Question:

I was really rejoicing about you getting your Dad to the pure land. I mean, you know, whatever you might owe him from beginning-less time until now, it’s all cleared up. Nothing can beat that. Not even making good enough records that your father goes around listening to them driving his car.
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TB, Van Nuys, CA 

Question:

The last six months I have experienced occasional non exertional chest pain (similar to heart attack). So far all the Western medicine tests came back negative.

Please advise to what I should do.

Thank you
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HN, Long Beach, CA 

Question:

​(paraphrased from the original in Vietnamese below)
​
I am a Dharma sister of Ven. PT [a nun residing at our temple]. I am writing to you from Vietnam. Ven. PT told me how much she liked practicing the Buddha Dharma at the temple the past several months. I am very envious of her rapid progress and the increased depth of her knowledge and wisdom.

Question:

​Master,

The more I cultivate the more I realize how ugly I am … what a horrible person I am …
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JT, Orange, California 

Question:

​Dear Dharma Master,

I just completed 7 days of reciting Earth Store Bodhisattva’s name today. Tomorrow I will start on the Sutra Recitation. (I have a recitation copy). I’m doing that last as I know I’ll lose my voice.

I did SEEM to have a response after 47,000 recitations, but it was so subtle it could have been my mind playing tricks. If it was real, Dennis [Hopper] has already gone where ever Earth Store wants to take him. If not, my continued efforts might be of some use. Anyway, I will do what I can.

Regards,
​
TB, Van Nuys, California

Question:

​Hello Master,

I am [JT]’s friend [PL]. I came and stayed there one night at the temple, and was thankful for the advice given. I am doing better, and may have a new job in Cardiology. I have a question for you. I was sleeping the other night and thought I heard someone knocking very loud at the door, it woke me up. No one was there, but it startled me, and I felt an uncomfortable feeling. I get a lot of signs before things happen. Can you explain this to me? Thank You for your time.
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PL, San Diego, California 

​Question:

​Master,
​
I’m sorry to bother you about this issue. However, I have conflicting feelings about choices that I am being forced to make, and I am not sure what to do. As you know, my parents arrived to visit this past weekend. Recently, I found out that they have refinanced their home to help my sister purchase a convenience store business. For the past few days they have been looking at store locations and have found a place in Orange. 

Question:

Master,

I have a stupid question on sincerity.
​
My mom’s good friend is dying of cancer. She could pass any day now. My mom asked me if there is anything she can do. I advised her about the 49 days, but she and her friends are Christian. I then suggested purchasing rebirth plaques for a couple of months, which she would like to do.

​Question:

Master,
​
I checked my records and 9/20/09 sent you an e-mail regarding my niece TB requesting a 6-month Lengthening Life plaque for her. I updated you in that e-mail regarding her health problems which began shortly after I had been in Ohio during her fathers’ last days of life in 4/07. She initially thought she was reacting to her fathers’ death. She was diagnosed with biliary duct cancer with 3 spots on her lungs. 

Question:

Dear Dharma Master,

First off, I hope you are fine and all is well. Though we haven’t been talking about it, I’m up to just over two hour-long meditation sessions per day. Without your influence, nothing remotely like that would have come about, so please accept my appreciation for your instruction. I am looking to do more in future.
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TB, Van Nuys, California 

Question:

Master,

Is it acceptable to kneel during the recitation of the Amitabha Sutra in the morning ceremony?
​
UN, Long Beach, California