CURB OUR DESIRES TO AVOID THE REGRETS OF TOMORROW
Master Jun Hong Lu’s
World Buddhist Fellowship Meeting
Los Angeles, USA
5 October 2018
*CURB OUR DESIRES TO AVOID THE REGRETS OF TOMORROW*
Master Jun Hong Lu: As I often emphasize, life is like a one-way journey — from the small crib we had, to the small box that we get buried in when we pass on, and there is nothing we can take along with us. All that we may enjoy is the journey, but there is nothing we can keep a hold of throughout it. Hence, we must learn to prevail over our worries, and abandon our attachments.
In this world, wisdom stems from one’s mind. We need to transform ourselves and with haste, see through the nature of things and gain wisdom. There are so many people who are unable to let go of their attachments, constantly clinging to notions about their possessions throughout their life but ultimately, they are left with nothing. Hence, we need to curb our desires in order to avoid the regrets of tomorrow.
Wenda20190728 37:28
(Master Jun Hong Lu's call-in radio program)
*THE STRONGER THE RESOLUTION THE GREATER THE POSITIVE RETURNS WILL BE. CULTIVATION IS ABOUT SINCERITY RATHER THAN FORMALISM*
Caller: Master, each time when we offer large incense, how much help would it be in eliminating our karmic obstacles or transforming our destiny?
Master Jun Hong Lu: The question that you just asked is related to math, whereas my teachings are about Buddhist studies. They are entirely different. If one has a strong resolution, the outcome from Buddhism cultivation will be enormous and cannot be measured against the number of incense offered. A novice monk when performing recitation; will not make it without an intent. Cultivation evolves from our innate heart. Bodhisattva is not attached to the worldly materials and the wellbeing is not measured against how many incense one offers. By doing so, aren’t you treating Bodhisattva as a human?
? *Imagine this: you are on a flight to attend one of Master Lu’s Public Talks. Which Buddhist scripture will you choose to recite first? Read on to find out more!*?
On 21 November 2020, Guan Yin Citta, Singapore held another *online English Group Study.* Today’s session provided a useful introduction to *everything you need to know about short sutras/mantras*, focusing on the *_Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra_ and the _Cundi Dharani_*
Although these Buddhist scriptures are short in length, they not to be belittled as Master Lu states that *persisting in reciting these scriptures is integral to our spiritual cultivation*. They are *especially suited to be recited in the air* as we may gain *enhanced sympathetic resonance* with the Bodhisattvas of these scriptures.
During the session, the study group explored how exactly to go about *making vows to recite large numbers of these short sutras/mantras* and also gained a better understanding of *_Self-Cultivation Record Forms_*.
Did you know that the *_Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra_* is among the most important Buddhist scriptures to recite? *One should recite it if they have committed the act of killing, skin disorders, sexual intimacy, menstrual period, etc*. In short, everyone should recite this mantra, especially at the end of the year! When doing so, *hold on to the thought of wanting to help extricate all sentient beings from the sea of suffering*.
Have you ever wondered what certain phrases in Buddhist scriptures mean? Participants explored how the *_Cundi Dharani_* represents one’s *resolution and faith in Buddhist practice*. From the many personal experiences of Buddhist friends, it is clear that this Buddhist scripture is *highly efficacious, especially if one is kind and has accrued meritorious blessings*. With aid from the _Cundi Dharani_, one may pray to eliminate bad habits, have success in dharma propagation, etc!
*Let us now look at some comments from participants:*
_Today, I learnt more about the right mentality in reciting the Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra. Furthermore, I felt that the segment where we explored how the Chinese character of "meat" is a representation of how humans eat humans, which reminds us that vegetarianism is so important for Buddhist practitioners. I also like how the session was very interactive. The atmosphere was one where participants are pushed to think deeper and find answers!_
? *Join us in our next session*
Please contact Loh SX (96978356) / Woan Yi SX (82182248) for more information
*Please click here to download the summary slides shared during the Group Study*
https://bit.ly/2J2kKaP
Wenda20150522 32:35
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)
*THE POWER OF VOWS DERIVES FROM ONE’S SUFFERING AND ADVANCEMENT IN SPIRITUAL CULTIVATION*
Caller: The power of vows is the foundation for one to become a Bodhisattva or even attain Buddhahood. May I ask Master, where does such power of vows derive from?
Master Jun Hong Lu: The power of vows derives from suffering. The more deeply a person suffers, the stronger his power of vows is. The power of vows will not emerge when one is enjoying good times. When they are indulging in material pleasures, their vows will not be powerful.
Only when one suffers, he will go, "I must spare no effort in doing this"; only when he is in poor health, he will go, "I must be a vegetarian"; only when he faces relationship breakdown, he will go, “I must be a monk"...
The power of vows will emerge only when one experiences the sufferings in this mortal world.
The other possible factor is the advancement in one’s spiritual cultivation after reciting Buddhist scriptures for a period of time. With that, one will then be able to elevate their state of mind.
Zongshu20160209 44:54 [Excerpt of Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program]
*LITTLE HOUSES IS MORE POWERFUL THAN PERFORMING LIFE LIBERATION*
All of you must remember this.
The inherent power of Little Houses is immense. Besides repayment of karmic debts and untie karmic knots, it can also ward off calamities and enable us to take refuge from misfortunes.
What about performing life liberation? It is in fact an act to pray for blessings.
Unless the act is treated as a meritorious deed, if not, you are indeed praying for blessings.
What are the benefits of performing life liberation then? It will help your kids to perform well at school; it can help those who suffer from illnesses to recover; it can also resolves many difficulties you encounter, regardless of at home or at work place.
Any adverse situations can be turned around when you perform life liberation. And the merits yield from the act will enable you to reap many benefits in this lifetime. Do you understand?
However, performing life liberation is unable to help you ward off, say calamity or accident or major mishap that you have to put through as pre-destined by karma. It is difficult to depend on the act to resolve such misfortunes. Do you understand?
*OVERINDULGENCE IN FOOD AND SLEEP WILL LEAD TO INCREASED IGNORANCE AND LUST*
Wenda20171215 01:25:32
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s Call-In Radio Program)
Caller: Master Lu, I did not cultivate well recently, and I am ashamed of it. I feel difficult to correct my shortcomings, and my heart is filled with anger and hatred. At the same time, I could not get through on the phone and talk to you. But Bodhisattva is compassionate and has helped me get through today. I would like to repent to you, Master Lu.
Master Jun Hong Lu: Eat less spicy food, understand?
Caller: Yes. I overindulge in food and sleep.
Master Jun Hong Lu: Overindulgence in food and sleep will lead to increased ignorance and lust.
Caller: Yes, I understand.
Master Jun Hong Lu: Sometimes you have to grit your teeth and force yourself to get rid of the bad habits. You are a Bodhisattva because you are learning from Bodhisattva. You are a human being, not an animal, don't you understand it?
Caller: I understand it, Master, I was sorry. I did not cultivate well. Please forgive me.
Master Jun Hong Lu: OK, perform your recitation diligently. Bodhisattva has two children - one has never made any mistakes, and the other will correct his mistakes promptly. Do you understand what I mean?
Caller: Yes, Master. You work so hard, but I always bother. I dreamed of you this morning. In the dream, you taught us Buddhism explained in Plain Terms.
Master Jun Hong Lu: Alright, work hard and learn from your Master.
Words of Wisdom
Master Jun Hong Lu
Batam, Indonesia
18 February 2016
*THINK TWICE BEFORE WE SPEAK*
Master Jun Hong Lu: As Dharma cultivators, every word we speak should be planned and considered. Speak only if your words are going to benefit sentient beings. This is of the utmost importance.
Once you start to sift through the things you say, you will come to realize that you have spoken so much more than you should have, and hurt so many whom we should not have hurt. Hence, as Dharma cultivators, we have to exercise even more caution when it comes to our speeches and conducts. Talk less and perform more recitations.
Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse
(Question 57)
15 May 2013
*CONQUER THE DEMON ON ONE’S BODY BY MAKING GREAT VOWS*
Question: A Buddhist practitioner has a weak constitution. He often experiences sweating and panic attacks in the middle of the night. It is so serious that he is unable to continue with his recitation and doesn’t know what to do.
Answer: Persevere in his recitation as much as he can, and make great vows in order to stop the harassment of the demon on his body. Have the mental determination that "I must do this!" and the demon will be defeated. If you are still clueless about what to do, then the demon will always be on your body.
Wenda20160129 01:18:53 [Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program]
*HOW TO MAINTAIN A BALANCE BETWEEN TIME SPENT ON WORK AND RECITATION*
Caller: Greetings to you Master Lu! I am new to the Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door and I would like to seek your advice on how to achieve and maintain a balance between time spent between working and recitation?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Maintaining a balance between work and recitation is similar to maintaining your daily work-life balance. You have to first maintain the equilibrium in your heart. As long as you want to do your recitation, you should seize whatever time you have to do it. You don’t necessarily have to recite at a fixed time. Whenever you have spare time on hand, instead of wasting it on unwholesome thoughts, you should just stay focused on performing your recitation.
Caller: Noted. Thank you.
Master Jun Hong Lu: Bear in mind, performing recitation has the benefit of eliminating disasters and resolving your troubles. So, you should try to do your recitation as and when you are able to.
Caller: Yes. I was on vacation recently and I have been performing my recitation diligently. During this period of time, I felt a sense of serenity. However, as I will be resuming work in February, I am feeling scared and at a loss as I do not know how to maintain the balance.
Master Jun Hong Lu: Fear not. Insist on performing your recitation regardless of whatever hardship and fatigue you have to endure. Embrace Bodhisattva in your heart and you can be assured that you will never lose Dharma.
Caller: I will do that. My gratitude to you, Master Lu.