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 […]
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.
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 […]
Far and Near
Master Jingzong; English translation by Foyuan, edited by Jingtu There are many people around us, of similar appearance and speaking the same language. The bonds among them are shallow, however. And the distance separating their inner hearts is farther than the milky way. In other words, though they seem near, their hearts are in fact far apart. […]
Unnecessary Worry
Master Jingzong; English translation by Fomu, edited by Jingtu In the darkness there are many ditches and obstacles; we must use both hands and feet as we grope our way forward. Even with great caution, we inevitably bump, stumble and lose our sense of direction. We can only hope not to fall down flat. Amid daylight, […]
Being Used by Others
Master Jingzong; English translation by Foyuan, edited by Fojin If you tell someone that he is “being used by others,” he may feel humiliated and cheated, and consider himself a pushover who is not worthy of respect and lacks a mind of his own. But the phrase “being used by others” is merely a game of […]
Hearing and Seeing
Master Jingzong; English translation by Foying, edited by Jingxing We may develop trust in someone by listening to their words. But sometimes that does not suffice, and we need to observe, investigate, gather facts and have firsthand experience before believing. Which of these two approaches shows greater confidence in the other person? Both Amitabha-recitation and Amitabha-contemplation take […]