According to the dharma, the methods a practitioner and a commoner use to address a problem are different. However, our dharma study tends to have only literal comprehension without putting it into practice, thus we only have accumulated merit of listening to the dharma and lack actual effect of the dharma. When facing layers of grave pressure of life, we act similarly to non-Buddhists. Therefore, we need progress and develop in this respect.
~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES
Shakyamuni Buddha manifested as sick and taking medicine, these were mere manifestations for his future students. In fact, the buddha had perfected all the qualities and were free from the suffering of cyclic existence. Why did the Buddha manifest like this? He meant to educate his followers not to refuse medical treatment and taking medication when falling ill. Given that we need to go to doctors and taking medication when falling ill, why do we still need to engage in this practice? This practice will enable us to transform the illness into the path mentally while getting medical treatment physically.
~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES
Why do we not cling to dreams, but cling to this samsara? This is because the dream lasted for a short time, the next day, we will realise that the objects we perceive the night before are delusional and non-existent now. Whereas the cycle of time for samsara is very long, we have no way able to reach to the edge of samsara. However, for bodhisattvas, in spite of being a commoner previously, once they attain Bodhisattvahood, it is just like a dream is awaken, they would know that the cyclic existence is a mere delusion and dream-like.
~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES
According to tantric teachings, there are many Chakras in the centre of our heart and throat. These Chakras and wind cannot be perceived by our naked eyes or machines, however they exist. When one is in control of these winds, all discursive thoughts lose their vitality. At present we are not in control of the operation or movement of wind, thus we are bombarded with discursive thoughts.
~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES
Practicing impermanence will eradicate our clinging to permanence, which is rather useful. For instance, even we cannot perceive the inner instantaneous impermanence of an object, if we realise that something is unreliable and impermanent, then we’ll overly cling to it, and reminding ourself over and over again: “since it’s unreliable, why bother to care and cling to it?” In this manner, our attachment will gradually decline.
~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES
In our everyday life, when getting irritated and anxious, we need to stop to investigate what exactly make us upset? Our body is void of thinking, being free from the concept of happiness and unhappiness. It’s the consciousness which give rise to defilements. Then what exactly is consciousness? By reflecting as such, we might reach a state of realisation.
~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES
Although refraining from killing and engaging in life release is the basic criteria of being a Buddhist, to act aligned with it is not easy. If one can apply it in action in spite of difficulties, then it’s far more meritorious than observing the precepts of abstaining from stealing, sexual misconduct and lying. Of the ten negative acts, killing and holding the wrong views are the most severe.
~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES
Countless buddhas in the past, including Shakyamuni Buddha, vowed to liberate all sentient beings when giving rise to bodhicitta, vowing to attain buddhahood after all sentient beings attain buddhahood. We haven’t attained buddhahood yet, but they have. Why? Buddhas make such aspirations out of vast compassion. Due to the greatest and sublimity of their aspirations, they attained buddhahood swiftly. Whereas we are preoccupied with our own interest, thus we are still struggling in the samsara.
~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES
As a Mahayanist, we should refrain from giving rise to thoughts of conquest: conquering nature, countries, nations or people; rather we should be grateful to nature and all sentient beings. Due to the existence of nature and sentient beings, we can achieve noble goals, which are engendering bodhicitta and realising emptiness.
~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES
