A monastery’s prosperity is achieved by
preventing conflict.
In cultivation, the most reliable approach is
to chant the Buddha’s name.
In diligent practices,
upholding the precepts is foremost.
In treating illnesses,
eating less is the cure.
In handling afflictions,
endurance is Bodhi wisdom.
In dealing with gossip,
silence is the way to liberation.
In persuading residents to remain,
maturity is the most genuine approach.
In performing duties,
wholeheartedness is meritorious.
In speech,
straightforwardness is achieved by brevity.
In dealing with elders and juniors,
compassion and harmony accumulates virtue.
In scholarship,
diligence is the gateway to understanding.
In the Law of Causes and Effects,
understanding is the key to being unimpeachable.
In life and death,
regard impermanence as a warning.
In doing the Buddha’s work,
be practical while showing finesse and sternness.
In receiving guests,
utmost sincerity is an offering.
In a monastery,
age and virtue is dignity.
In all undertakings,
preparation saves energy.
In dealing with others,
humility and respect is propriety.
In dangerous situations,
calmness and composure is concentration.
In helping others,
compassion is the foundation.
── from Baizhang Conglin Qinggui Zhengyi Ji
(Record of Testimony and Meaning of the Baizhang Monastic Regulations)

Do not use only what you know
to feel everything around you;
be like the universe
to accept all things.

Venerable Master Hsing Yun grants voices to the objects of daily monastic life to tell their stories in this collection of first-person narratives.

The Heart Sutra is a short sutra, commonly chanted individually or in groups, that contains the core teachings on prajnaparamita, or the “perfection of wisdom.” The sutra is short, at only 260 Chinese characters. Included is an English translation of the sutra’s meaning, followed by the Chinese characters and their pronunciation

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