When problems arise, how should a good cultivator react?

"If problems arise during cultivation, a good cultivator will not be affected.

If problems arise, a good cultivator will accept the problem happily. Secondly, he will persist in his cultivation and not give up. He should take note of the details of the problem and adjust accordingly.
In the making of a Buddha statue, a stone endure multiple cuts before he can become that perfect statue. Similarly, one must be able to bear the challenges ahead to perfect himself before he can  be enlightened.

In fact,  problems may even be a manifestation of his good merits!"

Sharings from Vancouver meditation retreat


Commentary from Jerome:

During cultivation, one gains peace of mind and does great merits. However, most or all cultivators will meet problems during cultivation. Some will find that their family members may disapprove of their cultivation. Others will find emotional problems that they cannot let go of in the past surfacing in their lives.

Some people will ask why obstacles and problem arise when they have done great merits! Actually, these problems reflect the challenges that we are destined to overcome. These problems may even be a manifestation of his good merits. Cultivators must bear the challenges, make adjustments to his life and try his best to perfect himself in the worldly and mundane life. We should not waste these precious opportunities to improve our cultivators. If we cry, make a fuss, blame other people or even our master when we meet obstacles, I think we are not being grateful and would have wasted the good merits we have painstakingly accumulated.

More information available at:

1) Master Jin Bodhi Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/jinbodhiworld/

2) Official Bodhi Meditation Website
http://puti.org
http://putihome.org


Graphics and formatting: Ada


Author:

Jerome is a Buddhist practitioner that has learnt from Theravada, Mahayana and Tibetan traditions and is still learning! He first learnt meditation and Dharma from Theravadan monks and practitioners in the lineage of the Arahant Venerable Amatha Gavesi Maha Thero from Sri Lankaramaya Buddhist temple in Singapore. Then, he completed a Diploma in Buddhism from the Buddhist and Pali College in 2016. He also learnt from Zen Master Wu Jue Miao Tian (85th Zen Patriach) from the LingJi lineage in Taiwan in 2014 - 2015.  Subsequently, he learnt from Garchen Rinpoche from the Drigar Thubten Dargye Ling tradition (Tibetan) and attended annual Om Mani Padme Hum and Om Ami Dewa Hrih retreats from 2015 till date. Currently, he is a disciple of Master Jin Bodhi (Mahayana) from Bodhi Meditation in Singapore and is an active volunteer there. Master Jin Bodhi is his main Dharma teacher. Jerome feels that Buddhism is not a religion but is a practical way to reduce our life's problems. The essence of Buddhism is not in the books or sutras but in the way we apply it into our lives. Having understood some aspects of Buddha's teaching, he wants to give back to the society and hopes to share his insights with everyone who has the affinity with him.

What determines the size of merit generated by person doing good?

Merit is the basis of happiness and success in our lives. The size of merit generated is dependent on a few factors:

1. Motivation of sponsor

Please make your offering with the mind motivated by Bodhicitta, or great compassion, for the benefit of all beings. When you think only for oneself or only for this lifetime, the merit generated is limited. When you are motivated by the benefit for all beings, and is concerned for your future lives, the merit generated is inconceivable.

2. The importance of the deed

The deed that you are sponsoring to is for the noblest deed – preservation of the pure holy Buddha’s teachings through the dharma activities. These auspicious activities are very important to ensure that the good quality of dharma remains, and is preserved for future generations. Your sponsorship will help bring about great benefit to dharma in both the short and long run.

3. Rejoice!

Be truly happy and rejoice in the kindness and generosity of oneself and many others. Be happy and contented that you have the means and ability to sponsor to the Three Jewels and bring benefit to the community. Rejoicing is the swiftest and easiest method to gain great merit!

4. Dedication

Most importantly, after completion of your good virtuous deed, please remember to preserve all your merits by dedicating them towards achieving bodhicitta, and accomplishing the ultimate state of Buddhahood.

References: http://www.drophenling.com/offerings/dedicate-your-merits/

Graphics and formatting: Ada

Author:

Jerome is a Buddhist practitioner that has learnt from Theravada, Mahayana and Tibetan traditions and is still learning! He first learnt meditation and Dharma from Theravadan monks and practitioners in the lineage of the Arahant Venerable Amatha Gavesi Maha Thero from Sri Lankaramaya Buddhist temple in Singapore. Then, he completed a Diploma in Buddhism from the Buddhist and Pali College in 2016. He also learnt from Zen Master Wu Jue Miao Tian (85th Zen Patriach) from the LingJi lineage in Taiwan in 2014 - 2015.  Subsequently, he learnt from Garchen Rinpoche from the Drigar Thubten Dargye Ling tradition (Tibetan) and attended annual Om Mani Padme Hum and Om Ami Dewa Hrih retreats from 2015 till date. Currently, he is a disciple of Master Jin Bodhi (Mahayana) from Bodhi Meditation in Singapore and is an active volunteer there. Master Jin Bodhi is his main Dharma teacher. Jerome feels that Buddhism is not a religion but is a practical way to reduce our life's problems. The essence of Buddhism is not in the books or sutras but in the way we apply it into our lives. Having understood some aspects of Buddha's teaching, he wants to give back to the society and hopes to share his insights with everyone who has the affinity with him.

How come your ancestor's karmic debts can affect you?

" If your ancestors are suffering in hell, your life cannot be smooth. Some people asked what has their ancestors' karmic debt got to do with them. Actually your ancestor's karma is a reflection of your karma! The law of karma is fair. Because of your past karma,  you chose parents that are compatible with your past karmic effects. If you have bad karma,  you will be born in a bad family. In other words,  you deserve to be born in that family."

Sharings from Vancouver meditation retreat

Commentary from Jerome:
Do not blame our parents for bringing you to this world. It is actually us that chose parents that are compatible with our past karmic effects. If we do good in the past, our mind will choose parents from good background.

Whatever families we are in currently, we need to help our ancestors clear their karmic debts. There is a Chinese saying that if one person cultivates, his 9 clans will go to heaven.  We should light lamps, chant for them and do all kinds of good deeds and transfer the merits to them!

More information available at:

1) Master Jin Bodhi Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/jinbodhiworld/

2) Official Bodhi Meditation Website
http://puti.org
http://putihome.org


Graphics and formatting: Ada


Author:

Jerome is a Buddhist practitioner that has learnt from Theravada, Mahayana and Tibetan traditions and is still learning! He first learnt meditation and Dharma from Theravadan monks and practitioners in the lineage of the Arahant Venerable Amatha Gavesi Maha Thero from Sri Lankaramaya Buddhist temple in Singapore. Then, he completed a Diploma in Buddhism from the Buddhist and Pali College in 2016. He also learnt from Zen Master Wu Jue Miao Tian (85th Zen Patriach) from the LingJi lineage in Taiwan in 2014 - 2015.  Subsequently, he learnt from Garchen Rinpoche from the Drigar Thubten Dargye Ling tradition (Tibetan) and attended annual Om Mani Padme Hum and Om Ami Dewa Hrih retreats from 2015 till date. Currently, he is a disciple of Master Jin Bodhi (Mahayana) from Bodhi Meditation in Singapore and is an active volunteer there. Master Jin Bodhi is his main Dharma teacher. Jerome feels that Buddhism is not a religion but is a practical way to reduce our life's problems. The essence of Buddhism is not in the books or sutras but in the way we apply it into our lives. Having understood some aspects of Buddha's teaching, he wants to give back to the society and hopes to share his insights with everyone who has the affinity with him.

What is the purpose of making offerings?

" One should have great sincerity when making an offering. The purpose of making offering is to cut down your attachment of self. It is to assist you to let go of what you have and what you cannot let go.  Usually one will offer the best they have and this may not necessarily be money. Some people may offer their material goods while some people may offer their time to help in meditation centres for the benefit of others.

Some people asked why we should make offerings. It is a form of respect for your teacher. Just as one have to put a container beneath a tap to fill it with water (instead of above a tap), one will also have to be humble and do things to please their teacher as a form of respect to their teacher. The teacher actually does not need your offerings but he needs the sincerity.

An enlightened meditation master will create chances for people to do merits. There is a story of an old abbot instructed his disciples to look out for a man who will visit a temple one day. When the man was found, he said he is too poor and has nothing to offer but a massage for the abbot. So the abbot let the man rub some salt on his leg during a massage. In fact, the abbot wants to let the man do massage so the man can gain some merits. His disciples later found out that there was a bleeding wound on his leg and the abbot has been bearing with the pain when the man rubbed salt on his wound. Such is the compassion of an enlightened master!"

Sharings from Vancouver meditation retreat


More information available at:

1) Master Jin Bodhi Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/jinbodhiworld/

2) Official Bodhi Meditation Website
http://puti.org
http://putihome.org

Graphics and formatting: Ada

Author:

Jerome is a Buddhist practitioner that has learnt from Theravada, Mahayana and Tibetan traditions and is still learning! He first learnt meditation and Dharma from Theravadan monks and practitioners in the lineage of the Arahant Venerable Amatha Gavesi Maha Thero from Sri Lankaramaya Buddhist temple in Singapore. Then, he completed a Diploma in Buddhism from the Buddhist and Pali College in 2016. He also learnt from Zen Master Wu Jue Miao Tian (85th Zen Patriach) from the LingJi lineage in Taiwan in 2014 - 2015.  Subsequently, he learnt from Garchen Rinpoche from the Drigar Thubten Dargye Ling tradition (Tibetan) and attended annual Om Mani Padme Hum and Om Ami Dewa Hrih retreats from 2015 till date. Currently, he is a disciple of Master Jin Bodhi (Mahayana) from Bodhi Meditation in Singapore and is an active volunteer there. Master Jin Bodhi is his main Dharma teacher. Jerome feels that Buddhism is not a religion but is a practical way to reduce our life's problems. The essence of Buddhism is not in the books or sutras but in the way we apply it into our lives. Having understood some aspects of Buddha's teaching, he wants to give back to the society and hopes to share his insights with everyone who has the affinity with him.

It is the guru's responsibility to ensure that the disciple progress in cultivation

It is the master's responsibility and the only role of the master to make sure that the disciple progress in cultivation.  He will create opportunities to help you reduce ur self-grasping.

Hence, disciples have to experience the bitterness,  happiness, ups and down in daily life and even sicknesses as life's lessons. Otherwise,  it is master's fault if everything in life is so smooth.

What disciple have to do is to accept the challenges wholeheartedly,  let go and break through these challenges themselves. There is no point complaining, whining,  fearing,  blaming or crying when challenges happen. When we meet with problems, we should use our wisdom to solve the issues ourselves. It is inevitable that during the process of dharma propagation, you will be misunderstood by others and scolded by others.

Sharing from Vancouver meditation retreat

Commentary by Jerome:

Some people ask why they encounter many problems when they start learning Dharma from their guru/master. Actually these are important life lessons  given by an enlightened Master! We have to use these sufferings wisely and treasure them. Do not waste time feeling troubled by the problems. 

More information available at:

1) Master Jin Bodhi Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/jinbodhiworld/

2) Official Bodhi Meditation Website
http://puti.org
http://putihome.org

Graphics and formatting: Ada

Author:

Jerome is a Buddhist practitioner that has learnt from Theravada, Mahayana and Tibetan traditions and is still learning! He first learnt meditation and Dharma from Theravadan monks and practitioners in the lineage of the Arahant Venerable Amatha Gavesi Maha Thero from Sri Lankaramaya Buddhist temple in Singapore. Then, he completed a Diploma in Buddhism from the Buddhist and Pali College in 2016. He also learnt from Zen Master Wu Jue Miao Tian (85th Zen Patriach) from the LingJi lineage in Taiwan in 2014 - 2015.  Subsequently, he learnt from Garchen Rinpoche from the Drigar Thubten Dargye Ling tradition (Tibetan) and attended annual Om Mani Padme Hum and Om Ami Dewa Hrih retreats from 2015 till date. Currently, he is a disciple of Master Jin Bodhi (Mahayana) from Bodhi Meditation in Singapore and is an active volunteer there. Master Jin Bodhi is his main Dharma teacher. Jerome feels that Buddhism is not a religion but is a practical way to reduce our life's problems. The essence of Buddhism is not in the books or sutras but in the way we apply it into our lives. Having understood some aspects of Buddha's teaching, he wants to give back to the society and hopes to share his insights with everyone who has the affinity with him.

How should practitioners deal with undesirable events in life?

" You should understand that whatever good or bad that happens n life is the Master's blessings. It is the master's responsibility to ensure that you learn from these challenges so that you can progress in your meditation. However, it you let you emotions control you in the face of these challenges,  you will fail.

If some undesirable event happens in your life, it occurs for 2 reasons. Firstly,  that event is clearing your karmic debt. Secondly, it is training you to increase your resilience. How is this so? That bad event (for instance, loss of job, financial constraints, rebellious children) is something that you should experience so that you can learn out of it. Heaven will keep testing you until you can withstand all these challenges and  understand how uncomfortable others feel in that circumstance. "

Master Jin Bodhi from Vancouver meditation retreat


Commentary by Jerome:

Downsides in life are precious opportunities to learn. If your life is smooth all the way, it is hard to believe that you can learn anything out of life. Only during trying periods of your life can learn life's lessons. In Buddhist sutras, it is said that practicing millions of years in Heaven is not comparable to practicing 1 day on Earth. Hence, our lives are precious and do not waste precious time getting frustrated our worldly life events. Use these challenges properly and wisely!

More information available at:

1) Master Jin Bodhi Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/jinbodhiworld/

2) Official Bodhi Meditation Website
http://puti.org
http://putihome.org

Graphics and formatting by Ada

Author:

Jerome is a Buddhist practitioner that has learnt from Theravada, Mahayana and Tibetan traditions and is still learning! He first learnt meditation and Dharma from Theravadan monks and practitioners in the lineage of the Arahant Venerable Amatha Gavesi Maha Thero from Sri Lankaramaya Buddhist temple in Singapore. Then, he completed a Diploma in Buddhism from the Buddhist and Pali College in 2016. He also learnt from Zen Master Wu Jue Miao Tian (85th Zen Patriach) from the LingJi lineage in Taiwan in 2014 - 2015.  Subsequently, he learnt from Garchen Rinpoche from the Drigar Thubten Dargye Ling tradition (Tibetan) and attended annual Om Mani Padme Hum and Om Ami Dewa Hrih retreats from 2015 till date. Currently, he is a disciple of Master Jin Bodhi (Mahayana) from Bodhi Meditation in Singapore and is an active volunteer there. Master Jin Bodhi is his main Dharma teacher. Jerome feels that Buddhism is not a religion but is a practical way to reduce our life's problems. The essence of Buddhism is not in the books or sutras but in the way we apply it into our lives. Having understood some aspects of Buddha's teaching, he wants to give back to the society and hopes to share his insights with everyone who has the affinity with him.

Why do you need to have a meditation master or guru?

Commentary by Jerome:

Some people asked why they cannot read sutras and gain enlightenment themselves. Just as one is unable to drive a car just by reading a driving manual, one will not be able to understand the sutras by himself alone! You will need a guide to help your reach your goals safely.

Cultivating a compassionate mind as boundless as the sun is not easy. Just as one will need a magnifying glass to focus light onto a small patch of grass, we will also need a master to focus our efforts in order for compassion to develop properly. Hence, an enlightened master is the glass that transmit the compassionate energy from Buddha, bodhisattva to us.

In this way, a truly enlightened master represents all buddhas, bodhisattvas. Master represents the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.

Another point to note: you will learn what u wish to learn from master. If u want to gain health, u will learn to be healthy. If u want to be a compassionate person, u will be a compassionate person. If you see Master as a teacher, he will at best be a teacher. If you see Master as a Bodhisattva, he will be a Bodhisattva in your life. If you see Master as a Buddha, he will be a Buddha in your life. In this way, the benefits one gains from the same Master differs in terms of their level of sincerity.

More information available at:

1) Master Jin Bodhi Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/jinbodhiworld/

2) Official Bodhi Meditation Website

http://puti.org

http://putihome.org

Fixed mindsets bring harm and unhappiness

"People are always accustomed to understand others in their own way. This often causes misunderstandings and even hatred and dislike for one another. They can also get hurt in the process.

Let me share a story that took place in Qinghai province, China: Once, on my way to Qinghai, I saw a moving truck with one of its tires turning abnormally. From experience, I knew that the screws of the wheel had loosened and if it comes off, it could hurt someone else. I waved to the driver, pointing to his rear tire and signaling him to look at it. The man gave me a stare and scolded me, “Why, you want a free ride?” Apparently, he thought I wanted to take advantage of him. I frowned and shouted, “It’s serious!” He ignored me and drove driving away. . Shortly after, the wheel came off and flew towards the hillside. He had to run almost a kilometer to get the wheel from the hillside that was at least 50 meters in height. By the time he climbed down to pick up the heavy tire that weight almost 50 kg, he was too tired to get up. Eventually, I helped him to fit the tire. I said, “Friend, didn’t I try to remind you of your wheel?”

Some people always assume that they are always right when they make judgement or decision. They are not open to other’s opinion. Such mentality and attitude could cloud one’s objectivity and ultimately lead to a bias decision. In more serious case, such wrong decision might even cause harm to them or others."

- Master Jin Bodhi

Commentary by Jerome:

Learn to look in the perspective of others. In this way, you can understand them better. Having a rigid and fixed outlook on things usually cloud your judgement. Many people like others to do things in a certain way. If others do not do things in their way, they can very unhappy. But who suffers? It is the person who attach to their own fixed views who suffers as a result of their mental thoughts. Learn to be like water which fills and assume the shape of the container it fills. Similarly, we should suit our thoughts, speech and actions to other's needs out of compassion but be firm in our stand.

Learning to look in the perspective of others is also a characteristic of compassion. Only by doing so can we experience what others are suffering and be able to emphatise with them.

More information available at:

1) Master Jin Bodhi Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/jinbodhiworld/

2) Official Bodhi Meditation Website

http://puti.org

http://putihome.org

Author:

Jerome is a Buddhist practitioner that has learnt from Theravada, Mahayana and Tibetan traditions and is still learning! He first learnt meditation and Dharma from Theravadan monks and practitioners in the lineage of the Arahant Venerable Amatha Gavesi Maha Thero from Sri Lankaramaya Buddhist temple in Singapore. Then, he completed a Diploma in Buddhism from the Buddhist and Pali College in 2016. He also learnt from Zen Master Wu Jue Miao Tian (85th Zen Patriach) from the LingJi lineage in Taiwan in 2014 - 2015.  Subsequently, he learnt from Garchen Rinpoche from the Drigar Thubten Dargye Ling tradition (Tibetan) and attended annual Om Mani Padme Hum and Om Ami Dewa Hrih retreats from 2015 till date. Currently, he is a disciple of Master Jin Bodhi (Mahayana) from Bodhi Meditation in Singapore and is an active volunteer there. Master Jin Bodhi is his main Dharma teacher. Jerome feels that Buddhism is not a religion but is a practical way to reduce our life's problems. The essence of Buddhism is not in the books or sutras but in the way we apply it into our lives. Having understood some aspects of Buddha's teaching, he wants to give back to the society and hopes to share his insights with everyone who has the affinity with him.