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 […]
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 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”). […]
Science and Religion
Master Jingzong; English translation by Chia Chang Wang, edited by Jingtu “Religion” here refers specifically to faiths that embrace a single creator-god. Science and religion are like day and night. Science resembles the day; it wants to reveal things clearly. Religion is like the night, intending to enshroud everything. Don’t criticize religions as “superstitious,” or […]
Conscience and the Buddha-Mind
Master Jingzong; English translation by Foxin, edited by Jingtu An honest man speaks from his conscience. An Amitabha-reciter, though, speaks not only from conscience but from his Buddha-mind. In either case, it is not easy and requires courage; it may even offend people. This is because the consciences of worldly people are askew and their […]
Master Huijing’s Dharma Words about Attributes of the Pure Land Sect of Buddhism: Ultimate Truths
Master Honen therefore says: schools of the Sacred Path focus their practice on development of knowledge and discernment for realization of truth and entering nivana, while the practice of Pure Land school focuses on returning ignorance for rebirth in the Land of Bliss. “Returning ignorance” means not displaying our talents, wisdom, or good deeds in […]