Daily practice is essential in a Buddhist’s life. We not only practice in all sorts of activities in everyday life, but we also need some time for the cultivation of the mind of wisdom and compassion. No matter if it is only five minutes or takes an extensively long time to recite more than one sutra a day, the practice plants the virtuous seeds in both our spirituality and secular life. When the time is ripe, we will harvest the fruit of awakening.
To know how to structure your daily practice, here is Venerable Master’s advice on daily practice.
Chanting & Sutra
As we live, we must strive for a life of value. Buddhism is different from philosophy, for it does not only deal with knowledge and theory. Rather, Buddhism calls for devout faith, developed morality, and most importantly: spiritual practice.
–Venerable Master Hsing Yun
Contemporary Writing & Reference
The value of learning the Dharma is not something that can be easily measured. The first step we must take when we enter the gate of the Dharma is to look at ourselves. We must decide that we want to change, that we want to learn, and that we will sincerely attempt to apply the Buddha’s teachings in our daily lives. The moment we embrace the Dharma, our lives will begin to change. The Dharma is like a light that dispels the darkness.
—Where is the Way
The Great Perfection of Wisdom Treatise
Moreover, the light of the sun shines everywhere, free of anger and free of affection, and it shines on all whether high or low, shallow or deep. It is also like this for a bodhisattva: he appears in the world, abides in the five supernatural powers, dwells in empty space, and emits the light of wisdom, illuminating the actions of transgression and merit as well as karmic effects.
—The Great Perfection of Wisdom Treatise
Chinese: 大智度論
Sanskrit: Mahāprajñāpāramitā Upadeśa
Many Buddhist terms and concepts are directly translated from Sanskrit and Chinese in FGSITC publications.
The Glossary will help readers understand their meaning and implied concepts in the Buddhist context.
All of our texts are offered as a gift of the Dharma, supported by donations. If you would like to support future translation and printing, please consider donating.
