WORDS OF WISDOM

I went back to my hometown to give the residents there a two-day teaching on buddhadharma, ethics, environmental protection, and AIDS prevention. I saw some familiar faces that I had not seen for thirty years and some brand new ones. How time flies! How transient life is!

This world is a huge illusion formed by countless small illusions. These small illusions are produced by the high-speed motion of even more minute illusions; speed always distorts our impressions, hence the creation of illusory phenomena.

This is the land donated by the local people, where I plan to build a training base of practical techniques for them. They are all very poor. Their children are not able to attend college, find jobs, or even marginally maintain a basic living standard. A chance to learn some vocational skills may perhaps help them to change their destiny. This is my dream and I hope it will come true.

Our sense of happiness comes from being carefree and relaxed. On this land, every tree, flower, and tuft of grass can make us feel immensely comfortable. My gratitude for everything bestowed by Mother Nature! May you all have enjoyable and relaxing holidays during the Dragon Boat Festival.

The Buddha told us, “You are in the middle of a dream. It just feels like this dream is a bit longer than the dream last night. Don’t pay too much attention to what goes on in this dream, lest the dream should become so real that it can foolyou and inflict pain upon you forever.”

All is quiet here other than the sound of wind, the birds’ singing, and one’s own heartbeat. Here, all worries disappear. Despite living a simple life here, one can contemplate the mystery of mind consider the joy and pain of the six realms, and enjoy inner happiness.

Consuming meat not only hurts the lives of animals but also the health of humans and the Earth. For our own sake and that of the animals and the Earth, we really should stop eating meat, or at least eat less of it.

A guru, being a beacon of light to us, is vital for all who wish to seek liberation. The key is to make sure not to follow an unqualified Dharma teacher, for one will never attain liberation under the guidance of such a person. Nowadays society abounds with imposters. Anyone hoping to attain liberation must proceed with caution.