<![CDATA[Bodhi Light International - Q&A]]>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:39:43 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[Crossed Leg up]]>Wed, 19 Oct 2016 15:42:20 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/qa/crossed-leg-upQuestion:
 
Ven. Master,

I have been practicing Chan by following the instructions in your Chan Handbook.

I use the full lotus position but my knee does not lie flat on the floor. I could force it by tightening my back and legs but would experience pain and couldn't sit as long as before as a result.

Please advise.
​
TL
​Answer:

It is not bad that you could force it like that. If you wish you should keep it up and your leg(s) will fall flat even faster and touch the floor. The more pain or discomfort you are willing to endure, the quicker your leg muscles and tendons will loosen and relax.
​
On the other hand, the average practitioner does have another way to achieve the same result: just continue to sit. In time, your legs will naturally become more flexible as your Qi becomes stronger. Then the leg(s) will naturally drop and touch the floor. Don’t be bothered until then.
]]><![CDATA[Obtain rebirth through reciting Buddha name]]>Mon, 25 Apr 2016 22:49:02 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/qa/obtain-rebirth-through-reciting-buddha-name1Question:

Ven. Master: 

I find it hard to believe that by merely reciting the Buddha’s name, I could obtain rebirth to the Pure Land. My brother said that the Sutras were altered, and that videos about rebirth used professional actors.
​
TT
Answer:

I do not blame you for being skeptical. I would be too regarding the authenticity of your sources.

Personally, I believe it because my teacher, the late Great Master Xuan Hua said so. He would not lie to me nor has he ever lied to anyone about Buddhism.

Furthermore, I consult the original Buddhist Scriptures known as the Great Treasury Scriptures 大藏經.

They are recognized by all Buddhist experts as the indisputable teachings of the Buddha.
After you have planted more blessings with Mahayana, you too will believe.
]]><![CDATA[Stealing the 42 Hands and Eyes Dharma]]>Fri, 25 Mar 2016 17:44:15 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/qa/stealing-the-42-hands-and-eyes-dharmaQuestion:

​Ven. Masters,

I am still uninformed, if what I am about to ask you is inappropriate, please forgive me.

The scriptures say so and so do a lot of Dharma Masters: “All living beings are Buddhas [to be] because they inherently have Buddha seeds. Bodhisattvas do not discriminate. To encounter the sangha is like encountering the Buddhas.”
You Dharma Masters are lofty of nature and undertake teaching us to lead us to the Western Bliss Pure Land. Then why do you say that stealing the Dharma will make us fall to the hells?

Please kindly clarify this for me.

Thank you

TQ
Answer:

Please seek out a knowledgeable sangha member to clarify the rest of your assertions because that is the job of your teacher. We will restrict our answer to the matter of Dharma Theft.

That was what the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas taught us. We simply passed it on to you. For example, my late teacher, Great Master Xuan Hua, said that the 42 Hands & Eyes Dharma is a Secret School Dharma that requires transmission before it can be practiced. Unfortunately, on the internet there are a lot of materials on that Dharma albeit quite inaccurate or incomplete. Furthermore, there some monks, who for the sake of fame and profit, decided to transmit them although they are not authorized to do so. Such greedy teachers will certainly fall to the hells. And so will their greedy followers.

If I say the truth, you will get offended. If I fail to say it, you will blame me for being cowardly, lacking in kindness and compassion, or even being jealous of another’s success.

May I suggest that you ponder these questions? If you are so greedy how can you possibly successfully practice this great Dharma? If success is not assured, is it worth falling to the hells?

Furthermore, the Buddha said: “All of you should carefully reflect upon what you heard. If it does not make sense, even if it came from the Tathagata’s golden mouth, you should not believe it.” If your teacher regularly appeals to your greedy mind, should you continue to blindly follow him?
​
You do not have to believe me now. When you fall to the hells, at that very moment you will remember my words and will know that I did not pull your leg. Then the next time, you will be more receptive to the Proper Dharma.
]]><![CDATA[Periods]]>Wed, 02 Mar 2016 05:55:55 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/qa/april-14th-201614Question:

Ven. Master:

May I ask a rather delicate question that has been bothering me for quite a while? Please kindly clarify it for me. Emituofo.

Master, when a woman is having her period, is appropriate for her to go to the temple? Either way, what is she supposed to pay attention to? Thank you and wishing you much accomplishment
​
LX
Answer:

The older generation seems to discourage women from going to the temple when they have their period.

That is illogical because when the Buddha was in the world, he had a lot of female left home disciples and there seemed to be no restrictions on their activities when they had their periods. We have no such restrictions at our temple because that would hinder their cultivation.
​
I feel that the more opportunities you have to come to the temple, the better off you will be: There is no need for any such restriction.
]]><![CDATA[How to Receive Transmission of 42 Hands and Eyes]]>Mon, 07 Dec 2015 05:57:26 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/qa/april-14th-201613Question:

Dear Sangha,

I am writing from North Bay, California. I would like to ask if there are prerequisites for receiving teaching from your monastery on the 42 hands and eyes.

I am a lay Buddhist practicing from home.
​
I am very interested about the 42 hands and eyes dharma practice.

Thank you for your guidance.

Sincerely,

JC
Answer:

Thank you for your interest.

As you already know, the 42 Hands & Eyes are a secret Buddhist Dharma that requires transmission before it can be practiced. To practice this Dharma without the transmission from an authorized master would constitute Dharma theft which is a very serious offense. First of all, if one tried to practice this Dharma without authorized transmission, one would not be able to accomplish it. Also one would be prevented from ever receiving proper transmission in the future. More seriously, having committed Dharma theft, one would fall to the lower realms upon death.

Most of the available materials on the internet are inaccurate and incomplete and should be ignored. The only way to practice this Dharma is with the help of your Good Knowing Adviser.
​
We only transmit it to our Buddhist disciples (i.e. those who took refuge with our Master) who are selected to be Dharma Vessels by our Master, Ven. YongHua. In general, Dharma Vessels are people who are regulars to our Way place, have made significant contributions to Mahayana or wish to actively help propagate the Proper Dharma as transmitted to our Master by his teacher, Great Master XuanHua.
]]><![CDATA[Developing Mind of Compassion]]>Thu, 19 Nov 2015 06:00:10 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/qa/april-14th-201612Question:

Venerable Master,

Please teach me how to develop the mind of Great Compassion when I practice. I don’t understand Great Compassion and would appreciate some instructions.
​
NTBL
Answer:

When you practice the various Guan Yin Dharmas such as the Great Compassion Mantra, the 42 Hands & Eyes, reciting the Bodhisattva’s name or the Universal Door Chapter (of the Lotus Sutra), and bowing the Great Compassion Repentance etc… your mind of Great Compassion will naturally develop.
​
Should you wish to make it happen faster, find a Good Knowing Adviser at a Mahayana temple. If he has achieved Great Compassion, he can better explain it to you and help you unfold it quickly.
]]><![CDATA[Uncertain about Future]]>Mon, 19 Oct 2015 05:01:38 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/qa/april-14th-201611Question:

Dear Dharma Masters,
​
I have recently finished a PhD in engineering and have been involved in a startup company to commercialize my research. Unfortunately, this is a medical product and requires animal testing to get approved. ​I will not be directly involved in these experiments but the thought of it still causes me stress. Right now, we are still in the early stages and have not started any animal work yet.
In addition, I don’t think I want to follow this path. I am more interested in Buddhism and would like to volunteer and eventually leave the home-life in a monastery. However, my main obstacle is my worry for my mother, particularly who will take care of her. My father passed away years ago and my siblings right now are not financially stable and my mother makes minimum wage. I feel as if she had pegged the hopes of the family on me.

What do you suggest I do? Should I drop everything and follow my heart? Or should I continue down my current path and hope conditions improve?

Amituofo and thanks for your time,
​
MT
Answer:

Good indeed! Good indeed!

You have very lofty aspirations for a person of your background and achievements. The Buddhists believe that when one’s son leaves the home life, nine generations ascend to the heavens. Better yet, I feel that it is far more important to help generate blessings to help them escape the Reincarnation Wheel by cultivating the Proper Dharma.

It is hard to provide good suggestions without more detail. However, we would like to point out a few major concerns for your consideration:

First, it is very important to take care of your mother. It is very hard to cultivate when in the back of your mind, you are still worried about her and feel guilty that you did not try to help when you could. Perhaps one compromise is to work and save enough to take care of her financial needs. For example, a financial planner could help you figure out how much of an annuity you could set up to take care of her. It is just like the Sixth Patriarch: he took care of his mother before he set out on his spiritual journey.

Equally important is to plan carefully for your spiritual journey. The ultimate goal of leaving the home life is to attain liberation so that you can then learn how to save your parents, family and all living beings. Just like earning your doctorate, you also need to choose a competent teacher and temple to maximize your chance of success. I was very lucky that I encountered Great Master Xuan Hua when I left the home life. Even more important was his guidance in cultivation: I would not trade it for anything else in the world. I later realized that I became his disciple and trained under him only because I had already planted countless blessings with his Dharma throughout many lifetimes. In brief, select a Dharma Master with a proven success rate and intensively plant your blessings with him so that you have enough blessings to accomplish his Dharma.

Finally, one excellent way to discharge your filial piety to your mother is to send her to the Pure Land where she will never know suffering ever again and where she will become a Buddha in one lifetime. You can find more information on the American approach to the Pure Land Dharma in our publication, “The Pure Land Handbook: A Mahayana Approach to Birth and Death”.

If you wish we will be glad to discuss with you in person after your plans become clearer.
​
Best wishes.

]]><![CDATA[Resolving Wife and Mother Enmity Part III]]>Thu, 10 Sep 2015 05:06:09 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/qa/april-14th-201610Question:

Dear Master,

Amituofo. Thank you for the advice.

Previously I went to CTTB (once to attend GuanYin dharma session) and once a year I will also go to the Guan Yin Sagely temple in Kuala Lumpur (DRBA branch).What type of help should I ask ?
​
In CTTB, there is a plague offering to remove past creditor debt and Karma. Will that help ? How should I do it ?

Please kindly advice.

Thanks

Amituofo

Koon

Peace in Dharma
Answer:

Dear Very Afflicted:

I am sorry that the conflict between your wife and mom makes you so afflicted. You should have ask for advice from the Sanghans at the temple you frequent. Since you have been patiently seeking advice from us, allow me to offer a few more insights:

1. It is true the conflict arise from past enmity between the two of them. Therefore, you are correct in assuming that settling the past debt will resolve the problem.

2. The better approach is to get the permanent Medicine Master Buddha Plaque for your mother which will eventually resolve the problem. There’s more explanation on the Medicine Master Buddha Dharma that can be found on our website: 
​
http://bli2pl.ntcomp.com/www/media/publications/Medicine_Master_Sutra_SYH.pdf

3. Depending on the skills of the temple where the plaque is requested. Your mother’s well-being will be proportionally addressed. And yes, the plaque at CTTB ranks amongst the better ones.
If there’s anything else, we can do for you. Please feel free to contact us.

Best Wishes,

Emituofo,
​
Master YongHua
]]><![CDATA[Resolving Wife and Mother Enmity Part II]]>Mon, 10 Aug 2015 05:08:44 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/qa/april-14th-20167Question:

Dear Master YongHua,

Thank you for spending the effort in explaining to me.

Firstly I am not imposing my belief on my loves one. They are Buddhist originally. Especially my mother but with a lot of superstitious add in.

Yes, I am trying to dedicate my daily practise to her such that she can be reborn in pureland. But is difficult for her to change her bad habits. Currently she is doing her morning pureland prayer and recite the Ksitigarbha sutra.
As for my wife, she is also a very devote Buddhist, now practising shurangama. But somehow the enmity she and mother have is so deep. She hate my mother so much.

I wonder why must we wait until the person dies, then we can change that person ?

Is like the story of Bright Eyes or the Brahman Girl in Ksitigarbha Sutra who only able to save her mother when her mother drop into  the three evil paths.

There is no method of dharma I can use to make the situation better ?

Must I wait until my mother die, or my wife die, then I can do something ?

These must be all the ignorance of human realm.

Also, this must be my karmic obstacles in this life.

If master has any other advice for me, do kindly tell me.

Thank you.
​
Namo Amituofo.
Answer:

We are sorry about your family situation.

Perhaps you should understand that  is their mutual karmic retribution, not to mention yours as well.

At times, one must realize that there is only so much one can do, it does not hurt to go to a competent temple to ask for help to alleviate the karmic retributions of all the people involved.

Emituofo,
​
SYH
]]><![CDATA[Modern Zen Different from Ancient Zen]]>Sun, 19 Jul 2015 05:10:37 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/qa/april-14th-20169Question:

Dear Master YongHua

I would like to ask you about modern day Zen

I have been practicing for quite some time and I have a little Experience. ​There’s seems to be quite a gap between modern day Zen and ancient Chan. What is generally be transmitted.

Thanks you

Stan Baker
​
SB
Answer:
​
As far as I can tell, there is absolutely no gap in the transmission of Chan or Mahayana Buddhism.
​
The gap is in in the students’ capacity to absorb the teaching. In that sense, it is true that the great teachers do not reveal themselves anymore because there are not enough qualified students (those who can absorb the teachings or can practice the Mahayana secret practices).
]]><![CDATA[Chan for Excessive Thinkers]]>Thu, 16 Jul 2015 05:12:34 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/qa/april-14th-20168Question:

Ven. Master,
​
I was reading your commentaries on The Bequeathed Teachings Sutra, where you wrote that “Professors and lawyers are such examples. Their profession requires them to engage in excessive mental processing. Therefore, their system is out of whack: the yin and yang are out of balance.”
I believe I know what you were talking about, as I’m an assistant professor in a research university. I have the tendency to overthink and to be lost in thoughts, which gives me a lot of stress.

May I ask for your suggestions on what I could do to counteract the negative effects of excessive mental processing?

Thank you very much.

Bows in Respect,
​
MH
Answer:

The best way is to learn to meditate. Go to a Chan temple to learn and obtain guidance from competent teachers.

Meditate at least for one hour each day. It is very helpful for you to meditate in the morning before going to work. It will energize you for the day.

At work, if you find yourself mentally exhausted then cross your legs until you recover: to continue spinning your brain would be rather unproductive. As you develop real Chan skills you will automatically meditate for 5-10 minutes at periodic intervals in the office to keep your head clear and your productivity high.
​
In short, keep up with your Chan practice with the unrelenting goal of improving your mediation skills so as to maintain your mental health and productivity.
]]><![CDATA[How to Encounter Proper Dharma Again]]>Wed, 01 Jul 2015 05:13:56 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/qa/april-14th-20166Question:

Ven. Master:

The fact that I have encountered your Dharma and Great Master Xuan Hua’s is probably from prior conditions, is that correct? If I fail to get reborn to the Western Bliss Pure Land this lifetime, how do I make sure that I will be able to encounter again the Buddhadharma?

Please compassionately clarify the above for me.
​
MTV
Answer:

That is correct. You must have had a lot of blessings with the Proper Dharma and must have made a vow to practice it again.

Now that you have been exposed to Mahayana Pure Land, you should give your all to attain rebirth to the Western Bliss Pure Land this very life time. You should extensively seek and draw near a Good Knowing Adviser to look for ways to maximize your chances of rebirth. The fact that you are still here probably means that you did not practice the proper Pure Land methodology. Please remember that you must pass many sincerity tests before you are taught.
​
Just in case you fail again this time, plant a lot of blessings: that is, widely practice giving, vigorously practice, and make vows. In brief, accrue a lot of blessings with Mahayana. The more blessings you have, the more you can benefit.
]]><![CDATA[Cloud Temple]]>Sat, 27 Jun 2015 05:15:06 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/qa/april-14th-20165Question:

Ven. Master,

I have admired your teaching for quite a while and hope that someday I will have the opportunity to practice under your guidance. I feel very close to you. There is a feeling of familiarity with your teaching which makes me feel very happy and optimistic about life.
​
In Vietnam, my friends and I follow the Buddha Recitation method that contemplates a red dot on the top of Amitabha Buddha’s crown. This is under the guidance of a monk over the internet. That is why we call it a cloud temple.
We all read the articles on the web site which includes experiences from our co-cultivators. I often feel at a loss and submitted a lot of question but it seems that conditions are still not ripe yet as he has yet to give answers… May I ask for your opinion? I hope that you will compassionately answer me.
​
  1. My teacher says that the full lotus posture is not good for our legs. Therefore, he suggested that we use the posture while lying down only. It seems to make sense because my experience has been that my leg became weaker and bow a little more because of that posture. However, I find that lying down makes me drowsy and seems to be encouraging self-indulging in comfort.
  2. Your Chan Handbook does not teach how to end Chan sessions.
  3. … I asked you earlier about becoming a doctor. You encouraged me to become one even though there are undesirable consequences for pursuing the ideal of healing others. How do I become a good doctor?
  4. When I recite the Buddha’s name while contemplating the red dot and following a melody, is it OK?
I do not cultivate that vigorously and make a lot of mistakes. My study load is quite heavy and causes me a lot of stress. Hopefully your answers will provide me more encouragement to be more vigorous in my cultivation. I hope to be able to come to your temple to cultivate in the future when conditions ripen. ..

Emituofo!
​
NVV
Answer:
 
I do not normally comment on other teachers’ teaching or technique in order to avoid being perceived as jealous, insecure or envious.

In this case, however, I will make an exception in order to clarify some important cultivation aspects. Furthermore, since this cloud teacher is anonymous, it cannot be construed as a personal criticism or attack.
  1. Your teacher is incorrect. He does not give you the proper technique for practicing the full lotus posture. Just follow the instructions in our Chan Handbook and you can’t go wrong. As you have found out for yourself, lying down is for sleeping, not for practicing. I would dump all of this teacher’s instructions in the trash can because his techniques are wrong.
  2. There is no need to end a Chan session. Other teachers make a big deal out of ending a meditation session properly because they tend to emphasize redundant and useless techniques.
  3. You become a better professional by adhering to the Five Precepts.
  4. No, it is not desirable to use melodies as part of your practice. Again, ditch all the techniques associated with this cloud teacher.
Good teachers are trained by great teachers. Their teachers tend to be patriarchs or students of patriarchs. If you cannot find teachers such as these, then stick to Great Master Xuan Hua’s teachings. You simply cannot go wrong.

One simple technique that you can use to help increase your stamina and reduce stress is to gradually learn to build your Chan skills using the full lotus technique outlined in our Chan Handbook. Simply train yourself to sit in full lotus in 2 minutes increments until you break through the first pain barrier. This will give you added stamina, faith and confidence.

I am very conservative in my spiritual practice. I only learn from the patriarchs’ teachings and stick to the Mahayana methods of cultivation.
]]><![CDATA[How to avoid demonic states]]>Sun, 21 Jun 2015 05:17:10 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/qa/april-14th-20164Question:

Ven. Master,

How can we avoid entering demonic states?
​
SQU
Answer:

When you practice the Proper Dharma, there is no need to fear.
​
Entering demonic states arises from a multitude of causes and conditions. Your Good Knowing Adviser can help avert these issues or resolve them.
]]><![CDATA[Which Sutra to Recite for Illness]]>Sun, 14 Jun 2015 05:18:37 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/qa/april-14th-20163Question:

Ven. Master,

I used to have a growth around my ear. I went to a temple and a monk recited a sutra to help me. Could you tell me which sutra it was?

MH
Answer:

I am afraid I cannot help you.
​
Do you still feel welcomed at that temple that aided you? It does not hurt to go back to express your gratitude and ask.
]]><![CDATA[Seeking Children]]>Thu, 11 Jun 2015 05:20:14 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/qa/april-14th-20162Question:

Emituofo,
​
I gave birth to a child who died after six months. This time, I got pregnant and lost the fetus after seven weeks.
​
I still have ceremonies to help the first child but do nothing for the second fetus.
​
When I hold ceremonies for them, how should I call them? What sutras should I recite on their behalf?

Also, which sutra should I recite in order to have babies and get along with my spouse?

Emituofo,
​
G
Answer:

Just address them as your babies.

Recite the Buddha’s name and the Buddha Speaks of Amitabha Sutra for your babies. It will help them attain liberation. Better yet, you should go to a competent temple to request rebirth plaques for them to aid them because they will greatly appreciate your help.

Each day, recite the (Lotus Sutra’s) Universal Door Chapter to pray for children.
​
Learn the Buddhist teachings in order to become a better wife. Start with Great Master Xuan Hua’s teachings; you cannot go wrong.
]]><![CDATA[Renouncing Deviant Sex Precept]]>Sun, 07 Jun 2015 05:21:34 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/qa/april-14th-20161Ven. Master,

I am a Buddhist disciple who also received the Five Precepts. Unfortunately, I have not been able to keep the Non-deviant Sex precept. ​
​
I simply cannot control my urges and frequently have sexual relations with others. Both sides seek sexual gratification, not love. I am still single. ​
At numerous times, I knelt in front of the Buddhas to repent and promised to no longer violate the Non-deviant Sex Precept but I would only break my resolve later. I am very ashamed of myself and realize that my offenses are quite serious.

I was not taught about the Five Precepts properly that is why I received all five Precepts. I never realized that I would have such a hard time keeping the Deviant Sex Precept.

Can I renounce this Sex Precept? Is there a proper procedure for it? I wish to renounce the precept in order to avoid creating offenses against the nature in the event that I cannot resist my urges.

Emituofo,
​
DC
Answer:

Your predicament is quite commonplace because of the lack of proper training from the religious teachers.

We typically do not give Precepts instructions on the internet but in the interest of helping honest people like yourself, we will tell you how to renounce the Non-deviant Sex Precept.

Just tell anyone who can understand you the following three times:
​
“I, (say your name), hereby renounce the Non-Deviant Sex Precept of the Buddha’s.”
]]><![CDATA[Inquiring About Shurangama Mantra]]>Fri, 05 Jun 2015 05:22:46 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/qa/april-14th-2016Question:

I received the Five precepts but often violated the Deviant Sex and Not Taking Intoxicants Precepts.am 24 years old. Initially, after a night of partying, it feels normal and satisfying.
​
However, after I learned about Buddhism I realized that I was creating offenses. Ever since then, every time I go out, I feel a little sad inside and also would feel guilty, especially whenever I look at the Buddha statues. 
Nevertheless, I never could consistently have real self-control.

Recently, I encounter the Shurangama Sutra and believed in the magical power of the Shurangama Mantra. Furthermore, when Great Master Xuan Hua explained the Mantra, he said that those who maintain it should avoid getting angry or must keep the precepts purely or else the Mantra would lose most of its effectiveness.

Ven. Master, I wish to maintain the Shurangama Mantra in order to overcome my desires, control my anger and maintain the pure precepts. I still am not vegetarian, is it Ok to maintain the Mantra?

Please kindly instruct me.

Emituofo,

TD
Answer:

The Hinayana Buddhists have a Dharma called the Contemplation of the Impure which is very effective at eliminating greed and desire. You do not need to be vegetarian, and can eat onion and garlic. Eventually, you will be able to maintain the Precepts and attain Arhatship.

Still, Mahayana has many more dharma doors to deal with greed and desire. In particular, the Shurangama Mantra is most effective at eliminating sexual desire. However, it is highly advisable to be vegetarian and avoid eating the five pungent plants in order to maximize its effectiveness. You may realize enlightenment with this dharma door.

You should maintain the Shurangama Mantra. In time, your desires will lessen and you will naturally be more inclined to maintain precepts, become vegetarian and with time, you will enjoy keeping the precepts.
​
The important thing is to find a competent good knowing adviser who can transmit to you. The Mahayana Dharmas which have stricter requirements, tend to produce more significant and desirable results.
]]><![CDATA[Inappropriate Question]]>Mon, 18 May 2015 05:31:26 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/qa/april-14th-201628Question:

Ven. Master,
​
[Very long question on ghost problems, illness, sleep issues etc…]
Answer:
​
We do not answer these types of questions.

The submitter lacks respect and sincerity.
​
If you are not respectful, few monks and nuns would talk to you. If you are insincere, the competent monks will not teach you.
]]><![CDATA[At the End of My Rope]]>Thu, 07 May 2015 05:32:44 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/qa/april-14th-201627Question:

Ven. Master,

I am 24 years old.
​
I am suffering from pain in half of my body, the left half. A few weeks ago, it hurt so much that I had to be hospitalized. ​
Tests were performed and the doctor said that it was because of excessive stress. I am not so sure that it is the case but I have been under tremendous stress for a long time.

[Stress from the family in Vietnam, studying hotel management]

[Stress from being a foreign student to Australia, studying nursing in order to more easily obtain residency]

[Stress from graduating from nursing school and having to work to repay relatives for college loans]

[Now sick and can no longer work. Miserable because incapable of taking of himself and paying back loans]

Even writing this email to you is very difficult because I cannot sit this long without experiencing severe pain.

I do not know what to do to quiet my mind. Please help me.
​
N.
Answer:

My sympathy for your suffering and difficulties.

Your mind is in confusion. You do not know which way to turn, which issue to resolve first.
Since you are at the end of your rope, you might as well let go and ask for help.
​
Why don’t you trust your mother’s advice? Ask Guan Yin Bodhisattva for assistance.  

​Continue to single-mindedly recite her name non-stop day and night. When your sincerity is pure then you will obtain a response.
]]><![CDATA[Resolving Wife and Mother Enmity Part I]]>Wed, 29 Apr 2015 05:34:13 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/qa/april-14th-201626Question:

Amituofo.

Dear Master YongHua,

I have great affinities to Master Hsuan Hua teaching whereby when I first started to read his book, I have never stop since then. ​
​
I am now a vegetarian, taken my 3 refuges and 5 precepts. I am reciting Shurangama mantra daily and GPM 108x daily.
​
I have read about how important it is to repay our parents debt and to show filial respect to our parents. I have thus fetch my mother to stay my family. With my intention of teaching dharma to my mother and taken her to take 3 refuges. 
Unfortunately she cannot get along well with my wife. My wife will always want to pick on her bad habits and scold her and cause difficulties to her. Of course my mum has some ignorances and bad habits.

I have tried in vain to mediate the situation. And my mum cried and will want to move away.
My question is how do I use any spiritual dharma to resolve the enmity between both of them?
And how do I change my wife’s bad temper and harsh speech (she likes to shout at the maid and sometimes at my mum)?

I have even tried to dedicate merit after my mantra chanting to resolve the enmity and hatred of my wife towards my mum.

I sincerely seek master’s advice and help to fulfil my wish of taking care of my mum.
​
Amituofo.

BE
Answer:

You committed two major mistakes:

1. Imposing your beliefs on your loved ones. Doing so against their will only result in discord.

2. Trying to change others. We can’t change others unless they are willing to change. Furthermore, it takes a skilled teacher to try help someone change. You are still at the student level, please concentrate on changing yourself first.

There is something called Buddhist humility. We work hard at changing ourselves first instead of trying to convert or save others.

You should consider other options such as separating them: placing your mother in another home. This is more agreeable: you can frequently visit her there. I would prefer this alternative first before bringing her home especially since you have not gained your wife’s consent.

To try to resolve their mutual enmity is quite difficult. I am afraid I cannot give you a good answer through this medium.

In brief, I applaud your good intentions. At this stage of your cultivation, you cannot meddle in others’ affairs yet. You may seek personal counsel from a wise teacher who can provide more clarifications on Master Hua’s teachings.
​
In my humble opinion, the best way for you to practice filial piety is to help your mother obtain rebirth to the Pure Land.
]]><![CDATA[Daily 30 minutes increments]]>Wed, 22 Apr 2015 05:35:18 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/qa/april-14th-201625Question:

Good day! To get to the point, I sat in full lotus for 30 minutes three days ago, then one hour the next day.

I was going for 1.5 hours the next day, yesterday, but in 20 or so minutes the knee pain became worse than it had ever been previously and I stopped by about 30 minutes. What should I do? Should I just keep forcing it and endure?
​
Best wishes, Paul
Answer:

Kudos to you for your toughness!

For the average person, we would recommend that they go for no more than one hour increment maximum per week. This way it will allow the body to recover and adjust to new heights. And it is very important to walk for at least half an hour a day. To go for long sits too fast could cause hyperextension of the knees.

Some types of pain are acceptable and should be endured, some are not.

Overall, do not try to force it. We all can only go as fast as our blessings enable us.

As you have discovered you ran into your own limitations and need guidance. If you wish, please give us a call so that we can get to know your personal situation. We will also be able to give you advice that is tailored to your needs. Our temple telephone number should be on our web site.
​
By the way, long sits in the tens of hours should be done under the supervision of a trained Chan Master.
]]><![CDATA[Opening Spiritual Eyes]]>Fri, 17 Apr 2015 05:36:11 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/qa/april-14th-201624Question:

Ah also, I’m very interested to know if there is a teacher at Lu Mountain Temple who has opened his (or her) spiritual eye. ​

I think I mentioned this in the long message I left. This is important to me because I hear it’s a very rare thing to actually achieve, so I’m interested in hearing about anyone’s personal experience on that topic.

Many thanks,
​
Paul
Answer:

Some of us have opened the spiritual eyes and then we have also shut them . It’s no big deal because it’s never an end goal. We practice to unfold our true wisdom, not for little skills like that.
​
If you are greedy for the insignificant, how can you ever get the “big prize”?
Question (follow up):

By my understanding, opening the third eye is no insignificant matter. I have heard from multiple sources that when it is opened, one no longer needs to charge up spiritual energy by focusing on the lower dan tien etc., because it is automatically charged by the third eye, a direct link into the universal energy.
​
No big deal, little skills, greedy, insignificant. That is not what I’m talking about. To open this third spiritual center, the upper dan tian, is to acquire the ability to live and breathe truth through direct perception of the energetic nature of things. Seeing auras, seeing the internal organs, seeing the link between man and universe clearly and undeniably. No more faith or belief is necessary, it is replaced with clear understanding.
Answer:

The opening of the upper dan tian is still very insignificant in regards to our Mahayana practice.
​
May I suggest that you check your sources more carefully before you believe such non-sense.
]]><![CDATA[I Have Had Abortions]]>Sat, 11 Apr 2015 05:37:17 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/qa/april-14th-201623Question:

Master YongHua:

I have had a few abortions in the past.

Now that I believe in Buddhism which advocates non-killing, I realize that such actions were unwise and cruel to say the least.

What can I do to make amends for my erroneous ways?
​
Anonymous
Answer:

Dear Anonymous:

Thank you for having the courage to ask this heartbreaking question.

Your predicament is shared by quite a few women of the world.

I empathize with the pain and anguish that you experienced. It is not uncommon that such decisions were made under desperate conditions.

Aborted children generally fall into the ghost realms. They are angry at their mothers while at the same time they cannot let go of their love for them. That is why they stay in close proximity and often cause problems for their mothers in the form of frequent headaches or disturbances during sleep or severe depression. This is what some of my disciples who have had abortions have reported to me.

I will give you the same advice that I gave them:

Please request rebirth plaques for your aborted children at a competent Mahayana Buddhist temple.

Our experience indicates that in time the aborted children will eventually have enough blessings to be liberated from their suffering and will be reborn to the Western Bliss Pure Land. Once there they will no longer suffer and they will be grateful to you. If they receive competent assistance, they will rapidly get relief for their misery and as a result, they will stop harassing you.

My best wishes!
​
Emituofo!
]]><![CDATA[Repenting for the Deviant Sex Precept]]>Sat, 04 Apr 2015 05:38:19 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/qa/april-14th-201622Question:

Ven. Master,

I am a Buddhist disciple. I received the Five Precepts a long time ago. Because I did not know how to follow the Precepts properly, I violated the Deviant Sex precept. ​

Since I realized my mistake, I felt very repentant and worried. Please compassionately rescue me. I am residing in Chicago and I would come to your temple to meet with you if you allow me. I am very grateful for your consideration.
​
BJ
Answer:

To be able to keep Precepts will generate countless blessings. However, if you violate the “unrepentable portions” then there will be very serious consequences. Furthermore, if you have violated the Deviant Sex precept then you most likely have violated the other Precepts as well.

You should bow to the Buddha 10,000 bows. Then you should contact the temple to make an appointment to see me.

We will help you conduct a repentance Dharma in order to eradicate the retributions, and purify the body and mind so that you can start anew. Then we will teach you how to keep Precepts in order to avoid similar failures in the future.
​
Emituofo!
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