Experience or feeling is unique to an individual and takes place under a particular condition; it does not commonly apply to all beings and under all conditions. Experience or feeling takes place at one time under a given circumstance; it is not permanent and universal. So, Master Shandao says, “Although [an ordinary being] sets forth […]
Verses of Joy
A collection of Pure Land Buddhist poetry, themed around the deliverance of Amitabha and the striving for rebirth in the Pure Land.
The Value Systems of Humans, Heaven and Buddha
Master Jingzong; English translation by Foyuan, edited by Fojin The value systems of humankind, Heaven and Buddha differ greatly. Human beings calculate in a clever and shrewd manner; Heaven adopts the law of cause and effect (karma) impartially; and Buddha values compassion. The things that a human being treasures are finite and impermanent; the things that […]
Boarding the Plane at Ground Level
Master Jingzong; English translation by Foyuan, edited by Fojin A tall mountain can elevate a person high above sea level, but it can’t get him off the ground, even by a fraction. Knowledge, erudition, virtue and spiritual practice can earn a person great fame and much respect from others, but these things can do nothing […]
The Only Torch
Master Jingzong; English translation by Foying, edited by Jingxing In daytime, banners of any bright color, red or blue, can work as guiding signs. But in the wilderness at night, only an open flame can lead people through the darkness. In the Age of Correct Dharma, it is easy to deliver others by expounding any of […]
The Light that Is Too Close
Master Jingzong; translated by Foyi, edited by Fojin We cannot see far if our eyes are too close to the light. When dazzled by light that shines directly at us, our vision is blurred. However, if one stands with the light coming from behind, one can see more clearly. In the Universe, our sun is […]
Master Huijing’s Dharma Words about Practice in Amitabha-recitation
Start a day with Amitabha-recitation in our daily life. If we can do that, we are certainly embraced by Amitabha’s light whatever we do and wherever we are during the day. We must be safe and peaceful. Everything goes on smoothly. There is no taboo in the Buddhist teachings. We can recite this Name – […]
Slow Down and Feel Good
Master Jingzong; English translation by Foyuan, edited by Fojin I once heard a saying which I completely agree with: time is irrelevant to perfect things. Anything that is born of time is never perfect. From the viewpoint of philosophy, it cannot last forever because of its impermanence. Things we do hastily in the name of […]
The Cost of Unhappiness
Master Jingzong; English translation by Fomu, edited by Jingtu I read an excellent article on the internet today titled, “There Is a Cost to Every Type of Unhappiness.” I fully agree with the premise. There are too many people who don’t understand it, for they are accustomed to being unhappy. To them unhappiness seems almost […]
Compromise Is Essential
Master Jingzong; English translation by Foyuan, edited by Jingtu Compromise is not just an important work method, but also an essential attitude towards life. Indeed, it is an art. Anything can be dealt with through compromise. To compromise means to admit our mistakes first, in exchange for the other party’s acknowledgment of theirs. Each takes a […]
Being Honest
Master Jingzong; English translation by Foying, edited by Jingxing If what we say is reliable, we are honest. If our words are unreliable, we are telling lies and are dishonest. If our words are true, we would certainly reap abundant good results from our deeds. Honesty bears fruit, hence the Chinese word chengshi (“sincerity and fruit”). […]