Reacting Wisely to External Stimuli

In the Essentials, Master Ouyi’s commentary on the Amitabha Sutra, we read, “One lets go of the phenomena one sees and keeps in mind and never reminisces about them.” Letting go refers to how we are to react to our external environments.

Outside stimuli often tempt us. But, ideally, when we see or hear these stimuli, we should not be attached to them. When they are over, we should not reminisce about them again. Every time we recall them, a seed is planted in our Alaya consciousness, and we create a karmic cause. Our mouths are not creating a karmic cause, neither are our bodies. It is our thoughts that are creating karmic cause.

We should often remember “All phenomena are unreal” and “All functioning phenomena are like dreams, illusions, bubbles, and shadows.” This is the truth the Buddha taught us. It is very hard for ordinary people to understand and to awaken. Sakyamuni Buddha taught the Dharma for forty-nine years. He repeated the important teachings. We are familiar with them after hearing them so many times but we cannot practice them. As soon as a situation arises, we immediately become deluded and our wandering thoughts, discriminations, and attachments arise.

 ~ Based on Ven. Master Chin Kung's 2003 lecture series on the Amitabha Sutra

Like a Dream, Like a Bubble

When we encounter our foes or unhappy situations, we can remind ourselves that as was said in the Diamond Sutra: “Whatever takes form is illusory” and “All compounded things are like a dream, an illusion, a bubble, and a shadow.” If we realize this, our minds will quickly become calm. With our chanting of “Amituofo,” understanding that coming to this world is an excursion and we will be gone in a few days.

Whether the actions of others are good or bad does not relate directly to us, and we do not have to worry about it. If we have an affinity with someone, we can urge him or her to do good deeds. If we do not have an affinity, then we can try to set a good example. If the individual understands, it is his or her good fortune. If not, it is also okay.

We can try to use Buddhas and bodhisattvas as our examples for when they manifest in this world, their every thought, word, and action is to teach all beings. So they never stop lecturing or setting examples. But as they lecture and set examples for the sake of others, it is without any thought of self-interest. In everything they do, their minds remain pure. They are completely at ease.

If one has the slightest thought of self, trouble will follow. Why? Because one makes mistakes when one has a thought of self-interest. Only when one has no thought of self-interest and has truly let go of everything will one’s mind be liberated and one’s wisdom be uncovered.

~ Based on Ven. Master Chin Kung's 2003 lecture series on the Amitabha Sutra

Because I'm Here

An old monk was sweeping the yard in a monastery under the scorching sun.

Another monk passed by and asked him, "How old are you?"

The old monk replied, "I'm seventy-seven."

"You are so old! Why are you still working so hard here?"

"Well, because I'm here."

"But why are you working under the scorching sun?"

"Because the sun is there."

[Act without worrying about the results, and strive for excellence without dwelling on it. If we put all of our hearts into what we do without complaining, we can become one with the "Way."]

~ Source Unknown 

When Spoken Ill Of

If someone slanders us and we try to find a way to refute the slander, we will be asking for trouble. If we think of refuting the slander, we are not according with the Buddha’s teachings. The Buddha did not teach us to refute slander. He taught us to ignore it. Let others do their slandering. We will behave as we usually do.

This is just like someone throwing a punch. If there is no resistance, the fist will fall on emptiness. If someone slanders us and we refute the slander, the situation will develop into a quarrel and then a fight. By remaining silent when being scolded and not striking back when being attacked, we concentrate our minds on cultivation and diligently practice the Buddha’s teachings.

Obviously this is very hard to do. Generally, we cannot tolerate being slandered. But our goal should be to endure what others cannot endure and practice what others cannot practice. In this way, we will progress on our Bodhi path to awakening.

When we reach critical moments in our cultivation, the obstacles we encounter will be grave. We should treat these obstacles as tests: I have progressed this far in my cultivation and need to take this test. With this thinking, we will realize that it is not a bad thing to encounter obstacles.

~ Based on Ven. Master Chin Kung's 2003 lecture series on the Amitabha Sutra

Obstacles in our Path

Along the path of cultivation, there are many obstacles. As in a race, we all start at the same starting line, but some progress ahead of others, some lag behind, and some are eliminated. Why? Because there are many obstacles. The obstacles may be people or situations. They may be our family and friends or those we have hurt in the past and owe karmic debts to.

Who can overcome all these obstacles and progress in their practice? Those who single-mindedly concentrate on cultivation. In our practice, we recite the Buddha’s name or our selected sutra every day. We also study the teachings every day. If we are very busy with work and family responsibilities, we can at least chant and study for a few minutes. The main thing is to practice and study every day.

As Master Chin Kung says, whenever there is an obstacle, ignore it. Carefully review and observe to make sure that one’s mind and behavior accord with the teachings of the Buddha. Do not spend time and energy on trying to find a way to deal with the obstacle, or else the obstacle will become even greater.

~ Based on Ven. Master Chin Kung's 2003 lecture series on the Amitabha Sutra