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Lending My Hands
One of my sisters has recently developed really terrible hand eczema, which makes coming in contact with water generally painful if she isn’t wearing rubber gloves. Her hand dexterity is greatly reduced when she puts on her hand medicine or moisturizer. I bought her some cotton gloves and some eczema moisturizer from a small business and have been doing her dishes for her every day. The other day, I helped her blow dry her hair before she went to sleep. My other sister also has cracked and dry fingers from eczema which she has had ever since she was little, so I help her do her dishes as well, especially…
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Cultivation metis thru meditation and chanting
I recently learnt that my own daily meditation practices and chants are merits that I can dedicate on behalf of my parents, siblings, relatives and colleagues. I have been dedicating all the merits on behalf of them to all sentient beings – wishing them happiness, ending their sufferings and achieve enlightenment.
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Don’t Drink & Drive
I recently was released from prison for drinking and driving, no accidents thank goodness. While I was in prison, I met a young lady whom was in prison for drug addiction. What little books available, I found a book on Pranayama. Everyday her and I would go in the yard and do breathing exercises and basic yoga stances. She was interested in my beliefs so I told her stories that Master Hsuan Hua told in his sutra commentaries. I taught her the basic precepts of morality, the Five Precepts. One day, she told me she was so scared of the violence that persisted in the bunk bed below hers. ..…
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Wake-up
There is this thing about death that many Asian Chinese not only deem a taboo topic, but even avoid thinking, more so talking about. So, the poor dead are often treated with fear. Even a dead close kin becomes an object to be feared, although when alive he or she was the most adorable. Laughable perhaps, but true. I am often called upon to help the next-of-kins administer to the ‘needs of the occasion’. Usually, that means to chant prayers, but on a few occasionans I have to share knowledge on how to administer to the mortal remains of the deceased, according to religious procedures; at times, hands-on. I try…
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The Monk from Berkeley California
I like to share what is the best story I have ever tell. Ten years ago when we arrived in Australia, while having lessons through the migrant program at Tafe, a teacher asked me what I would like to be in ten years. I remember answering that I want to be in a place where I am useful and helpful. Then life went on, and it was difficult, but at the same time delightful. Australia is such a perfect place to live in these turmoiled times we are living. We moved a few times and four years ago we decided to experience the Gold Coast way of life. It’s Paradise…
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BUDDHIST stories for awakening
After chanting prayers, I transfer merits to all sentient beings,
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Giving of food
I went to the Asian grocery store and bought a bag of my favorite snack–rice crackers with seaweed. As I was driving home, I saw a guy with a sign asking for help. I rolled down my window and gave him my seaweed rice crackers.
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Guanyin Recitation
I recited Guanyin more than 100 times and dedicated the merit to all living beings.
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Sharing the Dharma music with children, and friends in China
I am going to share the new album with two children and their young Dharma friends so that a good seed gets planted in them. They will also enjoy singing along with their families. I am also sharing this project with some Dharma friends in China. So grateful for Dharma music!
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Everyday Good Deeds
As a new father, I vow to continue to uphold certain practices. Its not easy with a one year old! So I wake up early, before my family, and chant the Shurangama Mantra , the Great Compassion Mantra and others, along with reciting vows everyday, offering up this meritorious conduct to the entire Dharma Realm!