Our cultivation in Buddhism
How do we know when our our cultivation has improved? The time comes when we begin to understand the sutras deeper, when we can read between the lines and realise the true meaning of the Buddha's teachings. This is when our cultivation has improved.
Is your mind really set on reaching the Pure Land? Wanting to reach the Western Pure Land is a great wish. We must let go of our worldy affinities and single-mindedly recide Amitabha's name.
To be mindful of the Buddha is to dwell in true wisdom. The ultimate goal to which all methods of cultivation lead is the complete pure and equanimous mind. It is our original nature, our Buddha nature.
During Dharma Assemblies, we must be sincere when reciting the sutra texts in order to touch the hearts of the attending Assembly. The words of the sutra should flow forth from our hearts and not merely spoken. We must truly cultivate. Those who have the ability can just take one look at us and tell if we are sincere or just putting on a show.
During Dharma Assemblies or Buddha Recitation Sessions, there are always people helping in the kitchen and the Buddha hall. We must know that the merit of these helpers are the same regardless of where they help out. Never assume that helping in the Buddha Hall would be better than elsewhere, always see things with eyes of equality.
Many people nowadays do not really understand the proper teachings and are not interested either. Their interest lies in repenting past offences and often come to the Way Place for that sole purpose. It is our responsibility to explain the proper teachings to them and point out the correct way of cultivation.
Only through cultivation can they truly eradicate past offences, for they will know where they wronged and would not repeat their faults.
Is your mind really set on reaching the Pure Land? Wanting to reach the Western Pure Land is a great wish. We must let go of our worldy affinities and single-mindedly recide Amitabha's name.
To be mindful of the Buddha is to dwell in true wisdom. The ultimate goal to which all methods of cultivation lead is the complete pure and equanimous mind. It is our original nature, our Buddha nature.
During Dharma Assemblies, we must be sincere when reciting the sutra texts in order to touch the hearts of the attending Assembly. The words of the sutra should flow forth from our hearts and not merely spoken. We must truly cultivate. Those who have the ability can just take one look at us and tell if we are sincere or just putting on a show.
During Dharma Assemblies or Buddha Recitation Sessions, there are always people helping in the kitchen and the Buddha hall. We must know that the merit of these helpers are the same regardless of where they help out. Never assume that helping in the Buddha Hall would be better than elsewhere, always see things with eyes of equality.
Many people nowadays do not really understand the proper teachings and are not interested either. Their interest lies in repenting past offences and often come to the Way Place for that sole purpose. It is our responsibility to explain the proper teachings to them and point out the correct way of cultivation.
Only through cultivation can they truly eradicate past offences, for they will know where they wronged and would not repeat their faults.
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