You should try to say the name-prayer of the Buddha of Infinite Light (Amituofo) one hundred times a day with strong devotion. Then try to increase it. If you could keep doing more and more, a time might come for you that whatever you are doing, you will always be with the name of the Buddha in your breath and the feeling of his presence in your mind. If that happens, then when you die, you will die with the name of the Buddha and the feelings of his presence. If that happens, as soon as you die, because of the merits, the blessings of the Buddha and your devotional habits, all your perceptions will arise as the Blissful Pure Land of the Buddha of Infinite Light. Your future will be in peace and happiness. You will become a source of benefit for many others. Isn't it wonderful!
~Yukhog Chatralwa (a Tibetan Master)
Merry X'mas & a Happy New Year to all my dear friends out there.
I pray that this X'mas will be, for you,
a cheerful ending to 2014 and a great beginning to a happy 2015.
Re-affirming my commitment to the daily practice menu for 2015, (1) renew my vows; (2) recite Amituofo (ten-recitation-method); (3) short sittings (method of no-method); (4) work with negative emotions (3R method); and (5) to take pauses.
May all of us continue to enjoy our practice and be well and happy.
Amituofo. =)
He's on his way back home
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Unborn Buddha Mind
Re-reading an old book: Bankei Zen.
Great teachings from an 17th century Japanese Zen Master!
His teachings remain relevant and refreshing to today's world.
The essence of his teaching is on the Unborn Buddha Mind.
It reminds me of Master Seung Sahn's "Don't Know Mind" very much =)
His teaching emphasised that there is no need to attain the Buddha Mind (we cannot attain it actually, as it is unborn) since it is always with us, always available, in the here and the now...
...as you are all turned this way listening to me talk, if out back there's the cawing of crows, the chirping of sparrows or the rustling of the wind - you hear them without making any mistake about them, and that's what is called hearing with the Unborn...
...the Buddha Mind is like a bright mirror. It reflects whatever is in front of it. It is not deliberately trying to reflect things...
...whether you are going to be deluded or you're not going to, all depends on the present state of your mind...
This brings to my mind also the practice of shikantaza, which also involves effortless and choiceless awareness, all that is required is "opening the hand of thought" ( I quote Uchiyama Roshi) and returning to the present moment, the here and the now, where without any effort or choice, we see, hear, smell, taste and touch...
May all of us continue to enjoy our practice and be well and happy.
Amituofo. =)
Great teachings from an 17th century Japanese Zen Master!
His teachings remain relevant and refreshing to today's world.
The essence of his teaching is on the Unborn Buddha Mind.
It reminds me of Master Seung Sahn's "Don't Know Mind" very much =)
His teaching emphasised that there is no need to attain the Buddha Mind (we cannot attain it actually, as it is unborn) since it is always with us, always available, in the here and the now...
...as you are all turned this way listening to me talk, if out back there's the cawing of crows, the chirping of sparrows or the rustling of the wind - you hear them without making any mistake about them, and that's what is called hearing with the Unborn...
...the Buddha Mind is like a bright mirror. It reflects whatever is in front of it. It is not deliberately trying to reflect things...
...whether you are going to be deluded or you're not going to, all depends on the present state of your mind...
This brings to my mind also the practice of shikantaza, which also involves effortless and choiceless awareness, all that is required is "opening the hand of thought" ( I quote Uchiyama Roshi) and returning to the present moment, the here and the now, where without any effort or choice, we see, hear, smell, taste and touch...
May all of us continue to enjoy our practice and be well and happy.
Amituofo. =)
Friday, November 7, 2014
The Magic of Awareness
Recently just completed reading this book "The Magic of Awareness" by Anam Thubten.
Rinpoche speaks with great clarity on the central theme that enlightenment is always available to us in the most ordinary of moments.
One nice para lifted from the book:
When we know how to give rise to this gentle heart (be kind to ourselves), then we are not in a hurry and we no longer have to be antagonistic to ourselves... We are already Buddha, yet there is compassion toward this temporary dream of duality. This dream is not going to last eternally. Believe it or not, the universe will provide us with much magic and many miracles to help us wake up. All dreams come to an end. It's just a matter of time.
Another nice para:
Whatever helps us become aware of the naturally transcendent state of who we are is the right method, the right technique... Whatever works is the right method. The method doesn't have to be Buddhist and it doesn't have to be complicated. It can be so simple that, perhaps, all we need to do is pause periodically. Perhaps we simply become aware of our breath, or remember some sacred verses now and then. We may not even need to recite those verses. Sometimes all we need to do is to remember them.
Highly recommend this book =)
Rinpoche speaks with great clarity on the central theme that enlightenment is always available to us in the most ordinary of moments.
One nice para lifted from the book:
When we know how to give rise to this gentle heart (be kind to ourselves), then we are not in a hurry and we no longer have to be antagonistic to ourselves... We are already Buddha, yet there is compassion toward this temporary dream of duality. This dream is not going to last eternally. Believe it or not, the universe will provide us with much magic and many miracles to help us wake up. All dreams come to an end. It's just a matter of time.
Another nice para:
Whatever helps us become aware of the naturally transcendent state of who we are is the right method, the right technique... Whatever works is the right method. The method doesn't have to be Buddhist and it doesn't have to be complicated. It can be so simple that, perhaps, all we need to do is pause periodically. Perhaps we simply become aware of our breath, or remember some sacred verses now and then. We may not even need to recite those verses. Sometimes all we need to do is to remember them.
Highly recommend this book =)
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Reflection & Commitment
Came back from Australia for more than 3 months.
When I came back, brought back a relatively serene and calm mind (relative to before departure), after 3 months back in the very hectic lifestyle and work requirements in Singapore, I think the remaining residue of that serene and calm energy now all but dissipated ha-ha =P
Since coming back, have missed the daily 1/2 hour sittings, weekend 2/1/2 hours sitting with Greg and company, and monthly 1 day retreats...
On reflection, without the "calm energy", mindfulness in daily life as well as awareness of my emotions have diminished resulting in being pulled around by my habitual tendencies as well as negative emotions a lot more than the "norm" in Australia.
Reflected recently on the situation.
Reflected on (1) the rare opportunity of this human life and the opportunity to practice; (2) impermanence; and (3) karma.
Re-affirmed my commitment to the dual practice of chan and pure land.
Re-affirmed my commitment to the daily practice menu set out in August, (1) renewing my vows; (2) reciting Amituofo through the ten-recitation-method; (3) Illuminating silence through short sittings; (4) paying attention to my negative emotions; and (5) to take pauses during my everyday living.
May all of us continue to enjoy our practice and be well and happy.
Amituofo. =)
When I came back, brought back a relatively serene and calm mind (relative to before departure), after 3 months back in the very hectic lifestyle and work requirements in Singapore, I think the remaining residue of that serene and calm energy now all but dissipated ha-ha =P
Since coming back, have missed the daily 1/2 hour sittings, weekend 2/1/2 hours sitting with Greg and company, and monthly 1 day retreats...
On reflection, without the "calm energy", mindfulness in daily life as well as awareness of my emotions have diminished resulting in being pulled around by my habitual tendencies as well as negative emotions a lot more than the "norm" in Australia.
Reflected recently on the situation.
Reflected on (1) the rare opportunity of this human life and the opportunity to practice; (2) impermanence; and (3) karma.
Re-affirmed my commitment to the dual practice of chan and pure land.
Re-affirmed my commitment to the daily practice menu set out in August, (1) renewing my vows; (2) reciting Amituofo through the ten-recitation-method; (3) Illuminating silence through short sittings; (4) paying attention to my negative emotions; and (5) to take pauses during my everyday living.
May all of us continue to enjoy our practice and be well and happy.
Amituofo. =)
Friday, August 29, 2014
Friday, August 15, 2014
A dance alternating between awareness and unawareness
One perspective on my practice, is that it is a dance, alternating between awareness and unawareness.
Walking...
breathing in breathing out...
trees swaying, breeze gently blowing on my skin...
Walking...
thinking about my presentation tomorrow...
worrying about another issue at work...
Walking...
A bee buzzing across my head buzzZZ!
feeling the physical sensations of being startled...
May all of us continue to enjoy our practice and be well and happy.
Amituofo. =)
Walking...
breathing in breathing out...
trees swaying, breeze gently blowing on my skin...
Walking...
thinking about my presentation tomorrow...
worrying about another issue at work...
Walking...
A bee buzzing across my head buzzZZ!
feeling the physical sensations of being startled...
May all of us continue to enjoy our practice and be well and happy.
Amituofo. =)
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Basic Buddhism 101
When we first come across the teachings, one basic teaching was this:
Avoid Causing Harm; Do Good; Purify the Mind; This is the Teachings of All Buddhas
It previously came across to me as common sense but vague.
It is only recently that it dawned on me how relevant this is to my everyday practice, in fact it offers a sound framework for my everyday practice.
Avoid Causing Harm
Everyday I cause harm to myself and others when I get caught in my self-centred emotions. Driven by negative emotions such as anger, unkind speech and action unfolds. My practice (as already elaborated in previous posts) is to recognise and refrain from following the self centred storylines and to return to feeling the uncomfortable sensations, grounded in the present moment.
Simple practice but not easy. Through this practice, I have come to realise how deep my habitual tendencies run. This is truly a lifelong practice.
Do Good
When I am not caught up in my self-centred emotions and thinking, it becomes possible to do good. Nothing spectacular. I am talking about gentle words and acts in our everyday life, about touching deeply the life that is available in the present moment. Saying good morning to the bus driver, giving up seat to a elderly auntie, buying tissue from the blind uncle, thanking and encouraging my staff for their effort at work, and smiling lovingly to my wife and son.
Again simple but not easy. How often I am caught up in some self-centred dream and fail to touch deeply the life that is available in the here and the now.
Purify the Mind
This part serves to remind me to take pauses throughout the day, as and when possible. Other than formal sitting practices in the early morning and late evening, I just need to notice pauses in between discrete events in everyday life. There are plenty of opportunities if I stay mindful. Like during the morning bus ride, like when queuing up for food during breakfast and lunch, like when first stepping into office, sitting down and waiting for the computer to power up. There are many other little moments when I can pause and press 'control alternate delete' button for my mind. Put aside all thinking and just pause to enjoy my breathing in and breathing out.
May all of us continue to enjoy our practice and be well and happy.
Amituofo. =)
Avoid Causing Harm; Do Good; Purify the Mind; This is the Teachings of All Buddhas
It previously came across to me as common sense but vague.
It is only recently that it dawned on me how relevant this is to my everyday practice, in fact it offers a sound framework for my everyday practice.
Avoid Causing Harm
Everyday I cause harm to myself and others when I get caught in my self-centred emotions. Driven by negative emotions such as anger, unkind speech and action unfolds. My practice (as already elaborated in previous posts) is to recognise and refrain from following the self centred storylines and to return to feeling the uncomfortable sensations, grounded in the present moment.
Simple practice but not easy. Through this practice, I have come to realise how deep my habitual tendencies run. This is truly a lifelong practice.
Do Good
When I am not caught up in my self-centred emotions and thinking, it becomes possible to do good. Nothing spectacular. I am talking about gentle words and acts in our everyday life, about touching deeply the life that is available in the present moment. Saying good morning to the bus driver, giving up seat to a elderly auntie, buying tissue from the blind uncle, thanking and encouraging my staff for their effort at work, and smiling lovingly to my wife and son.
Again simple but not easy. How often I am caught up in some self-centred dream and fail to touch deeply the life that is available in the here and the now.
Purify the Mind
This part serves to remind me to take pauses throughout the day, as and when possible. Other than formal sitting practices in the early morning and late evening, I just need to notice pauses in between discrete events in everyday life. There are plenty of opportunities if I stay mindful. Like during the morning bus ride, like when queuing up for food during breakfast and lunch, like when first stepping into office, sitting down and waiting for the computer to power up. There are many other little moments when I can pause and press 'control alternate delete' button for my mind. Put aside all thinking and just pause to enjoy my breathing in and breathing out.
May all of us continue to enjoy our practice and be well and happy.
Amituofo. =)
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