Wealth in the Present and Happiness in the Future Everyone in this world wants to have wealth and live a carefree life. They also want a good rebirth. Richness in this life and pleasure in the next are the hallmarks of a successful life. In the Sumati Sutra, the Buddha defined a “successful life” to be wealth…
One of the biggest weaknesses in today’s society is that we have developed the habit of not saying we are sorry. Once we grow up and rise in status and knowledge, apologizing becomes harder and harder. But human beings are not perfect sages and we all make mistakes. Being able to correct our mistakes is…
Venerable Master Hsing Yun How heavy is the baggage of life? Besides the physical bags and luggage that we carry around everywhere we go, there are also many types of mental, cultural, life and sentimental baggage that we shoulder. Life is certainly full of trials and tribulations as we are hard pressed to haul our…
Venerable Master Hsing Yun Do not speak of others’ faults, and do not talk of your own virtues. Wisely contemplate the oneness and equality of all sentient beings, and you will enjoy a good reputation. –Sutra on the Principles of the Six Paramitas Do not speak of others’ faults We should always try to see…
Venerable Master Hsing Yun Greed causes sadness; Greed causes fear. If there is no greed, How can there be sadness and fear? — Dharmapada The Causes of Greed Greed is a basic disease of all sentient beings. In our realm, the desire realm (kamadhatu), the force and effects of greed can be felt especially strongly.…
Venerable Master Hsing Yun In the early days of Buddhism, how did monastics observe the Way and live their lives? As the daily lives of these monastics were not one of material things, emotional ties, or sensory pleasures, they led a lives of few material things and cool emotional ties. The world within their heart…