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...
Author - tdeditors
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Four Great Vows 四弘誓愿
众生无边誓愿度。 烦恼无尽誓愿断。 法门无量誓愿学。 佛道无上誓愿成。 [Of] sentient beings [who are] boundless, [I] vow [to] deliver [them all]. [Of] afflictions [that are] inexhaustible, [I] vow [to] sever [them all]. [Of]...
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 [and all] others should believe [and] understand [the] Tathāgata’s...
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...
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...
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...
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**...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 creating of...
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...
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...
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 Animals [including livestock] originally were humans, [who have] become [them, as] humans and animals [are] reborn [as one another from] ancient times till...
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 imagine the 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...
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’...
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...
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 rat looking 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.’ –...
Truth Haiku
The truth matters forever as 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.’ –...
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.’* –...
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 up to your promises without 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...
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...
Truth Haiku
The truth is not won by a popularity vote; but by 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...
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 and others should have reverent respect, for the Prātimokṣa [i.e. list of precepts governing monastic...
Be Responsible To Criticize Well
The truly kinder and wiser correct 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 propagate...
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.’** —...
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...
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...
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...
Destination Pureland: How To Have The Best Rebirth (7th Run)
Click HERE To Register Pictures & Feedback From Past Runs: Tai Pei Buddhist Centre Than Hsiang Temple Poh Ming Tse Tai Pei Buddhist Centre Johor ‘Dear Shi’an 老师, this is my second time...
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 differences between 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...
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
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 entirely just like yesterday was, today would be pointless!
Question Haiku
The only question that 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 emptiness And 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 better now 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 beings enter 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 beings exit [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 beings contemplate [that] all practice methods,**...
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 beings examine and collect [their] good roots,* not causing [them to be]...
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] minds,**...
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 wise and 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 beings rise [to enter the] unsurpassable hall,* [to] peacefully abide...
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 beings enter [the] wisdom [of] non-birth, ** [to] reach...
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 behaviour,**...
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 beings virtuously 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 beings harmoniously 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 beings perpetuate magnificence [of their] Buddha seeds,*...
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...
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 path...
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...
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 of Dharma 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...
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].’** –...
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.’** –...
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 beings enter 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 beings eradicate 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 beings know their families’ [and homes’] nature to...
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
Precious Precepts
应护佛戒， 如念一子， 如事父母， 不可毁破。 – 梵网经（释迦牟尼佛） [One] should protect [the] Buddha’s precepts, like mindfulness [of] an [only] child, like caring [for one’s] father and mother, [they] should not [be]...
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 It Praises | Launches | Media...
100 Reasons To Get ‘The Pure Land Passport’
To go green, you can also read it fully free at purelanders.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 It Praises | Launches | Distribution | Gallery How To Use | Sample |...
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...
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 stamping on bright red protected covers, and rounded page corners for cream pages, as can be seen in the...
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 and other beings, should have faith in this ‘Sutra With Praises Of Inconceivable Meritorious Virtues And 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 unresolved is not to ‘give up’ the worthy, but to be unattached to results while 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 dust do not help clear that of 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 words And there is no one who does without words. But in so far as one is free from words Does 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 on an ‘auspicious’ day is always ill-fated. Good done on an ‘inauspicious’ day is always blessed. People create fortune and misfortune, not the calendar. –...
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’ means to comply with sentient beings’ conditions for 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 true even to themselves, much less to others and 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...
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...
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) Wishing to nurture the Bodhi seedling [for Buddhahood], to have the bright light [of wisdom] illuminating the world, one...
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 essential is always to realise what 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 ~
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...
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
click to enlarge poster Register: www.tinyurl.com/buddhistclass Some Feedback From Other Courses: The ‘Understanding Amituofo’ course has been immensely interesting. Shi’an has a...
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 world even 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 them to help them see and overcome them, while giving leeway. Highlight others’ faults while naming them to help them see and overcome them, only...
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。 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 sheep...
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 important to learn to die well, as it is to live well. – Stonepeace | Get Books Related Course:...
[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 busy Without mindful purpose Is 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 emotion To make a good poem.
Forgiveness
If you have to apologise repeatedly over the same issue, you were not apologetic even once. If you have to forgive repeatedly over the same issue, you did not forgive even once. – Stonepeace | Get...
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 More @
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 flowers dance 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
The Discourse On The Heart Of Perfection Of Wisdom (Prajñā Pāramitā Hṛdaya Sūtra; The Heart Sūtra)
The most profound teaching is usually also the most misunderstood one. – Stonepeace | Get Books The Bodhisattva Who Contemplates At Ease, when practising the profound Prajñā Pāramitā...
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)
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...
The Heart of ‘The Heart Sutra’ (Run 8)
click to enlarge poster Register: Feedback From Past Runs: Many thanks for your sharing yesterday on the Heart Sutra. Greatly appreciate it. I enjoyed it as it was conducted in a lively and fun...
Project Rebirth: Rediscover, Reflect, Recharge (Round 8)
click to enlarge poster Register :tinyurl.com/dabeiform Feedback From Previous Rounds: I have enjoyed your class last Monday. Specially the ‘bring-home’ message of ‘What is the...
The Faith Factor: Strengthening Faith Through The Treatise On Ten Doubts About Pure Land (Run 4)
click to enlarge poster Registration Form: Feedback From Previous Runs: Dear Brother Shi’an, attending your Dharma lessons is definitely enjoyable to the point of “addiction” (if...
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