Question:

Master,

First, allow me to bow in respect. I was exposed to the Pure Land Dharma Door about 6-7 years ago. However, I am sad to admit that I am not a truly practicing Buddhist. It makes me feel ashamed and unsettling. Sometimes, I vigorously recite the Buddha’s name but it won’t belong before I stop because it got me nowhere. I sincerely wish to be able to find a bright eye good knowing adviser who can teach me how to cultivate so that I can eliminate false-thinking and reduce my afflictions. I hope that you will guide me in my daily practice so that I can regain the purity of my mind. By the way, I connected with you through Facebook. I live about 30 min from your temple.

I look forward to your reply. I wish you good health.

Emituofo,
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DN

Question:

Great Master Xuan Hua explains that the Great Compassion Mantra is like having the hands and would require the 42 Hands and Eyes Dharma which are like the legs. Could you elaborate on it please?

If I wish to cultivate the Hands and Eyes Dharma door, can I follow the instructions from the books or do I need to receive transmission?

Thank you,
​
NQ

Question:

Dear master, I read the following sentences from Pure Land narratives but don’t understand what it means. I know Vietnamese but just don’t understand the concept why Zen masters all switched over to Pure Land.

Could you please expound on these?
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“Of the 13 patriarchs of the Pure Land School, there are seven who are accomplished Chan Masters.

Question:

Dear Master,

I have been a Buddhist for quite a few years and I enjoy learning Buddhism a lot! It has given me a new direction in life, and I sincerely wish to be reborn in Western Pure Land of Amitabha. I’ve taken the 5 precepts few years ago but unfortunately I can’t uphold it fully. I have a girlfriend who is also a Buddhist and a vegetarian, but because of today’s society we can’t maintain a pure live. For me, I feel disgraced and ashamed because a true Buddhist would not involve in any misconduct until married. Moreover, I wear a precept-sash when attending a Buddhist retreat. At the moment, I’m very confused and discombobulated. Master, please direct me on what I should do and approach this? Am I creating bad karma by wearing a sash when I should not?

Amituofo
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MR, SJ, California