Master Jingzong; English translation by Jinghua, edited by Fojin Two objects, A and B are fastened together by a rope. When A drops, it will naturally affect B if B is not anchored. However, if B is rooted, it will be able to hold up A and not let it fall, and will eventually pull […]
Pickled Spinach
An intriguing appetizer from Japan, makombu tsukudani is a refreshing and tantalizing dish that is served with a flavourful punch and packed full of nutrition. Serve it with steamed rice, or in a bento box. With thanks to Susan Sim of Ci Bei magazine for the recipe. Pickled Spinach 600g spinach A handful of roasted sesame […]
Why We’re So Unhappy
The other day I came across a brilliant parody article from the satirical site Newsthump, highlighting how hard a basic task like buying a vacuum cleaner has become in our society. The point is not necessarily that vacuum cleaners are difficult to buy, but how much more effort it seems we must spend on mundane […]
HKU’s PhD Students Seek Spirituality Beyond Dogma
When we think about spirituality, we mostly think about specific teachings or doctrines that need to be accepted. This is a common assumption among communities with traditional faiths like Catholic Spain or Islamic Indonesia. For such communities, spirituality can be a sensitive issue because it traditionally brings to mind a place of worship or scriptures, […]
Gatha of Praise for Amitabha Buddha
Amitabha’s body is like golden mountains. The splendor of his marks illuminates the Ten Directions. Only those who recite his name are embraced by his light. His Fundamental Vow is the most powerful. Tathagatas of the Six Directions extend their tongues to attest: By reciting Amitabha’s name exclusively, sentient beings will arrive at the Western […]
Master Huijing’s Dharma Words about Benefits in Amitabha-recitation
The Infinite Life Sutra says, “If there are people who hear the Name of that Buddha, rejoice so greatly as to dance, and remember him even once, then you should know that they have gained great benefit by receiving the unsurpassed virtue.” It means that when we hear this name – Namo Amituofo, we will […]
Offer the World a Share of Warmth
Master Jingzong; English translation by Foyuan, edited by Jingxing We humans have weak and inconstant hearts. Though we possess the most wonderful Dharma teaching, we are still unhappy and insist upon burdening our hearts with anguish. So, I repeated recently that we have to work hard at putting our hearts into recitation, as well as […]
Asian Representation in Pop Culture: A Lifelong Passion
I’m very much interested in exploring Asian philosophies and culture in both my academic and personal life. Of course, in academia today we must be mindful of our contexts and horizons. While I consider myself Chinese, I’ve grown up in an English-speaking environment. English is my first language rather than Cantonese or Mandarin. There are […]
Leap Out of the River of Time
Master Jingzong; English translation by Foyi, edited by Fojin Time is like a river of boiling water. We jump and scurry frantically in it to avoid being scalded. But all our efforts are of no avail. With the rapid development of technology and the economy, has there been a corresponding reduction in human suffering? Namo Amitabha […]
The Offering Goddesses: In Praise of Divine Beauty
Homage to you, the Eight Auspicious Goddesses—Beauty, Garlands, Song, Dance, Flowers, Incense, Light and Perfume—merely thinking of you makes success grow more and more! From The Verses of the Eight Noble Auspicious Ones, by Mipham Rinpoche