Sakyamuni Buddha went through for 7 years of hardship before enlightenment

"Buddha was a prince and had all the material luxury during his time. He used to wear very little during winter and eat only a grain of rice a day. Why is there a need for such hardships? He underwent such tough training to clear all his karmic obstacles before he can attain Buddhahood. If he didn't undergo such training, it is difficult for him to appreciate how hard life is outside his palace."

Sharings from Vancouver meditation retreat

Commentary by Jerome:

If our lives are so smooth, it would be difficult for us to cultivate compassion for the needy. During the process of cultivation, obstacles will arise in our daily lives. We need to accept these challenges and try our best to learn the lessons these challenges offer. Only then can we clear our karmic obstacles and progress in our cultivation. Hence, obstacles are necessary in cultivation.

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.