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Chan Meditation Roadmap
Although nowadays, many people enjoy a materially abundant life, it often comes at the expense of increased pressure from work, relationships, society, and family, leaving most people overwhelmed. Some degree of stress could, in some circumstances, be a driving force for progress. Nevertheless, both physical and mental health can be seriously affected when one is exposed to great pressure for a long stretch of time. To release pressure, massage, aromatic therapy, soothing bubbles, the recent trend in so-called "Slow Travel", etc. have become commonplace methods of stress reduction; some hospitals even provide "relaxation clinics" to teach people how to adjust their moods and to relax both physically and mentally, so that they can get recharged to face daily challenges again...More
DDM Global News
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Dharma Drum Retreat Center
- New York
- 184.Quannacut Rd. Pine Bush. NY. 12566.
- E-Mail:ddrc@dharmadrumretreat.org
- TEL:(845) 744-8114
Chan Meditation Center
- New York
- 90-56 Corona Avenue. Elmhurst, NY 11373
- E-Mail:chancenter@gmail.com
- TEL:(718) 592-6593
Dharma Drum Mountain Buddhist Association (DDMBA)
- New York
- 91-26 Corona Avenue, Elmhurst
- E-Mail:info@ddmba.org
Dharma Drum Mountain Buddhist Association - Chicago Chapter
- Illinois
- 241 Holbrook Drive, Wheeling, IL 60090
- E-Mail:ddmbachicago@gmail.com
- TEL:(847)-951-3602
Tallahassee Chapter
- Florida
- 1310 North Paul Russell Rd Tallahassee, FL 32301
- E-Mail:tallahassee.chan@gmail.com
- TEL:850-888-2616
Dharma Drum Mountain Toronto Centre
- Toronto
- 1025 McNicoll Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M1W 3W6
- E-Mail:info@ddmbaontario.org
- TEL:1-416-855-0531
Los Angeles Center
- California
- 4530 N. Peck Rd. El Monte, CA 91732
- E-Mail:ddmbala@gmail.com
- TEL:(626) 350-4388
Dharma Drum Vancouver Center
- Vancouver
- 8240 No.5 Road Richmond, BC Canada V6Y 2V4
- E-Mail:info@ddmba.ca
- TEL:604-277-1357
DDM San Francisco Bay Area Center
- California
- 255 H. Street, Fremont, CA 94536
- E-Mail:info@ddmbasf.org
- TEL:(510) 246-8264
Dharma Drum Mountain Massachusetts Buddhist Association
- Massachusetts
- 319 Lowell Street, Lexington, MA 02420
- TEL:(781) 863-1936
Dharma Drum Mountain Seattle Chapter
- Washington
- 18670 NE Woodinville-Duvall Road Woodinville, WA 98077
- E-Mail:ddmba.seattle@gmail.com
- TEL:(425) 957-4597
Dharma Drum Mountain Buddhist Association New Jersey
- New Jersey
- 56 Vineyard Road, Edison, NJ 08817
- E-Mail:nj_center@ddmba.org
- TEL:(732) 249-1898
Atlanta Branch
- Georgia
- 4036 Wetherburn Way NW, Norcross, GA 30092
- E-Mail:ddmbaatlanta@gmail.com
- TEL:678-521-5483
FRANCE Chan Méditation
- 82 Rue de la Sinandière 44150 Ancenis - Saint - Gereon
- E-Mail:yaochaokung@gmail.com
- TEL:33 6 2333 7007
Dharma-Trommel Berlin
- Bonner Straße 14 14197 Berlin
- E-Mail:zweimau@gmail.com
- TEL:0049 176 87815759 (DE) 886 919561681 (TW)
Chan Retreat Center Hartovski Vrh
- Croatia
- Hartje bb, 10455 Kostanjevac
- E-Mail:info@chan.hr
Western Chan Fellowship
- England and Wales
- Office 7511, PO Box 6945, London, W1A 6US, UK (postal address)
- E-Mail:secretary@westernchanfellowship.org
London Chan Meditation
- London
- 9 Printing House Yard, Hackney Road, London E2 7PR
- E-Mail: info@londonchanmeditation.org
- TEL:+44 7826 566 535
Luxembourg
- Luxemburg
- 15, Rue Jean Schaack L-2563 Bonnevoie G.D. DE Luxemburg
- E-Mail:ddm@chan.lu
- TEL:352-400080
Lanyang Branch Monastery
- Yilan
- No. 368, Beitou St., Luodong Township, Yilan County 265, Taiwan
- E-Mail:lanyang@ddmf.org.tw
- TEL:03-961-0296#9
Dharma Drum Mountain World Center for Buddhist Education
- Taiwan
- No. 555, Fagu Rd., 7th Neighborhood, Sanjie Village, Jinshan District. New Taipei City, 20842 Taiwan, Republic of China (R.O.C.)
- E-Mail:webmaster@ddm.org.tw
- TEL:886-2-2498-7171
Nung Chan Monastery
- Taiwan
- 89, Lane 65, Daye Rd. Beitou. Taipei. 112 Taiwan.
- E-Mail:jktie@ddm.org.tw
- TEL:886-2-2893-3161
Dharma Drum Singapore
- Singapore
- 146B Paya Lebar Road#06-01 ACE Building, Singapore 409017
- E-Mail:ddrumsingapore@gmail.com
- TEL:65-6735-5900
Dharma Drum Mountain Buddhist Centre Malaysia, Selangor
- Malaysia
- No. 9, Jalan 51A/225A, Zon Perindustrian PJCT, Seksyen 51A, 46100 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
- E-Mail:admin@ddmmy.org
- TEL:(603) 74902298
DDM Thailand, Bangkok
- Bangkok
- 1471 Soi 31/1 Pattnakarn Rd. 10250 Bangkok, Thailand
- E-Mail:ddmbkk2005@gmail.com
- TEL:66-2-013565~2 / 66-2-81-7152225
Yun Lai Monastery
- Taiwan
- No.186, Gongguan Road Beitou District, Taipei 112
- E-Mail:contact@ddm.org.tw
- TEL:886-2-2893-9966
DDM Hong Kong in Kowloon
- Hong Kong
- 2/F Block B, Alexandra Industrial Building, 23-27 Wing Hong Street, Lai Chi Kok, Hong Kong
- E-Mail:info@ddmhk.org.hk
- TEL:852-2865-3110
DDM Hong Kong in Hong Kong Island
- Hong Kong
- E-Mail:info@ddmhk.org.hk
Anhe Branch Monastery
- Taiwan
- 10F, 29 Anhe Road, Sec.1. Taipei. 106 Taiwan
- E-Mail:ahbmie@ddm.org.tw
- TEL:886-2-2778-5007
Tiennan Monastery
- Taiwan
- No. 168, Ln. 138, Sec. 2, Jieshou Rd., Sanxia Dist., New Taipei City, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
- TEL:886-2-8676-2556
Zhaiming Monastery
- Taiwan
- No.153, Zhaiming St., Daxi Township, Taoyuan County 335, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
- E-Mail:L120280@ddm.org.tw
- TEL:886-3-380-1426/886-3-390-8575
Baoyun Monastery
- Taiwan
- No.37, Shizheng Rd., Xitun Dist., Taichung City 407, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
- E-Mail:taichung@ddmf.org.tw
- TEL:886-4-2255-0665
Tainan Branch Monastery
- Taiwan
- 14F., No.159, Sec. 3, Ximen Rd., North Dist., Tainan City 704, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
- E-Mail:tainan@ddmf.org.tw
- TEL:886-6-220-6329/886-6-2206339
Xinxing Monastery
- Taiwan
- No.36-38, Ln. 132, Gengsheng N. Rd., Taitung City, Taitung County 950, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
- E-Mail:taitung40@ddm.org.tw
- TEL:886-89-225-199
Zhaiming Branch Monastery
- Taiwan
- No.361, Sec. 1, Daye Rd., Taoyuan City, Taoyuan County 330, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
- E-Mail:jmbupubbox@ddmf.org.tw
- TEL:03-3151581
Yunji Monastery
- Taiwan
- No.218, Liuan St., Jiali Township, Tainan County. Zip Code: 722. Taiwan (R.O.C.)
- TEL:886-6-721-1295
Dehua Monastery
- Taiwan
- No.33,Yannian Lane, Qingxin Li, Puli Township, Nantou County, 545. Taiwan (R.O.C)
- E-Mail:an.n423025@msa.hinet.net
- TEL:886-49-242-3025/886-49-242-1695
Ziyun Monastery
- Taiwan
- No.66, Zhongxiao Rd., Niaosong Township, Kaohsiung County 833, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
- E-Mail:q1380@ddm.org.tw
- TEL:07-732-1380*101-103
Dharma Drum Mountain Buddhist Association (Australia - NSW Branch) Incorporated
- Sydney
- P.O. Box 1471, Chatswood NSW 2057
- E-Mail:info@ddmf.org.au
- TEL:+61 466 597 663
Dharma Discussion
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Finding Health and Peace in Illness
Illness is the most direct reminder that life is impermanent. The body must face and endure the pain of illness, while the mind must learn to accept and let go of its suffering. If we can ...
Wisdom in Illness
Illness is a manifestation of impermanence, and also a reminder about life. From the fear of losing our health or facing death head-on, we learn life’s lessons and cultivate a heart of gratit...
Buddha Teaches Us How to Care for the Sick: Five Practices for Tending to the Sick
Being ill is arduous, yet caring for the sick is no easy task either. What kind of care do the sick require? What should a caregiver do to put the patient at ease and facilitate a speedy recover...
Unconstrained by illness, the mind remains at ease
Shifting from a fast-paced life to a slower rhythm, and from an energetic, passionate nature to one of serenity and ease— through the "lesson" of undergoing dialysis, Venerable Guo ...
Receiving Karmic Results, Fulfilling Vows, and Vowing Anew
As his health gradually declined, Xie Shui-Yong (謝水庸) accepted the changes calmly, without distress. Through one illness and treatment after another, he put Chan methods into practice. Even whil...
Illness: Guiding the Direction of Your Life
Having lived through illness, Hui-Tzu Chen 陳慧慈 (Consultant at the Buddhist Lotus Hospice Care Foundation) is filled with gratitude. She sees this as a lesson given to her by the Buddhas and Bodh...
The Seventh Lunar Month Dharma Assembly – Sending Blessings Across Time and Space
How can we convey our deep longing for our deceased relatives? We yearn to do something for them, but don't know how to begin. The stories of Maudgalyayana and the Bright-Eyed D...
Buddhist Rite for the Liberation of the Deceased: Benefiting Both the Living and the Deceased
During the seventh lunar month, participating in a Buddhist Rite for the Liberation of the Deceased not only allows one to connect with the deceased through sincere devotion, hoping to dedicate mer...
The Ullambana Assembly
Repaying the Kindness of Parents Through Meritorious Deeds The Ullambana Assembly (Yulanpen Hui) is a Buddhist liturgical service in Chinese Buddhism based on the Ullambana Sutra (Fo...
Yoga Flaming Mouth Rite
Giving Nurtures a Compassionate Heart The Flaming Mouth Food-Bestowal Rite is held chiefly to deliver beings in the hungry ghost realm. Beyond offering them food to relieve their hunger and su...
Emperor Liang Jeweled Repentance
Through repentance, the suffering arising from delusion and karma can be eradicated The primary purpose of the Emperor Liang Repentance Ceremony is to help liberate all sentient beings in the Si...
Core Concepts Q&A -Dispelling Superstition, Clarifying Concepts
The seventh lunar month is commonly known in Chinese tradition as the “Ghost Month.” How does Buddhism view this month? And, are Buddhist deliverance and folk practices of universal off...
Practical Q&A-Preparations before attending the Dharma assembly
This is my first time attending a Dharma assembly. What should I do if I don't understand anything? How does one participate in a Dharma assembly, even if for the first time? Let this practi...
Speak Well, Speak Right
Is talking hard? We do it all day long. Is talking easy? We still put our foot in our mouth all the time. Studies show that men speak around seven thousand words a day, women around twenty thou...
【The Basics】The Buddha’s Teachings on Speech I
Lesson 1: Silence Those who have gone forth should practice two things: first, noble silence; and, second, discussion of the Dharma text. When you gather in the lecture hall, you shoul...
【The Basics】The Buddha’s Teachings on Speech II
Lesson 5: Right Speech If one sees wrong speech as wrong speech, this is considered right view. If one sees right speech as right speech, this is also considered right view. What is wrong spee...
[Q&A] Speaking Well in Daily Life
After taking a course on speech from the Buddha and the great patriarchs, in many different times, places, and situations of real life, do you find yourself wondering when to speak, when not to spe...
Understanding Fear: What Are You Afraid of?
Hey, what are you afraid of? What makes you fear? Fear of the dark, fear of ghosts, fear of pain, fear of blood, fear of ugliness, fear of illness, fear of disasters, fear of loss… As ...
Cultivating the Four Powers to Transcend the Five Fears
There is an intriguing narrative preserved in the Saṃyukta Āgama. One evening, the Buddha led Śakra (Indra), the king of devas, in outdoor walking meditation. They walked for hours on end,...
A Terrifying Event That Could Cause the Disappearance of the True Dharma
Does "fear" always bring harm? Not necessarily. Often, it is precisely the driving force that guides us to uphold the right path and strive tirelessly. In the “Sutra on the Fiv...
Story Section: What Is Truly Worthy of Fear
Vipers are not as frightening as the four great vipers within the body. Even when the Sea God manifested as a yaksha, the people on the ship remained unafraid. The Buddha taught the monks how to ...
[Practice Section] Practices for Letting Go of Fear
What do you do when fear strikes? The Buddha has taught the practice of recollecting the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha; scriptures also recommend chanting the sacred names of Buddhas and Bo...
The Ever-Popular Prajnaparamita
The Heart Sutra expresses how Avalokitesvara (Guanyin) Bodhisattva practices the Prajnaparamita. The practitioner described in the sutra is Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. The fruit of this practic...
How to Practice the Heart Sutra
The practice of the Heart Sutra centers on three methods: reciting the sutra, copying it by hand, and reciting it while doing prostrations. Regardless of the approach, the most important element is...
Mantra Section: Unraveling the Mantra of the Heart Sutra
“Therefore, one should know that the Prajna-Paramita (Perfection of Wisdom) is the great divine mantra…the unequalled mantra…” Is the Heart Sutra fundamentally a sutra, o...
Mantra Box: Methods for Practicing the Heart Sutra Mantra
Mantra recitation can help focus and collect the mind. In the practice of Esoteric Buddhism, the recitation of mantras has long been regarded as a skillful means for awakening wisdom. Indeed, the r...
The Great Vow: The Key to Uncovering the Treasury of Kṣitigarbha
Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva appears in the form of a monastic and vows to deliver all beings in this defiled age of the Five Turbidities. His spirit embodies the courage to take on what others fear, th...
A Modern Revelation of Ksitigarbha's Original Vows
"Only after all sentient beings are liberated will I attain Bodhi"—a great compassionate vow of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, who cannot bear the suffering of sentient beings. Ksitigarbh...
Practice Methods of the Ksitigarbha Dharma Door
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is like the nurturing earth of Mother Nature, containing an inexhaustible treasury of the Buddha’s teachings. In truth, each of us carries within us the seeds of whole...
Climate Change: A Turning Point for Awakening
(Photo by 陳瑞) █ Editorial Office Editor's Note: What happens when a farmer who works daily with the land, a marine biologist diving into extreme ocean environments, and a represent...
Alex Epstein - Urban Gardener Planting ‘Relationships’
Every person, every culture—whether separated by one generation or ten—has ancestors who once lived alongside the land, in harmony with it. █ Alex Epstein, founder of Root Catalyst ...
Reem AlMealla - Bahrain’s First Female Oceanographer
▲ Reem (third from the left) founded “Nuwat: Heart of every living cell,” dedicating efforts to environmental research and education, with the hope of becoming a force for social...
Daniel Abreu Mejía - An Educator Empowering Climate Youth
Part of the reason we face climate change and many nature-related crises is that we have forgotten we are part of nature. We belong to nature—we do not stand above it. █ Daniel Abreu Mej...
Gregory Scott Pettys - A Scholar Preserving Seeds
Many of my “aha”moments have come through grief, yet modern culture teaches us to avoid it. But I want to encourage you: face it. █ Gregory Scott Pettys, Co-founder of Panya Forest...
Shephali Patel - A Farmer Who Learns from the Forest
No single person or culture can fully understand the whole of life on its own. We need everyone’s stories to piece together a larger picture of what life truly is. █ Shephali Patel, Youth...
Sow the seeds, transform yourself
Photo by Jean Li Editor's Note: If the efforts we’re making won’t bear fruit within our lifetime, would you still be willing to continue? The dilemma of climate actio...
How to Practice the Manjushri Method - I
Manjushri Bodhisattva is the embodiment of wisdom. In the minds of most people, seeking wisdom begins with turning to Manjushri Bodhisattva. As Buddhist practitioners, we all aspire to possess gr...
How to Practice the Manjushri Method - II
Mantra Recitation: The Five-Syllable Mantra of Mañjuśrī Bodhisattva Mañjuśrī Bodhisattva is associated with many mantras, among them the more commonly known ones are the one-...
How to Practice the Manjushri Method - III
Verses praising the virtues of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas: Praise to Manjushri, Manjushri Dharma Assembly The devotion of Manjushri is very prevalent in Tibetan Buddhism, resulting in a large nu...
Envisioning the Future of Buddhist Studies (I)
(Photo: Lee Fan 李東陽) Envisioning the Future of Buddhist Studies (I) In an Era of Rapid Change, Where Is Buddhist Studies Heading? At the roundtable forum of the the 6th Chung-Hwa Intern...
Envisioning the Future of Buddhist Studies (II)
(Photo: Lee Fan 李東陽) Envisioning the Future of Buddhist Studies (II) Professor Robert Gimello and Professor Paul Harrison responded to questions from the audience and reminded those inte...
Let Us Together Uphold the Cundī Dhāraṇī
ǎn zhé lì zhǔ lì zhǔn tí suō pó hē Cundī Bodhisattva is one of the manifestations of Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva. Out of compassion for sentient beings...
The Cundī Dhāraṇī: Purifying the Mind and Fulfilling Aspirations
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many Buddhists initiated the recitation of the Cundī Dhāraṇī. Through upholding the Cundī Dhāraṇī, they sought to purify and settle their minds, give rise to...
[Introduction Part 1] What is the "Cundi Mantra" about?
Editorial Office I. Content of the "Cundi Mantra" According to "Getting to Know Mantras" by Tony K. Lin (林光明) and the Buddhist Daily Morning and Evening Liturgy, the Sans...
[Introduction Part 2]: Cundi Mantra Q&As
The Cundi Mantra is well-known for "fulfilling all wishes," but why is it so effective? This article clarifies five questions about the Cundi Mantra to increase faith when reciting it. ...
[Sharing Session] Venerable Guo Jun: A Lifetime Never Parted from the Cundi Mantra
By reciting the Cundi Mantra two hundred thousand times, Venerable Guo Jun (果竣法師) successfully overcame all obstacles to his ordination. Thereafter, whenever obstacles arose on his path of cu...
Welcoming the New Year with the Eighty-Eight Buddhas
On New Year’s Eve, one may greet the turning of the year amid brilliant fireworks. Yet it is even more meaningful to quiet and refresh the mind from within. Entering the temple for the eve...
Encountering the Eighty-Eight Buddhas - Illuminating Our Lives Every Day
By reciting the Eighty-Eight Buddhas Great Repentance Text, we take the Buddhas—perfected in awakening and practice—as our model, and see clearly our own afflictions and habitual tenden...
Majestic Virtues – The Ten Epithets of the Buddha
The ten epithets of the Buddha apply universally to all Buddhas throughout the ten directions and the three periods of time. Before paying homage to the Eighty-eight Buddhas, let us first understan...
Mindfully Reciting the Eighty-Eight Buddhas is a Good Spiritual Practice
Editor’s Note: The names of the Eighty-Eight Buddhas transcend time and space. Through the teachings delivered by the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas across the worlds of the ten directions, repe...
Q&As on the Great Repentance Text
Q1: Why is the Great Repentance Text included in the evening service? Morning and evening recitations are fundamental daily practices for Buddhists. The modern Tiantai Master Xingci (興慈...
How to Practice the Great Repentance Text at Home?
The Great Repentance Text is one of the primary evening recitations in Buddhist daily practice. Usually, when reciting the 88 Buddhas, one kneels upright and chants the Buddhas’ names. Begi...
Learning Wisdom through the Buddhist Parables
The Buddha often taught the Dharma through a wide range of parables. Using things from our daily experience as analogies, the Buddha revealed truths that people had never encountered before. Th...
Buddhist Parables: A Ship to Wisdom
The Buddha is a masterful storyteller, skilled in teaching through parables. He offers guidance to sentient beings according to their individual capacities and needs. Through these parables, he lea...
Skillful Parables – Grasping the Buddha’s Wisdom in a Moment
Is impermanence too abstract to grasp? How dangerous are the sensual pleasures? What truly makes up this physical body? How can we guard the doors of the six sense organs? In the scriptures, ...
Section on Parables – Theme One: Impermanence, Suffering, and Non-Self
Parable 1: The Five Aggregates Are Impermanent, Like Foam and Illusion Impermanence, suffering, and non-self are the core teachings of the Buddha. These three marks of existence may sound profou...
Section on Parables – Theme Two: Greed and Desire
Parable 1: Craving and Clinging is Likened to Planting a Tree How does suffering grow bigger and bigger, like a rolling snowball? In the Saṃyukta Āgama No. 283, the Buddha used the analogy...
Section on Parables – Theme Three: Karma and its Retribution
Parable 1: Heavy Negative Karma with Light Karmic Retribution is like Throwing Salt into the River "Karma" refers to the actions performed by all sentient beings. Good deeds brin...
Section on Parables – Theme Four: Guarding the doors of the six sense organs
Parable 1: The wildcat devoured by its prey How should monastics interact with people while guarding the sense doors, and upholding the precepts? At the same time, how can they remain free from ...
Section on Parables – Theme Five: The Reality of Life
Parable 1: The Body is the Root of Suffering, the Right Path is Like a Raft We often cherish our physical body, fearing it will suffer from hunger and cold, illness and aging, unaware that...
Section on Parables – Theme Six: The Path of Practice
Parable 1: Guided by a Wise Teacher, One Awakens by Following the Right Path Why is it that after hearing the Buddha expound the Dharma, some attained realization while others remained bound by ...
Akshobhya Buddha Teaches You Not to Get Angry
Do you always get angry? Can you master your mind? The Buddha once likened anger to throwing dust against the wind— the dust will eventually fall back on yourself. How can you avoid ...
Akshobhya Buddha: The Role Model to Follow on the Bodhisattva Path
About Akshobhya Buddha Core Theme: The Role Model to Follow on the Bodhisattva Path By Hsu Tsuigu (許翠谷) Origins of the Teaching The belief in Akshobhya Buddha was introduced to China...
Learning about Akshobhya Buddha
【Learning about Akshobhya Buddha】 By Qiu Huimin (邱惠敏) What are the fundamental vows of Akshobhya Buddha? Based on Chapter One, The Mind of Wisdom, and Chapter Four, The Pr...
Anger is the greatest obstacle to the study and practice of the Buddhadharma
Wondrous Joy in the World "Freedom from anger" is the very meaning of the Akshobhya Buddha's name. Anger is the greatest obstacle to the study and practice of the Buddhadharma...
Recognizing the Root of Affliction — Anger and Hatred
Wondrous Joy in the World Recognizing the Root of Affliction — Anger and Hatred Akshobhya Buddha, who dwells in the Eastern Pure Land of Abhirati — the Land of Wondrous Joy, made ...
Smiling at Anger - How to Tame the Fire of Anger
Wondrous Joy in the World Smiling at Anger - How to Tame the Fire of Anger The harm wrought by anger is deep and severe. Yet to walk the Buddha's path is to recognize our problems ...
Awakening to Anger
Wondrous Joy in the World Awakening to Anger Did the Buddha ever get angry? How did the Buddha teach his disciples not to be angry? There are many short stories about anger (krodha, in Sans...
An Invitation for All Devotees to Return to Their Roots
[Hu Li-Gui 胡麗桂 / Special Report] "If I were to have a monastery, it would resemble the migratory school where Shakyamuni Buddha first taught," said the founder, Master Sheng Yen, in a ...
Inauguration of the Center and Establishing of the Dharma Drum Lineage: A Shared Vow of Inheritance and Innovation
Inauguration of the Center and Establishing of the Dharma Drum Lineage: A Shared Vow of Inheritance and Innovation The year 2025 marks both the 20th anniversary of the Dharma Drum Mountain World...
20th Anniversary of the Inauguration of the Dharma Drum Mountain World Center for Buddhist Education
Continuing the Path of Uncovering the Inner Treasure Mountain "Our mission in inaugurating the Dharma Drum Mountain World Center for Buddhist Education is to awaken each person's inner ...
A Blueprint for World Buddhism: Venerable Guo Shing (果興法師) Discusses Master Sheng Yen's Founding Mission
Editor's Note: Venerable Guo Shing, who once served as head of Dharma Drum Mountain's Chan Hall, was assigned to assist with its construction when the site was still desolate. He recalls...
Dharma Drum Mountain 20th Anniversary Gratitude Ceremony "Myriad Practices • Original Aspiration" Program Overview
Oct 19, 2025 (Sun), 14:00–16:00 On-site Venue: Dharma Drum Mountain World Center for Buddhist Education ( No. 555, Fagu Rd., 7th Neighborhood, Sanjie Village, Jinshan District. New Taip...
Chan Meditation Series - Seeing a True Smile
Chan Meditation Series Seeing a True Smile According to Venerable Guo Xing of Dharma Drum Mountain, for most people, meditation is a practice of returning the mind to a blank slate. When you...
[Image and Meaning] The Charm of the Buddha's Smile
[Image and Meaning] The Charm of the Buddha's Smile Unraveling the Mystery of the Buddha's Smile ■ Xu Huijuan (徐慧娟) The ancient Buddhas of the Yungang Grottoes and the "Kh...
[Story] Golden Flower Rain and Smiling Chan
The Causes and conditions of Shakyamuni Buddha's Smile In a blaze of radiant light, Bodhisattva Puming (普明菩薩) saw a golden flower rain falling. A peaceful and kindly smiling figure of the...
Possessing a Smile Like the Buddha
Possessing a Smile Like the Buddha A smile is a universal language. It breaks down barriers between people and brings hearts closer together. The smile of a Buddha or Bodhisattva holds a deepe...
Smile – Chan
A smile is the truest reflection of the joy within us. The serene and carefree smiles seen on the faces of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are an embodiment of compassion and wisdom. For those who...
Love Awakening - Learn Wisdom of Love from Buddha
Starting an intimate relationship is like embarking on an adventure. Love is a road that has sweetness, exclusivity, jealousy, and disputes... Love traps people in emotional entanglements. You su...
[Introduction] The Deeper Meaning of Love Stories in Buddhist Scriptures
Are you troubled by love? Take a look at the love stories in Buddhist scriptures. Through them, we can learn how to approach love with wisdom, so we don't end up creating our own suffering i...
Practical Guide: Awakening Yourself and Others through Love
Can monastics also fall in love? How to continue spiritual practice amid the storms of love? Let's learn from the experiences of Thich Nhat Hanh and Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche— awakeni...
[Practice] Venerable Chang Ti on young people's confusion about love
Love is a part of life, and it is also a journey of understanding ourselves and one another. How can we walk through life hand in hand with a companion, maintaining both intimacy and independence?...
Practical Box: Tips for Buddhist Chanting
■ Explanation / Venerable Guo Kae (果慨法師) and Venerable Guo Tseng (果增法師) from Dharma Drum Mountain Department of Dharma Service ■ Compilation / Gao Yuwen (高煜玟) The basic pr...
[Practical Guide] Q&As of Buddhist Chanting
■ Editorial team What are the things to keep in mind when practicing Buddhist chanting at home or participating in Dharma service or group practice? What to do if you can't hear the can...
[Society] Buddhist music and online Buddhist chants
The booming development of Buddhism in Taiwan has led to the emergence of various new ways of spreading Buddhism, including the appearance of "Buddhist music" and various online Buddhist ...
Ethnic Series BOX: What You Should Know about Chinese Buddhist Chanting
Chanting in Chinese Buddhism, originally known as Yushan Fanbai, was first created by Cao Zhi (Prince Si of Chen) during the Cao Wei period. It was later structurally formalized by Master Dao'a...
[Ethnic Chapter] Exploring the Diverse and Harmonious Culture of Buddhist Chanting
Adhering to the principle of "reciting Buddhist scriptures in accordance with local languages and customs," Buddhist chanting has continuously evolved across vast stretches of time and sp...
Buddhist Chanting — Awakening Our Innate Buddha-Nature through Sound
Buddhist chanting is one of the essential daily practices for Buddhists. Through scared sound, practitioners pay homage to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, recite scriptures and internalize Buddhist t...
[Q&A Section] Generosity (Dāna): More Than Just Giving
Generosity (Dāna) is a fundamental practice for Buddhists. By understanding it as the first of the Six Pāramitās (Perfections) and recognizing its connection to spiritual cultivation, generosity is...
[Stories] The Wise Ones Who Free Sentient Beings from Fear
From the Buddha who transformed Angulimala to Dr. B. R. Ambedkar of modern India; from Poshan Haiming in China to the Great Fool Taigu Ryokan in Japan, They embodied the Dharma to liberate senti...
【Concept】This era needs the gift of fearlessness
In today's chaotic world, our first priority should be to offer others the gift of fearlessness. Start with yourself, then extend it to those around you, to society, and to the world, letting t...
How to Brew Chinese Tea?
Demonstration / Su Shiou-huei (蘇秀慧), the owner of Su Shiou-huei Tea Tasting Studio Location / Su Shiou-huei Tea Tasting Studio (蘇秀慧茶飲工作室) Photo / Fan Lee (李東陽) Steps to Brew Ch...
The Art of the Tea Ceremony
Original Chinese text / Gao Yu-wen (高煜玟) Photo credit: Fan Lee (李東陽) People initially consumed tea as a form of medicine. According to Shen-nong's Herbal Classics (神農本草經)...
Go Have Some Tea – A Gong'an about Tea
In the Chan tradition, there are many brilliant gong'ans centered around tea that are still discussed with great enthusiasm today. The most famous is Master Zhaozhou's "Go Have Some Te...
Tea and Buddhist Monasteries
Original Chinese text / Lin Jung-wen (林鍾妏) Photo credit: Lin Jung-wen (林鍾妏) There is a legend in Chan Buddhism. It is said that after Bodhidharma crossed the sea to China, he spe...
Things to be Aware of when having Tea for Recreational or Medicinal Purpose
1. Whether you drink tea for recreational or medicinal purposes, it is suggested to understand your own physical constitution first. For example, people with a yin deficiency (deficient in body liq...
Tea Regimen
Original Chinese text / Tzeng Yu-shiuan (曾禹瑄) Photo provided by Su Shiou-huei (蘇秀慧) In the history of tea culture, tea at first was not the kind of beverage or drink for health ...
Chan in the Aroma and Color of Tea
Original Chinese text / Lin Jung-wen (林鍾妏) Photo credit: Chiou De-shing (邱德興) Tea drinkers have likely all experienced this: as the boiling water is poured into a teapot, the ar...
The Taste of Chan in Tea
Photo: Fan Lee (李東陽); Photo layout: Wu Jia-jiun (吳家俊) Drinking tea may seem to be an ordinary affair. Some people view it as a part of life or regimen, or even use it as a medium...
[Measures] Practice Forgiveness - Ven. Guo Dong on Practicing Forgiveness
Original Chinese text by editorial team of Humanity Magazine Practice 1: Relax to Create Space in the Mind for Reconciliation Illustrator: Su Li-ka (蘇力卡) If we don't know...
[Introduction: Psychological Analysis] Forgiveness: Unraveling the Countless Knots in the Heart
Original Chinese text by Hsu Tsuei-gu (許翠谷) Illustrator: Su Li-ka (蘇力卡) Repeated betrayals by business partners that result in losses amounting to tens of millions; being abandoned ...
[Cases Studies] Using Wisdom to Turn Things AroundForgiveness Brings Forth the Light of Wholesome Relationships
Everyone has been harmed by others, whether intentionally or not. Sometimes, it is just minor friction, while other times, it leaves physical and mental trauma. It is commonly believed that our wou...
Forgiveness: Protecting the Spiritual Environment by Cleansing the Poison of Aversion
Being attentive to health, people nowadays consciously detoxify their bodies. But what about the three mental poisons of greed, aversion, and ignorance? Do we hold grudges after being harmed, there...
Forgive to Allow the Light of Wholesome Relationships to Shine Through
Illustrator: Liou Jian-jr (劉建志) Being falsely accused, slandered, deceived, or betrayed … Everyone has had the experience of being mistreated or hurt. Be it an unexpected accident or a...
Follow Dharma Teachers to Navigate through Doubts on the Path of Learning Buddhist Teachings
Do I have to take refuge in the Three Jewels if I want to learn Buddhism? Which one is better, Dharma services or meditation? Will I stop losing my temper after learning Buddhist teachings? ...
Be a Buddhist with Correct Beliefs
Photo credit: Wu Ju-yan (吳竺燕) How can we choose the right Buddhist group with whom we take refuge in the Three Jewels? What can we do to dedicate ourselves to practicing Buddhist teach...
Happy Buddhists: Common Questions from Beginners Answered by Ven. Chang Yong
About Ven. Chang Yong (常用法師): After graduating from Dharma Drum Sangha University in 2008 with a major in Buddhist studies, Ven. Chang Yong is now the Director of DDM Laity Educati...
Replenishing Your Buddhist Power: Common Questions from Intermediate Practitioners Answered by Ven. Chang Ge
About Ven. Chang Ge (常格法師): After graduating from Dharma Drum Sangha University (DDSU) in 2011 with a major in Buddhist studies, Ven. Chang Ge has served at DDM Laity Education Department ...
Common Questions from Advanced Chan Practitioners Answered by Ven. Chang Chii
Photo credit: Jean Li About Ven. Chang Chii (常啓法師): After graduating from Dharma Drum Sangha University (DDSU) in 2012 with a major in Chan Practice, Ven. Chang Chii served at the Chan Ha...
The Personal Preparation for a Peaceful Death
Photo credit: Jean Li A philosopher once said that human beings are being-towards-death. As stated in the Agama Sutra, "Disasters, aging, illness, and death are what often le...
Have you prepared your spiritual provisions for a lone journey toward death?
When we are born into this world, we come alone; and when our time is due, we die alone. The difference lies in the responsibilities we have fulfilled and the value we have created during our lifet...
Perspectives on Life and Death Three Principles for Managing Living and Dying to Live out as Summer Flowers and Decease as Autumn Leaves
With the advent of an era of aged and super-aged society, everyone, whether married or not, with or without children, must prepare themselves for solitary death. We should manage our living and dyi...
Hearing the Dharma at the End of Life and Practicing Regularly
Original Chinese text by Prof. Aming Tu (杜正民, Former Vice President of Dharma Drum Institute of Liberal Arts) As depicted in the Sutra 1023 of the Saṃyukta-āgama, Venerable Phagguna was suffe...
At the Scene of Life and Death–Taking Refuge in the Dharma for Peace of Mind of Both the Living and the Departed
Ven. Chang Jer (常哲法師), who frequently visits hospitals and funerals to offer loving care to people, has profound insights into the fact that "matters of life and death are critical, unpred...
[The Bucket List] Travel Light and Prepare for the Journey Ahead
Life's train will eventually arrive at the station of death, where all the wealth, health, and relationships accumulated over a lifetime will be left behind. Pack your essentials, reflect on y...
Reflections and Habits to Cultivate BlessingsDebunk the Myths about Sustainability
To cultivate blessings, we need to develop good habits in our daily life. Nowadays, although many people have raised their environmental consciousness, are we really protecting the environment? Or ...
Fu-yan Monastery, founded on the basis of merit cultivation
Fuyan Monastery (福嚴精舍) was founded by Elderly Ven. Yin Shun (印順長老), an eminent Buddhist scholar. He was candid about his focus on intellectual and scholarly studies. As indicated in his aut...
Concepts for Cultivating Meritorious BlessingsThe Buddhist Approach to Nurturing Merit and Spirituality
Giving, morality, and meditative practice are three bases of meritorious actions. According to the Buddha's progressive instruction, the practice of giving is the foremost in cultivating merit ...
Cultivating Merit to Become Blessed
Everyone wants to have karmic blessings. However, in addition to recognizing and cherishing our blessings, it is necessary to take necessary action to cultivate blessings. We should make good use o...
Happiness Comes as We Cultivate Blessings
Everyone desires happiness. However, where do the blessings of happiness come from? As Master Sheng Yen said, "Anyone who seeks blessings must first sow the seeds of blessing, cultivate bles...
Practice is No Longer for the Self An Interview with Gilbert Gutierrez, Part 1
The interview is translated into Chinese and published in Issue 486 of Humanity Magazine (February 2024), in commemoration of the 15th anniversary of Master Sheng Yen's pass...
Practice off the Cushion An Interview with Simon Child, Part 1
The interview is translated into Chinese and published in Issue 489 of Humanity Magazine (May 2024), in commemoration of the 15th anniversary of Master Sheng Yen's passing. ...
Integrating Chan into Society An Interview with Žarko Andričević, Part 1
The interview is translated into Chinese and published in Issue 491 of Humanity Magazine (July 2024), in commemoration of the 15th anniversary of Master Sheng Yen's pas...
An Introduction to the Four Immeasurable States of Mind
The Four Immeasurable States of Mind is a crucial practice to accomplish Bodhi, as well as the provision for the attainment of Buddhahood for lay Buddhist disciples (śrāvaka), solitary realizers (p...
A Brief Introduction to the Mettā Sutta
The Mettā Sutta is also referred to as Karaṇīyamettā Sutta. The background of the scripture centers around a group of Buddhist monks were disturbed by spirits of the trees during their rains-retrea...
Ven. Dhammadipa on Cultivation of Four Immeasurable States of Mind
Ven. Dhammadipa from Czechia called the cultivation of Four Immeasurable States of Mind "the most beautiful spiritual practice." Through cultivating loving-kindness, compassion, appreciat...
Zen Master Thầy Nhất Hạnh — Sowing the Seeds of Mindfulness with Compassion
In his later years, after wandering in foreign lands for four decades, Thầy Nhất Hạnh finally returned to his homeland, Vietnam. Over the years, Thầy Nhất Hạnh promoted "engaged Buddhism"...
His Holiness the Dalai Lama — Healing People's Mind with Loving-kindness, Compassion, Appreciative Joy, and Equanimity
Being in exile in India for six decades, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has always been forgiving and tolerant toward those attacked him, keeping his mind in serenity and joy as always. He constantly ...
An Inquiry into Youthful Struggles Today
At a young age, due to the lack of experience, we might get ourselves exhausted and overwhelmed in the whirlpool of self-worth. At a young age, we don't completely understand what love...
Life Questions: How Do You Define Success? Answered by Ven. Chang Ge
"Will I be able to achieve more in the future if I continue to study for my doctorate?" "All my classmates plan to have a study tour or a working holiday to experience life: what abo...
What Should We Look for in Life?
Suppose that, one day, your cherished belongings were stolen. While you were desperately searching for the thief to retrieve your possessions, you were suddenly asked, "Which is more important...
Life Questions: Where to Find Happiness either with or without Money? Answered by Ven. Chang Deng
Sometimes we might see that our have-it-all classmates from the university are again posting on social media to show off their extraordinary lives, such as traveling to Scandinavia to see the North...
Life Questions: Oh Love, What Should I Do with It? Answered by Ven. Chang Sui
"If I confess to him and get rejected, can we still be friends?" "You'll never know if you don't try." "But he only likes pretty girls. Oh, never mind..." &quo...
Life Questions: Would You Be My Friend? Answered by Ven. Chang Chii
"We're good friends!" "Why did he misunderstand me?" "I hate cocky people!" While interacting with others, our mood fluctuates like a roller coaster. Are you tired...
Don't look down upon young people!
Being young is sometimes like bearing a label that says, "Inexperienced, much left to learn." Over 2,500 years ago, even the young Buddha, shortly after attaining enlightenment, was also ...
Life Questions on Beauty Bonus: How Much Do Looks Matter? Answered by Ven. Yan Rou
"Some people are just born good-looking. It's so unfair!" "Tell me if I am gaining weight? Look closely!" "What should I wear for the gathering tomorrow?" Young pe...
Physical Beauty Is Impermanent
Are good looks obstacles or aids to spiritual cultivation? Before becoming a renunciants with the Buddha, Śāriputra saw Bhikkhu Assaji on the street and was impressed by his dignified demeanor. Out...
Growth of Vegetarianism among the Young
"Is your diet green today?" With the rise of vegetarianism worldwide, young people are the driving force of this new trend. Why are plant-based diets becoming trendy among the young? What...
Common Questions about Vegetarianism
Are plant-based diets equivalent to a vegetarian diet? Is raw food related to vegetarianism? What is plant-based meat and cultivated meat? What will the world's diet be like in the future? L...
Interview with Huang Yan-mei, the Volunteer Chef of DDM Yunlai Monastery
From running a steakhouse to cooking at a monastery as a chef, Huang Yan-mei (黃燕梅) has had an inextricable connection with the culinary arts. In order to plan menus for the monastery and get her...
Interview with Veggie Deer, Taiwanese YouTuber: Changing Diets, Transforming the World
Driven by their commitment to the environment, Ono and Ruby, popular Taiwanese social media influencers, decided to change their diets and launched the YouTube channel "Veggie Deer" to pr...
Interview with Ven. Yan Duan: Plant-based Diet as an Experiment for the Body & Mind
With a decade of experience as a chef, Ven. Yan Duan (演端法師) adopted plant-based diets in his 20s for the sake of environmental protection. After becoming a Buddhist monk, he further realized th...
From the Suffering of Separation from One's Likes to the Path of Awakening
Must separation from one's likes become a form of suffering? Is it possible to transcend and transform it? There is never an unending banquet, while every encounter means a reunion aft...
Applying "Four Steps for Handling a Problem": There Is Pain But No Suffering
We cannot change the arising and ceasing of causes and conditions, since impermanence is the reality in the world. When causes and conditions for companionship perish, it is important to know what ...
Buddhist Legends: Removing the Thorn of Sorrow and Eradicating the Suffering of Separation from What One Likes
Editor's Note: Most people often believe that when love arises, it brings joy and happiness. So why did the Buddha say that all sorrow, sadness, vexation, and distress follow love? It is becau...
A Buddhist Legend about Paṭācārā: Walking toward True Liberation with Mindfulness
Editor's Note: When major life changes occur, grief and despair may set in; nonetheless, they also can be opportunities for awakening. The bereavement of losing her husband, children, an...
Interview with Ven. Yan Shi: Suffering Nourishes Life
Traveling thousands of miles to become a Buddhist monk at Dharma Drum Mountain, Ven. Yan Shi, waved goodbye to his teaching position and the familiar face of his mother. In the course of his Buddhi...
Interview with Chiu Chih-ling: Real Love Is about Letting Go and Giving Blessings
Chiu Chih-ling has accompanied countless patients and their families through the separation in life or at death. When facing the consecutive deaths of her loved ones, she realizes that, despite the...
The Sutra on Impermanence – The Teachings of Impermanence
The earth, the sun, and the moon will perish in due time. Nothing escapes impermanence's grasp. –Excerpt from the Sutra on Impermanence Flowers bloom and wither; day turns into...
Contemplation of the Mind in Practicing Four Foundations of Mindfulness
The Four Foundations of Mindfulness, also known as the Four Establishments of Mindfulness, is a fundamental Buddhist practice and the first of the Thirty-seven Factors of Enlightenment. The practic...
Living in Impermanence – Embrace Impermanence with an Even Mind
Back in his early days as a layperson, Ven. Chang Chi (常持法師) was once troubled by life due to its impermanence. After becoming a monastic, he has constantly witnessed the aging, illness, and de...
A Brief Introduction to the Sutra on Impermanence
The Chinese version of the Sutra on Impermanence was translated by Ven. Yijing (義淨法師, 635-713 CE) at the Dafuxian Temple (大福先寺) in Luoyang, China. The sutra focuses on the truth of imperman...
Learning the Contemplation on Impermanence from the Masters
Master Class for Living with Impermanence Impermanence is a reality known to all, but why do we still feel distressed when it strikes? Let us learn from the teachings of Ajahn Chah, ...
The Healing Powers of Nature
The studies of neuroscience, psychology, and medicine have proven that spending time in the natural surroundings not only helps people reduce stress and achieve relaxation more quickly and thorou...
Instinct, Direct Contemplation, and Contemplation of Emptiness
"Direct contemplation" is a method often used in Chan practice, which is suitable for us to apply in daily life. How do we break our habitual "instinct" and instead apply direct...
The Healing Power of Micro Chan Practice – Trip Preparation
Most people have a feeling of anticipation before setting out on a trip. How do we organize a fulfilling and enriching trip? In this article, Ven. Chang Zheng (常正法師) provides a guideline to pre...
Contemplation of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness
1. Contemplation of the body: Bring our attention back to our body. We usually pay little attention to our body, and tend to inadvertently engage our mind with external objects, unless some il...
Making Good Use of Natural Experiences for Practice
The natural world, with its mountains and streams, is in itself a suitable environment for practicing meditation. In the Buddha's time, monastics and laity practiced meditation in the forest ...
Planning Outdoor Chan at Ease
Traveling is a good opportunity for us to contemplate the mind while in contact with the natural scenery. With the exception of solo trips, traveling requires that we cooperate with travel mates an...
Four Ways to Experience Outdoor Chan
Having a hard time choosing suitable programs to experience outdoor Chan during your vacation? The main purpose for Buddhist monasteries to organize outdoor Chan is for people to relax their min...
Chan Practice for a Happier Workplace
Work takes up almost one-third of our lives. People work hard to gain resources in exchange for happiness. However, despite continually increasing working hours, people's sense of happiness doe...
Efficiency and Speed vs. Relaxation and Concentration: Work Efficiently in a Relaxed Mood
In the pursuit of efficiency and speed, we seem to equate work with stress and tension, thereby inducing diseases of civilization. Actually, as long as we know how to relax and focus at the right t...
Relaxation and Concentration as a Path to Self-Healing
Practicing meditation can help people relax the body and mind while enhancing focus. These effects are not only subjectively noticeable during meditation, but also scientifically validated. Since t...
Conflict and Competition vs. Cessation and Contemplation
In a fast-paced workplace, traces of competition can be found everywhere, from interpersonal relationships, to product manufacturing, to business management. Competitive atmosphere is so pervasive ...
Crises and Bottlenecks vs. Letting Go and Getting Motivated
In the long journey of a career one may face numerous crises and obstacles in the workplace, regardless of whether it is a young person first entering the job market, a 9-to-5 office worker, or an ...
Toning the Body and Strengthening the Mind – Exercise and Chan
Is it possible to apply the method of Chan meditation while engaging in activities such as running, martial arts, and yoga? It certainly is possible! As the saying goes, "Keep your mind whe...
Adding Chan to Your Exercise: Q&A on Exercise and Chan Practice
Is it true that we can lessen the amount of soreness, and feel less tired and out of breath by applying the method of Chan practice while doing exercising? How do we synchronize our exercise experi...
Let's Practice Chan Running
For people enjoying running and interested in Chan practice, is there any exercise that combines both? The following introduction to Chan running not only shows you how to run, but also helps you...
Walking with the Method – Chan Walking
Hiking has always been a popular trend. Some have also advocated "walking 10,000 steps a day." We walk every day, but do we really know how to walk properly? In addition, walking...
Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in the Pure Lands
More than 2,600 years after his parinirvana, the Buddha's compassion and wisdom, asembodied in concrete figures of the Buddha (Skt. buddharūpa), still transcends the barrier of time, space, a...
The Triad of Sakyamuni Buddha
An introduction to combinations of Buddhist statues – one buddha flanked by two bodhisattvas The Triad of Sakyamuni Buddha – Delivering sentient beings in the evil world of five defi...
Three Saints of the Ghanavyūha
An introduction to combinations of Buddhist statues – one buddha flanked by two bodhisattvas Three Saints of the Ghanavyūha In Buddhist cosmology, the universe is comprised of innumerab...
Three Saints of the Western Pure Land
An introduction to combinations of Buddhist statues – one buddha flanked by two bodhisattvas Three Saints of the Western Pure Land – Guides to the World of Ultimate Bliss As narra...
Three Saints of the Eastern Pure Land
An introduction to combinations of Buddhist statues – one buddha flanked by two bodhisattvas Three Saints of the Eastern Pure Land and their approaches to gain peace and joy in the present...
Buddhas of the Three Times
An introduction to combinations of Buddhist statues – Three buddhas Buddhas of the three times – the blessings beyond time and space When walking into the main hall of a Buddhist ...
One Buddha Flanked by Two Disciples
An introduction to combinations of Buddhist statues – One buddha flanked by two disciples In addition to flanking bodhisattvas, we occasionally can see statues of two disciples on each sid...
Taking Refuge – The First Step to Firm Buddhist Practice
During a refuge ceremony at a Buddhist monastery, refuge takers stand on their knees before the Buddha statue with joined palms, respectfully requesting the monastic teacher to transmit the Three R...
Overcoming the Eight Major Obstacles to Taking Refuge
Is being a Buddhist too lofty a goal to pursue? Some people visit places that propagate the Dharma, appreciate Buddhism and are fond of learning Buddhist teachings. However, they hesitate when i...
Buddhist Stories on the Auspiciousness of Taking the Three Refuges
Taking Three Refuges saved Śakra from suffering in the animal realm Śakra, the heavenly king who resides in the Trāyastriṃśa Heaven, often led devas in battles with asurendras (lord of asuras). ...
Taking Refuge: A Sincere Vow to Engage in Buddhist Practice
Since childhood, we have participated in various ceremonies such as first-day-of-school ceremonies, graduation and commencement ceremonies, wedding ceremonies, and funerals. Among numerous ceremoni...
Common Questions on Taking Refuge
Q1: Some people have taken refuge in the Three Jewels, but they do not engage in Buddhist learning and practice. Are they still considered Buddhists? A: Taking refuge in the Three Jewels marks t...
Refuge Taking Rituals of Different Buddhist Traditions
For all Buddhist traditions, taking refuge in the Three Jewels is the fundamental step toward engaging in Buddhist practice. Since Chinese Buddhists hold a serious attitude towards the refuge takin...
The Three Refuges Verse for Morning and Evening Services as a Reminder
The Three Refuges As I take refuge in the Buddha, I wish all sentient beings awaken to the great Path, and generate the supreme mind. As I take refuge in the Dharma, I wish all sentient beings ...
Buddhist Perspectives on Wealth
In this world, it is nearly impossible to live without money. However, can wealth guarantee happiness? Amidst the pursuits of high social status and fame, career success, or vast financial wealth, ...
The Financial Quotient of Buddhism
In modern society, economic activities account for a significant portion of daily life. Consequently, "FQ" has become a hot topic, and, along with Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and Emotional...
How Can Gold Turn Out to Be a Poisonous Snake?
In Buddhist scriptures, we can see how the Buddha repeatedly warned his disciples that "money is just like a poisonous snake." But, how does money transform into a venomous serpent? On...
The Guardian Deities of Wealth Revered in Buddhism
In Buddhism, there are guardian deities (dharmapalas) of wealth. Different Buddhist traditions venerate their own dharmapalas and methods to invoke their blessings. In Chinese Buddhism, the male...
Commonly Asked Questions about the Buddhist Perspective on Wealth
As most people are inclined to crave wealth, the Buddha once likened money to a poisonous snake. However, by maintaining the right view on wealth management, Buddhists can also deal with it righteo...
The Origin and Transformation of Lamp Offerings
At the end of a year, people often exchange New Year wishes with their family members and friends through cards, phone calls, and messages. During this period, Buddhists take the opportunity to vis...
The Diverse Forms of Lamp offerings
Prior to the prevalent use of electricity, lamp offerings were all in the forms of candles and oil lamps. Once electric lamps were invented, they soon replaced the traditional candle or oil-based...
The Design of Lamp Offerings at Dharma Drum Mountain
Upon entering the Grand Buddha Hall at Dharma Drum Mountain World Center for Buddhist Education at Jinshan District in Taiwan, the visitors won't find traditional red or golden lamp offerings...
Similarities and Differences in Light Offering in Different Countries
Since the spread of Buddhism beyond India, different forms of light offerings have developed in response to local customs in different regions, along with the related rituals and festivals. Let us ...
Perspectives on Lamp Lighting Across Different Cultures
The radiance emitted by lamps is adored by people worldwide. Consequently, numerous religions or cultures around the world host lamp festivals. Examples include the eight-day celebration of Hanukka...
Commonly Asked Questions on Light Offering
Q: Why do Buddhists offer lights during the Lunar New Year? A: Offering lights to Buddha at the beginning of a year is intended as a form of praying to Buddhas and Bodhisattvas for safet...
Buddhist Scripture of Filial Piety: Ksitigarbha Sutra
In Chinese folk religion, the seventh lunar month is known as the Ghost Month. During this period, people customarily prepare various kinds of food and drink as offerings for wandering ghosts, in t...
A Basic Introduction to the Ksitigarbha Sutra
Regarded as the "Buddhist scripture of filial piety," the Ksitigarbha Sutra is the Dharma talk that the Buddha imparted to his mother in the Trayastriṃsa Heaven to repay her kindness befo...
The Foundation of Attaining Buddhahood — Altruism
On the path to Buddhahood, who would you choose to liberate first: yourself, or others? Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva was faced with such a choice between the two when, in a past life, he was the king...
Practicing Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva's Method
In addition to reciting the Ksitigarbha Sutra and participating in Dharma assemblies, what else can we do to practice Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva's method? The Buddha has taught us many easily acce...
Common Questions on the Practice of Ksitigarbha Sutra
The Ksitigarbha Sutra is popular among the general public, yet so are the widespread myths about the methods of practice stated in the sutra. For instance, there is the common misconception that on...
Making a Will in Advance and Facing Death Head-On
Ordinary people are afraid of death. However, Buddhism teaches people to face life and death directly, contemplate impermanence at all times, be prepared for death at all times, and mos...
The Buddha's demonstration of his final journey
In fact, over 2,500 years ago, the Buddha provided his followers with a model example of how to "prepare for the end of life" before he entered nirvana. These related teachings were com...
The Buddha Teaches You to Say Goodbye Properly
When his own father was on the deathbed, and his chief disciple passed away, what kind of teachings did the Buddha give to the assembly? And what kind of example did he set? When facing with the so...
Contemplating death with a remembrance of impermanence
Reflecting on death is not meant to fill us with fear or scare us. The practice of contemplating death and accepting death as part of life can help us reconsider the priorities in our lif...
Remaining Steadfast in the Face of Aging, Illness and Death
In the sutras, the Buddha reminds us that the length of a person's life is actually the interval between an exhalation and inhalation, and death follows us like our shadow. We should constantly...
Deliverance Service Benefits Both the Living and the Deceased
Every July of the lunar calendar, Chinese people will hold various deliverance services to release the dead from suffering. Most people believe that without performing the deliverance ritual, they ...
The Seventh Lunar Month Dharma Assemblies (I): The Ullambana Assembly – Repay Our Parents' Kindness with Merit Transfer
In Chinese Buddhism, the "Ullambana Festival (Yulanpen Festival)" is a Buddhist Dharma assembly which is based on the "Buddha Speaks the Ullambana Sutra". It is held on the 15th...
Dharma Assemblies in Lunar July (II): Yogacara Ulka-mukha Dharma Service to Save Hungry Ghosts from Suffering
The Yogacara Ulka-mukha Dharma Service, or the ritual for the release of flaming mouths, is designed for giving food to beings in the hungry ghost realm in order to relieve their pain and distress ...
Dharma Assemblies in Lunar July (III): Practicing Repentance at Emperor Liang’s Repentance Eliminates Delusion, Karma, and Suffering
The main purpose of Emperor Liang's Repentance Dharma assembly is to universally deliver sentient beings in the Six Destinies. By worshipping the Buddha, chanting scriptures, and practicing rep...
Q1: Where will our relatives go after death? If they are already reborn, would our prayers for the deceased help them?
A: Yes, prayers for the deceased can help to increase their karmic blessings, in addition to improving their circumstances. In Buddhism, sentient beings are classified under six major categories: n...
Q2: Is it necessary to participate in Dharma assemblies if they are not performed for the deliverance of a deceased relative?
A: According to the Parinirvana Sutra, compassion takes three forms: compassion based on awareness of the suffering of sentient beings; that which is based on awareness of the true nature of phenom...
Q3: Why does Buddhism maintain that care and concern for the deceased can be conveyed through Dharma assemblies?
A: In Buddhism, the highest blessing for the deceased is helping them hear the Buddhadharma and resolve their afflictions, thereby leaving suffering behind by moving on to a better rebirth. Buddhis...
Q4: If we are unable to attend a Dharma assembly at a temple or monastery, can we, alternatively, perform the deliverance ritual at home for our deceased relatives or friends?
A: Since a deliverance service requires a monastic presiding over the ritual, by conducting it at home we can at most chant sutras, recite the Buddha's name, perform repentance prostration for ...
Q5: How do we go about dedicating the merit? Can our deceased relatives actually receive the merit that is being dedicated?
A: Normally, monastics will lead participants to chant the Verse of Merit Transfer during a merit transfer ritual at a Dharma assembly. This is done in order to dedicate the merit of chanting the s...
Vows: the Blueprint for Happiness
Making a vow—a commitment to life Making a vow allows us to reposition our life; thus, to fulfill the vow is to fulfill the commitment to our life's goal. We may inevitably encounter s...
Q1: In order to make vows, do we need to follow any sequential steps?
Q&A on making vows What is the difference between Buddhists making vows and ordinary people making wishes? Do you have to fulfill your vows? Is there a certain ritual for making a vow? In orde...
Q2: What are the differences between ordinary people making a wish and Buddhists making a vow?
Ordinary people make wishes both for themselves and others. Some make a wish to gain something, whereas others make wishes without asking for anything in return. The wishes that ordinary people mak...
Q3: What are the Ways to Make a Vow?
Vows can be made anytime, anywhere, as long as a kind thought arises in our mind, and there is no need to follow certain rituals or steps. However the vow will not last long if it is just the resul...
Q4: Is it necessary to fulfill a vow after making it?
Yes. Making a vow must include the process of fulfilling it. Master Sheng Yen pointed out that the purpose of life is to make vows and fulfill them. Within this lifetime, we fulfill what we made in...
Q5: Is making vows the same as taking oaths?
No, they are different. "Taking oaths" and "making vows" have similarities, but they also have differences. What makes them similar is that both of them represent a kind of comm...
Q6: How to avoid making empty vows?
From childhood to adulthood, we often make wishes: "I hope that in the future…", "I want to…", "If I could…, I am willing to…"; however, ma...
Sleep is for Rest and Practice
Eating and sleeping are natural, but do we know how to sleep properly? A good night's sleep is like a lesson for relaxing our body and mind, Only when our mind is relaxed will our body feel r...
Nothing to worry about, learn from Buddha's good sleep
How can I sleep "just right" without snoozing or overworking? In the Buddhist scriptures, the Buddha once explained the influence and retribution of "excessive and insufficient"...
Practicing Sleeping Meditation to Have a Good Night's Sleep
At the end of a busy day, sleep is key to your body's recovery and tissue repair. When you get enough sleep, you'll feel refreshed; conversely, when you lack sleep, you'll have po...
Q&As About Getting a Good Night’s Sleep
You have tried various methods such as bathing, aromatherapy, massage, drinking a cup of hot milk… but you still can't sleep well or sufficiently. What can you do? Let the Dharma masters...
Taking illness as teacher and learning to live well with illness
Text: 許翠谷 (Tsui-Ku Hsu) Everyone has had the experience of being sick. Most people think that being sick is a highly unpleasant experience. However, some people take illness as a teacher...
Buddha’s Teachings on Suffering from Illness
The three phenomena of old age, sickness, and death are the causes and conditions for the Buddha to appear in the world to preach the Dharma. For monastic and lay disciples who are in pain, the...
Practicing the Dharma While Ill
■ Editorial team Being diagnosed with a disease, patients need to receive treatment and may have to enter and leave the hospital multiple times. How do patients live peacefully with t...
Q1: Why am I getting this illness?
■ Editorial team A: Have you ever wondered why it's not someone else? When people get sick, especially young people, they often wonder, "Why me? I'm still young.&quo...
Q2: I've been in and out of the hospital so many times. When will I recover?
■ Editorial team A: Many patients with chronic illnesses need to repeatedly go to hospital for regular follow-up checks, return clinic visits, and treatment. This is often the case ...
Q3: Why do some infants get sick immediately after birth? How does Buddhism view this?
■ Editorial team A: Talking about the law of cause and effect or karmic obstacles often makes people feel somewhat negative. The monastics at Dharma Drum Mountain visit hospitals, and...
Q4: What can be done if someone is sick in bed for a very long time and feels hopeless about life?
■ Editorial team A: Even when we are lying in bed at hospital and receiving care from medical professionals and family members, we can still help others. How can we help? By reciting ...
Q5: I have recited the Buddha's name, practiced generosity, and performed good deeds, so why do I still get sick?
■ Editorial team A: Practice and illness are separate and unrelated to each other. Everyone can get sick. As long as we have a physical body, we will experience aging, sickne...
Q6: When a family member of mine is suffering from an illness, what can I do to alleviate his fear and pain?
■ Editorial team A: Empathy and attentive listening are crucial. You can focus on the message of his words and listen attentively to what he wants to express and what he needs. You sh...
Q7: If the body is in unbearable pain, isn't reciting Buddha's name an additional burden?
■ Editorial team A: When the body is in pain, it is even more necessary to recite the Buddha's name as a way to shift our attention. When we recite the Buddha's name, our mind...
Q8: My health is deteriorating, and I feel like there is not much time left for me. How should I prepare myself for death?
■ Editorial team A: Even though there is not much time left for you, you can still bring peace both to yourself and others using simple methods. How can we make the most of the rest o...
Observing the Precepts Allows One to Feel at Ease
The scientific study of habits has recently become a prominent study area, as good habits can make a significant difference in one's life. The Buddha had already established the precepts, which...
To Observe Precepts, One Needs to Have the Right View and Follow the Middle Path
Receiving and observing the precepts is also about cultivating good habits. In terms of self-cultivation, these are referred to as the familiarization of wholesome habits and involve consistently d...
Using the Psychology of Habit to Create the Right Conditions for Keeping the Precepts
In recent years, the scientific study of habits has become a prominent study area. After long-term follow-up observations, experts have found that self-disciplined individuals develop good habits b...
Keeping Precepts, a Life Experiment
The book "Atomic Habits" by James Clear, emphasizes that tiny changes can bring about great accomplishments, while small changes will generate a compound "snowball" effect, ther...
Q1：I love and enjoy freedom. So what if I lose my freedom after receiving the precepts?
The Observance of Precepts Q&A If upholding the precepts can make one a better person, then what are most people afraid of in this regard? Are they afraid of losing their freedom...
Q2: Why are we afraid of taking the precepts when we clearly know that it is good for us? How do we overcome this uncertainty?
Some people worry that, after taking the precepts, breaking them will lead to karmic retribution. In fact, regardless of whether we receive the precepts or not, the law of causality is still presen...
Q3：Is there any room for flexibility in upholding the precepts? If so, how do we maintain this flexibility without losing the spirit of the precepts?
The Buddha formulated each precept based on its respective causes and conditions. However, he always remained flexible and was willing to make changes and modifications when any problems arose in u...
Q4: Is it enough to just do good deeds regularly, or is it necessary to also observe the precepts? How should the precepts be broadly applied in our daily lives?
Doing good deeds regularly may help us cultivate karmic blessings. However, if we fail to observe the five precepts and create negative karma instead, we will very likely not qualify for a human re...
Q5: How do we encourage our family and friends to observe the precepts? What if they cannot take the whole precepts all at once?
When I was a social worker, I used to pay care visits to the old communities in the Wanhua district. Many of our clients there had been used to living in cluttered environments since their childhoo...
Q1: Why is Guanyin known as “Guan-shi-yin” in Chinese Buddhism?
Bodhisattva Guanyin is one of the bodhisattvas who are most familiar to Buddhists. In one of the most popular and well-known Buddhist sutras, The Lotus Sutra's Universal Gate Chapter on Bodhisa...
Q2: From which kinds of suffering does Bodhisattva Guanyin liberate us?
A: The Lotus Sutra's Universal Gate Chapter on Bodhisattva Guanyin outlines seven different kinds of disasters through which the bodhisattva practices "liberating the suffering of sentient...
Q3: How does Bodhisattva Guanyin hear sentient beings’ cries for help?
A: In the Universal Gate Chapter, the Buddha introduced the greatest characteristic of Guanyin (Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, in Sanskrit)—liberating sentient beings' suffering by respondin...
Q4: How does Bodhisattva Guanyin rescue sentient beings?
Having traveled and educated sentient beings in the ten directions while possessing different kinds of supernormal powers and skillful means, Bodhisattva Guanyin (Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, in San...
Q5: How do sentient beings resonate with Bodhisattva Guanyin?
A: The Universal Gate Chapter emphasizes that even if all people, whether virtuous or not, have committed the Five Deadly Sins and the Ten Evil Deeds, as long as they have faith in Bodhisattva Guan...
Q6：Why does Bodhisattva Guanyin often manifest into a female form, if he has a myriad amount of manifestations?
A：In the Universal Gate Chapter, Bodhisattva Guanyin (Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, in Sanskrit) transformed into different manifestations in accordance with different causes and conditions. Bodhisa...
Q7: Is it especially efficacious to pray and ask Bodhisattva Guanyin for a child?
A：In the Universal Gate Chapter, Bodhisattva Guanyin not only rescues the sentient beings from the Seven Disasters and the Three Poisons, but also fulfills the wishes of parents wishing to have ch...
Q8：Why didn’t Bodhisattva Guanyin accept Bodhisattva Inexhaustible Intent’s offerings?
A：Bodhisattva Inexhaustible Intent (Bodhisattva Aksayamati, in Sanskrit) praised Bodhisattva Guanyin's (Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, in Sanskrit) myriad merits at the Dharma Flower Assembly, as...
Q9：What is the meaning of the term "Universal Gate" from the Lotus Sutra's Universal Gate Chapter on Bodhisattva Guanyin?
"Universal," in the context of the chapter's title means "widespread and prevalent," whereas "Gate" indicates that the door is "unobstructed, embracing, ...
Q1: Does taking refuge in Buddhism automatically render me a monastic?
To formally become a Buddhist, we must first take refuge in the Three Jewels—the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. The Buddha Jewel refers to those who have achieved ultimate and perfect ...
Q2: Why do we receive a Dharma name after the refuge-taking ceremony?
After the refuge-taking ceremony, the refuge master gives you a refuge name as your Dharma name. But strictly speaking, this Dharma name has no legal effect, and you don't actually use it in ...
Q3: Why do we take the Three Refuges?
Taking refuge prompts us to learn the Dharma and emulate the Buddha, thereby developing and uplifting ourselves, as well as strengthening our character by engaging in practice. Eventually, ...
Q4: Who can take refuge in the Three Jewels?
Regardless of whether one is a human being, celestial being, god, ghost, or animal, all can take refuge in the Three Jewels. Buddhism welcomes all those who are resolved to take refuge in the Tripl...
Q5: Will those who have not formally taken refuge in the Three Jewels have any merits when chanting Buddhist scriptures or the Buddha’s name?
According to the Buddhist scriptures, by reciting the Diamond Sutra, one will have inconceivable merits; all the Buddhas from the ten directions will protect and bless those who recite the Amitabha...
Q6: After taking refuge in Buddhism, is it necessary to set up a Buddhist hall or a Buddha statue at home?
Not necessarily. But it would be ideal if there is a space in your home where you can chant Buddhist scriptures, recite the Buddha's name, and meditate with a peaceful mind. Setting up ...
Q7: How does taking refuge in the Three Jewels affect our daily lives?
Even though a Buddhist practitioner has taken refuge in the Three Jewels, he or she is still a lay person. As a lay person, one should follow the norms of life for the laity. In addition, one sho...
Q8: Does one have to take refuge in the Three Jewels in order to formally become a Buddhist?
Taking refuge is just like registering as an official student of Buddhism, which means that you are ready to formally become a Buddhist, rather than merely auditing a Buddhist program without obt...
Q9: How many times can a Buddhist take refuge?
Many Buddhists like to draw close to Buddhist masters, and thus form close Dharma affinities with several of them. Therefore, they have taken refuge in the Three Jewels more than once. According ...
Modern People’s Mental Issues - Too many wandering thoughts
Facing the complexity of life and interpersonal relationships, it is indeed difficult for us to keep our mind unmoved. With the fast spread of technologies in modern times coupled with rapid, const...
Modern People’s Mental Issues - Chronic Depression
Nowadays, people are troubled by numerous vexations in their daily life. Even though they may not have symptoms of depression, they are often prone to worry and fear. Why are people nowadays so unh...
Modern People’s Mental Issues - Intense Anger
Anger is one of the three poisons of Buddhism. Modern people are easily prone to anger, thereby causing many serious social and family problems. Why do people get angry so easily? What are the conc...
The Key to Training the Mind—A focused mind through upholding a dharani/mantra
In addition, we can achieve the purpose of settling our body and mind and cultivating concentration by upholding a dharani or mantra. As Master Sheng Yen pointed out in the Introduction to Buddhism...
The Key to Training the Mind—Single-minded, undisturbed concentration through Buddha-name recitation
All Buddhist methods of practice are meant to help us attain ultimate freedom and liberation. We can recite Buddha's name when we have mental afflictions, or when we experience distress and dif...
The Key to Training the Mind—Chan Practice
Training the mind cannot be achieved overnight; it takes daily practice. When hit by any unexpected situation, our many years of practice will then come into play and help us deal with it without p...
Buddhist Methods for Training the Mind - The Seven Stages to Regulate the Mind
Buddhist practice is about training our mind. Whether it is counting the breath, prostrating to the Buddha, sitting in meditation, reciting the Buddha's name, reciting dharanis/mantras, or reci...
Modern People’s Mental Issues - Materialistic Obsession
In the modern world, material desires dominate people's lives, and numerous problems in society are chiefly rooted in desire. Why do people harbor feelings of greed? Furthermore, why do modern ...
Physical and mental relaxation strategies
Whether it is the actual external pressure or the imagined internal stress that causes the body to tense up, learning to relax can restore the body to balance after suffering from stress. Modern me...
Relaxation for Recovery of Body-mind Balance
Distress deforms the cells in our body Although an appropriate amount of stress and pressure may help enhance our life functions and improve our work efficiency, long-term nervous tension can le...
Q&A about Relaxing the Body and Mind - Question 5: How is relaxation different from letting go and spacing out?
A: Relaxation is the foundation for letting go; only by letting go can you truly relax. Ordinary people are accustomed to dividing the phenomena they see into "mine", "yours"...
Q&A about Relaxing the Body and Mind - Question 4: I know I want to relax, but I just can't make it. What should I do?
A: There are two relaxation techniques. One is to use the "contrast method": stretch out your hand to make a fist to exert force, and then let go of the force. Be aware of the difference ...
Q&A about Relaxing the Body and Mind - Question 3: Does relaxation mean thinking and doing nothing?
A: There are many levels of relaxation. The superficial relaxation is the relaxation of the body, whereas deep relaxation is the relaxation of the mind. The body does not become tense by itself; ra...
Q&A about Relaxing the Body and Mind - Question 2: Why is it easy to become drowsy when relaxing?
A: We usually rely on our willpower to do things, and our body and mind are tense for a long time. Therefore, when most people practice relaxation, their mind would no longer control the body, and ...
Q&A about Relaxing the Body and Mind - Question 1: How do we know that the body is tight and needs to be relaxed?
Everyone wants to "relax", but just can't make it. What went wrong? What really needs to be relaxed? Is it the body, or is it the mind? Venerable Guo Xing, the Abbot of Chan Meditatio...
Relaxation and Ease of Mind
Are you relaxed enough? In this stressful age, most people are eager to try various ways to achieve relaxation. In fact, "relaxation" has certainly become a popular pursuit. But, what doe...
Reminders for Sutra Copying
Copying sutra is like returning once again to the place where Gautama Buddha expounded the Dharma and listening to his teachings. Therefore, when copying sutras, we should sit up straight to handwr...
A Guide to Hand Copying Sutras
As with the other Buddhist practice methods, copying sutras has a methodical step-by-step approach. It is a quiet exercise which calms the body and mind provided that the proper guidelines and meth...
The Exceptional Merits of Transcribing Sutras
Transcribing sutras not only helps in their circulation and in the propagation of Buddhism as a whole. When undertaken with sincerity and devotion, it is akin to propagating the Buddhist teachings ...
Transcribing Buddhist Scripture as a Method of Practice for the Benefit of Self and Others
In ancient times, transcribing Buddhist scripture was mostly intended to promote and propagate Buddhist teachings. As shown in many sutras, transcribing sutras is a praiseworthy and meritorious act...
Sutra transcription: A practice that enhances our health
As Ven. Hsin Pei of Fo Gunag Shan pointed out in his book "Transcribing the Sutra with Joy", modern people often lack mindfulness of their body and mind, and tend to constantly seek outwa...
Transcribing Sutras
Sutra transcribing is not simply a matter of writing characters; it's also a method to calm the body and mind. Transcribing Buddhist sutras in particular can help us cultivate our concentration...
Perceiving the five aggregates (skandhas) as empty in nature and the method of perfect penetration through the ear faculty
The Heart Sutra and its teaching of perceiving the five aggregates (skandhas) as empty in nature The Heart Sutra begins by stating that "Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, when practicing in the d...
Reading Scriptures: Universal Gate Chapter and Heart Sutra
Universal Gate Chapter The Universal Gate Chapter is the twenty-fifth chapter of the Lotus Sutra, in which Buddha Shakyamuni expounds the origin of the name of Guanyin Bodhisattva and how Guanyi...
Repentance: Great Compassion Repentance and performing Guanyin repentance method
Great Compassion Repentance Both the Great Compassion Mantra and the Great Compassion Repentance have their origins in the Great Compassion Dharani Sutra (大悲心陀羅尼經). The Great Compassion R...
Recitation of Dharanis and Mantras: Six-syllable Mantra, White-robed Guanyin Mantra, Ten-Phrase Avalokitesvara Sutra for Prolonging Life, Great Compassion Dharani, and Dharani of Eleven-Faced Avalokitesvara
There are many dharanis and mantras associated with Guanyin Bodhisattva (Avalokitesvara). In the Chinese-speaking world, the most popular and best known of these must be the Great Compassion Dharan...
Upholding the Buddha's name: "Namo Guan Shi Yin Pusa"
When Buddhists experience fear, they always chant scriptures or the Buddha's name. Even in the face of critical situations, they subconsciously recite the sacred name of Guanyin Bodhisattva, li...
Get to Know the Buddhist Holy Lands: Vaishali and Nalanda
7. Announcement of Parinirvana in Vaishali Vaishali (meaning "vastness"), built by the Licchavi clan, was a great power in northern India in the 6th century BCE. The Buddha used ...
Get to Know the Buddhist Holy Lands: Rajgir and Sravasti
5. Teaching the Dharma in Rajgir to deliver sentient beings Rajgir was a significant city of the Magadha kingdom during the time of Shakyamuni Buddha. King Bimbisāra offered the Kalandaka ...
Get to Know the Buddhist Holy Lands: Sarnath and Kushinagar
3. First turning of the Dharma wheel in Sarnath After attaining enlightenment, Gautam Buddha decided to teach the Dharma to deliver all sentient beings. Thus, he went from Bodhgaya to the Deer P...
Get to Know the Buddhist Holy Lands: Lumbini and Bodhgaya
How many Buddhist sacred places are there in India, Nepal, China, Tibet, Japan, Indonesia and other countries? Let's take a virtual pilgrimage tour and get to know the holy lands of Buddhism.&n...
Pilgrimage: Following the Footsteps of the Awakened Ones - the Origin of the Holy Sites and the Transformation of the Forms of Pilgrimage
As long as there is a place where Dharma is spread, there are holy sites. Regardless of changes in space and time, believers continue to make pilgrimages to sacred places. Do you know how the holy ...
Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites to Recollect the Saints
"Thus have I heard, at one time the Buddha dwelt at Sravasti, in the Jeta Grove..." "Thus have I heard, at one time the Buddha was at Girdhakuta Hill in Rajgir……" ...
Questions and Answers about the Amitabha Sutra - Q6: Is the "Amitabha Sutra" a sutra chanted exclusively for the deceased?
A: As mentioned in the sutra, if one can have deep faith, make vows, and recite the name of Buddha Amitabha wholeheartedly without distractions, one will be reborn in the Pure Land at the end of on...
Questions and Answers about the Amitabha Sutra - Q5: Why is "Amitofuo" considered a phrase for blessing?
A: Buddha Amitabha (Amitofuo, in Chinese), also known as Amitāyus or Amitābha in Sanskrit, means infinite life or infinite light. Hence, Buddhists often use "Amitofuo" as a greeting, wish...
Questions and Answers about the Amitabha Sutra - Q4: Why is it possible to be reborn in the Pure Land by reciting a single Buddha's name?
A: The Amitabha Sutra clearly states that upholding and reciting the Buddha's name is the most clear, direct and easy method to be reborn in the Pure Land. In addition, the eighteenth vow of Am...
Questions and Answers about the Amitabha Sutra - Q3: Why are the teachings expounded by the Lord Buddha in the Amitabha Sutra difficult to believe?
A: The Buddha has stated several times that the teachings he gave in the Amitabha Sutra are difficult to believe, and it is even more difficult to expound this sutra in the world of five defilement...
Questions and Answers about the Amitabha Sutra - Q2: Why is Amitabha Buddha’s land called "World of Ultimate Bliss"?
A: The Western Pure Land (Sukhavati in Sanskrit) literally means "land of bliss", in recognition of the fact that the World of Ultimate Bliss is the land of bliss of Amitabha Buddha-- fre...
Questions and Answers about the Amitabha Sutra - Q1: Why did the Buddha expound the Amitabha Sutra without being asked?
A: The Amitabha Sutra is a dharma that the Lord Buddha took the initiative to expound to his wisest disciple Sariputra at Jetavana Park in the city of Shravasti. It's very rare for the Buddha t...
Practice Method of Amitabha Buddha
The Amitabha Sutra is an extremely important Buddhist scripture in Pure Land Buddhism. How do we practice the Amitabha Sutra in order to unite with the original intention of Amitabha Buddha? In the...
The Amitabha Sutra (the Shorter Sukhavativyuha Sutra)
The Amitabha Sutra (or Shorter Sukhavativyuha Sutra) is the most popular sutra of Mahayana Buddhism expounding the Western Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha, because it is easy to understand its content...
The Regular Daily Practice of Venerable Master Sheng Yen
Venerable Master Sheng Yen mentioned in his autobiography "The Journey Home" that when he became a novice at the age of thirteen at Guangjiao Monastery in the Wolf Hills in Nantong, ...
Morning and Evening Recitation Helps Mental and Physical Adjustment
Morning and evening recitation helps monastic practitioners regulate and tame their minds, in the sense that it serves as a regular reminder to avoid laziness, practice diligently to accumulate spi...
Innovations in Morning and Evening Services in Modern Day Monasteries
In Buddhist monasteries, morning and evening services traditionally last one to two hours. As monastic lifestyles change in today's world, the content and length of morning and evening services...
Morning and Evening Chanting as a Regular Monastic Practice
As the morning bell tolls at dawn and signals a new day for monastic life, resident monastics file into the main Buddha hall, ready to begin their morning chanting. Echoes of Buddhist chanting in t...
How to Practice the Medicine Buddha’s Dharma Method
The Medicine Buddha, acclaimed as the "Great Medicine King Buddha", administers medicine according to sentient beings' ailments. Not only does he treat sentient beings' physical i...
Medicine Buddha’s Twelve Great Vows As an Example of Buddhism Practice
The Twelve Great Vows of the Medicine Buddha were compassionate aspirations the Buddha made in his causal stage of bodhisattva path practice. In witnessing and sympathizing with the afflictions suf...
Major Theme: Attaining Peace and Ease in the Present Life
The Sutra on the Original Vows and Merits of the Medicine Master Tathagata of Lapis Lazuli Crystal Radiance-- also known as the Sutra of the Medicine Master (Sutra of Medicine Buddha)-- begins by p...
Q&A about Mantra Recitation: Q5: Can a wish be fulfilled by reciting a mantra?
A5: Reciting mantras can make people's wishes come true, but this is not the initial intention of reciting mantras for Buddhists. When practicing generosity, we must have the right mindset that...
Q&A about Mantra Recitation: Q4: How can reciting mantras eliminate karmic obstacles and prevent disasters?
A4: Some people believe that reciting mantras to eliminate disasters is contrary to Buddhist concept of cause and effect. In fact, when we recite the mantra, we keep our minds pure and focused, whi...
Q&A about Mantra Recitation: Q3: Is the chanting of a mantra effective only when we know its meaning?
A3: No. When reciting a mantra, what matters the most is our state of mind. In his book "Master Sheng Yen on Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara's Methods", Master Sheng Yen took the Great Com...
Q&A about Mantra Recitation: Q2: Will mispronunciation of the mantras impact its meritorious effect?
A2: Mispronunciations when reciting the mantra will not affect its merits, as sincerity and faith in mantra recitation are more important than accuracy in pronunciation. Mantras were originally rec...
Q&A about Mantra Recitation: Q1: What is the difference between chanting the Buddha’s name and reciting the mantra?
Mantra recitation is one of the methods of Buddhist practices. Also known as the "secret words", mantras are often shrouded in mystery, and are therefore easily misunderstood. Former Abbo...
The Methods of Reciting Mantras
When beginning to learn how to chant mantras, it's not hard at all learn to recite them provided we start by learning their structure, rules, and some keywords. Mantras, also known as sacred...
How to Choose Which Mantra to Recite?
Different mantras have different merits and virtues. Buddhist beginners can choose those mantras for which they have affinity to recite. For instance, many Pure Land Buddhism practitioners recite t...
Understanding the Structure of Dharanis
Basic Format and Key Words According to Tony Kuang-Ming Lin, a dharani scholar who wrote "Get to Know Dharanis" and the digital newsletter All about Dharanis, the content of a dha...
Dharani Recitation Practice: Learning the Spiritual Codes of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas
Reciting the dharani, along with reciting the Buddha's name, is a most commonly seen Buddhist practice method for beginners. So, where did Buddhist dharanis originate? What is the significance ...
Q6: Why is It Necessary to Repent (Kṣama, in Sanskrit) before Receiving the Buddhist Precepts?
Before taking the Buddhist precepts-- be they the Three Refuges, the Five, Eight and Ten Precepts, or even the Complete Precepts and Bodhisattva Precepts--it is necessary for us to go through the...
Q5. What preparations should we make before taking part in repentance ceremonies?
Master Zhiyi of the Tiantai School of Chinese Buddhism mentioned, in the Manual of the Lotus Samadhi Repentance Ritual, that prior preliminary practices are necessary to cultivating any Dharma ga...
Q4: What is the difference between repenting alone in front of a Buddha statue and participating in a repentance-prostration Dharma assembly?
When Master Sheng Yen underwent solitary retreat in Meinong, Kaohsiung, he performed the Great Compassion Repentance Ceremony by himself. In his book, Master Sheng Yen's Teaching on Guanyin Bod...
Q3: Can Doing Repentance Prostrations Really Eliminate Karmic Obstructions?
Many people think that participating in the Great Compassion Repentance and the Emperor Liang Repentance service or admitting one's wrongdoings in mind is enough to purify negative karma. In fa...
Q2: Is Repentance Equal to Regret?
Repentance and regret are not the same. Regret means suppressing upset feelings rather than facing them or dealing with them. When accumulated over time, these negative emotions are like the dirt a...
Q1: What is the difference between repentance prostration rituals and regular Dharma assemblies?
Q&A Regarding the Practice of Repentance Prostration Can practicing repentance prostration really eradicate one's karmic hindrances? What is the difference between repenting and feeling ...
Repentance Prostration: A Millenia-Old Method of Practice
"I wholeheartedly pay homage to Shakyamuni Buddha. I wholeheartedly pay homage to the World Honored One Amitabha Buddha of the Western World of the Ultimate Bliss…" Through these...
Fifth Impediment: Meditation Makes Me Very Irritable, and Unable to Settle Down
First of all, we need to clarify that it is not "meditation" that makes you irritable. Instead, meditation helps you identify the causes of irritability. Feeling irritable and unable t...
Fourth Impediment: Inability to Stop Unending Delusional Thoughts
After grasping the fundamentals of meditation, we may notice and wonder, "Why are there so many scattered thoughts?" whenever we sit down to practice. Many beginners will have the misperc...
Third Impediment: Inability to Relax the Chronically Tense Body
How do we practice relaxing ourselves? First of all, we can pay more attention to our bodily sensations, making ourselves become more aware of them. We can also observe the effects of our behavior,...
Second Impediment: Why do I feel drowsiness and leg pain when practicing in the Meditation Hall, even though everything feels fine during my meditation routine at home?
Drowsiness is most obvious phenomena arising in practitioners during Chan retreats, as participants usually feel fatigue on the first few days of retreats. Once their physical and mental fatigue is...
First Impediment: How to deal with leg pains, soreness, aches, itchiness, and numbness while meditating?
Drowsiness, wandering thoughts, controlled breathing, sore legs and overall body tension…these are the most common problems that beginners frequently encounter while meditating, leading them...
Practice Chan Without Vexations
As Master Sheng Yen said, sitting meditation has three functions: to harmonize body and mind, attain mental stability, and develop wisdom and compassion. Beginner Chan practitioners usually experie...
Practice Method of Prostrating to the Buddha
Prostrating to the Buddha is the way for Buddhists to express respect and gratitude to the Three Jewels of Buddhism: the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha. In addition to praying for the avoidance ...
Prostrating to the Buddha and the Four Foundations of Mindfulness
When prostrating to the Buddha, how do we utilize the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (satipaṭṭhāna)-- the method of mindful contemplation of our body, feelings, mind, and dharmas-- to practice obs...
Prostrating to the Buddha to Train the Body and Cultivate the Mind
Prostrating to the Buddha is a fundamental requirement to practice Buddhism. Similar to the trend of vegetarianism, more and more people are taking up prostration practice purely for health reasons...
Common Qs and As on the Practice of Prostrating to the Buddha - 5. Can prostrating to the Buddha eliminate karmic obstacles?
Many people have encountered numerous physical and psychological obstacles in the process of studying Buddhism. For example, when meditating, their minds always wander; or, when listening to the su...
Common Qs and As on the Practice of Prostrating to the Buddha - 4. Are the objects to which Buddhists prostrate only limited to Buddha statues?
No. The objects to which Buddhists prostrate include the Three Jewels of Buddhism: the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha. The first jewel is the Buddha. The Buddha statue represents the pr...
Common Qs and As on the Practice of Prostrating to the Buddha - 3. When is the appropriate time to make prostrations to the Buddha? How many prostrations should one perform?
Generally speaking, there are no special restrictions on the appropriate time and the number of prostrations. Practitioners can set up a daily routine for their prostration practice, either through...
Common Qs and As on the Practice of Prostrating to the Buddha - 2. If we do not have a Buddhist altar or a Buddha statue at home, then towards which direction should we prostrate?
Buddhist altars and Buddha statues are useful aids for our practice. If we have no Buddha statues to which to prostrate, we can use Sutras or Dharma quotes instead. This is because they are wisdom ...
Common Qs and As on the Practice of Prostrating to the Buddha - 1. Buddhism does not advocate for idolatry, so why would people still make Buddha statues and even prostrate to them?
Prostrating to the Buddha is the first step for every Buddhist who is embarking on Buddhist practice. However, do the Buddha and Bodhisattvas really require us to prostrate? When should we prostrat...
Common Buddhist Etiquette
Most of the gestures that Buddhists use to express sincere reverence come from the "nine forms of showing respect in India". They are: speaking softly to inquire about another's well-...
Prostration: Paying Homage to the Buddha
Prostrating to the Buddha is an important Buddhist practice, but what is its actual purpose? And, does the act of prostration really bring about protection and blessings? The purpose of prostrat...
Q7: When ill, is it more effective to recite the name of Medicine Buddha or Guanyin Bodhisattva?
A: When sick, it is only natural for many Buddhists to want to rely on the mercy and the power of the Medicine Buddha (Bhaiṣajyaguru-vaiḍūryaprabhārāja) and Guanyin Bodhisattva (Avalokiteśvara) by ...
Q6: Is it proper to recite the Buddha chant while having a shower or using the toilet?
Yes, it is alright. Reciting the Buddha's name is a method of Buddhist practice, so as long as time and space permits, we can certainly use this method for our practice, at any time and place. ...
Q5: What is the difference between reciting the Buddha’s name and chanting a dharani?
Both Buddha-name recitation and dharani chanting are methods of practice used to help us cultivate concentration. Chanting a dharani is equally meritorious to reciting a Buddha's name, without ...
Q4: Are prayer beads or counters necessary when reciting the Buddha's name?
A: Prayer beads or a counter are highly recommended for beginners who have yet to develop their habit of reciting the Buddha's name. Firstly, they conveniently keep tabs on an individual's ...
Q3: Is reciting the Buddha's name a practice exclusively for the sick and the elderly?
A: Many people constantly think that practicing Buddhism or reciting the Buddha's name is a practice intended only for the sick and the elderly. They assume that because they are old, sick, or ...
Q2 : To perform Buddha-name recitation, should we limit ourselves to only reciting Amitabha Buddha"? Or would reciting several Buddhas’ names afford additional blessings and protection?
Reciting any Buddha's name not only refers to reciting the name of Amitabha Buddha, but actually encompasses all buddhas and bodhisattvas. The method of Buddha-name recitation originated fro...
Q1: Why do Buddhists always greet each other with “Buddha Amitabha (Amituofo, in Chinese)”?
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions on Buddha Name Recitation Those who are new to Buddhism may have many questions, yet do not know to whom or where to turn for answers. The following compilati...
Let's Recite the Buddha's Name
For many people, "Amitofuo (Amitabha Buddha)" is a Buddhist chant they had heard even before they were familiar with Buddhism. However, "reciting the Buddha's name" is still...
Sutras Mahayana
The Heart Sutra 1. The Causes and Conditions of Expounding the Teachings The Heart Sutra, which expounds the concept of emptiness in Mahayana Buddhism, is the most condensed and widely-ci...
Methods of Reading the Sutras
Preparation for Sutra Reading 1. Mindset Why do we read sutras? The main purpose of reading sutras is not to acquire Buddhist knowledge or for academic purposes. Rather, we take the sutra as a ...
Characteristics of Buddhist Sutras: Their Fundamental Structure
When we want to read a Buddhist sutra, as long as we grasp its basic structure, know its basic elements, and have a basic understanding of its characteristics, we should be able to realize its main...
How Were Buddhist Sutras Formed?
Buddhist sutras contain the Dharma as taught by the Buddha. Have you ever wondered how they were formed? Which sutra is the earliest? Before the introduction of paper, what were the sutras written ...
Receive and Uphold the Buddha’s Teaching by Reading Sutras
Buddhist sutras are the Buddha's teachings as compiled by his disciples. More than 2500 years ago, the Buddha preached the Dharma mostly in the areas along the Ganges River. By answering people...
Obstacle 6: The Conceit That Happy People Do Not Need the Buddha’s Teaching
Some people believe: “since I am living a happy and comfortable life, why learn Buddhism”? Actually, for many people, this is exactly the obstacle to engaging in Buddhist practice. &...
Obstacle 5: Doubt About the Benefits of Learning Buddhism
Some people might ask, “What are the benefits of learning Buddhism, and why do I need to practice Buddhism?” Most people want to find out why something is good, in what way it is benefi...
Obstacle 4: I'm Not Cut Out for Learning Buddhism
“Buddhist scriptures seem so abstruse, with so many baffling terminologies; perhaps I am just not cut out for learning Buddhism”. Many people presume that they are not intelligent enoug...
Obstacle 3: Doubts About Keeping the Precepts
Many people hesitate about learning Buddhism because they think that, after taking the three refuges, they also need to observe numerous precepts afterwards. However, the Buddha did not formulate t...
Obstacle 2: A Lax Attitude Stemming from the Belief in not Forcing Unripened Causes and Conditions
Buddhists often talk about “causes and conditions”, but what does this concept truly mean? One might find Buddhadharma to have struck a chord in one’s heart, yet still hesitate to...
Obstacle 1: Kindness in Mind is Sufficient
"Buddhism only advocates doing good deeds" is the stereotype held by many people, so it is their belief that as long as they have kindness in their mind, make frequent donations to charit...
Learning Buddhism with Delight, Without Lingering Doubts
Some may aspire to learn Buddhism, but then hesitate to take the leap of faith due to their psychological obstacles. So, why do we need to learn Buddhism, and how does it make our lives different? ...
Characteristics of a True Buddhist Lay Practitioner
Q: What are upasakas and upasikas? Upasakas and upasikas refer to the male and female lay Buddhist devotees which, together, constitute the two groups of lay Buddhists. Upasaka is a Sanskrit tra...
Cultivation for Lay Buddhist Practitioners
As lay practitioners, how do we go about engaging in Buddhist practices? In modern society, we never seem to have enough time, so how do we better manage our time to engage in practice? Throu...
Dharma Instruments Used in Meditation Retreats
Speaking is prohibited throughout the entire course of meditation. In addition, Dharma instruments are used to signal the timetable, instructions and change of activities. When explaining the rules...
A Guide to Meditation Practice
How do we arrange a meditation practice activity suitable for ourselves? The DDM Meditation Center has designed a series of meditation practice activities, ranging from a few hours to several days ...
What are the Regulations in the Meditation Hall?
Reasons Behind the Rules in the Meditation Hall: While attending a seven-day Chan retreat in the meditation hall, we are expected to lead a vastly different lifestyle. What regulations are to be f...
Five Basic Trainings for Meditation Practice
Regulating our Diet, Sleep, Body, Breath, and Mind Before starting our meditation practice, we first need to adjust and relax our body, to make sure our mind is sufficiently calm before adopting...
Q&A for Meditation Beginners
What are the rules to follow when practicing in the meditation hall? Should we keep silent all the time? Is it difficult to adapt to communal practice? Ven. Chang Cheng, experienced in guiding Chan...
The Buddha’s Statue
Where is the Buddha? Buddhists often say that the Buddha is in our mind, and the Buddha is everywhere. If this is the case, then why should there be images or statues of the Buddha fo...
Buddhist Mala
The Buddhist Mala is one of the most common tools for Buddhist practice. It is used for counting the times of Buddha’s name recitation or mantra chanting. According to Supplement to the Biogr...
Incense and Incense Burner
“Burning incense” is considered an extraordinary and sacred offering made to the Buddha. Making this offering represents one of the rituals to show the reverence and devotion of the Bud...
Lit Lamp
A lit candle or lamp is one of the six common offerings people make to the Buddha, besides water, perfume, flowers, food, and burning incense. These six common material offerings symbolize the Six ...
Buddhist Sutras and Scriptures
Many Buddhists recite the Heart Sutra, the Great Compassion Dharani, and the 'Chapter on the Universal Gate of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva' in the Lotus Sutra, when they encounter difficulti...
Dharma Quote
How much power can a single word have? How can a few simple words move one's heart and give people unwavering courage? We often hear the word "motto". When we were young, our...
Dharma Assembly Attendee Etiquette
Those who are new to learning the Dharma are encouraged to attend group practice in temples, to ensure that they are practicing in the right direction, using the right methods. Learning with other ...
The Contents of Dharma Services
Understanding the contents of a Dharma service and its meaning helps practitioners concentrate on the practice when attending the assembly. Contemporary Dharma services focus on reciting sutras and...
What Should We Bring to a Dharma Assembly?
To attend a Dharma assembly, we need to bring a Buddhist cassock, a tumbler, reusable foodware, and some personal belongings (wallet, train ticket, keys, clothes for warmth, etc.). Yet, remember th...
Attending Dharma Assemblies: Prepare Well, Avoid Hasty Effort
Does attending Dharma assemblies alone qualify as engaged practice? If we don't practice regularly before attending a Dharma assembly, we may find sutra chanting boring because we don't und...
A Brief Introduction to the Development of the Dharma Assembly
The Dharma assembly refers to the various kinds of gathering events, which can include Dharma talks, offerings to the Buddha, offerings to monastics, and providing alms. The primary essence of the ...
Ten Most Commonly Seen Dharma Assemblies in Chinese Buddhism
The following sections describe the origins and main features of the ten most attended Dharma assemblies in Chinese Buddhism. Guanyin Dharma Assembly In devotion to Guanyin Bodhisattv...
Into the Venue of a Dharma Assembly
As the Buddha's statue1 symbolizes the Buddha's presence in a Dharma assembly, we pay our respect to the Buddha by bowing to the statue or join our palms with the upper body bending when ...
The Arising of Conditioned Appearance from the True Mind (I)
by Venerable Guo Xing This is the first in a series of articles taken from Dharma talks given by Ven. Guo Xing at the Shurangama Sutra Retreat in August 2012. The talks focus on the first ...
Pilgrimage
To go on a pilgrimage is to visit, and pay homage to, sacred sites or holy relics of Buddhas or Bodhisattvas. This practice method takes after ancient masters' journeys to seek Dharma or worshi...
Enjoy One Step at a Time
Living in today's fast-paced society, we hurry to work or to meetings every day. We are always on the move to arrive somewhere. Though our legs are moving, we are not aware of it; we do not foc...
Being Mindful of Where We Are: The Practice of Walking Meditation in Daily Life
When using the method of walking meditation, we neither intentionally speed up nor slow down. Instead, we walk at the same speed as we normally would, while trying to be aware of the movements with...
Slow Walking Meditation
Practitioners normally perform walking meditation between sitting sessions during a retreat, in limited-sized spaces. Alternating practicing sitting and walking meditation helps us harmonize the bo...
Fast Walking Meditation
Fast walking meditation, also known as pao-xiang (跑香) in Chinese, is a practice method unique to the Chinese Chan tradition, which is not taught in other traditions such as Theravada, Tibetan and...
Buddhist Circumambulation (Walking Meditation and Buddha Name Recitation)
Circumambulation, originating in early Buddhism, was the ritual of circling around the Buddha to express respect. After Buddhism was introduced to China, Buddhists continued the tradition of circum...
Practice Walking Meditation to Experience Chan in Motion
Can walking be a method of Buddhist practice? When one thinks of Buddhist practice, what often comes to mind is either sitting meditation or reciting the Buddha's name. In fact, Buddhist practi...
What Introductory Practices are Available for Working People?
It is better to conduct regular practices with fixed contents and duration. If we are too busy to set specific practice periods we can conduct our practice based on a fixed number of times, such as...
Carry out Daily Dharma Practice However Busy We Are
Living in modern society, we have been so busy paddling in the whirl and turmoil of busy daily life that over time we hardly notice our deeply ingrained self-centeredness. When we don't reach a...
Start Your Buddhist Cultivation with Regular Practice
To do regular practice is to set aside a fixed period each day to do the same practice, such as reciting a sutra, sitting in meditation, and prostrating to the Buddha. Regular practice help...
{Dharma Talk} Discover the True Mind
by Abbot Venerable Guo Xing From a talk given at the Chan Meditation Center on Februrary 13, 2011. Translated by Echo Bonner, transcribed by Lingyun Wang and edited by Buffe Maggie Laffey. ...
{Dharma Talk} How to Overcome Difficulties in Meditation
by Žarko Andričević Žarko Andričević is a martial arts and yoga teacher since the 1970s, Zarko first encountered Buddhism in 1975. Ten years later he started the first Buddhist study and m...
Chan and Modern Life
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The Effects of Chan Meditation - Introduction
From the book: The Effect of Chan Meditation Chan is a school of Buddhist meditation that is found throughout East Asia. It is known as Zen in Japan, Thien in Vietnam, and Son in Korea. Its dist...
The Wealth of Chan Meditation
From the book: The Effects of Chan Meditation Modern science has solved many problems encountered in the natural environment, as well as those found in physiology and psychology. Yet despite the...
In the Spirit of Chan
From the book: In the Spirit of Chan Perhaps some of you have heard the sayings "Chan is not established on words and language" and "Chan is a transmission outside conventi...
The Origin of Chan
From the book: In the Spirit of Chan What is the source of Chan? According to the Chan lore, the monk Bodhidharma brought Chan from India to China in about 500 C.E., more than a thousand years a...
Chan: The Gateless Gate
From the book: In the Spirit of Chan Chan is often referred to as the gateless gate. The "gate" is both a method of practice and a path to liberation; this gate is "gateless,"...
Abiding Nowhere, Give Rise to the Mind
There are two lines from the Diamond Sutra on the wall at Nung Chan Monastery: "Abiding nowhere, give rise to mind." "Abiding nowhere" refers to the mind without...
Greedy, anger, and arrogance
Greedy people are usually unaware of their own greed. The same is true of people filled with anger, arrogance and pride. But sooner or later, practitioners will recognize that they...
Depend on yourself to open up your own road
Life is much the same as making and projecting a movie. Film moves at about ten images per second. When the movie is completed, it can be projected at the same speed that it was taken...