Venerable Master Chin Kung AM

Venerable Master Chin Kung AM (b. 1927) is an eminent monk in the Pure Land school of Mahayana Buddhism.  He has learned Buddhism for sixty years and lectured on it for over fifty years. He is advisor to over 100 Amitabha Buddhist Societies and Pure Land Learning Centers worldwide, and founder of the Pure Land Learning College Association, Inc. (PLLCA), Toowoomba, Australia.

Master Chin Kung pioneered the use of the Internet and satellite television in propagating the Buddha's teachings. His recorded lectures are distributed in books and on DVDs, CDs, and other media. He has sponsored the printing and distribution of the Buddhist Canon and Buddhist sutras, books, and images as well as books on moral education. All these are freely distributed worldwide. To this day, the Master still teaches tirelessly on a daily basis. His lectures are broadcasted live via satellite television and the Internet to audiences around the world. 

Born in Lujiang County, Anhui Province, China, the Master studied Buddhism and the classics under the guidance of Professor Fang Dongmei, a great philosopher of his time; Zhangjia Living Buddha, a renowned monk of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition; and Mr. Li Bingnan, a lay practitioner and master of Buddhism. In 1959, Master Chin Kung became a monk at Linji Temple in Yuanshan, Taipei and was given the Dharma name Chin Kung, which means “pure emptiness.” He has served as instructor at the Tripitaka Institute at Shipu Temple, professor of the School of Philosophy at the Chinese Culture University, and president of the Chinese Buddhist College.

Master Chin Kung founded the Hwa Dzan Dharma Giving Association, the Hwa Dzan Buddhist Audio-Visual Library, and the Corporate Body of the Buddha Educational Foundation in Taiwan.

For his achievements in building interfaith harmony and fostering peace, Master Chin Kung has been awarded honorary doctorate degrees and professorships by the University of Queensland, Griffith University, and the University of Southern Queensland, Australia; and Syarif Hidayatullan State Islamic University, Indonesia. He is the Honorary Founding Patron of the Australian Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Queensland.

In 2005, Master Chin Kung was appointed to the Member of the Order of Australia in the General Division by Queen Elizabeth II. He was recognized for service to the Buddhist community in Queensland, particularly through the propagation of Buddhism and the fostering of interfaith activities between diverse ethnic groups, and to the community through support for educational and health institutions.

In 2006, Master Chin Kung and the PLLCA were invited by UNESCO to co-organize the event “Celebrating the 2550th Birth Anniversary of the Buddha” at UNESCO Headquarters, Paris. The subject of the event was “Discover the Buddhist Contribution to Humanity” to enable more people to learn from the Buddha how to reconcile conflict and promote social stability and world peace through teaching. The goal was to prove that through the moral teachings of sages and saints, it is possible to teach people to be good, and it is possible to teach people of different faiths to live together harmoniously.

In 2009, Master Chin Kung was appointed as an International Trustee of Religions for Peace an international peace organization, which is active on every continent. Its mission is to create multi-religious partnerships to confront issues such as stopping war, ending poverty, and protecting the earth.

Since the late 1990's, Master Chin Kung has both initiated and participated in interfaith forums and summits in many countries speaking on the importance of education. He explains that it is imperative that all religious teachers sincerely “Learn to be a teacher and act as a role model for all” and encourages these teachers to practice the teachings of the sages and saints in their daily life, delve deeply into the teachings of their own religions, and also humbly learn from other religions. 

Currently he is lecturing the Infinite Life Sutra hoping that the daily teachings can transform the current mindset of people today and help foster world peace.

Master Chin Kung’s message of loving-kindness and compassion for all has been the central theme of his teaching. Harboring thoughts of sincerity, respect, humility, and harmony and dedication to help all beings to gain long-lasting happiness and joy has been his meaning of life.

Source Of Information: 
 《For The Sake of All Beings》，from the works of Venerable Master Chin Kung, published in 2012 by Pure Land College Press, translations by Silent Voices and the Pure Land Translation Team, edited by Venerable Wuling, distributed by Hua Yan Amitabha Pure Land Learning Center at 48, Jalan BS 14/1, Taman Bukit Serdang, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia.
*** No content of this post shall be altered without written permission from the publisher. Reprinting is allowed for non-profit use.
*** The information provided above does not contain personal opinion of this blog.

Heart of A Buddha

We are what we think.
All that we are 
arises with our thoughts.
With our thoughts, 
we make the world.

Do not dwell in the past.
Do not dream of the future.
Concentrate the mind on the 
present moment.

Even if everyone else 
Is not doing good, 
I alone will.
Even if everyone else 
is doing wrong, 
I alone will not.

Just as water cools both 
good and bad 
and washes away all 
impurity and dust, 
in the same way you should 
develop thoughts of love for 
friend and foe alike, 
and having reached 
perfection in love, 
you will attain enlightenment.

Everything changes, 
nothing remains 
without change.

There is nothing more dreadful 
than the habit of doubt.
Doubt separates people.
It is a poison that disintegrates 
friendships and breaks up 
pleasant relations.
It is a thorn that irritates 
and hurts;
It is a sword that kills.

There is nothing more worthy 
than the virtue of selflessness.
Selflessness unites people.
It is a healing herb that unifies 
strangers and brings 
families together.
It is the love for others that is 
higher than self-love;
It is our only hope.

The rule of friendship means 
there should be mutual 
sympathy between them,
each supplying what the other 
lacks and trying 
to benefit the other,
always using 
friendly and sincere words.

If we fail to look after others
when they need help,
who will look after us?
Indifference brings 
indifference;
Lovingkindness brings 
lovingkindness.
 
If a man’s mind 
becomes pure, 
his surroundings will also 
become pure.

Thousands of candles can be 
lighted from a single candle, 
and the life of the candle will not 
be shortened.
Happiness never decreases 
by being shared.

Rain falls, 
wind blows, 
plants bloom, 
leaves mature 
and are blown away;
these phenomena are all 
interrelated with 
causes and conditions,
are brought about by them,
and disappear as the 
causes and conditions 
change.

Hatred never ceases 
by hatred, 
but by love.

All that we are is the result of 
what we have thought;
it is founded on our thoughts.
If a man speaks or acts 
with pure thought,
joy will follow him,
like a shadow
that never leaves him.

In the light of his vision he has
found his freedom:
his thoughts are peace,
his words          peace,
his work           peace.

The gift of Truth 
overcomes all gifts.
The joy of Truth 
overcomes all pleasures.
The taste of Truth 
overcomes all sweetness.
The loss of desire 
overcomes all sorrows.

Perfect wisdom,
Perfect tranquillity,
Perfect compassion
arise from
Our love,
Our sincerity,
Our understanding.

In separateness, lies the world’s 
great suffering.
In unity, lies the world’s 
true strength.

Impermanence ～
No self ～
Nirvana.

Phenomena are preceded by 
the heart, 
ruled by the heart, 
made of the heart.
If you speak or act 
with a corrupted heart, 
then suffering follows you ～
as the wheel of the cart, 
the track of the ox 
that pulls it.

Phenomena are preceded by 
the heart, 
ruled by the heart, 
made of the heart.
If you speak or act 
with a calm, 
bright heart, then happiness follows you, 
like a shadow 
that never leaves.

We already have 
perfect compassion, 
perfect wisdom, 
perfect joy.
We only need 
to settle our minds 
so they can arise 
from deep within us.

Develop the quiet, 
even state of mind.
When praised by some 
and condemned by others, 
free the mind from 
hate and pride, and 
gently go your way in peace.

He is able 
who thinks 
he is able.

You yourself, 
as much as anybody in the 
entire universe, 
deserve your love and affection.

Focus, 
not on the rudeness of others, 
not on what they’ve done 
or left undone,
but on what you 
have and have not done 
yourself.

Those consummate in virtue,
Dwelling in heedfulness
Released by right knowing:
Evil cannot follow their tracks.

As a single slab of rock 
won’t budge in the wind,
so the wise are not moved
by praise
by blame.

Irrigators guide the water.
Fletchers shape the arrow 
shaft.
Carpenters shape the wood.
The wise control 
themselves.

Don’t be heedless of merits
(‘It won’t come to me’).
A water jar fills,
even with water 
falling in drops.
With merit – even if 
bit 
by 
bit, 
habitually –
the enlightened one fills himself 
full.
 
Avoid all evil,
Embrace all goodness,
Purify one’s own mind.

When sitting quietly, 
reflect upon our own faults.
When speaking with friends
do not discuss 
the rights and wrongs of others.

Life is an illusion, 
a dream, 
a bubble, 
a shadow.
Nothing is permanent.
Nothing is worthy of anger.
Nothing is worthy of dispute.
Nothing.

Life is short.
Time is fleeting.
Uncover the True Nature.
Purify the 
mind and heart 
to attain happiness.
Be kind; be compassionate.
Be generous; do good.
Concentrate.
Understand.
Awaken.

Overcome
… greed with generosity,
… anger with lovingkindness,
… ignorance with understanding.

When we free ourselves 
of desire,
we will know 
serenity and freedom.

Through true honesty, 
deeply believe 
that all sentient-beings are one.
That all beings have the same 
true nature, 
wisdom, 
virtue.

Find your faults, 
feel deep regret, and 
correct your mistakes, 
reform sincerely, 
practice kindness, 
concentrate the mind, 
sever selfishness, 
awaken.

Forgive and be free.
Forget that you have forgiven 
and be freer.

Why do we persist in 
our anger, 
our hatred, 
our fighting?
Why do we have 
intolerance, 
selfishness?
We do not truly understand that 
everything arises from our minds,
that every thought we have is 
instantly felt 
throughout the entire universe.

If we can look upon our work 
not for self-benefit, 
but as a means 
to benefit society, 
we will be practicing 
appreciation and patience 
in our daily lives.

Lovingkindness 
is giving others happiness.
Compassion 
is removing others’ bitterness.
Joy 
is freeing others from suffering.

When giving to others 
do not linger on thoughts of 
I am giving, 
what was given, or 
the one who has received.

Since everything 
is a reflection of 
our minds,
everything 
can be changed by 
our minds.

When things are going well, 
be mindful 
of adversity.
When prosperous, 
be mindful 
of poverty.
When loved, 
be mindful 
of thoughtfulness.
When respected, 
be mindful 
of humility.

There are three ways 
to correct our faults:
We can change 
through behaviour.
We can change 
through understanding.
We can change 
from the heart.

Until he has 
unconditional and unbiased 
love 
for all beings,
man will not find peace.

He who receives kindness 
should never forget it;
but he who performs it 
should never remember it.

Cultivate peace first 
in the garden of your heart by 
removing the weeds of 
selfishness and jealousy, 
greed and anger, 
pride and ego.
Then all will benefit from your 
peace and harmony.

Our problems are not solved 
by physical force, 
by hatred, 
by war.
Our problems are solved 
by lovingkindness, 
by gentleness,
by joy.
 
Awakening is natural, 
delusion is not.

Do not become attached to the 
things you like,
do not cherish aversion to the 
things you dislike.
Sorrow, fear and bondage come 
from one’s 
likes and dislikes.
 
Always be mindful of 
the kindness and not the faults 
of others.

Those who are truly wise will 
remain unmoved by feelings of 
happiness and suffering, 
fame and disgrace, 
praise and blame, 
gain and loss.
They will remain calm like the 
eye of a hurricane.

Maintain a state of balance 
between 
physical acts and 
inner serenity, 
like a lute whose strings are 
finely tuned.

Dignity and quiet joy in all that 
we do are the expression of 
perfect concentration 
and 
perfect wisdom.

Natural laws are impartial.
Only those who are virtuous 
are in harmony with nature.

To be 
honourable in thoughts, 
sincere in words, 
good in deeds, 
is to have 
the heart of a Buddha.

Peace comes from 
within.
Do not seek it 
without.

If the causes we create arise 
from wisdom, 
so then will the results.
If the causes we create arise 
from ignorance, 
so then will the results.

Good fortune comes from 
selflessness.
Misfortune comes from 
selfishness.

Everything that happens to us 
is the result of what we 
ourselves have 
thought, said, or done.
We alone are responsible 
for our lives.

In our interactions with others, 
gentleness, 
kindness, 
respect 
are the source of harmony.

The body is not “I”.  
This body is just like our 
clothing.  When finished with it, 
we will 
discard it and choose another, 
like putting on a new 
set of clothing.

When we think only of sincerely 
helping all others, 
not ourselves,
we will find that we receive all 
that we wish for.

Lovingkindness as Thought 
is Tranquility.
Lovingkindness as Speech 
is Softness.
Lovingkindness as Activity 
is Altruism.
Lovingkindness as Practice 
is Peace.

Everything 
arises 
from the mind.

As human beings we chase 
after fleeting pleasures like 
a child licking honey off a 
sharp knife or 
a person carrying a torch 
against the wind.

Whatever suffering there is in 
this world, 
all arises from 
desiring only myself 
to be happy.
And whatever joy there is 
in this world, 
all arises from 
desiring to share my happiness 
with everyone.
 
Those accomplished in integrity,
Dwelling in mindfulness,
Liberated through wisdom,
Fear cannot harm.

Think of the last time 
you were happy …
Think of the last time 
you were angry …
Which will you choose 
next time?

Speaking pleasant words 
without practicing them, is like 
a fine flower 
without fragrance.

Ignorance leads to ego,
ego to selfishness,
selfishness to resentment,
resentment to anger,
anger to hatred,
hatred 
to annihilation.

Happiness and tranquility 
arise from concentration.
Frustration and worries 
arise from desire.

It is our own thoughts 
that lead us into trouble, 
not other people.

Our words should 
be carefully chosen 
for people will hear them and 
be influenced by them 
for good or 
for ill.

Wherever there is light, 
there is a shadow.
Wherever there is length, 
there is shortness.
Wherever there is white, 
there is black.
Just like these, nothing can 
exist alone.

To be proud 
of what we have received 
or to envy others 
for what they have 
will rob us 
of our peace of mind.

Serenity and generosity 
are qualities 
of the heart.
Insight and concentration 
are qualities 
of the mind.
Compassion and wisdom 
are qualities 
of the true nature.

When eating, 
be mindful of eating.
When walking, 
be mindful of walking.
When smiling, 
be mindful of smiling.

I am the owner of my karma.
I inherit my karma.
I am born of my karma.
I live supported by my karma.
Whatever karma I create, 
whether good or evil, 
that I shall inherit, 
and I alone.

Lovingkindness can never exist 
unless it flows 
from the mind and heart, 
from understanding and love.

The contented person, 
who moves amongst sense 
objects, 
free from 
attachment or loathing, 
gain or loss, wins 
eternal 
Peace.

Greed and anger, 
ignorance and arrogance, 
doubt and wrong conceptions.
Even these can be restrained 
by the heart that is calm 
and compassionate.

Pity arises when we are 
sorry for someone.
Compassion is when we 
understand and help wisely.

If you know anything that is 
hurtful and untrue, 
do not say it.
If you know anything that is 
helpful but untrue, 
do not say it.
If you know anything that is 
hurtful but true, 
do not say it.
If you know anything that is 
helpful and true, 
find the right time.

He who experiences 
the unity of life 
sees himself in all beings, and 
all beings in himself.
He looks on everything 
with an impartial eye.

Serenity, 
respect, 
simplicity, 
self-control, 
purity of thought 
are virtues 
of the mind.

Generosity, 
stillness, 
gratitude, 
happiness, 
purity of feeling 
are virtues 
of the heart.

Rely on the teacher’s message, 
not the personality.
Rely on the meaning, 
not just the words.
Rely on the real meaning, 
not the provisional one.
Rely on your wisdom mind, 
not your ordinary,
judgmental mind.

Purity engenders wisdom,
Passion avarice,
Ignorance attachment,
worry,
darkness.

Hear what is said, 
retain what is important, 
speak what is worthy.
Attach to nothing.
 
Peace is not the absence of 
war, it is
a virtue,
a state of mind,
a disposition for love,
honesty and trustworthiness.

Understand that the body is 
merely 
the foam of the wave, 
the shadow of a shadow.
Snap the flower arrows of 
desire and then, 
unseen, 
escape the king of death,
and travel on.

May all sentient beings 
be filled with 
lovingkindness and happiness;
May they wish 
to become healing herbs 
in the days of epidemics 
to cure the ill.
May they wish 
to become rice plants 
in the days of famine 
to save the hungry.

We wish to express our deepest appreciation to Master Chin Kung for providing the inspiration and conditions for writing and preparing this book.
Also to Venerable Thanissaro Bhikkhu for his beautiful translation of the Dhammapada which we have quoted on pages 20, 21, 28, 29 and 30.

Source Of Information:
《Heart of a Buddha》, printed in October 2016, 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

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.