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 […]
Amitabha
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 – […]
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”). […]
Embrace your advantages and deploy your blessings for the good of others
Every day I choose a quote from a Buddhist source that runs on the homepage of Buddhistdoor Global. Tuesday’s theme is Pure Land-inspired, and today I picked one that seemed particularly thought-provoking to me: “Being born as a human, having heard of the Buddhist teachings, and encountered with the unsurpassed great teaching of Amitabha’s deliverance, […]
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, […]
Master Huijing’s Dharma Words about the Purpose of Life
If we step back and pause to reflect a little, we’ll realize just how many concerns dog us in our daily existence. As Buddhists we shouldn’t seek to ignore the conventional realities that can cause concern and vexation to arise in us. I’d be the first to confess that I have plenty of worries. But […]