With self-confidence, one could cross the Ganges River
even if empty-handed;
With self-confidence, one could soar into the sky
even after falling into a dry well.
In Chan Buddhism, to assume responsibility is considered a way of having faith in ourselves. There is a proverb that says, “With self-confidence, there is no obstacle that cannot be overcome. Without self-confidence, even the simple act of breaking a stick cannot be accomplished.”
Indeed! Having faith in ourselves is like adorning ourselves with a jade or pearl necklace; it dignifies our body and mind. Having faith in ourselves is like having a walking stick; it allows us to advance without obstruction.
Only by having faith in ourselves as well as an understanding of our own strengths and weaknesses, can we begin to create a bright future.
── from Mi Wu Zhijian
(Between Ignorance and Enlightenment)
In society, the frequent sight of people fighting to become boss is no surprise. A true boss is not evaluated by position or ranking, but by a mind that knows to respect and tolerate others. In this world, those who are honorable and respected by others, all come from humility.
If a person’s heart can only embrace his family, he can only become the head of his family. If his heart can hold a city, he can become a mayor. If his heart can hold a nation, he can become a president. However, if a person can expand his heart to embrace the universe and beyond, his mind and nature will be unified with the Buddha’s.
── from Hsing Yun Shuo Yu
(Hsing Yun’s Commentaries on Allegories)
and others
A closed window or door
will cut one off from the outside;
a closed mind
will confine the space of thoughts.
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 Medicine Buddha SutraMedicine Buddha, the Buddha of healing in Chinese Buddhism, is believed to cure all suffering (both physical and mental) of sentient beings. The Medicine Buddha Sutra is commonly chanted and recited in Buddhist monasteries, and the Medicine Buddha’s twelve great vows are widely praised.
What is happening at Hsingyun.org this month? Send us your email, and we will make sure you never miss a thing!