There is one thing that forces us to stay in cyclic existence. That is self-grasping. This self-grasping is not an external possession. With self-grasping, comes greed, anger and ignorance. Often we become greedy, angry, ignorant, lazy and jealous because of self-grasping. If there is no self-grasping, can we become greedy? Can we become angry and hateful? It is not possible.
~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES
Due to not being able to see the edge of the earth while on it, one fails to know the earth is spherical; due to not being able to see the edge of galaxy while in it, one fails to know the galaxy is spiral; Due to not being able to see the edge of life while in samsara, one fails to know it’s eternal. Having transcended the earth, the galaxy and samsara, one can see their truth.
~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES
All endeavors require confidence and courage. One cannot achieve anything if one lacks confidence and courage. The same is true in studying and practicing the dharma.
~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES
Depression stems from anxiety, which comes from pressure. Pressure stems from clinging, which comes from ignorance. Given the source of all is ignorance, how do we go about eradicating it? We need to cultivate wisdom, which is the opponent of ignorance. This wisdom comes from the Buddha’s education.
~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES
Some might ask: if we only think of benefiting others, how do we solve our own problems? In fact, this is a great secret that only people like Sakyamuni knows. That is: when we forget about ourselves, let go of the self, and only think about others and give, then everything that we should have will appear out of nowhere.
~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES
Nothing in this world is reliable and not worthy of clinging to and striving for. We need to leave some time and space for ourselves to improve our mind. This is essential for us.
~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES
After performing virtuous deeds, whether it is reciting mantra, live release, or giving, one should dedicate according to the dharma. People who perform virtuous deeds create merit and can receive positive results. However, practitioners of Mahayana do not want to enjoy the positive results alone. Instead, they want to share with all sentient beings. This is the meaning of dedication.
~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES
Some might ask: if we only think of benefiting others, how do we solve our own problems? In fact, this is a great secret that only people like Sakyamuni knows. That is: when we forget about ourselves, let go of the self, and only think about others and give, then everything that we should have will appear out of nowhere.
~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES
In Buddhist scriptures, sometimes the ocean is used to represent people’s psychological state. At times, the blue sky and clouds are used to describe people’s nature or psychological movement.
~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES
