquiry: tpbc@dabei.org.sg Feedback from 1st Run’s Participants: ‘I enjoyed this evening’s first lesson of The “Magic” of Zen very much. Thank you for...
Course: The Faith Factor: Treatise on Ten Doubts About Pure Land (2nd Run)
Register: Enquiry: tpbc@dabei.org.sg Feedback from 1st Run’s Participants: ‘Namo Amituofo! I attended your Faith Factor class as well as join the Pureland Practice Fellowship. Attending...
Course: The 48 Great Vows Of Amituofo: Boundless Blessings For This Life & The Next (2nd Run)
Register: Enquiry: tpbc@dabei.org.sg Feedback from Past Pure Land Courses’ Participants: “Hi Bro Shi’an, my heartfelt gratitude to you for propagating great Buddhist classes to...
Square Inside & Round Outside
做人处事要内方而外圆， 内方就是原则， 外圆就是通达。 — 圣严法师 How should you conduct yourself and deal with others? Be ‘square inside’ — live by principle; and ’round outside’ — exercise expedience...