Daily Teachings of Mahayana Buddhism

The Metamorphosis of a Snake Eater

2012-01-31T04:06:00.000-08:00

It has been a common practice in China that people eat almost any kinds of animals. If you truly believe in the law of karma, I think you won't eat meat. Some people think that it's nothing about eating meat. Some people just believe that eating meat can affect your health. There are quite lots of documentation whether in text, audio or even videos about meat eating and its effects according to science and also Buddhism.

Law of Karma is the most basic law in Buddhism. In Mahayana Buddhism, vegetarian concepts have spread wide all over the world which started in China long ago where Emperor Liang ruled China. He widely encouraged all the people in his country to become vegetarians.

In the past recent years, there's a report on a man who is a snake eater. He has eaten quite lots of snake during his life. And this has become his daily habits in killing snakes and taking their meat for foods. The following real life story of this snake eater is in Chinese language, but by watching the video, I think you can understand a bit. There are some kind souls who helped him by teaching him to repent and recite Ksitigarbha Sutra for his sake. They did "merit transference" to this snake eater man after the recitation of Ksitigarbha Sutra. And what happened in the end? Please sit well and watch attentively.

I also wish that everyone can have a chance to recite Ksitigarbha Sutra and become a vegetarian. May all beings be well and happy.

A vegetarian cat that can pray

2012-01-19T09:34:00.000-08:00

Do you believe that a cat can also pray to Buddha? In Buddhism, all sentient beings can attain Buddhahood, including animal. Of course, not in their current lives. But, what the Buddhism taught us is that all beings have the seeds of Buddha, and the process of awakening to Buddhahood may be very long counted in countless eons, through cultivation lives after lives.

In Korea, there's a cat which can pray and stay in the main hall of the temple praying whole day. It's also a vegetarian cat. Let's watch this video. On this video, Mandarin subtitles are included.

Na Mo Di Zang Wang Pu Sa (Namo Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva)

2012-01-13T08:19:00.000-08:00

Probably you are also a Buddhist who like Buddhist music. If you do and perhaps you are also looking for continuous chanting of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva's Name, I would really recommend you this video. The video below contains only the repetitious chanting of "Namo Dizangwangpusa" (南无地藏王菩萨) in Mandarin. It's said by the uploader to be the Serene version of extended chanting of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. I do agree about this. The chanting of this video is by female voice. I hope you will like this video.

If you want know what benefits do we have if we follow the teachings of Ksitigarbha Sutra, Chanting His Name, Bowing Homage to Him, you may read my previous post (which in fact can be found in Ksitigarbha Sutra) about the 28 Benefits of Ksitigarbha Sutra.

Are we getting older? In fact, we are getting nearer to death

2012-01-01T03:55:00.000-08:00

Time flies. That's what most people say. Day by day passes quickly. It's another new year. What are you planning?

The Buddha told us that we are subject to birth, old age, illness and death. When thinking about this seriously, we may find that in fact we are not getting older. We can also say that we are moving towards death. If you are destined to live up to 80 years old. Then you have spent another year of your whole lifespan. Commonly, people will count age they live, think that they are getting older, counting from the time they were born. But, I think wise people will count back (although they don't really know when they are dying). Anyway, to those wise people, they will think that life is precious for cultivation, preparing for death and next life right at the moment when you are alive.

There's an old saying that I heard when listening to a Buddhist talk. It's "Those who practise the Way, will always keep the word "DEATH" in their minds". This is actually important to everyone. Life is uncertain, but death is certain. You probably may think that you are still young, and don't want to practise Buddhism, but you probably may have past over the half of your whole lifespan. You don't know it, but still need to admit that you are getting closer to death. I really feel pity for those who end their life. If you read Buddhist scriptures, you will know that it's so hard to be reborn even as human beings.

That's what I would like to share with you today. Wish you all happiness in 2012. May all beings be free from harm and danger. May they take care of themselves happily.

New Japanese Buddhist Movie : 禪（Zen）

2011-11-28T20:03:00.000-08:00

Chan or Zen (禪) is a new Japanese Buddhist movie. From the title, you can know that it's all about "Zen" Buddhism. I just found it when I was searching for "新佛教電影". The movie is in Japanese language with English and Chinese subtitles. You can still understand the conversation by just watching the subtitles.

Well, since it's new Japanese Buddhist movie, I haven't had time to watch, but I think it's a good idea to share this Japanese Zen Buddhism movie with everyone who loves watching Buddhist movies. This is a great movie but very long. The duration of this movie is 127 minutes. So, let's concentrate on watching this Japanese Zen movie.

Zen is a Buddhist sect that is widely spread in Japan. And perhaps for this reason, they produced this movie. Thinking about the "Japanese Buddhism" also makes me think of a great Buddhist master who traveled hard from China to Japan to teach Buddhism widely. Do you know who I am referring to? It's Master Jian Zhen. There's also a movie about his life and his effort in spreading Buddhism from China to Japan. The title of this movie is "Jian Zhen Da He Shang" or "Venerable Jian Zhen".

I'm sorry that I'm not able to embed the movie, but it's alright, let's watch this Japanese Buddhist movie by this link.
http://vod.fjdh.com/MPlay/698/youku.html?playid=youku_1_1

Pu Men Pin cartoon ”普門品動畫片“

2011-10-11T21:49:00.000-07:00

Have you read my earlier post on "Pu Men Pin" (The Chapter of Universal Door of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva)? I have also posted earlier about the Verse of Pu Men Pin. Indeed, it's one of the most commonly recited Sutra in Buddhism. It's actually a chapter of The Lotus Sutra or Saddharma Pundarika Sutra. In Chinese romaji, it's called Miao Fa Lian Hua Jing.

Pu Men Pin has also been created into cartoon version to make us easier to understand the meaning. The Pu Men Pin cartoon describes the benefits of reciting Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva or Guan Yin Pu Sa. From the cartoon, you will know that the Bodhisattva will react according to our prayers. Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva will save us from danger, answer our prayers for having children, and every kind of harm. Buddhist parents should teach their children to know the virtue of this Bodhisattva and also teach them to recite "Namo Guan Shi Yin Pu Sa" or "Namo Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva".

There are 8 cartoons here about "The Universal Door of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva". You can click the link below to enter the videos page. After that, click one of the eight images of the cartoons you wish to watch. Namo Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva.

Na Mo Guan Shi Yin Pu Sa - the recitation of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva's Name

2011-10-11T21:44:00.000-07:00

Here are four videos of "Namo Guan Shi Yin Pu Sa" recitation in Mandarin. I think the videos are really amazing. There are so many versions of the recitation of "Guan Yin Pu Sa" Name all over the internet. I just select some of them which I think commonly used in recitation. One of the videos is sung by Master Hai Tao, the founder of lifetv.org.tw.

Let's recite "Namo Guan Shi Yin Pu Sa" together and transfer the merit of this recitation for all of the sentient beings in the universe and for world peace.

觀世音菩薩的故事

南無觀世音菩薩 - 寺院版

南無觀世音菩薩聖號(梵唱)

南無大悲觀世音菩薩聖號

How should a Pure Land follower Practice Amitabha Buddha Recitation?

2011-10-04T03:24:00.000-07:00

In Mahayana Pure Land Buddhism, Buddha Recitation is the most important thing. Keeping your mind sticking to the Name of Amitabha Buddha is really needed. When you are not reciting the Amitabha Buddha's Name, your mind is probably thinking other things. And thus, this mind focus on Buddha has become the determination of being reborn in the Pureland.

Think this seriously. If you don't take recitation seriously as a part of your life, how can you be able to recite Amitabha Buddha's name near your death moment? This is similar to the situation when a student is facing an examination. If the student doesn't study hard during the normal school days, how can he face the examination and hopes to pass the exam? That's what we call the Practice of Pure Land Buddhism.

Besides, the FAITH and VOW to be reborn in the Western Pure Land are also the most important factors. How do you call yourself to have faith if you can't even recite up to a certain number or even increment in number after a certain time. For example, somebody may say I believe in Amitabha Buddha, but if he can't even spend his time in recitation for at least ten thousand times a day, how can you redeem your FAITH?

In fact, which from what I have learnt, people of the past could recite up to one hundred thousand of "Amitabha" every day. The number is an important factor during your early stage of practice. The more you recite, the more you have confidence. Some people would say that it's the focused mind that counts. Indeed, that really matters. But, I would say that continuously practice of large number of recitation will ensure more to change the scattered mind to a focused mind. How to do you expect to get focused, if you don't even want to focus with that early scattered mind? Remember that nobody is perfect. Only people who strive hard on practice will reach perfection in a skill.

Another thing is the VOW. Every Pure Land Practitioner should vow to be reborn in Amitabha Buddha's Western Pure Land. And this vow is the main factor that keeps you to keep on recite Amitabha Buddha's Name. The Vow also shows you how much Faith you have in Buddha, the Pure Land, and the Buddha's Vow on Welcoming you to His Pure Land on your death crucial moment. Practitioners also should set the Vow to be reborn in Western Pure Land in the form of Buddha Recitation number daily. How many times of Amitabha Buddha recitation do you recite in a day? Is it 10,000 times? Or more than that number? Many Pure Land Masters have suggested that the recitation should reach the number up to 100,000 times a day. At least, start with 10,000 times every day without any absence. Some even stressed that if you have set your recitation target to 10,000 times a day, you must finish it before you go to bed, even if you are tired or sleepy. To reach this target daily and to keep it going on and on for years (up to 20 years above until the end of your life), recitation should be starts from the morning. This is because your mind will be in the best condition after a night rest.

Although number of recitation is stressed repeatedly, also try to focus the mind on recitation. After a long period of recitation (take 20 years as example), the scattered and vexed mind will set down to a calmer mind which mean you have the ability to control your anger, greed, worry and other mind disturbance. Gradually, you will also recite Amitabha Buddha's Name in your heart even if you don't realize it at all. At that stage, you are reciting Amitabha Buddha's Name all the time. Then, you'll of course have the real confidence to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha.

How should Buddhist fellows face good and bad situations?

2011-10-01T04:30:00.000-07:00

In everyone's daily life, there are good and bad times. Good and bad situations will just come to you without invitation. The situations can be others' manner towards you, their speech towards you and also how they see you. You probably care too much about others.

In fact, you should do your best to live in a proper way. Setting good examples for others is not an easy thing. Sometimes, you probably have done your best towards others, but they just ignore you. Don't take this too hard in yourself as you are just making yourself in sufferings. The Buddha has taught us to watch our mind, speech and actions in everyday life, because we can easily hurt others by our speech or actions, perhaps by thinking bad about others, we will also influence them through our mind indirectly.

Then how should we face good and bad situations? When good situations come to you, don't let your greed arise. Let's learn to curb our arise. For example, when you are earning more today, don't let your greed grows by thinking to earn more. Be always contented and grateful with what you have today and always do your best, always make good use of the good situation like donating a little money to the needy. Or you can use your earning to support the reprinting of Buddhist books or sutras.

When bad situations come to you, don't let your anger or hatred arise. Let's learn to let go and forgive others. Remember that you yourself are also imperfect, how can you expect others to be perfect when somebody has done bad to you. Also remember the law of karma. Buddhism is a teaching about present life, past life and future life. So, we should think that perhaps we have done wrong before. Moreover, throwing anger or hatred will only make things worse. Don't dwell in sadness. Learn to let go.

The Pureland Mahayana Buddhism stress on reciting "Namo Amitabha Buddhaya" (Namo Amituofuo) or just Amitabha (Amituofuo). This should be done by Pureland followers when facing good and bad situations. They keep on such recitation to keep their mind in Pure state and vow to be reborn in Western Pureland. That's how they face good and bad situations.

The Verses of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva's Vows

2011-10-01T03:11:00.000-07:00

You probably have known quite a lot about Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, the Great Bodhisattva that represents Great Compassion in Buddhism. I also have some posts on this Maha Bodhisattva. Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva is called as Guan Shi Yin Pu Sa in Mandarin. He is actually a Buddha of the Past called Zheng Fa Ming Ru Lai. （I'm sorry that I can't provide the text in Mandarin).

This Buddha after viewing the suffering of sentient beings, vows to save all beings again by transforming himself and thus that's what we call "Avalokiteshvara", the Bodhisattva who listens the sounds/voices of the world. We usually see the image of this bodhisattva in female one, but in fact the Bodhisattva is in male body. Why? Because the bodhisattva who actually resides in Western Pureland and according to Sutra of Infinite Life (Wu Liang Shou Jing), that those who have reborn in the Western Pureland are actually reborn as male. That's why I said so.

But, as we know that Bodhisattvas have magnificent power and transformations, they can turn themselves to suit the situation on how they want to help sentient beings. This is especially clear for us when we have ever read the chapter of "The Universal Door of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva". It's stated that Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva will turn himself into any forms in order to save a sentient being. For example, one who should be saved using a king appearance, the Bodhisattva (Guan Yin Pu Sa) will transform himself into a king.

We also should know that every bodhisattva has their vows, and so does Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva. Those Buddhist followers who believe in this bodhisattva will also have to learn the verses of Vows which are used to strengthen our own vows and faith. The verses of the vows have also been made into Buddhist songs which is easier to learn or memorize. Let's listen to this Buddhist song which describes the vows of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva.

Eighty-eight Buddhas Repentance Text (88 佛懺悔文)

2011-09-09T22:18:00.000-07:00

88 Buddhas Repentance Text (Ba Shi Ba Fo Chan Hui Wen) is actually the combination of 35 Buddhas and 53 Buddhas. This is also a part of daily practice for most Mahayana Buddhism followers. Repentance holds an important role in Buddhism practice. Without repentance, the practice of Buddhism won't be perfect.

When you keep on increasing doing good deeds, but you never repent for your evil deeds, you'll just keep on doing evil. In such condition, the fruits of your evil deeds will arise because you never thought about repentance.

Perhaps, those who want to practise 88 Buddhas Repentance may have been searching for video or text about it. Here, I provide you the video and text of the repentance. Hopefully, it may help you and everyone who wants to practise 88 Buddhas Repentance in daily life.

Click here to download 88 Buddhas Repentance Text in PDF format.

Guan Yin Pu Sa Ji (觀音菩薩偈 - The verse of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva)

2011-08-20T20:51:00.000-07:00

This is a video of Chyi (齐豫 - Qi Yu) who sings "The verse of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva". She is one of the best singer who always sings great Buddhist songs. Her wonderful voice and the deep expression for the songs will always awaken us to understand Buddhism through music/song.

The verse of Avalokiteshvara (觀音菩薩偈) is one of my favorite Buddhist song. There's a lyric in the contents of the whole song which describes Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva (Guan Yin Pu Sa) will appear anywhere in respond to our prayers. Indeed, Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva is one of all Bodhisattvas who has deep affinity to the sentient beings of this Saha World (娑婆世界).

The name Guan Shi Yin Pu Sa (觀世音菩薩) means "The Bodhisattva who Listens to the Voice/Sound of the Worlds".

Guan Shi Yin Pu Sa Fa Yuan Wen by Chyi/Qi Yu (觀世音菩薩發願文-齐豫)

2011-08-11T07:41:00.000-07:00

This is a video on "The Great Vows of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva and Maha Karuna Dharani (Great Compassion Mantra - 大悲咒)". It's sung by Chyi (Qi Yu - 齊豫). Qi Yu is a singer who also popular for singing Buddhist songs. In fact, when you type a Buddhist keyword in Mandarin, you may probably find a video of her singing Buddhist song. She has her style in singing Buddhist song, quite different from others.

This video consists of two parts with Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva's images. The first part is "The Great Vows of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva (觀世音菩薩發願文), and the second part is Maha Karuna Dharani (大悲咒).

Verse of "Pu Men Pin" Complete Version 普門品頌 (pu men pin song)

2011-08-11T05:10:00.000-07:00

The video below is a complete version of Verse of the "Universal Door of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva". In fact, I have ever posted earlier about it, but this time I'll provide you three complete versions. Click here for my earlier post about it.

Whenever and wherever you are, always keep Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva's Name in your mind, recite "Namo Guan Shi Yin Pu Sa" and you'll be free from harm and danger. Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva will always transform into different transformations in order to awaken and save all sentient beings.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lefKBAK6HN0

Jane's Enlightenment of the Six Perfections 小真的六度波羅蜜[不分段完整版]

2011-08-11T04:46:00.000-07:00

This is a cartoon about the life of a young girl called Jane (Xiao Zhen). Xiao Zhen lives with her grandmother, grandfather, her sister and a little dog called E.T. She is a rather shy girl who thinks that her grandmother dotes her younger sister more than herself. She is still a kind-hearted girl. She's quite talented in drawing.

In the story of Xiao Zhen, she met a Buddhist nun who gave her a book about Six Paramitas. In the book, she learnt about many stories that taught her the meaning of life and how to behave herself in difficult situations. Each story in the storybook related to a paramita. Paramita means Perfection. And that's why the title of this cartoon is called "Jane's Enlightenment of the Six Perfections".

A blog post on scene of Hell

2011-08-10T22:04:00.000-07:00

When one is dead, his soul will usually go rebirth to the six realms according to his/her karma deed when still alive. The six realms are: hell, hungry ghost, animal, asura, human and deva (heavenly being) realms. That is what we call Six Realm of Rebirth. I recently found a website where it provides information about the six realms in Chinese text explanation and images. In fact, it's about the description of scenes of Hells. In the hells, there are many of sufferings for those evil-doers. Here's the website where you can read for detailed information. http://retonia.blogspot.com/

Living in a World of Gratitude - 活在感恩的世界 - huo zai gan en de shi jie

2011-08-10T21:57:00.000-07:00

What kind of world are you living in? In a world of misery? In a world of happiness? Perhaps, you should listen to this great song "Living in a World of Gratitude". The lyrics of this song come from Master Chin Kung's quotes. Master Chin Kung has ever written many lines of words about gratitude. He says that we should be always keeping a grateful mind. This song was widely distributed through the internet by Amitabha Buddhist Society of Singapore (which was the origin of this song). It has also been distributed in the form of free CDs. The song has no copyright, so you can share this nice Buddhist song with your friends.

Where can I download Mahayana Buddhist Sutras in English?

2011-08-10T05:51:00.000-07:00

People who love to learn Buddhism are quite lucky nowadays. They can use the internet to help them get the information they need. There are online libraries with digital e-books. They can also watch teachings and sermons in video format whether online or offline through discs. Buddhist books are also distributed very widely and even for free (without any cost, through sponsored by those samaritans). There's a website called Buddhist E-library where you can download many Buddhist e-books in English. Living in this modern era, we should cherish all these materials because we are far luckier than those people in the former times because they had to travel a long distance, just to hear a Buddhist teaching/sermon.

Andy Lau sings Amitabha

2011-08-10T05:43:00.000-07:00

You can find many Amitabha Buddha Recitation audio files easily on the internet. There are many for you to download. From the time where audio cassettes are popular until this internet era, Amitabha (Amituofo) Buddha Recitation has become a very common thing in Buddhism. If you are looking for this, just go to youtube and search for it by typing: 阿彌陀佛聖號 or 念佛 or Amitabha Buddha recitation.

While looking for this, I found a version sung/recited by Andy Lau (Liu De Hua 劉德華). In fact, I have known about Andy Lau's Amituofo recitation version long ago, but I've never found it online. This time, I found it unpurposely and would like to share with you. Have you ever heard Andy Lau sing "Namo Amituofo"? Click to download huazaikuailenianmituo.mp3 (華仔快樂念彌陀).

28 Free Buddhist Songs for Download

2011-08-10T05:29:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for Buddhist songs for download? I just found a website where it provides free Buddhist songs for download. The website also provides links to download many Buddhist e-books and audio materials. Here's the link.
You can also contact them for more information about Buddhism:
Buddha Dharma Education Association

78 Bentley Road, Tullera, via Lismore NSW AUSTRALIA
Telephone: +612 6628 2426
Webmaster: Ven Pannyavaro <webmaster@buddhanet.net>
Support: <support@buddhistelibrary.org>

Venerable Jian Zhen / Jian Zhen Da He Shang (鑑真大和尚) - animated cartoon

2011-07-30T10:59:00.000-07:00

I was looking for Buddhist cartoon and movie, and suddenly found this trailer video about the story of Venerable Jian Zhen in animated cartoon. This movie "鑑真大和尚" is a great movie made by Tzu Chi Da Ai TV. It's one of Buddhist 3D animated movies. The story is about the journey of Master Jian Zhen travelling from China to Japan in order to preach Buddha Dharma in Japan. He never subsided to difficulties along the journey and made six attempts to reach Japan. His fifth attempt journey brought him to Hainan, and he also preached Dharma in Hainan.

Where can I download the complete text of Jewel Repentance of Liang Emperor?

2011-07-28T21:07:00.000-07:00

Emperor Liang's Repentance Service or Liang Huang Bao Chan consists of 9 parts and usually separated into 3 books. Usually this long duration of Buddhist Repentance Ceremony will take up 3 days. Then followed by "Yan Kou" ceremony on the late hours of the third day.

Usually it's hard to find the books on Liang Huang Bao Chan in monastery which are for free distribution which mean you can bring home. This is perhaps the three volumes of Liang Huang Bao Chan text books are just for ceremony use, which means not for home daily recitation like Amitabha Sutra or Ksitigarbha Sutra.

But, if you still want to see the complete whole text of Liang Huang Bao Chan, you can still search online for the pdf version. I did some searches and found a site where we can download the complete whole 9 parts in pdf format. Click here to download.

Prajna Paramita Hrdaya Sutra - 般若波羅蜜多心經 - bo re bo luo mi duo xin jing

2011-06-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

The "Prajna Paramita Hrdaya Sutra" is also called as "Heart Sutra". This Sutra can be said as the most common Sutra recited by Buddhist followers of the world. It's also a very short Sutra for those who practise "Avalokiteshvara Dharma Door". This Sutra is also said to be a Sutra for increasing wisdom. And thus it's very popular and easier to remember compared to other Sutras. And that's why for those early learners like children, they tend to start memorizing this Sutra.

This "Heart Sutra" has many different version (of course with the same meaning). It has Pali, Sanskrit, Chinese and perhaps version in other languages. But, I think the Chinese version is the most common one. You can also find "children version" of Heart Sutra. And the video below is the children voice Heart Sutra.

The Children Who Light Up The Candles 点灯的孩子 (Dian Deng De Hai Zi)

2011-06-29T09:48:00.000-07:00

This is a Buddhist song sung by children. It's a song about lighting up the candle. In Buddhism it can be said as lamp or candle. I think you can also call it as brightness instead of candle. In former times, people use candle to represent the light. Read my previous post on What does Candle/Lamp/Light mean in Buddhism?

In Buddhism, every single object can lead to enlightenment, every object in our daily life can work as reminder, too. Like when you see water, the purity of water should remind you to have a pure heart, as pure as the pure water. This is also why Buddhist followers use water instead of tea.

Ok, let's listen to this nice Buddhist song of lighting up candle.

The Sutra of Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha's Fundamental Vows

2011-06-27T21:48:00.000-07:00

The Sutra of Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha's Fundamental Vows is the most commonly recited sutra in Buddhist daily life. It's a Sutra which represents Great Filial Piety. It has been translated into many languages. Nowadays, in most Buddhist temples, or those Buddhist learning college, you can find this sutra ready to be your free precious gift. Kind-hearted Buddhist followers usually sponsor the printing of the Sutra and they put them at the distribution centre inside the temple or monastery.

You can also find online version of this Ksitigarbha Sutra. Here I provide you with 3 links to read the Sutra. You may also download for your daily recitation need. Just remember to treat this Sutra respectfully, especially if you intend to print. But, I still recommend that you get a ready-printed copy at the temple or monastery. This will also create a good (indirect) affinity between you and the sutra printing sponsors / those who have contribution in the printing.

Chinese version of Ksitigarbha Sutra
English version of Ksitigarbha Sutra
Vietnamese version of Ksitigarbha Sutra

知足是幸福 - Contentment is happiness

2011-06-22T08:23:00.000-07:00

This song describes the difficulties of life people usually face. But the real meaning is to tell us that contentment can bring happiness. It's also a very nice song. The video which is in cartoon style is also nice.

The World is A Big Family - 世界是個大家庭 - (music video)

2011-06-22T08:21:00.000-07:00

Here's another song by the Pureland Music singer of Singapore, Ke Pei Lei (柯佩磊). It's really a nice song which tells us to pray for the peace of the world. There is also Roman Text on the video, so you can sing along.

佛陀的愛 - The Love of the Buddha

2011-06-22T08:18:00.000-07:00

This is a nice song sung and created by Singaporean Buddhist. The song is in Mandarin. When searching for one of the singer (柯佩磊 - ke pei lei), I found a version uploaded to Youtube which has Roman Text, so it's easier for those who don't really understand Chinese to learn how to sing the song.

Song of Repentance (懺悔歌) - Pureland Music

2011-06-22T07:03:00.000-07:00

Song of Repentance (懺悔歌) is a Buddhist song made in Singapore by Pureland Music. The song is for free distribution. Because it has no copyrights, many Buddhists fellow created the video version of this song which originally audio only. This song is quite popular in Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong and China.

Repentance is a very important thing in learning Buddhism. We create bad karma every day from thought, speech and action. We may not be able to recognize that we have done them, but since we came to this world, we have already brought the karma of our past lives. And that's why repentance is so important in Buddhist daily practice.

Usually Buddhists do repentance by reciting repentance verse and bow to the Buddha and Bodhisattva. Actually, in Buddhism don't seek for forgiveness from Buddha or Bodhisattva only, they do seek repentance and vow to repent, and thus asking the Buddhas or Bodhisattvas to become witness of repentance. And since it's so important, this repentance practice in Buddhism should be done daily and continuously up till the moment of our death. Bad karma arises from our greed, hatred and ignorance. So, we vow not to repeat again and again.

Now, let's listen to this song of Repentance:

Links to most completed images of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva

2011-06-21T23:32:00.000-07:00

Usually when you want get an image, you'll go to Google Search Image. Yesterday, when searching for Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva images, I found a link to a collection of 327 different images of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. This page should be said as the most complete one I have ever seen, cause when you use Google Image Search, you can see many duplicates images on the search result. But this link is different. Click here to see Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (地藏菩薩像) thumbnails collection.

Master Meng Can tells stories

2011-06-21T23:20:00.000-07:00

Cultivation must be long-lasting, continuously practice. When you can keep your heart stick to the cultivation, continuously practise without laziness, you'll succeed in Buddhism. Also being attach to worldly things, such as wealth, will cause you drop to lower realm. Below is a story about a monk who attached to money, greed on money. The monk after his death fell into the birth of a turtle. He requested his friend in the monastery to save him, using the money to do good deeds and offer to the Sangha.

There's another story about someone who recites "Maha Karuna Dharani" (大悲咒 - da bei zhou). He recites the Maha Karuna Dharani for years. And this is called real skill in cultivation. You may focus on one Dharma Door and will get the fruit. The only worry is that the laziness that stops you half way. Remember long-term continuous cultivation in Buddhism will yield fruit.

Master Da An answers questions on the existence of UFOs and Aliens

2011-06-20T01:26:00.000-07:00

Do you believe in UFOs? Have you ever thought about the existence of UFOs according to religion? I think you must feel curious whether we are the only so-called human beings in the universe. The truth is in Buddhism there are countless universe, countless beings. And thus, we should not think that we are the only living beings in this world.

Have you ever watched a video about UFOs or aliens from the view of Buddhism? I just found a question and answer video, spoken by Master Da An from China which discussed about the existence of UFOs and aliens from the view of Buddhism.

What does Candle/Lamp/Light mean in Buddhism?

2011-05-28T05:55:00.000-07:00

In Buddhist ceremony, you can usually see light of candle or light of lamp. What does it mean when being used in Buddhism? For the answer of this question, you can see the nature of light of a candle. "Candle" is being used here as at those former times, candles are very common compared to other source of light.

When you see the light of a candle, what cross in your mind? The candle burns itself and light will come out and shine brightly around it. From this, you can see that "Offering of Candle in Buddhism" has a deep meaning. It symbolizes that we should put others in front of ourselves. Thinking others first. That also means to remove our egoist mind. Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are truly like the candles that burning themselves (willing to sacrifice) for all beings' sake. Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are the Light that guides all sentient beings in darkness.

When a candle is lit up, it can light up other candles. That means when we put others first, then other people probably will follow our examples, thus creating a bright wonderful world. Here's a Mandarin song which describes the meaning of Candle Light in Buddhism. This song is called 一盏灯 (A Lamp)

Qing Jing Fa Shen Fo (清净法身佛) - a Buddhist song by Angela An (安又琪)

2011-05-28T04:41:00.000-07:00

Qing Jing Fa Shen Fo (清净法身佛) - means "Pure Dharmakaya Buddha" is a very well-known Buddhist song. This video is about this Buddhist song which is sung by Angela An (安又琪). Angela An is a Chinese singer who usually sings pop song. But maybe this is her only Buddhist song video. She is one of many Chinese celebrities who ever sings Buddhist songs.

Where do those disaster victims go after their death?

2011-04-22T07:51:00.000-07:00

In my last post, I wrote that people who encountered disasters actually sharing the same karma, that they have to go through the disasters. The post was talking about the past and the present. Now, let's talk about the present and the future. Where did those tsunami victims go after their death?

Just now, when I was searching about Buddhism video about disasters, I found a video of Master Chin Kung's talk. From the video you learn that the truth after the death of those victims. When one sows the seed, he/she will reap the fruit. Whatever you have done, you will receive the result of your deed.

A disaster may take up the lives of many people. There are good ones and bad ones. You probably think that it seems unfair that those good people have to die during the disaster. But you don't know that those good ones will rise up to heaven and enjoy their fruit of good karma and those who do evils will have to fall down to the three evil realms, i.e. hell realm, animal realm and hungry ghost realm. If there are those who are real practitioners of Pure Land, those who always recite Amitabha Buddha's Name sincerely seeking for rebirth in Western Pure Land, where will they go? Of course, they reach the Western Pureland. The same disaster, but different destination after death.

If you can understand Mandarin, please take a little time watching the following video of Master Chin Kung talking about the matter of disaster.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=op5QmZMWVl4

What (Japanese) Buddhists should do to prevent tsunami and other natural disasters?

2011-04-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

You probably think that I'm going to talk about prayers or how to pray in Buddhist view about avoiding natural disasters as this is a blog about Buddhism. I'm not a scientist, so I won't talk too much about the geological of Japanese land, sea or whatever. I'm not going to talk about the meteorological side about the disasters.

Japanese who are also buddhists followers usually believe in two Great Bodhisattvas. The first one is "Kannon/Kanzeon" or "Avalokiteshvara" (觀世音菩薩) and another one is "Jizo" or "Ksitigarbha" (地藏王菩薩). Both Bodhisattvas have great compassion and great power in saving all sentient beings. They both are said to answer all prayers of all beings, especially when being in danger.

Understanding that both of Them are always ready to save all beings, we should think that they are also willing to save during tsunami. In fact, prayers in Buddhism are not only necessary in danger but we should pray and follow Their teachings every day. Reciting the Sutras and repentance are two important things in learning Buddhism. Since countless eons, we have created immeasurable evil deeds or you can call as evil karma through our mind, speech and action.

Whether natural disasters / calamity or just personal misfortune are not things that unrelated to our karma. They are actually the bitter fruit derived from the karma. We should seek repentance every day for the mistakes or evil deeds that we do every day. Not for those mistakes/evil deeds of this life only. We have past lives, and you don't know what you have done in those past lives.

Praying, chanting Sutra, bowing homage, reciting their Sacred Names are actions done for repentance. These are actions to avoid calamities. If they are done by mass of people altogether, power to avoid calamities can be stronger. That's also why after a calamity, there will always have more Buddhist ceremonies held in Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, and other buddhist countries.

At the end of the ceremonies, Buddhist do merit transference which means transferring the merit of the chanting to all beings especially those who are in natural disasters. Hoping that the destruction caused by the disaster will be stopped or reduced and also hoping that the future disasters can be avoided.

I will pick up a part of "Universal Gateway of Avalokiteshvara" (觀世音菩薩普門品) which tells you that the Great Compassionate Avalokiteshvara will save those beings by just reciting His Name. When a being is in the danger of flood (or we say seriously tsunami), by just reciting His Name, this being will be saved. Luckily, I found a animated video on this description. Also in "Immeasurable Life Sutra" (無量壽經), the Buddha have also advised us to seek refuge in Avalokiteshvara when in difficulties and dangers.

Another Sutra that also tells us about avoiding calamities is Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. The Lord Buddha also advised us to seek refuge, recite Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva's Name, bowing homage and reciting Ksitigarbha Sutra. Buddha also tells those devas, kings of ghosts, deities and those Bodhisattvas who are the audience of the Ksitigarbha Sutra to protect those who are sincerely seeking refuge and follow this Teachings of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.

Part 1 of 2

Part 2 of 2

I realized that my knowledge about this is very limited, but I hope that this short post of information will help those who are seeking for a solution about how to prevent tsunami and other natural disasters. Saving the world is not the duty of one personal, but the duty of everybody.

Whether you are Buddhist or not, the Truth is that there won't be no reason behind a calamity. We should accept the Truth of Cause and Effect or the Law of Karma.

I also find that those social workers who are heading towards Japan to offer their helps are very brave and courageous. No matter which method you use to help those pitiful Japanese people or others harmed by natural disasters, the most important thing is that you have done something for them, whether by direct-hand-help, donating or praying for them. May all beings be free from harm and danger. Amitabha!!!

Pu Men Pin Verse Chanting - Song version

2011-04-09T08:07:00.000-07:00

Any Buddhists who know Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva (觀音菩薩) will likely know "Pu Men Pin" (普門品) which is a chapter of the Lotus Sutra. Part of this chapter is about the merits or benefits of reciting the Name of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva. The rest is about the transformations of the Bodhisattva in order to save all sentient beings.

This chapter of Sutra has also the song version. So, those who love Buddhist song can recite according to the song. I just found a song of Pu Men Pin which is very nice. You can always find many Buddhist song at Youtube. Now, let's listen to Guan Shi Yin Pu Sa Pu Men Pin.

The Universal Gateway of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva (觀世音菩薩普門品) 3D animation cartoon

2011-04-09T07:25:00.000-07:00

The Universal Gateway of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva is a chapter of the Wonderful Dharma of Lotus Sutra (In romanised Chinese: Miao Fa Lian Hua Jing Guan Shi Yin Pu Sa Pu Men Pin). This chapter of sutra is widely chant by Buddhist followers all over the world. It has also become a common practise of chanting.

Recently in March 2011, Alcoo which is an animation studio company has just finished creating the story of this chapter in 3D animation version. It's produced by Buddhist Education Centre of Taiwan (also LiveTV of Taiwan which was founded by Master Hai Tao).

This animation cartoon has been divided into 8 parts. And each part can be watch online or downloaded for offline watching. You can choose to download as VCD file or as flash movie. The animation videos are for free distribution and not for sale.

This chapter is usually called as "Pu Men Pin". It's about merits and the transformations of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva. This Bodhisattva will always transform himself into many forms in order to save all sentient beings. He is also said that as Bodhisattva who answers every being's prayers. He has great affinity with all beings in the universe, especially this Saha world. He is also called as "The Great Compassionate Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva.

Here's the link where you can download animation videos of "The Universal Gateway of Avalokiteshvara".

Who is Mizuko Jizo Bosatsu (Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva)?

2011-03-26T19:19:00.000-07:00

While I was searching for information about Jizo Bosatsu's statue (Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva) in Japan, I found a video which shows and briefly introduce the famous savior for Japanese Buddhist believers. They worship and express their prayers to Jizo Bosatsu for many things: good health, safety, safe-pregnancy and delivery, protection for the soul of the dead (including babies, aborted soul, etc.), all success of living, and many other wishes.

Jizo Bosatsu although a figure in Buddhism as Hell-Saviour, in fact a savior who will answer prayers of all being for all wishes. You should recite (repeatedly) and learn the Ksitigarbha Sutra for deep understanding. Also to develop the faith in Him.

According to the Ksitigarbha Sutra, we worship by praising the His Name "Namo Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva" which means I take refuge in Jizo Bosatsu. Also by reciting the Ksitigarbha Sutra, then transferring the merit accumulated from reciting the Sutra. We can do worship on bended knees, too. Sincerity and repentance are very important in this worship.

In Japan, people also splash water on Jizo Bosatsu's statue when they say their prayers.

Let's pray to Jizo Bosatsu for the sake of those Tsunami victims. May all beings (especially those tsunami victims) ends their sufferings and free from harms, dangers and all kind of disasters. Namo Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.

Images of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva

2010-09-05T02:42:00.000-07:00

Just now, as I was searching for Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva images, I found a link to a few Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva images. As we know that, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva's vow is to save all beings in the hell until none is left. This Great Vow doesn't mean that his vow is only limited to all beings in the hell. But this is to represent the Greatness of the vow cause the most suffering beings are in the hell.

In fact, the vow includes the salvation to countless all beings in the past, present and future. Such great vow. If you have Ksitigarbha Sutra, I suggest you recite it every day, and you'll understand that.

Talking about the link to those images, there's one I like very much, of which the Bodhisattva was standing on a rock with hell fire surrounding Him. I think this is a very great image indeed. You can download it and put it as your desktop wallpaper.

The importance of Repentance in Buddhism

2010-09-05T00:45:00.000-07:00

In Buddhism, repentance is one of the most important in daily practice. We have created lots evil thought, speech and deed since past lives till this life. And we are still creating it every day. The only way to eradicate those evil thought, speech and deed is by practising Repentance.

In fact, reciting a Sutra, for example Ksitigarbha Sutra every day and night also means this. When we recite Ksitigarbha Sutra in the morning, we are focussing our mind to the teaching of the Sutra that tells us what Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva does to save every being. To do according to the teaching. That's the reminder of the morning to us and guidance to our daily activities. At night, we recite once again in purpose of reflecting what we have done in the day time, to see whether we have done according to the teaching. This also mean to repent upon all evil thought, speech and deed that we have done that day. This is what we call repentance.

There's a Repentance Ceremony called Liang Huang Bao Chan, which means the Jewel Repentance of Liang Emperor. This kind of ceremony is to eradicate bad karma and to liberate all beings from suffering. You may read more about Liang Huang Bao Chan here.

If you understand Chinese, you can also click here to listen to short audio explanation about Liang Huang Bao Chan.

The importance of Ksitigarbha Sutra

2010-03-01T07:02:00.000-08:00

We, the human beings in this world are actually subject to impermanence. Our lives are so fragile. Many unhappiness will occur after a short while of happiness. There are so many people out there teaching us to motivate ourselves in order to survive and struggle in this modern life. But how many have told us about the impermanence and fragility of the life.

The average life span of human beings has been decreasing due to many factors, such health and environmental influence. Disasters also occur one after another. On certain talks of Buddhism by Master Chin Kung, you have probably ever heard about the reason why there are so many kinds of disasters happening around the year, such as earthquake, flood, fire, etc.

In order to save this world, more and more Buddhist monasteries have actively recite Ksitigarbha Sutra （地藏菩薩本願經）regularly. The merit of the recitation will be transferred after the end of every recitation. In this way, all sentient beings will be benefitted.

In the last chapter of Ksitigarbha Sutra, you can see that The Buddha had entrusted the task of saving and guiding heavenly and human beings to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. Also in this chapter, you can read about the 28 benefits of reciting Ksitigarbha Sutra. Of course, to gain the 28 Benefits, we must recite with utmost sincerity and also routinely. As what Master Yin-Kuang said, "A piece of sincerity will gain a piece of benefit".

At the beginning process of learning to recite Ksitigarbha Sutra, we will meet a lot of obstacles. One of the most common one is drowsiness. Some people call it, "Karmic obstacles". We don't have to doubt our abilities in this practice and then give up. If you have decided to start recitation and then give up half way, that's just too pity. As what I have said, routine practice is important. Just carry on and persist in this process because one day you will overcome the difficulties.

If someone asks me how to save this world with Buddhist Mahayana Teachings, I will tell him/her to recite Ksitigarbha Sutra. The Sutra tells you about the Great Filial Piety, Karmic Law, The Great Vow of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva in saving all sentient beings, etc. This Sutra consists of 13 Chapters, but the meaning is so profound. We do need a long time of learning and reciting this Sutra, so let's practise Buddhism start from this "Great Filial Piety Sutra - Ksitigarbha Sutra".

May all beings be free from harm and danger.
May they gain the true happiness of Dharma.

Where to find Buddhist collection of mp3, images, videos etc?

2009-12-27T07:53:00.001-08:00

Just now when I was searching about Ksitigarbha in google search engine, I found a link to a website where we can find many links to Buddhist collection such as mp3 of Buddhist Sutra Recitation, songs, music and mantras. There are also images and videos. I believe you will find what you need in learning Buddhism or getting something into your mp3 player cause mp3 player has become something very common in learning something concerning audio.

The videos include video on how to pay homage (bow) to the Buddha. You will also find video on "Pu Men Pin" Verse. You can learn many things about Sukhavati School and Zen School.

Ok, here's the link: http://www.buddhist.idv.tw/

Meng Can Lao He Shang Website

2009-12-25T10:43:00.000-08:00

Have you ever heard any Dharma Talks by Master Meng Can? He is one of the oldest monk who still gives Dharma Talk on the internet. Many of his advice on cultivation can be found on internet in digital format whether mp3 or just plain Chinese text.

Just now as I was searching for Master Kuang Ch'in mp3, I found a website that provides a lot of information about Master Meng Can. You can see his pictures, read what advice on cultivation he gives us, what books have been published, etc.

When I first saw his photo on the internet, I had a feeling that he looked like Master Kuang Ch'in. Master Meng Can (also called Meng Can Lao He Shang) has given many Dharma Talks, for example: Ksitigarbha Sutra (Di Zang Pu Sa Ben Yuan Jing), Avatamsaka Sutra (Hua Yan Jing) and also Zan Ca Shan E Ye Bao Jing. Perhaps there are more. But those mentioned before are what I have ever seen.

In one of his advice on cultivation which I remember deeply is to advise us to persist in regular Dharma practice. He gives us two examples (which I had learnt from "Da Cheng Qi Xin Lun" (a Buddhist Sastra by Ma Ming Pu Sa).

The two examples for "persist in regular Dharma practice" are: Amitabha Buddha Recitation and Ksitigarbha Sutra Recitation. No matter how busy we are, once we have made up our mind on practice, we should recite as much as we have targeted. Do you understand what I mean here?

If we set 30,000 recitation of "Namo Amituofo", we should finish it before we sleep, no matter how busy we are. This is because if we don't have persistence and endurance in practice, we will lose our will in practice. If no regularity in practice, gradually we will grow laziness in practice. Now, I think you understand what he means.

Have you set your goal (target) in your daily cultivation practice? If not, start it now. Wish you all the best.

Great Compassion Mantra

2009-04-24T06:58:00.000-07:00

Great Compassion Mantra is one of the Buddhist mantra that people recite. It's also called as Maha Karuna Dharani (大悲咒）. Some people recite it up to 108 every day. I also know a friend whose daily main practice is the Great Compassion Mantra recitation. In this mantra we actually recite the 84 manifestation of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisatva Mahasatva (Guan Yin Pu Sa). May all beings be free from all sufferings. Amitabha...

Here's a Youtube video on Great Compassion Mantra.

Amitabha Buddha, the compassionate Father of all sentient beings

2009-02-16T03:32:00.000-08:00

In Mahayana Buddhism, especially the Sukhavati or Pure Land Sect, Amitabha Buddha is always said to be the compassionate Father of all sentient beings.

Once I've ever heard about this from a Dharma VCD. The speaker of the Dharma VCD was a monk. He said that we as Buddhist practitioners of the Pure Land Sect should recite the Buddha'name with utmost sincerity. When your life in this world has come to its end, where would you return?

Of course, every Pure Land practitioner wishes to return to the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is like a far-travelling child return to his Father and staying in a warm home. Home sweet home. You probably would say that you recite "Amitabha" very often and think of Amitabha Buddha always. But do you know that Amitabha Buddha never stops hoping us to be at the Pure Land and ends the sufferings of this mundane world.

When you look at some images of Amitabha Buddha, you would find that some of Amitabha Buddha's images are in standing position holding a lotus with his left hand and his right palm open facing down. This symbolizes the compassion of the Buddha in saving and delivering us from the sea of suffering to the Western Pure Land.

Master Guang Qin, the disciples and the nails

2008-10-29T05:39:00.000-07:00

Once during the building process of the monastery, Master Guang Qin poured out the nails which had been arranged well in the nail box. He then asked his disciples to pick the nails.

At first his disciples were very puzzled thinking that they had been busy since morning for the building process, why our old Master still poured out the nails and asked us to pick them up? But they still followed his instruction.

The disciples picked up the nails until very late at night eventhough they didn't know why their old Master Guang Qin did it.

When they had finished picking up the nails, they reported this to their Master. But, old Master Guang Qin only said "To pick is your matter, not to pick is also your matter."

So, what do you realize in this story?

I guess the hidden meaning in this story is that Master Guang Qin wanted them to realize that to cultivate and solve the problem of life and death is one's personal matter. Nobody can cultivate for you. The Buddha can only guide us, but He cannot cultivate for us.

When I start to become lazy in my "Ksitigarbha Sutra" daily chanting, I will remember this story and it really reminds me to have chanting routinely. We have the rights to choose to cultivate or not. And we will reap what we have done.

What do you think?

Liberating animals and saving lives

2008-10-11T18:19:00.000-07:00

In Buddhism, there's a common practice that almost all Mahayana followers know i.e. "liberating animals". Some text books use "freeing animals". The word "animals" actually refer to "any animals" and "living creatures". Cause in Buddhism, every animal and every human is called "sentient being". The word "sentient beings" doesn't cover up such small aspect. It has a wider meaning. It refers to all beings in all dharma realms, all worlds.

I learn this actually from Master Chin Kung VCD talks. All beings have the seeds of Buddha nature. It means that all can become Buddhas. Thus, we should treat them all equally. That's so simple to talk, but really hard to put into action. The way Mahayana achieve this is to enlarge their heart tolerance. Once, your heart can tolerate every being in every situation, you are using the heart of a Buddha. I remembered that Master Chin Kung had ever said that the Buddhas use "equal heart" and Bodhisattvas use "Six Paramitas heart" in their practice in saving all beings.

The closest beings to us (except human) that we see every day is "the animals". Based on the teachings of the Buddha, we should try to save all beings with true sincerity. There are many reasons why this should be done, concerning "liberating animals". I suggest that you go through search for videos in Youtube or Buddhist site about this. But truly, we should understand that all animals are afraid of death, not only human.

According to Buddhism, "Liberating animals" can increase life span, improving health, freeing stress, increasing fortune and wisdom, creating good affinity with them, etc. I used to go "liberating animals" with my friends. Actually, whether you are a vegetarian Buddhist or not a vegetarian Buddhist, you should still do this. This is very important, especially in Mahayana Buddhism where "saving beings" is always stressed.

There are few steps to follow when you want to do "animal liberation".

Put priority for those which are going to be killed/bought food first, like "crabs", "prawns", etc. Cause if you don't buy them and free them, they will be bought and killed. Life is precious and all beings are afraid of death.

Some animals are kept as pets. They also don't want to be kept in a small place, even though you give a very large cage. Do you want to live a luxurious prison, even if you are given food every day? Use your wisdom to choose whether to buy these pets like rabbits and other wild animals that kept as pet. If it lives in the wild jungle, you should return it to the jungle. But still the same word, consider your action before you buy and do liberation.

Be wise in buying animals. Some people sell these animals, and they know that you want to buy at a certain date (if you do this as a routine activity). Don't always buy at the same place. They will think that selling animals is a good business and thus keep on buying and capturing lives for sale. Actually, it's not enough to explicitly express what I mean. I still hope that you are able to watch the videos (you need to do it at search engine).

Buddhists usually have "pre-liberation chanting". This chanting is for protecting the animals which we are going to liberate. Giving them "the three refuges". Another reason is to create good affinities with them. There's a saying: "Bodhisattvas, before becoming Buddha, should first create good affinities with all beings. And from this saying, we know that we should even create good affinities with people around us. And be tolerate.

Then, since we have done a good deed for liberating animals, we should "transfer the merit" towards all beings. This is like sharing joy and happiness with all sentient beings. The first transference is towards all beings and next to our karmic creditors, then we can also tranfer the merit to our family member. We can actually just use the "Merit Transfering Verse" that has been passed down since long ago.

No matter how you do and what animals you liberate, the main purpose of doing this is to:

create good karmic affinity with them,
develop the compassion in our hearts and
let the animal have affinity with Buddha, Dharma, Sangha before their death, and thus letting them to be born in a better realm.

Happy animal liberation! May all beings be free from harm and danger. Amitabha!

People are more fortunate nowadays in learning Buddhist

2008-09-08T09:19:00.000-07:00

Learning Buddhism in this internet era seems to be much more easier. In the ancient times, people used to depend on their memory to learn, memorize and recite. They had no electronic device to help them in the learning process. Though, they are wise without technology.

Nowadays, people are more fortunate to have electronic devices to help them in the process of learning Sutra or other recitation. We can use internet to download Sutra Recitation, Sutra Explanation, or even Buddhist music. We can also download and print Buddha or Bodhisattva images easily. Since we can do everything so easily, we should be more grateful than those people of the former times.

We are thousand million times more fortunate than them. But people nowadays don't really appreciate those Sutra and Buddha Images. Appreciation doesn't mean that having the Sutras neatly placed only, but in fact learn and put them into daily practice. That's the real gratitude. Actually I felt quite remorseful for not having really learn the Buddhism before and also not really put them into serious practice. But recently, I have realized that I had done many mistakes (perhaps can be said as sinful) in the past.

While searching for Ksitigarbha Sutra Recitation in mp3 format, I found a site which provides Buddhist music and also Sutra Recitation for download. Actually it provides more than that. You can visit the site: http://buddha.goodweb.cn/. It's a Chinese site. That's just one of many Buddhist sites that I will provide in this post. I'll provide more links to other sites in the coming post.

You'll learn a lot from the site. But remember the key to successful learning is to focus on one Sutra and

Publish Post

learn it deeply. Don't treat Buddhism as a kind of worldly knowledge and analyze it. Learning everything at the start also means that you won't achieve anything. In the past, real Buddhist practitioners will keep their learning on one Sutra for many years before they learn other Sutras. But in fact there are many who focus on one Sutra for a life time.

You can look at Buddhism from a Scientific point of view, but the true meaning that the Buddha teaches us is to liberate us from suffering and attain happiness. There are 3 main goals or happiness that the Buddha wants us to achieve in learning and practising Buddhism.
1. To achieve happiness in this life.
2. To achieve happiness in the next life.
3. To achieve the true happiness i.e. NIBBANA (the real happiness)

I don't know much about Buddhism compared to many people, so all I can share is so shallow. I hope that by providing links to other Buddhist sites, all visitors who come to my site will gain more, learn more and put the teachings into their practice.

Continuous regular Buddhist practice

2008-08-30T14:53:00.000-07:00

We always hear excuses from people who don't want to have regular Buddhist Practice. Therefore, to practise or not is one's business, not ours. But regular Buddhist Practice really brings real benefit to us. It's something very important for our spritual development. Think it back, how much time do we spend on our daily practice?

We are not living in the former times, the times when people's hearts are not so polluted with the worldly various dust. We are now living in a turbulence world. The only thing we can do is to protect our heart from these delusion and dust.

Saying is easy, but doing is extremely difficult. And regular practice seems more difficult. It's not really a matter, whether you want to do meditation, Buddha recitation or Sutra recitation as your daily practice. The importance is to keep on doing this in any condition. No matter how busy you are, no matter how tired you are in a day, the regular practice should be completed.

Thinking back the result of not doing after waking up the next day will sometimes bring a little realization. We probably will laugh at ourselves when we think of this. Why? What are we laughing at? The answer is that we will be laughing at what we have done, many things unnecessary, like gossiping, playing, surfing the net, having meal which taking up a lot of time and chit-chating with others, fixing something broken, taking photographs or doing many worldly things.

I'm not saying that these are not important as importance is different to people. Everybody has their own needs. But what we should stress the priority and consider whether we have done things according to the priority. The matter of life and death, and the importance of one's sprituality development. It's so easy to go backward but it's extremely difficult to stay in a firm and regular path and it's most difficult to have progress without retrogression.

This can be tested by Sutra Recitation for 49 days for example. I myself started with one complete recitation of "Ksitigarbha Sutra" a day. I started the recitation every day for a few days and then stopped for one day. Then continue the recitation again (counting from zero when I stopped). Then after almost a long way but not reaching 49. I stopped again. The reason for not recite on those days are sometimes quite ridiculous, like wasting time talking about unimportant things. Sometimes helping others solving their computer problems. BUT THIS SHOULD NOT BE THE EXCUSES. Then I start all over again, counting from the first day again. After many times of failure, I finally finished my 49 days of continuous recitation. It's really not easy. Until now, every time when I want to go a bit further like increasing the recitation from 1 complete recitation to 2 complete sutra in a day, I always have obstacles and problems. I kept on making mistakes and had been being lazy. But, I will keep on practising and be more diligent.

I am not someone great in Buddhism practice, but I really hope that I can be better and more diligent in my daily practice. I also hope that this article will give a little help to those who want to have regular continuous practice daily, especially the recitation of Ksitigarbha Sutra and Buddha Recitation.

May all beings be well and happy. Namo Amitabha Buddhaya...

Lessons about Changing Life

2008-08-12T09:32:00.000-07:00

In Chinese Literature, there are two well-known stories about changing life. They are also highly recommended by Master Chin Kung. The first one is Liao Fan's Four Lessons. And another one is Yu Jing Yi Meets the Kitchen God.

Both stories are so great that many people read, learn and follow the teachings. The first one, Liao Fan's Four Lessons seem to be more well-known than the second one. At first the two stories are freely distributed in the form of books only. They are not copyrighted cause the main purpose of the two stories are benefits all beings.

When it comes to digital world of the earlier times (around the 90's), the two stories were also distributed through Audio CD in the form of Audio book. Nowadays, they were even distributed in the form of movies, which means that you can watch the VCD/DVD or even watch online. They can be easily found at YouTube.com by typing the keyword, especially Liao Fan's Four Lessons which has also been translated into English.

The main difference in both stories lies in the person they meet in process of changing their life. Mr Liao Fan met a Master Yun-Gu, a great and well-known Zen Master of his times. Master Yun-Gu told Mr Liao Fan that life can be changed even if it's predestined. (In Buddhism, it's our mind, speech and body action that determine our life). Mr Yu Jing met the Kitchen God whom he had worship every day and also to whom he complaint about his misfortune.

Comparing the both stories, you'll find that both of them are scholars that are well in Chinese literature but can be said as unfortunate people. They are very unfortunate cause their life are hard but they are also very fortunate to have met a person who can tell them how to change their life.

In our real world, in fact, we probably have met someone who has told us not to do something wicked or bad. The person could be a saint or sage in disguise. Anyway, misfortune can be change to fortune. Bad luck can be changed into good luck. Everything is within you. From the two stories, we also learn that "repentance" is the main factor for changing life. Learning without repentance won't give you real benefit.

I have done some searching and found that we can download the pdf version of Liao Fan's Four Lessons at:
www.buddhanet.net/pdf_file/liaofan.pdf

Then, about Yu Jing Yi Meets the Kitchen God, probably could be harder to find the pdf version.
But, both movies version can be watched in YouTube with the following keywords. Just a bit pity, I haven't found the English language version of Yu Jing Yi Meets the Kitchen God. Hope that someone could provide the link through the comment on the blog.

About the movies, Liao Fan Four Lessons are easy to be found at YouTube. The "Yu Jing Yi Meets the Kitchen God" is harder, maybe it's newer than the "Liao Fan's Four Lessons". But actually the complete version can be found easier at the Buddhist Distribution Center cause they are widely distributed in VCD/DVD form.

Click here to open the links to Yu Jing Meets the Kitchen God movie. There's also a cartoon version.

Recite Buddha's Name while working

2008-07-29T09:13:00.000-07:00

Master Ch'in Kung, a famous Pure Land monk who also propagates "Amitabha Buddha Recitation" method, also advises us to let go and recite the Buddha's Name. Let go means that we should not put our heart in the worldly matter, but it doesn't mean that we should give up our work. We just work for a living and never work to fulfill our greed. Let go also means that we put our heart and focus in the rebirth in Pure Land.

Recite the Buddha's Name while we work. That's what matter in our daily practice. This is also the characteristics of Pure Land Buddhism. The practice is simple. Anyone can do that. Whether you are working or taking a rest, you can recite the Buddha's Name. But Master Ch'in Kung also said that when we are handling a job which needs careful attention or concentration, we can do our work first and continue recitation after finishing work.

Master Guang Qin advice on Buddha Recitation

2008-07-29T08:43:00.000-07:00

One who is a true Pure Land practitioner should follow this advice given by Master Guang Qin. He gave us the following advice:

"Don't think too much; just work, eat and recite the name of the Buddha! Live only for today and let tomorrow be tomorrow. Let go of all worries and anxieties. Such is an indication of firm resolution, and such is practice."

Indeed, what Master Guang Qin had said. As a Pure Land practitioner, the doubt to this Pure Land Dharma Door, is a hindrance to be successful to be reborn in Western Pure Land. A real practitioner should have firm and resolute in faith, vow and practice. This means that continuous recitation with strong faith and vow will ensure that we will be reborn in Amitabha Buddha's Pure Land.

Concentration - Free Buddhist Motivational Poster

2008-07-16T06:45:00.000-07:00

This is a poster with Master Guang Qin wise words, taken from the book ANALECTS of MASTER KUANG-CH'IN. The photo is also an original photo taken by my friend. I hope that this poster will be a guide for our daily life.

Concentration on our work is also a practice and cultivation in our daily life. You can download the poster, set as wallpaper, distribute by sending to others or print it out and give to others for free.
May all beings be well and happy. Namo Amituofuo...

Free Buddhist Motivational Poster

Master Guang Qin

2008-07-16T06:20:00.000-07:00

Venerable Master Kuang Ch'in (Guang Qin Lao He Shang - 廣欽老和尚, 1892-1986) is one of the great master who propagates Pure Land Buddhism. His advice on Buddhism cultivation has inspired and benefits many buddhists, especially Pure Land Buddhism.

His advice has deeply influenced me. All his advice is like water that quench the thirst. They are so direct solutions for our daily life in cultivation. In this blog, I'll try my best to make some Buddhist poster consisting of his wise and enlightening words for daily cultivation. You can download and distribute the poster. Use it as your guide for daily life cultivation.

N.B. I'll also try to make other Buddhist posters, but I'd like to make some from his words first.

Daily Recitation of Amitabha Buddha's Name

2008-07-13T19:37:00.000-07:00

Master Da An (Da An Fa Shi) is one of the Buddhist monks who propagates Pure Land Buddhism. He advises us to recite the name of Amitabha Buddha earnestly and he also advises us to put the recitation into a daily practice.

Furthermore, he ever said that in former times, Pure Land practitioners used to recite "Namo Amitabha" or "Amitabha" for at least 30,000 times a day. But nowadays, the minimum limit for a real Pure Land practioner should be at least 20,000 times a day. We don't have that kind of earnest heart like people do in former times. So, 20,000 times should be able to be accomplish in a day. If we can't reach the target, our mind will still be in the worldly impurities. If possible increase the 20,000 times after a certain period. The more the better.

He also stresses a lot on the routine daily practice of recitation. It means that we must recite every day without any day absent. This is to ensure that our faith and vow remain always.

Click here if to visit Master Da An website on talks of Pure Land practice.

Yu Gun and Pestilence

2008-06-28T06:33:00.000-07:00

This is a short animated cartoon from www.miaoyin.org. The story is about a young child who has already understand love towards his brother at very young age.

Yu Gun was the young boy who took care of his elder brother during the pestilence. His parents took their youngest brother to other town to hide from the pestilence. They persuade Yu Gun to leave with them, but he persisted on taking care of his brother. Under his gentle care, his brother recovered gradually and when the pestilence was over, their family reunited again.This is just a short story. But the moral behind the story tells us that we should cherish our brothers and sisters. It's fate that brought us to be one family. No matter what happens, siblings should live in harmony, otherwise parents' would feel sad.

28 Benefits of Ksitigarbha Sutra

2008-06-18T01:34:00.000-07:00

Concerning the video on my previous post. It's created based on Ksitigarbha Sutra. Most Mahayana Buddhists know about this Sutra. At least they have ever heard the name. Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva in Buddhism is the Bodhisattva who represents the Great Filial Piety.

The base foundation we should build from learning Mahayana Buddhism is the Filial Piety. That's the first lesson we should take. And also it's a natural thing to be filial to parents, right?

Ksitigarbha Sutra is also one of many Buddhist Sutras that every Buddhist recite at home or at the Buddhist temple. In the Sutra, we can know clearly the benefit of the Ksitigarbha Sutra. Here is an excerpt from the whole Sutra taken from Chapter 13 (last Chapter) of the Sutra.

The Buddha told Akasagarbha, "Listen attentively, listen attentively! For now I shall tell you about those benefits one by one. In future times, any good men or good women who should see Ksitigarbha's image and hear this Sutra and, furthermore, read and recite it, and who should also donate incense, flowers, drink, food, clothing and precious treasures as offerings, in addition to giving praise and making obeisance to Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha, will gain twenty eight kinds of benefits, namely:

1. Protection and mindfulness of devas and nagas;
2. Daily increase of virtuous fruition;
3. Accumulation of elevated and sacred causes;
4. Nonretrogression from path of Bodhi;
5. Affluence and abundant clothing and food;
6. Non-occurence of diseases;
7. Non-occurence of the calamities of flood or fire;
8. No harassment by robbery and thievery;
9. Admiration and respect of all persons one encounters;
10. Aid and support of deities and demons;
11. Transformation of the female body into the male body at rebirth;
12. Being a royal minister's daughter if reborn as a female;
13. Possession of a dignified and graceful form;
14. Frequent rebirth in the heaven-realms;
15. Sometimes becoming an emperor or a king;
16. Possession of the miraculous power of knowing one's previous lives;
17. All prayers will be answered;
18. Delight and happiness for the members of one's family;
19. Elimination of all unexpected and unpleasant happenings;
20. Permanent eradication of the karmic ways of life;
21. Always passing through safely wherever one travels;
22. Always feeling safety and delight in one's dreams;
23. Elimination of suffering for one's departed ones;
24. Rebirth on the strength of previous bliss;
25. Praises by the Holy Ones;
26. Possession of clever wit and healthy organs;
27. Fullness of mercy, pity and compassion;
28. Ultimate attainment of Buddhahood.

"Bright Eyes" saved her mother

2008-06-14T10:24:00.000-07:00

This is probably one of my Buddhist video collections that I have watched for many times. It's a cartoon created based on Chapter 4 of Ksitigarbha Sutra, which describes the Great Filial Piety of a girl called "Bright Eyes" who saved her mother from hell.

I'm sorry for uploading such a small-sized video as I have limited space in my blog and the cost for uploading this video. My main purpose of creating this blog is that I wish that the videos which are created with the purpose of free distribution can be distributed by bluetooth on mobile phones. The source media I have is in DVD format, and the one you are going to view is the converted one from DVD format using Koyote Free Video Converter.

The video also comes with subtitles, but I think they are too small to be viewed on a mobile phone. But I am contented as long as it can be viewed online or can be watched on mobile phones because it can then be distributed via bluetooth.

If you don't know how to download, click here for instructions.
For further information, visit the official site of this video clip:
http://www.allcoo.com

Watch videos online or download it

2008-06-13T06:39:00.000-07:00

In this blog, you'll then find videos that you can download to your mobile phone. The videos include: movies, cartoons, talks, etc. Since it is still under process, you'll have to wait for a few days to see the first video posted. It can be distributed through bluetooth on mobile phones. And also it is a small-sized video format that saves more space.

I am still considering the quality of sound and video I will be using cause video file will take up a lot of space and of course it will take me more time to upload.

Each video will come with a short introduction. They are completely free for distribution as long as they are distributed in its entirety. This means that no modifications of the videos should be made. Remember, respect the teachings of the videos and hence distribute it and make good use of it. Enjoy the videos and most important of all, learn from the videos and put them into practice in your daily life.

Introduction - Why I created this blog?

2008-06-12T03:40:00.000-07:00

Namo Amituofo,

Hi, my name is Yanto. I am a Buddhist.
The main purpose of creating this blog is to promote Buddhism and Chinese Moral Teachings, especially Di Zi Gui as the basic Chinese teaching learnt all over the world. This blog will contain literatures, stories, videos, wallpapers, etc. I am not aiming at Buddhists only but anyone who is interested in Chinese Moral Teachings.

The contents of this blog is:

my translation works from Chinese books
my translation works from Buddhist and Moral CD, VCD, DVD material
my personal review of the video I upload (or maybe just the translation if the video size is too big)
direct copy from Buddhist site or Chinese Moral Teachings sites that provide free contents

I will only post articles that I translate from free Chinese books. And of course will not violate copyrights regulation.

If you have any comments, just leave it under my post. Thanks for your attention and feel free to distribute the video. Amituofo...