<![CDATA[Bodhi Light International

<![CDATA[Bodhi Light International - Dharma Blog]]>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:39:55 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[On Mahayana Patriarchs]]>Fri, 01 Oct 2021 19:00:00 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/dharma-blog/on-mahayana-patriarchsMahayana Buddhism has a special class of teachers called Patriarchs. They have the following characteristics:

They are enlightened teachers. This means that they were certified as enlightened by an enlightened patriarch, unlike many of the teachers of our era who call themselves “enlightened” without having received this crucial certification. They may be able to fool ordinary people, but they cannot mislead the genuine Buddhist sages. Except for the real patriarchs, enlightened teachers would rarely admit that they are enlightened in private, let alone proclaim so in public.
Patriarchs are certified teachers, meaning that they were certified by another patriarch. As such, the first Mahayana Patriarch, Ven. Mahakashyapa, was certified by Shakyamuni Buddha. Ven. Mahakashyapa then designated Ven. Ananda as second Patriarch. And the Orthodox Buddhism lineage of patriarchs was thus passed on from generation to generation.
The Mahayana Patriarchs are responsible for propagating the Orthodox Buddhism (theory), or the so-called Proper Dharma. In other words, their teachings are consistent with the Buddha’s teachings. Therefore, students new to Buddhism are better off by starting to learn from the Patriarch’s teachings to obtain the proper reference points and build the proper foundation for their practice. Thus, one fundamental task for an Orthodox Buddhism Patriarch is to help interpret and explain the Buddha’s profound teachings which we’d otherwise be unable to fathom.
The last known Mahayana Patriarch (and the first American Patriarch) is Master XuanHua who founded the Dharma Realm Buddhist Association. Before he entered Nirvana, he designated the second Patriarch who still hasn’t revealed himself at the time of this writing (25 years after Master XuanHua’s death).

Mahayana Buddhism consists of both theory and practice. Consequently, the academics may understand the theory but do not understand the practice. Practice requires special training from certified teachers. Traditionally, the main lineage of Orthodox Buddhism (started by Shakyamuni Buddha) relies on Chan meditation as its main form of training of certified teachers.

Patriarchs have differing levels of enlightenment. While most of the Patriarchs are responsible for the continuance of Mahayana (propagation of the theory), the greater Patriarchs, like Master XuanHua, excel at teaching us how to become enlightened (practice vs. theory) because he left behind a lot of enlightened students in his wake.

]]><![CDATA[Engaging in Battles]]>Wed, 01 Sep 2021 19:00:00 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/dharma-blog/engaging-in-battlesThe ancients have the following rules regarding when to not to go into battle:

When the country is disharmonious, do not try to conquer new territories.
When the army is disharmonious, do not engage in battles.
When engaged in a battle and the army is disharmonious, do not advance the army.
When advancing the army while it is disharmonious, do not try win the battle at any cost.

The people must feel that their leaders engage in thorough planning, carefully evaluating all options and valuing the people’s lives for them to make sacrifices for the good of the country.

This applies to the country as well as the family at the micro level.

The key is to expand externally, the unit (whether it’s a country or a company or a family) must be in harmony. Harmony must be established first before important undertakings can begin.

]]><![CDATA[To Value Righteousness Over Money]]>Sun, 01 Aug 2021 19:00:00 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/dharma-blog/to-value-righteousness-over-moneyMr. Phạm Trọng Yêm was prime minister of the Song Dynasty and yet he was poor his entire life. He valued righteousness over money and loved to do charity work. He saved enough money from his salary to buy a plot of land to plant crops and used the proceeds to do charity work. Whoever needed help with funerals and marriages, could come to him for help.

His son was Thuần Nhân and was a spitting image of him. He was an official at a small province, saved enough to buy five barrels of grain to bring home to his father. On the way home, he met with his father’s old friend who fell on hard times and had three deaths in the family. So, he gave him the five barrels of grain to help. Furthermore, the father’s friend also had two daughters who could not get married because they lacked dowries. So, he gave them his boat as well.

So, the son came home empty handed. His father inquired about the trip.

The son said, “I met with your old friend who was in financial difficulties and also had three funerals in the household. So, I gave him the five barrels of grains which I fear still wasn’t enough.”

“Why didn’t you give them your boat?” asked his father.

“I did,” was the reply.

His father exclaimed, “Attaboy!”

These superior men’s story beautifully illustrates the Mahayana practice of giving: Give until it hurts. And then continue giving.

]]><![CDATA[Embracing Others]]>Fri, 02 Jul 2021 03:30:00 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/dharma-blog/embracing-othersThe thunder cannot be reduced in sound to harmonize with the sound of the bells. The light from the sun and moon cannot be bent to illuminate the small alley ways. The big river cannot narrow its width so as to make it easier for man to cross. The tall mountain cannot lower its peak in order to please the amateur mountain climber.

Similarly, the big charriot cannot shrink its wheel axle so that it can enter the narrow passageway. The superior cannot lower himself to make himself accepted by the lowly.

Therefore, ordinary people like us should not pass judgment on others, disapproving them because they are different and cannot fit in. Among them are misfits who are truly superior men who came to our world to make a difference.

]]><![CDATA[Guarding Against Illness]]>Wed, 02 Jun 2021 03:30:00 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/dharma-blog/guarding-against-illnessBian Que was a great physician during the Chun Qiu era of China. He came to visit the Qi齊 king. After looking at the king for a while, he told the king that he had a skin condition that should be treated quickly before it became worse.

The Qi king replied that he was disease free. So, BQ walked out. The Qi king laughed and said, “What a slick snake oil salesman! He was trying to cure a healthy person to make a name for himself.”

Ten days later, BQ came again and then said, “Your Highness has a liver problem. You’d better treat quickly.”

The King’s face turned very dissatisfied. So, BQ walked out.

Ten days later BQ came to see the Qi king. He took one look at the king and immediately walked out. The Qi king sent people to ask BQ about his sudden exit. HC said: “Skin conditioned can be cured by acupuncture, liver illness can be cured with herbs but once the illness gets to the bone marrow, it’s too late for treatment!”

Five days later, the Qi king did become ill and no doctor could save him. He died as a result.

Ordinary people tend to ignore their illness, maybe because ordinary doctors cannot see grave illnesses. BQ was a great doctor, that’s why he could recognize morrow illness. But he was not good enough to cure those types of illnesses.

Practicing Chan can help you address illnesses that are based on the bone marrow when your samadhi level is sufficiently high. In general, if you practice Chan every day, it is unlikely that illnesses can progress into the bone marrow.

]]><![CDATA[The End of a Country]]>Sat, 01 May 2021 19:00:00 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/dharma-blog/the-end-of-a-countryWhat are the signs that people in the past used to determine if a country was on the decline?

The country stored enough food and fortified the ramparts, neglecting to care for its citizens and felt confident that it was strong enough to fend off the enemies. Its king was not keen on working hard to maintain the independence of the country. The crown prince was weak and cowardly. The rich elite were extravagant in their expenditures and indulged in lust. The officials were arrogant, greedy and cruel. The government was heavily polarized, and no one would assume responsibility.

If that country is in between two stronger countries, it would not last ten years.

Such a country defeats itself and invites other countries to annex them.

]]><![CDATA[Kong Minh’s Advice to His Son]]>Thu, 01 Apr 2021 19:00:00 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/dharma-blog/kong-minhs-advice-to-his-sonThe Chinese man, who was the personification of intelligence, cleverness and loyalty, once wrote a letter of advice to his son.

“...The superior man must be still and pure in order to cultivate. He must know moderation to nurture virtue. If one is not calm and dispassionate then one cannot be clear-headed. Deep knowledge requires quietude, lack of rashness and no temper.

To study one must be still and pure. Talented people still need to study or else their talents are narrow in scope. Lacking stillness and purity then one cannot really study. Laziness and arrogance will preclude thorough knowledge. Viciousness and brute force prevent reforming one’s character.

Each year the body ages and becomes weaker and sick. To sigh and lament of missed opportunities would only be in vain...”

The Asian culture stresses cultivating one’s body and mind and nurturing one’s virtue. One must strive to develop talent and knowledge.

Buddhists are taught to cultivate morality, samadhi and wisdom which will help us realize our highest potential.

]]><![CDATA[You Already Know This]]>Mon, 01 Mar 2021 20:00:00 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/dharma-blog/you-already-know-thisInnocent and neither good nor evil, such is our nature when we are born into the world.

Liking good and disgusted with evil is because that’s what (most of us) we gravitate toward

Rejecting good and identifying with evil happens when we are influenced by bad habits, thus putting us on the road toward steady decline.

Turning from evil to good can happen through cultivation, thus helping improve ourselves steadily.

Regress or improvement, you yourself know it: you should never try to fool yourself. Apply yourself!

Above are some of the teachings that the Chinese sages used to teach their pupils. So many sages appeared in China, that is why their culture is very profound.

When you accomplish your cultivation, you’ll then realize that those teachings are nothing new to you after all.

]]><![CDATA[You Can Count on This Person]]>Mon, 01 Feb 2021 20:00:00 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/dharma-blog/you-can-count-on-this-personThis world has two kinds of difficulties: to be born to the heavens is hard but asking someone for help is even harder.

This world also has two kinds of bitterness: huang lian is bitter (the Chinese know that this plant is very very bitter) but being poor and destitute is far more bitter.

Mankind has two kinds of thinness: newly frozen water surface is thin (you get in big trouble if you step on it) but reliance on others is even thinner.

Mankind also has two kinds of dangers: the mountains and rivers are dangerous, but people’s hearts are even more dangerous.

To know what is difficult means that you are independent and do not seek help from others. To be able to bear bitterness is to be patient and therefore you will stay for the long haul. Knowing what is thin means that you are tolerant and therefore can work with small people. Being able to gauge danger, one is clever and can understand people.

Such a person is very competent and can get things done.

Most importantly, choose a virtuous person: he won’t cheat you!

]]><![CDATA[Dyeing Silk]]>Fri, 01 Jan 2021 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/dharma-blog/dyeing-silkThe Chinese philosopher Mo Zi 墨子, saw silk being dyed and had the following realization:

It turns green when a green dye is used, and yellow when a yellow dye is used. Silk takes on the color of the dye that is used. Dye it five times, it will change color five times: therefore, one must use the dye carefully.

Furthermore, people can have similar dyeing effect on each other. Get close to someone good and you’ll become a good person. Befriend a bad person and you’ll become a bad person. Fame or infamy largely depends on with whom you associate.

* * * * *

Mo Zi can only see at the friend level but cannot see it at the teacher’s level. In Buddhism, great success or great failure largely depends on the Good Knowing Adviser.

]]><![CDATA[On the Noble Position of an Official]]>Tue, 01 Dec 2020 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/dharma-blog/on-the-noble-position-of-an-officialA wise official of old said to a newly appointed official, “An official works for the citizens and it’s not the case that the citizens must serve the official. People pay taxes in order to pay for the official’s salary in order for the official to administer justice for the populace. Unfortunately, it is so sad to see that nowadays, the official collects his salary but is tardy at administering public work and in some cases even steals from the citizens.

Now that you are coming into this important official position, you should get up early in the morning and work into late at night to administer to your duties. You must diligently apply yourself to your civic duties, give out fair judgments on law suits, set fair and reasonable fees, treat the old and young equitably. Only then would you have justly earned your salary.”

*****

This applies to public servants at all levels, including politicians.

One can employ rhetoric as one pleases. The bottom line is that great officials will bring prosperity and security to the nation. Lousy ones will hurt the treasury and weaken the nation’s standing in the world. History will have the final word.

]]><![CDATA[Don’t Be So Inflexible!]]>Sun, 01 Nov 2020 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/dharma-blog/dont-be-so-inflexibleThe ancients said the following:

Heavens cannot make flowers bloom out of season. Therefore, sages observe timeliness.

Mother Earth cannot change the seasons. Therefore, sages do not violate traditions.

Even the sages cannot walk with their hands or grab things with their feet. Therefore, sages must know their limitations.

And sages cannot make fish fly or birds swim. Therefore, sages must respect others’ limitations.

Thus, wise people know when to advance, when to retreat; when to be clear, when to be vague.

One should not be inflexible.

*****

Clear-headed people and wise people can see farther and broader (the big picture). That’s from the theoretical perspective.

However, Buddhism has the concept of the “obstruction of what is known”: it’s your own smarts, knowledge or wisdom that will obstruct and impede you.

In that case, the faster way to resolve it is to follow your Good Knowing Adviser’s instructions.

]]><![CDATA[The People Come First]]>Thu, 01 Oct 2020 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/dharma-blog/the-people-come-firstAccording to Mencius, for the country to be strong, it needs three components:

1. The people.
2. The land.
3. The king.

In that order.

Although the people lack authority and power, they have the power of the mass. Therefore, they
are ranked first.

Land comes from the Chinese concept of shè jì 社稷; shè refers to the spirit guardian of the land while jì refers to the spirit in charge of the crops (harvests). The Chinese are aware that each area has a land spirit who guards it and the harvest spirit can affect the harvests. Although the land is supported by the spirits, the spirits are supported by the offerings and prayers of the people therefore, the people outweighs the land. Finally, the king is the leader of the spirits and people. However, he must rely on the people’s support and love and the spirits’ protection to last at his job. Therefore, the king comes in third.

* * * * *

The Buddhist has a secret.

For the people to be well educated and to do well, for the spirits to be supportive and the king to be a good leader, you enlist the sages to come and live in your country. Then the people are taught properly and are wise, the spirits will be on their best supportive behavior and the elected king can be a virtuous leader.

]]><![CDATA[How to Govern The Country]]>Wed, 02 Sep 2020 03:00:00 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/dharma-blog/how-to-govern-the-countryZi Chan 子產 was a well known scholar. He became a great politician and general in the Zheng鄭 country in China. He was a very benevolent leader.

Zi Chan fell very ill. So he called Zi Tai Shu 子太叔 and said, “After my death, you’ll have to govern the country. You should know that virtuous people must use benevolence and harmony to inspire respect from the people while ordinary people must use awe and strictness to govern the country.

It is like fire. Being hot, it creates fear in people and that is why few people die from fire.

Whereas water, being cool, it makes people underestimate its danger and therefore more die from drowning. In general, being benevolent and yet still creating harmony is not easy.”

A few months later Zi Chan died and Zi Tai Shu replaced him as general. He however could not find it in his heart to be stern and forceful. He instead chose to use benevolence and harmony as a ruler. As a result, the country had a lot of bandits and robberies. So Zi Tai Shu realized the errors of his ways, followed Zi Chan’s doctrine and used the army to capture and execute the bandits and robbers.

When Confucius heard of the story, he commented, “Very good, indeed! When the ruler is benevolent then the people misbehave. When the population do not follow the rules then force must be utilized. When using force then the people will perish and are weakened. Then one must to resort back to benevolence. Benevolence can help force and force can complement benevolence: that is harmony.”

* * * * *

Harmony as per the Confucians simply is the Middle Way in Buddhism: it’s the art of managing people to maintain balance while being virtuous.

As my late teacher pointed out, besides political skills, country leaders must also maintain morality as the core.

]]><![CDATA[Loyalty Versus Individualism]]>Sat, 01 Aug 2020 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/dharma-blog/loyalty-versus-individualismIn the Qi 齊 country, there was a man who was an official in the king’s court. He was bestowed land, riches and titles and was very well off. When the Qi king was in danger, he refused to sacrifice his life to save the king.

One day, he met an old acquaintance who saw him in astonishment, “I thought you were dead!”

He calmly replied, “No, I’m still alive as you can very well see. I was a subject of the Qi king because it was beneficial. To die along with him is of no benefit, so I refused to die with him.”

His old acquaintance said, “If you are like that, how could face your ancestors?”

He immediately retorted, “So you really believe that after you die, you will get to see your
ancestors?”

In ancient times, if one receives favors from the king and yet one is not willing to die for him, then that is great disloyalty.

In modern times, that logic is considered outdated. We look at relationships as mutually
beneficial: you give me something then I’ll reciprocate.

Which is reasonable? It depends on where you come from. If you yourself act as judge, then of course it is reasonable to behave like the disloyal official because the ego does not like to take a loss.

In my personal case, I was miserable and evil before I met my teacher, Great Master XuanHua. He accepted me and taught me how to cultivate. Because of cultivation, I totally changed and became the opposite person of what I was. Therefore, I owe my life to my late Master. As a result, I don’t look at it as loyalty but I committed the rest of my life to help continue his work in order to pay back his act of kindness. For me, it’s about paying back your debts.

]]><![CDATA[Only Seeing Oneself]]>Wed, 01 Jul 2020 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/dharma-blog/only-seeing-oneselfThe ancient said:

“Man often commits the myriad of offenses because of this illness called, “Only Seeing Oneself”. Because of this sickness, he schemes night and day in order to become richer, climbs up the social ladder, strengthens one’s safety net, indulges in pleasures, assures one’s survival, lengthens one’s life while not caring whether or not others are poor and destitute, experiences danger and difficulty, and fails miserably or loses his life. In other words, he doesn’t care for other living beings and has no respect for the rules of morality and propriety. Therefore, he may have a human body, but he is no better than an animal.

If mankind could get rid of this “Me First” sickness and their hearts are generous and fair, then whether rich and lofty, poor and lowly, endangered and suffering, experiencing bitter failure, in danger of losing their lives, they still are in communion with all others and in accord with the rules of morality and propriety: that is truly self and others united in one substance.”

* * * * *

Modern society’s recent developments can be attributed to the culture of the individual. However, in order to ensure continued advancements, we must wake up to the necessity of benefitting others as part of our moral compass. Otherwise, if we continue to self-indulge, our bottomless greedy mind will cause great harm to the world.

]]><![CDATA[Great Men’s 4 Considerations]]>Mon, 01 Jun 2020 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/dharma-blog/great-mens-4-considerationsZi Chan 子產was a well-known scholar. He became a great politician and general in the Zheng
鄭 country in China. He taught that great men have four superior traits:

1. Having self-respect toward oneself.

2. Being respectful toward one’s superiors.
3. Using kindness (practice giving) and wisdom to guide the people.
4. Being righteous to lead the country.
Then it is easier to bring peace and harmony inside the country while gaining respect and fear
from other countries.

* * * * *

This comes from wisdom that he accumulated from over 40 years of service to his country.

]]><![CDATA[Loyalty Outweighs Personal Love]]>Fri, 01 May 2020 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/dharma-blog/loyalty-outweighs-personal-loveThe Qi (齊) army started invading the Lu (魯) country. As they crossed the border, there was a woman carrying a child in one hand and leading another child with the other. When she saw the soldiers, she let the child she was carrying down and carried the other child and ran. The child left behind ran after her, crying for her but she wouldn’t even look back.

The Qi general was curious and ordered his soldiers to capture the woman for interrogation.

When asked about the two children, she said, “The one I left behind was my child while the other one is my brother’s.”

The Qi general said, “You could abandon your own flesh and blood to protect your brother’s child?”

She replied, “My son is my personal love but my brother’s child is loyalty. It may hurt deeply to sacrifice my own son but if I were to abandon my brother’s son, that would be disloyal. How could possibly live in my country then?”

The Qi general ordered the conquering army to halt and sent a message to the Qi king saying that a lowly woman is so loyal, how much more so would be the case for that country’s officers and generals. The time is not ripe yet for the invasion. The Qi king agreed and ordered his army to retreat.

Later, the Lu king heard of the story, commended the woman and gave her a huge reward.

* * * * *

Live with righteousness and disasters and calamities can be averted.

]]><![CDATA[Righteousness Brings Love]]>Wed, 01 Apr 2020 14:43:59 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/dharma-blog/righteousness-brings-loveA rich wife went home to visit her family. Her female servant came along, carrying the lady’s jewelry box. The servant misplaced the jewelry box. It was later that she realized it and therefore frantically went looking for it.

She saw a beggar sitting by the roadside holding the jewelry box. She immediately came over and claimed it. The beggar immediately returned the jewelry box to her.

The female servant was so happy. She took off her bracelet and gave it to the beggar, who replied, “The jewelry box didn’t even tempt me. Why would I want your bracelet?”

The female servant said, “I lost this jewelry box and for that I deserve severe punishment. You gave it back to me and thereby not only gave me precious things but also saved my life. Even though you ask for no reward, I cannot be ungrateful. I live not too far from here, please come over at meal times and I’ll be happy to share my food with you.”

The beggar replied, “You are inside, how could you know that I arrived?”

She said, “In front of my room, there is a tall bamboo tree. Please shake it to signal me that you are there.”

So he did as agreed and she would share her food with him every day.

The other servants found out and reported it to the owner who immediately called in the female servant to investigate. After hearing her story, the benevolent owner called in the beggar, gave him a job and gave him the female servants’ hand.

They continued to earn the trust of the owner and were well-rewarded. They lived happily ever after.

* * * * *

Poor and yet not greedy. One should repay one’s debt of gratitude.

Ancient love story!

]]><![CDATA[Visiting A Statesman]]>Sun, 01 Mar 2020 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/dharma-blog/visiting-a-statesmanA stateman official came into office. His populace organized a great feast to celebrate.

Toward the end of the celebration, an old man wearing a coarse white robe also came to see the statesman. He immediately put on his best clothes to go greet the visitor and said, “Our king does not realize that I have no talent and yet is too trusting. That’s why he appointed me to this post. I’m very grateful for the warm welcome. Now that you came for a visit, you surely must have something in mind.”

The old man said, “Indeed, I do. Men of power who are arrogant will be criticized by people. Men of high position who are despotic will be disliked by the king. When one’s renumeration is high and yet one is still corrupt then disaster and calamities will fall upon oneself.”

The staesman put his palms to gether and said, “Thank you for your words of wisdom. Please teach me more.”

The old man continued, “When in a position of authority, one must be humble and respectful. When one has power then one must be subtle and gentle. Well compensated officials who are corrupt will get into trouble. Please keep in mind those three things while carrying out your duties.”

* * * * *

Poor and lowly people who learn the way of merit and virtue can gain wealth and status. Rich and powerful people who are virtuous will be able to enjoy their blessings longer.

Rich and powerful people who are arrogant and self-indulgent will invariably enounter troubles and difficulties.

The old man’s words equally are applicable to statesmen as well as the rich and privileged.

Finally, wealth and power are manifestations of one’s blessings. Take advantage to replenish your blessings before they are used up.

]]><![CDATA[The Big Picture]]>Sat, 01 Feb 2020 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/dharma-blog/the-big-pictureZhuang Zi 莊子was the reknowned Classical Taoist disciple of Lao Zi. His wife passed away. His close friend, scholar and stateman Hui Zi 惠子, came to visit and found him singing while beating the rhythm on a water container.

Hui Zi said, “You married her and have children with her. Now that she passed on, you don’t need to grieve for her. That’s understandable. But you’re singing?”

Zhuang Zi replied, “You misunderstand me. When my wife passed away, initially I was grief stricken. However, come to think of it, there is basically nothing. There was no form nor was there any life energy. The human life is formed from miscellaneous substances that transformed into (life) energy which then transformed into a human form. Life is then transformed into death just like the four seasons constantly change in cycles. Therefore, death is similar to the traveler returning home. To cry and grieve is just being incognizant of the life cycles. That’s why I decided to sing.”

* * * * *

Compared to the Buddhist, the Taoist’s wisdom basically misses the big picture. They understand emptiness and the coming and returning to the dusts. However, they still don’t get Reincarnation.

His wife continues to cycle through the Wheel of Reincarnation without any control. In Buddhism, we would have tried to create blessings on her behalf so that she can obtain a better body and ascend toward liberation and bliss. Better yet, the more blessed Buddhist can even attain birth to the Western Bliss Pure Land where she will never have to undergo suffering again but know only bliss.

]]><![CDATA[Sharing Love]]>Thu, 02 Jan 2020 02:44:41 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/dharma-blog/sharing-loveThe Emperor had just selected a new royal concubine whose beauty was out of this world. Therefore, he adored her and doted on her.

The empress knew so, and thus she also showed adoration for the new concubine and showered her with favors and gifts so that the new royal concubine was lacking in nothing.

The Emperor was very pleased and praised the empress: “My wife really adores the new royal concubine. I’d say that at times she loves and spoils her more than I. This typifies the son being filial to his parents and the subject being loyal to his king.”

Knowing that she had gained everyone’s confidence, the empress said to the new royal concubine, “The Emperor really loves you. However, he doesn’t like the look of your nose. Therefore, you should cover your nose in his presence: that way, he’ll favor you forever.”

So the new royal concubine did as taught.

The Emperor was surprised about her behavior and thus asked the empress who said she didn’t know. When pressed, she finally admitted to the Emperor that the royal concubine told her that she could not stand the Emperor’s body odor.

Hearing this, the Emperor lost his temper and ordered that the royal concubine’s nose be cut and thrown out of the palace door.

* * * * *

Can love ever be shared?

]]><![CDATA[The Crazy Fool]]>Sun, 01 Dec 2019 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/dharma-blog/the-crazy-foolThere was a crazy man. He would roll in the mud, step on thorns and bristles. He was always content with himself and always argued to prove that he was right.

He later met with a competent doctor who was able to cure him. As a result, he gradually became better and became completely well.

His friends and relatives would recount his prior condition to him. He shuddered, and felt that he was very blessed to have encountered a good physiscian who cured him and spared him from a life of misery. He even wished he could have met with the good doctor sooner.

* * * * *

This world has so many crazy people that cannot be cured. And there are many other crazy ones who can be cured but would refuse treatment. They would even insult the good physician as a charlatan who would try to fool them.

The crazy fool symbolizes a person blinded by his greed, anger and stupidity: he’s totally upside-down and yet believes that he’s right. He insists on having his way, refuses treatment and would insult the good doctors who can put an end to his suffering.

]]><![CDATA[Three Happy Things]]>Fri, 01 Nov 2019 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/dharma-blog/three-happy-thingsThe ancients felt that the superior man possesses three happy things that are even better than being a king.

One’s parents are still alive and the siblings are safe and healthy: that is one happy thing.

One cannot be reproached by the heavens and feels no shame toward anyone: that is another happy thing.

To receive teaching and guidance from the sages and worthy ones, that is another very happy thing.

* * * * *

When one’s parents are still in the world and the siblings are safe and well, then one has the chance to practice filiality: the heart feels happy.

When one’s conscience is free and clear, the mind feels happy.

When one obtains help and guidance from great men, the spirits are happy.

]]><![CDATA[Providing One’s Mother with Proper Earnings]]>Tue, 01 Oct 2019 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.chanpureland.org/dharma-blog/providing-ones-mother-with-proper-earningsRoãn Thuần was taking the Imperial Examination. The topic of the required essay was “Killing the loyalists of the prior regime” (in order to be loyal to the current king). Roãn Thuần immediately stood up and left.

He immediately reported to his teacher and declared that he was done with taking Imperial Examinations. His wise teacher said, “How do you plan to provide for your aging mother?”

Roãn Thuần went home straight away and explained the situation to his elderly mother.
She told him, “I prefer that you support me with properly earned income rather than with illicit gains.”
When Roãn Thuần’s teacher heard her response, he exclaimed, “Like mother like son!”

* * * * *

Those who are willing to betray previous good kings for personal gain are not good members of society.

Illicit earnings, no matter how nutritious or delicious, are difficult to digest and can also be detrimental to our good nature.

The lady’s virtuous conduct is based on the Buddhist principle of cause and effect. For example, when we steal from others, the benefits derived are actually karmic debts that must repaid plus interest. Those, such as the family members, who also benefit from such illicit profit, are also responsible for their corresponding share of the karmic debts repayment.

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