Part Two: Questions and Answers (2)

We do not have a way place to cultivate in. Should we start one or if not how do we know when it is time to start one?
We can start a way place with our existing good fortune. But without a response from the Buddhas, when that good fortune runs out the way place will not survive. Do not be afraid of not having a way place. Instead, be afraid of not having diligent cultivators. Think carefully before building a way place. Is it really necessary? Are there enough cultivators?

With the compassion to help others, how do we establish an affinity with a way place?
When we enter the cultivation hall we can make three vows. First, I vow to establish an affinity with this way place, to help all those who are here. Second, I vow to establish an affinity with all those who live here. Third, I vow to establish an affinity with all those who practice here.

At times, I feel that life is overwhelming. What can I do?
Today, people have to take tranquilizers to be able to sleep. Why? They feel their lives are out of control. They wish to dominate other people and to possess more things. Fifty years ago, people had time to appreciate nature, time to study the works of wise people. Today we have no time for nature: no time for contemplation. We live a luxurious life compared to our predecessors but have no spiritual life. We search for excitement to paralyze our feelings. How can we fix this? Reduce our time at work, at play. With purity of mind, we will require less. Our lives are wasted in our attempts to attain things. We brought nothing into this life: we will take nothing when we leave it. What we need is a simple manner of living. Work one year; take off one year. A simple manner of living brings us happiness and serenity. If we do not attach to giving or receiving we will enter the awakened beings state of tranquility.

Why do I often see the lotus flower in Buddhist art?
We use the lotus flower to symbolize transcending the ten realms of existence. First, it rises through the mud at the bottom of the pond, which symbolizes the six realms of birth and death. Then, it rises through the water, which symbolizes the four sage realms. Finally, it breaks through the surface of the water completely transcending the ten realms, reaching the one true Dharma realm.
The lotus flower teaches us that although we live in the world, we should not become polluted by our surroundings. The lotus flower above the water symbolizes that one day, all beings, from those in the hell realms to those who are Bodhisattvas, will become Buddhas. The Buddha realm exceeds the ten realms and to become a Buddha is the ultimate goal of our teachings. So, when we see the lotus flower, we are reminded to practice the teachings and to transcend the ten realms. This is the meaning of the lotus flower and is why we see it so often.

Can different beings live in the same space?
Today science has advanced to the level where people have landed on the moon. The Flower Adornment Sutra tells of the Moon Price. Is this true? After astronauts landed on the moon, some people asked, "Do we still chant the name of the Moon Prince? Is he real?" The Buddha told us there was a moon prince so yes we still chant. On earth, ghosts and humans live together in the same space but in different dimensions so they cannot see each other. What the Buddha taught we can prove in deep concentration. When our minds are pure we can enter that space.

Why do you say that being ashamed is good?
Lacking wisdom, we cannot break through discriminating and wandering thoughts. If we cannot break through then we are destined to be shameful. Others are in the Western Pure Land, why am I still here? This is the greatest shame. To be ashamed is to be able to change, to be able to achieve.

Source Of Information:
《To Understand Buddhism》, by Venerable Master Chin Kung, translated by Silent Voices, distributed by: Persatuan Penganut Agama Buddha Amitabha Malaysia, 90 & 92, Jalan Pahang, Gombak, 53000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.)
*** The information provided above does not contain personal opinion of this blog.