Some regard Buddhism as a kind of belief. Belief also means faith. Of course faith is needed in Buddhism, but it would be oversimplified to regard Buddhism as a belief since keeping faith is only one of many Buddhist ideas. The foundation and the priority of Buddhism are not about belief, but wisdom and compassion. Although Buddhism does advocate the importance of faith, it is not unique to Buddhism; science also calls for faith. For example, people today all want to promote faith in science. If one does not trust science, one probably would not even dare to take airplane. People take plane because they believe in the technology that allows airplane to transport people to their destination. It takes faith to accomplish anything in this world, the same kind of faith as in Buddhism. Therefore, it is incorrect to equate Buddhism with belief.

[Excerpt from Luminous Wisdom Book Series ~ The Right View : Buddhism—The Definition]

What is the difference between the Four Noble Truths and the Two Truths (relative and absolute truth)? The Two Truths delineate the doctrinal view on phenomena whereas the Four Noble Truths, though also contain some elements of that view, focus mainly on the practicable ways to attain liberation. Therefore, both are very important Buddhist doctrines that can lend certain help to one’s practice if understood well. Of course, one may choose to learn only the theories necessary for undertaking specific practice rather than the more extensive knowledge of various Buddhist doctrines such as the Two Truths or the Four Noble Truths. But the chances are one may be prone to mistakes more easily this way except for those with the sharpest faculties.

[Excerpt from Luminous Wisdom Book Series ~ The Right View : The Four Noble Truths]

We are forever indebted to our teachers for their kindness and guidance to us.

-- September 10, 2019

Broadly speaking, the view, the practice and the behavior of non-Buddhist traditions and those of Buddhism are all different, and so are their results. The key difference lies in whether or not they include taking refuge in the Three Jewels—the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. One that does so is Buddhism; otherwise, it is non-Buddhism.

[Excerpt from Luminous Wisdom Book Series ~ The Right View : The Three Differences]

About those past misdeeds that we have performed but cannot recall, we can contemplate like this: “All the misdeeds that I have committed since beginningless time,whether intentionally or unintentionally, are all wrong. As if they are poison I have taken, I feel the greatest fear and regret for my action, and vow never to commit them ever again.” In this way, all negative karma can be changed into mutable karma. The significance of such resolution cannot be overstated. Otherwise, any karmic effect will be possible if this is not done.

[Excerpt from Luminous Wisdom Book Series ~ The Right View : On Cause and Effect]

The Tibetan cooking classes in our professional school begin alas. -- August 28, 2019

Since ancient times, the one thing human beings have always longed for is happiness. Yet, with all the progress in society, what we believe to be happiness has eluded us. The rapid decline in the index on global well-being has compelled all of us to rethink: What is happiness? How do we find it? In recent years, this topic has generated even greater interest.

Upon seeing the faraway hilltop where my lama used to live, I bow down to the ground three times respectfully; overwhelmed with tremendous nostalgia, tears come streaming down my face unchecked. At that very moment, the mind is at once luminous and boundless.

-- September 10, 2019

Such a nice pair of shoes! How can it be dumped in the trash can? Who did it, eh? -- July 31, 2019