Master Lu said,
“The problem with humans is that we want things instantly. Remember this, seeds will not grow immediately. A smoker will only develop cancer after decades. Hence when I persuaded others to quit smoking, he told me, Master, my lungs are fine, but when his lungs fail, that is when the effects show”.
🍂Source:
Master Jun Hong Lu’s Public Talk, Batam, Indonesia – 2016
https://youtu.be/IO8KhM3a93U
WHY AREN’T PRAYERS ANSWERED IMMEDIATELY?
Caller: When we pray to Bodhisattva, it generally takes some time for our prayers to be answered. Could it be that the meritorious blessings utilised to pray for something or to eliminate negative karma is insufficient to eliminate the obstruction to what we pray for? Or could it be that a part of the negative karma has been eliminated but a remainder has yet to come to fruition?
Master Jun Hong Lu: These could be valid possibilities. In fact, when our prayers go unanswered, it could be due to two reasons. Firstly, time factor. Just like in reality, when a seed is planted, it will not bear fruits immediately. Secondly, whether or not it grows and the speed of it will depend on the soil, sunshine, weather, water quality, etc.
Caller: I understand. If the meritorious blessings managed to eliminate a part of the negative karma that causes the obstruction, his prayers will be answered very soon along with the elimination of his karmic obstacles – is that right?
Master Jun Hong Lu: That’s right. That explains why some people
have their prayers answered almost immediately.
🌱Source:
Shuohua20180302 20:55 (Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)
Inspirational Short Stories: Determination Goes a Long Way
Master Jun Hong Lu’s
World Buddhist Fellowship Meeting
Taipei, Taiwan
13 September 2014
There was once a little monk who was preparing for a journey to advance his studies in Buddhism. Knowing that the little monk’s faith was still not strong enough, his Master asked, “When will you set off?”
The little monk answered, “Master, I will set off next week. Considering the long distance, I want to prepare a few more pairs of straw sandals.”
The Master replied, “Tomorrow I will tell everyone to give you straw sandals.”
In the following days, everyone provided the little monk with pairs of straw sandals. In case it would rain when the little monk set off, he was also given so many umbrellas that they filled the whole meditation room.
However, the little monk was still hesitant to leave. The Master saw this and asked, “How many straw scandals will be sufficient? How many umbrellas will you need?”, encouraging the little monk to hurry and begin his journey.
One week later, the Master came again and said, “Now you have enough umbrellas and sandals. You’ll probably come across small rivers and streams on your way. Tomorrow I will ask everyone to donate a boat for you to take with you.” Suddenly the little monk realised the Master’s good intentions. He knelt down immediately and exclaimed, “Master, I will set off right away! I won’t take any of the sandals or umbrellas with me. They will only cause affliction.”
This story teaches us that complete preparations are secondary to determination and resolve. When setting a goal, put your heart into it. With your eyes fixed on the distant horizon, you move forward steadily. Every step you take is a step closer to your goal. With your full devotion, everything will be ready for you. Bear in mind that, as long as you learn Buddhism with your heart and soul, you will attain all kinds of wisdom!
We should cherish all kinds of affinities in our journey through life, be it positive or negative. Only when we have insight into the workings of karmic affinities can we act in accordance with karmic conditions.
Master Jun Hong Lu
Words of Wisdom Vol. 3
*THE HUMAN REALM IS LIKE A STATION, WHERE MANY PEOPLE PASS BY* 🌏🚉
Singapore Dharma Convention
11th May, 2019
The human realm is like a station, where many people pass by. Be open-minded. Accord with karmic conditions. Understand the law of cause and effect. No one accompanies you on the train from departure to destination. There are always numerous passengers getting on and off. Some may spend specific periods with you. When you treasure those moments with gratitude, then you will have a wonderful life.
A conqueror, in the true sense of the word, is not one who is courageous in conquering a storm, but one who is skilful in steering clear of a storm.
Master Jun Hong Lu
Words of Wisdom Vol. 3
*BEING SINGLE-MINDED IN THE DHARMA METHOD OF CHOICE IS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE*
Master Jun Hong Lu: In learning Buddhism, those in their youth should listen and study more while their memories are still sharp. As you approach middle age, this is the time when you have to decide on your objective in life. This is akin to a young student who eventually progresses to high school. At this stage, you need to make up your mind on the dharma method of choice, dedicate yourself and practise it single-mindedly (要一门精进). In addition, you need to find a good mentor and make a decision on the dharma method that you will practise for life.
You may have noticed, those who make mid-career switches, be it work or business, will never be as proficient as those who have been in the trade for a long time. This is because a person can produce outstanding achievements in any task, when he puts in enough diligence (行行出状元), and every profession has its own tricks for success (每一行都有诀窍). This also explains why it is very difficult to acquire the skills of others because experience is built over a long period of time.
When you are still young, you should learn actively and listen more. When you reach middle age, be single-minded in your practice. Finally, when you are in your twilight years, do not think of anything else except your aim to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss (求生往生). You should tell yourself, “Since I have set my mind on practising Buddhism and cultivating my mind, I shouldn’t be thinking of anything else. I am already so old, what else is there to think about? In fact, I shouldn’t be confused by the various dharma methods available because my mind is set on the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. I have to truly learn to let go of my ego”.
We ought to understand this – if you insist on practising every single dharma method, if you are always trying out and pursuing new things or you think that you are still very healthy and can still earn a lot of money, etc., ultimately, you will not accomplish anything in your cultivation and you will soon realise you have spent your whole life achieving nothing.
This is precisely what I spoke about at the start of today’s session: ‘One who practises multiple dharma methods is bound to fail (修行多法则丧生)’. This is because your life will be done (生命没有了) as time is not on your side. Do you understand?
_Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhism In Plain Terms, Volume 7 Chapter 35_
*WHY PRACTISE BUDDHISM?*
Master Jun Hong Lu: Many people regard Buddhism as a pursuit meant for the old. The reality is, Buddhism is the ultimate truth of the universe.
From taking up the faith to the day a complete enlightenment is attained, this is what’s called a perfection of awakening - a state of ‘unsurpassed and supreme enlightenment’ of Buddhahood.
To learn Buddhism is to comprehend the truth of the universe and life. Upon understanding the workings of the universe, wisdom is gained.
Practising Buddhism is not simply about wishing for a life of safety and peace or to be blessed with good health. Its ultimate objective is to gain great wisdom as it is only by the virtue of wisdom that we can be liberated from our vexations and break through our delusions.
Buddhas and Bodhisattvas regard the mundane world as the realm of troubles and vexations.
In fact, birth is the beginning of our vexations, from being ill to facing financial distress and worrying about our children’s education and upbringing, etc. These are all real-life issues that can haunt us for the rest of our lives.
The objective of Buddhism studies is to allow us to gain wisdom, eradicate our worries and break through our delusions. Buddhist monks and nuns cultivate themselves on withdrawing from all worldly affairs. The practice of Guan Yin Citta allows us to change our life for the better.
Wisdom is humanity’s highest line of thought and the role of Buddhism is to reinstate this innate wisdom and virtue of ours.
_Source_:
_Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhism Propagation Manual, Section 4 Topic 2, The Objective of Buddhism Studies_
*GRATITUDE GROWS FOR THOSE WHO VIEW THE WORLD WITH AN EQUANIMOUS MIND*
Master Jun Hong Lu: You should view the world with an equanimous mind. Regard everything in this world as an ordinary existence. Adopt an indifferent mindset and be thankful for everything - I am thankful that I have food today, and even if I don’t, I am still thankful.
A truly wise person says ‘thank you’ all the time. When ‘thank you’ becomes a language that is readily spoken, it becomes a protective barrier to our consciousness. This is wisdom. This is what it means by viewing the world with an equanimous mind, where there’s absolutely nothing that can make you worry or feel afflicted about, as you perceive all things in this world as nothing but ordinary.
_Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhism In Plain Terms, Volume 2 Chapter 20_
*BE THANKFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO HELP SENTIENT BEINGS*
Master Jun Hong Lu: Those who aspire to become a Buddha or a Bodhisattva must have great resolutions. I hope that you will have a great resolution to help sentient beings in the future, just like me, your master. Do not be preoccupied with your personal gains and losses.
Enduring hardships for the sake of sentient beings is your blessing. It will gain you merit when you are able to do something for others.
Those who only live for themselves are seriously lacking in virtue. We should be considerate towards others and be of service to them.
Being able to help goes to show that you have both the energy and capacity to do so, without which, you are very much like living in vast emptiness, where you can’t even receive any positive energy. All you can gain is only worldly fame and wealth.
_Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse (Question 382), 10 May 2020_