The following is a reply to Buddhist H.V.Ninh Lancaster, PA.
Question:
Dear Master, what does it mean to say, “If one maintains a sincere and truthful mind while reciting the Buddha's name, with just one recitation, one can eliminate karmic offenses in eighty million past reincarnations (former lives)?”
Answer:
Maintaining a “sincere and truthful mind” to recite the Buddha's name is also called “reciting with one-mind” or “single-mindedness recitation”.
There are a variety of ways to achieve “single- mindedness recitation.” I will explain only one method so you can rely on it to practice.
If any practitioner wishes to achieve “single- mindedness” while reciting Buddha to eliminate infinite karmic offenses in many reincarnations (rebirths), it is necessary to do the following:
There are a variety of ways to achieve “single- mindedness recitation.” I will explain only one method so you can rely on it to practice.
If any practitioner wishes to achieve “single- mindedness” while reciting Buddha to eliminate infinite karmic offenses in many reincarnations (rebirths), it is necessary to do the following:
- Settle and focus the mind (contain it), don't let it become distracted, wander, or think aimlessly.
- Each line of Buddha Recitation (“Namo Amitabha Buddha”) must follow the previous one evenly, not too fast, not too slow, similar to a raindrop trickling down from the rooftop; the first drop does not wait for the second drop, the second drop does not interfere with the first.
- Recite each word and each phrase clearly.
- Mouth chanting the virtuous name (Buddha), eyes fixed on the Buddha’s statue (Amitabha Buddha), ear listening clearly to the sound of Buddha Recitation.
According to the “uninterrupted cultivation” method of the second (of thirteen) Patriarch of Chinese Pureland Buddhism, the Great Venerable MasterSen-Tao,[1] in order for recitation to be considered a “single-mindedness Buddha Recitation”, it is necessary to have the following criteria:
- Body must often prostrate to Buddha(Amitabha Buddha) and not prostrate in a random or disorderly way[2]
- Speech must often recite the virtuous name of Buddha (Amitabha Buddha) and not recite in a random and disorderly way[3]
- Mind must often think of Buddha (Amitabha Buddha) and not think in a random and disorderly way.
The method most often applied while engaging in Buddha Recitation is called “Breath-Counting 
Ten RecitationsTen Recitations: 10 times reciting “Namo Amitabha Buddha.” .”
What does this mean?
Essentially, this method requires the practitioner to recite the Buddha's name ten times per breath. First, inhale, hold breath, and begin reciting (“Namo Amitabha Buddha”) until all ten recitations[4] are complete. Next, exhale, then inhale and repeat the process as done previously. If a practitioner is short of breath, it is acceptable to divide the segment of ten recitations into two; with each breath, recite the Buddha's name five times.
This “Breath-Counting Ten Recitations” method was taught by the Thirteenth Patriarch of Chinese Pureland Buddhism, the Great Venerable Master Yin-Kuang.[5] He often encouraged Pureland Cultivators to apply this method in their daily practices of Buddha Recitation.
There are many advantages to practicing this method: speech reciting Buddha, ears listening, and mind counting the number of recitations. Thus, if able to concentrate, it will lead the practitioner to focus the mind because if not focused, the count will be lost.
Therefore, the ultimate goal of this method is to “force” (discipline) the Pureland cultivator into achieving “single-mindedness” while engaging in Buddha Recitation. This is truly a great remedy for those who are easily distracted or have a wandering mind.
It is important to remember while reciting the Buddha's name, try not to think of anything else (block out all invasive thoughts) and do not be doubtful or skeptical. If one is able to maintain a sincere and truthful mind in this way, then each recitation will eliminate many karmic offenses in eight million past reincarnations. However, if not practiced in this way, with each recitation, the power to eliminate karmic offenses as well as gaining merits will not be as great (the maximum potential will not be realized). Thus, it will be difficult to eliminate many of one’s former karmic offenses.
I wish you the best of luck in practicing Buddha Recitation with vigor and determination.
Ten RecitationsTen Recitations: 10 times reciting “Namo Amitabha Buddha.” .” What does this mean?
Essentially, this method requires the practitioner to recite the Buddha's name ten times per breath. First, inhale, hold breath, and begin reciting (“Namo Amitabha Buddha”) until all ten recitations[4] are complete. Next, exhale, then inhale and repeat the process as done previously. If a practitioner is short of breath, it is acceptable to divide the segment of ten recitations into two; with each breath, recite the Buddha's name five times.
This “Breath-Counting Ten Recitations” method was taught by the Thirteenth Patriarch of Chinese Pureland Buddhism, the Great Venerable Master Yin-Kuang.[5] He often encouraged Pureland Cultivators to apply this method in their daily practices of Buddha Recitation.
There are many advantages to practicing this method: speech reciting Buddha, ears listening, and mind counting the number of recitations. Thus, if able to concentrate, it will lead the practitioner to focus the mind because if not focused, the count will be lost.
Therefore, the ultimate goal of this method is to “force” (discipline) the Pureland cultivator into achieving “single-mindedness” while engaging in Buddha Recitation. This is truly a great remedy for those who are easily distracted or have a wandering mind.
It is important to remember while reciting the Buddha's name, try not to think of anything else (block out all invasive thoughts) and do not be doubtful or skeptical. If one is able to maintain a sincere and truthful mind in this way, then each recitation will eliminate many karmic offenses in eight million past reincarnations. However, if not practiced in this way, with each recitation, the power to eliminate karmic offenses as well as gaining merits will not be as great (the maximum potential will not be realized). Thus, it will be difficult to eliminate many of one’s former karmic offenses.
I wish you the best of luck in practicing Buddha Recitation with vigor and determination.
Response to Lady Ho Bich-Lien, Dharma name: Dieu-Thanh, Bremerton, WA.
Question:
Dear Master,
I have often heard our religion (Buddhism) proceeds through three stages (“periods” or “ages”): Proper Dharma, Dharma Semblance, and Dharma Ending. Is it possible for you to explain to me further how long each of these periods lasts and when will the “Dharma Ending AgeDharma Ending Age: Began 1000 years after the Buddha entered the Maha-Nirvana. Since that time, it has been 2,546 years (2002), thus we are deep in that age, which means the Buddha Dharma is degenerating and will one day, vanish from this world. Only then will the next Buddha appear. For example, the next Buddha, to follow the Sakyamuni Buddha, will be the Maitreya Buddha (more popular known in the West as “Happy Buddha”). The first 500 years after the Buddha's appearance is called the Proper Dharma Age, and the subsequent 500 years is called the Dharma Semblance Age. ” end? What will happen to Buddhism and where will it go?
I have often heard our religion (Buddhism) proceeds through three stages (“periods” or “ages”): Proper Dharma, Dharma Semblance, and Dharma Ending. Is it possible for you to explain to me further how long each of these periods lasts and when will the “
Dharma Ending AgeDharma Ending Age: Began 1000 years after the Buddha entered the Maha-Nirvana. Since that time, it has been 2,546 years (2002), thus we are deep in that age, which means the Buddha Dharma is degenerating and will one day, vanish from this world. Only then will the next Buddha appear. For example, the next Buddha, to follow the Sakyamuni Buddha, will be the Maitreya Buddha (more popular known in the West as “Happy Buddha”). The first 500 years after the Buddha's appearance is called the Proper Dharma Age, and the subsequent 500 years is called the Dharma Semblance Age. ” end? What will happen to Buddhism and where will it go?Answer:
Whenever a Buddha appears in the world and then enters Maha-Nirvana, that Buddha’s Dharma will always proceed through three periods: Proper Dharma, Dharma Semblance, and Dharma Ending Age. However, the time frame of these periods may vary greatly from Buddha to Buddha. Collectively, these three periods are known as the “Dharma’s Fate.”
a. Proper Dharma Age:
a. Proper Dharma Age:
For the Sakyamuni BuddhaSakyamuni Buddha: was a Prince in India who gave up the conventional life of royalty to search for the ultimate freedom from the pains and sufferings of birth, sickness, old age, and death. He escaped the royal palace at the age of 19, attained the Ultimate Enlightenment of Buddhahood at 31 and taught the Dharma for 49 years. At eighty years of age, He entered the Maha-Nirvana state and left behind one of the world’s oldest philosophical/religious traditions lasting over twenty-five hundred years. (historical Buddha), the “Proper Dharma Age” was a period of 500 years after He entered Maha-Nirvana (over 2500 years ago). The word “Proper” here means “Enlightenment.” Thus, in that period, although the Buddha was no longer in existence, His Dharma and precept were still properly practiced and upheld. There were true and genuine practitioners who attained enlightenment. In one hundred cultivators, approximately seventy-to-eighty attained enlightenment.
Sakyamuni BuddhaSakyamuni Buddha: was a Prince in India who gave up the conventional life of royalty to search for the ultimate freedom from the pains and sufferings of birth, sickness, old age, and death. He escaped the royal palace at the age of 19, attained the Ultimate Enlightenment of Buddhahood at 31 and taught the Dharma for 49 years. At eighty years of age, He entered the Maha-Nirvana state and left behind one of the world’s oldest philosophical/religious traditions lasting over twenty-five hundred years. (historical Buddha), the “Proper Dharma Age” was a period of 500 years after He entered Maha-Nirvana (over 2500 years ago). The word “Proper” here means “Enlightenment.” Thus, in that period, although the Buddha was no longer in existence, His Dharma and precept were still properly practiced and upheld. There were true and genuine practitioners who attained enlightenment. In one hundred cultivators, approximately seventy-to-eighty attained enlightenment.b. Dharma Semblance Age:
A period of 500 years following the “Proper Dharma Age,” which lasted from 500 to 1000 years after the Buddha entered Maha-Nirvana. “Semblance” here means “resemblance” or “having close similarity” (to the Proper Dharma Age). In this age, gradually, the Dharma decreases to fifty percent of the Proper Dharma Age. The Buddha's Dharma and precepts left behind are destroyed by Evil-Sangha (Non-Buddhists [evil spirits] who disguise themselves as Buddhist monks and nuns to destroy the teaching) by falsely explaining and teaching the Buddha Dharma. Thus, the Dharma still exists and there are still cultivators, but very few attain enlightenment. In one hundred cultivators, only one or two will attain enlightenment.
c. Dharma Ending Age:
The period following the Dharma Semblance Age (beginning 1500 years after the Buddha entered Maha-Nirvana) and has continued to present day. In this Age, the Dharma and precepts are weakened significantly. Many other religions and evil spirits will enter and blend in with Buddhism, destroying the Buddha Dharma. Thus, the Dharma still exists and there are cultivators, but very few practitioners are able to grasp fully the proper Dharma (“awakened to the Way”) much less attain enlightenment.
Dharma Ages
In the “Great Luminous Collection Sutra”, the Buddha made this prophecy:
“In the Dharma Ending Age, in hundred-thousands and hundred-thousands of cultivators, as the result, no one will attain enlightenment…”
After these three periods, there is another short Dharma period called “Final Dharma” (only a small portion of the Dharma teachings will still exist).
According to the “Great Luminous Collection Sutra” the Sakyamuni Buddha taught:
“After the Buddha entered Maha-Nirvana, the Buddha Dharma will in turn pass through five periods known as the five unyielding periods.”
“Five Periods” are the five evolving periods of the Buddha Dharma from beginning to end. “Unyielding” refers to sentient beings' state of mind as being very headstrong. Their beliefs and convictions are so strong, unchangeable, and unwavering similar to trying to uproot a tree that has been planted for thousands of years. The five unyielding periods are:
1. Enlightenment Unyielding (“Proper Dharma Age”):
After the Lokanatha (Buddha) enters the Maha-Nirvana, in the first 500 years, there will be many Buddhists who will attain enlightenment through their cultivation. In one hundred cultivators, eighty-to-ninety will attain enlightenment. At that time, the human realm will have many good and virtuous beings.
2. Samadhi Unyielding (Dharma Semblance Age):
In the second 500 years, in the ranks of Bhiksu, Bhiksuni (Buddhist monks and nuns), and lay Buddhists ( UpasakaUpasaka: Upasaka: is a male lay Buddhist. Upasika: is a female lay Buddhist. Bhiksu: is an ordained male Buddhist (Monk). Bhiksuni: is an ordained female Buddhist (Nun). and Upasika), though fewer will attain enlightenment compared to the first 500 years (Proper Dharma Age), many will still continue to practice the Dharma properly as the Buddha taught and will be able to penetrate the spiritual realm of samadhi (deep meditation). Thus, in one hundred cultivators, seven or eight will attain enlightenment.
UpasakaUpasaka: Upasaka: is a male lay Buddhist. Upasika: is a female lay Buddhist. Bhiksu: is an ordained male Buddhist (Monk). Bhiksuni: is an ordained female Buddhist (Nun). and Upasika), though fewer will attain enlightenment compared to the first 500 years (Proper Dharma Age), many will still continue to practice the Dharma properly as the Buddha taught and will be able to penetrate the spiritual realm of samadhi (deep meditation). Thus, in one hundred cultivators, seven or eight will attain enlightenment.
3. Attached to the Dharma Unyielding (Beginning of the Dharma Ending Age):
In the third 500 years, sentient beings' religious ways (cultivated karma) will be much weaker and more shallow than previously. The majority will only like to engage in explaining, interpreting the sutras (Dharma), and philosophizing about various theories hoping to gain fame and fortune but practice kept at a minimum. Thus, in a million cultivators, it would be rare if two or three attained enlightenment.
4. Pagoda and Temple Unyielding:
In the fourth 500 years (which is 2000 years after the Buddha entered Maha-Nirvana.), for the most part, Buddhists will focus on matters such as building great temples and pagodas to pray for merits and blessings. Very few Buddhists will cultivate the Dharma of enlightenment. In millions and millions of cultivators, no one will attain enlightenment.
5. Conflict Unyielding:
In the fifth 500 years (which is 2500 years after the Buddha entered Maha-nirvana, which is present day) most Buddhists will be consumed by "individualism", “egotism”, emphasizing too much “self importance” and having little tolerance. Thus, this will not be specific only to society, in general, but many on the religious path (ordained Buddhists, preachers, priests, etc.) will engage in endless cut-throat competition, killing, destroying each other for fame, fortune, prestige, etc. Many of these religious figures will lose track of their ultimate purpose in life, which is to find enlightenment. In the end, many will fall onto the evil paths of hell, animal, and hungry ghosts.
“In this period, good and virtuous people will be few but the evil and wicked will be in abundance. The Triple Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha) will no longer be worshipped, presented, or followed properly according to the true teaching of Buddha.”
The Sutra often says: “In the last 500 years….” This refers to this latter period, which is the present day.
“In this period, good and virtuous people will be few but the evil and wicked will be in abundance. The Triple Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha) will no longer be worshipped, presented, or followed properly according to the true teaching of Buddha.”
The Sutra often says: “In the last 500 years….” This refers to this latter period, which is the present day.
When the “Dharma Ending Age” ends, what will happen to the Buddha Dharma?
In the “Great Compassion Sutra”, the Buddha taught:
“Look here Ananda,[7] after I enter Maha-Nirvana, in the last five hundred years (present day), those who maintain precepts, practice according to the proper dharma teachings, will gradually diminish. Those who violate precepts, engaging in many offensive activities, contrary to the proper Dharma teachings, will increase with each passing day…
Because sentient beings degrade and look down on the proper dharma, their merits and life expectancies will slowly decrease; many terrible and frightening (natural) disasters will take form. During such times, many of those cultivating the Way (ordained Buddhists) will be mesmerized by fame and fortune, not cultivating their minds, bodies, and for wisdom. They will be greedy for Buddhist robes, bowls, food delicacies, bedding, housing, medicine, and then become jealous and envious of each other, competing and insulting one another, taking one another to the authorities, their speech like knives and daggers…
During such time, there will be noblemen, lay Buddhists (upasaka and upasika), although enduring many pains and sufferings, they will still have true faith, worshipping and respecting the Triple Jewels, follow precepts, chant sutras, cultivate various virtuous practices, encouraging and advising others to practice goodness. As the result of such conducts, when death arrives, they are reborn to the realm of Heaven, enjoying a blissful existence.
As for those evil Bhiksus (monks), in the beginning, while having faith, they leave home (abandon the layman's way of life in search of enlightenment), but thereafter, they become greedy for fame and fortune, and do not diligently cultivate the Way. Therefore, in the end, they will be condemned to the evil paths (hell, animal, and hungry ghost)…
…From that time forward, those in the religious ranks will violate and destroy precepts, abuse alcohol, murder (sentient beings for food, eat meat), or sell the Triple Jewels’ belongings, or engage in other impure conducts… Only a few will maintain the proper precepts and conducts, diligently upholding and propagating the true Dharma teachings. When the Bhiksu's and Bhiksuni's Buddhist robes change to the color of white, it is the sign the Buddha Dharma is nearing extinction…
When the Buddha Dharma is about to become extinct, for the most part, women are more diligent (more faithful in the cultivated path), as they enjoy cultivating various virtuous practices. On the contrary, the majority of the men will lack faith. They will often be lazy, arrogant, conceited, and not enjoy listening to the Dharma of goodness, and will not be diligent in cultivating for merits and wisdom… When they see a person of religious rank, they will scorn, denigrate, belittle and look down upon such person as if he is dirt…
At such time, because of sentient beings' evil and wicked ways, the seasons will not be harmonious, harvests (crops) will be destroyed, various precious species of sweet scented rice will gradually disappear…epidemics will spread widely, leading to countless deaths. During that time public officials are corrupted, greedy, and cruel…citizens will be impoverished, pain and suffering will be rampant, everyone praying for war and rebellion (as is evident all over the world today)…
During such times, in the world, it will be difficult to find a kind and conscientious person, but the evil and wicked will be in abundance, similar to the sands on the beach. The virtuous and religious life will have degenerated greatly. The heavenly beings (Devas) and deities will be sad, as they will cry out of love and pity…
Look Ananda, when my Dharma is about to become extinct, day and night will shorten, people will die young, many who are only forty, their hair already turned gray. As for the men, because they often overindulge in sexual promiscuity, they will often die before their time.
On the contrary, because women have faith and cultivation, they will tend to live longer… During such time, if there are those in the ranks of Bodhisattva, Prateyka Buddha, or Arhat using their compassionate nature to appear to teach and guide sentient beings, because sentient beings' evil karmic actions are too prevalent, as well as the great power of evil trying to destroy Buddhism, those going to the temples to study and cultivate will be few… As for those true cultivators (enlightened beings), maintaining pure precepts, the majority will retreat to isolated mountains and forests, maintaining a peaceful and contented life, receiving protection from the gods and deities…
When human’s life expectancy is fifty-two years,[8] the Buddhist robes of Bhiksu and Bhiksuni will alter to the color of white. All sutras will be destroyed. The first two Sutras to disappear will be the ‘Suramgama Sutra’ and the ‘Bat-Chu Samadhi Sutra.[9] Gradually, all other sutras will also disappear until no written sutras remain.
When the Buddhist robes of Bhiksu and Bhiksuni transform to five colors, there will be no one cultivating the proper teachings, but only a type of evil fiend who intrudes to appear as Buddhists to destroy the religion…
From that point forward, a time of hundreds of thousands and millions of years will pass before the Maitreya Buddha will appear in this (Saha) world to rescue and alleviate sentient beings from pains and suffering…”
In the “Great Compassion Sutra”, the Buddha taught:
“Look here Ananda,[7] after I enter Maha-Nirvana, in the last five hundred years (present day), those who maintain precepts, practice according to the proper dharma teachings, will gradually diminish. Those who violate precepts, engaging in many offensive activities, contrary to the proper Dharma teachings, will increase with each passing day…
Because sentient beings degrade and look down on the proper dharma, their merits and life expectancies will slowly decrease; many terrible and frightening (natural) disasters will take form. During such times, many of those cultivating the Way (ordained Buddhists) will be mesmerized by fame and fortune, not cultivating their minds, bodies, and for wisdom. They will be greedy for Buddhist robes, bowls, food delicacies, bedding, housing, medicine, and then become jealous and envious of each other, competing and insulting one another, taking one another to the authorities, their speech like knives and daggers…
During such time, there will be noblemen, lay Buddhists (upasaka and upasika), although enduring many pains and sufferings, they will still have true faith, worshipping and respecting the Triple Jewels, follow precepts, chant sutras, cultivate various virtuous practices, encouraging and advising others to practice goodness. As the result of such conducts, when death arrives, they are reborn to the realm of Heaven, enjoying a blissful existence.
As for those evil Bhiksus (monks), in the beginning, while having faith, they leave home (abandon the layman's way of life in search of enlightenment), but thereafter, they become greedy for fame and fortune, and do not diligently cultivate the Way. Therefore, in the end, they will be condemned to the evil paths (hell, animal, and hungry ghost)…
…From that time forward, those in the religious ranks will violate and destroy precepts, abuse alcohol, murder (sentient beings for food, eat meat), or sell the Triple Jewels’ belongings, or engage in other impure conducts… Only a few will maintain the proper precepts and conducts, diligently upholding and propagating the true Dharma teachings. When the Bhiksu's and Bhiksuni's Buddhist robes change to the color of white, it is the sign the Buddha Dharma is nearing extinction…
When the Buddha Dharma is about to become extinct, for the most part, women are more diligent (more faithful in the cultivated path), as they enjoy cultivating various virtuous practices. On the contrary, the majority of the men will lack faith. They will often be lazy, arrogant, conceited, and not enjoy listening to the Dharma of goodness, and will not be diligent in cultivating for merits and wisdom… When they see a person of religious rank, they will scorn, denigrate, belittle and look down upon such person as if he is dirt…
At such time, because of sentient beings' evil and wicked ways, the seasons will not be harmonious, harvests (crops) will be destroyed, various precious species of sweet scented rice will gradually disappear…epidemics will spread widely, leading to countless deaths. During that time public officials are corrupted, greedy, and cruel…citizens will be impoverished, pain and suffering will be rampant, everyone praying for war and rebellion (as is evident all over the world today)…
During such times, in the world, it will be difficult to find a kind and conscientious person, but the evil and wicked will be in abundance, similar to the sands on the beach. The virtuous and religious life will have degenerated greatly. The heavenly beings (Devas) and deities will be sad, as they will cry out of love and pity…
Look Ananda, when my Dharma is about to become extinct, day and night will shorten, people will die young, many who are only forty, their hair already turned gray. As for the men, because they often overindulge in sexual promiscuity, they will often die before their time.
On the contrary, because women have faith and cultivation, they will tend to live longer… During such time, if there are those in the ranks of Bodhisattva, Prateyka Buddha, or Arhat using their compassionate nature to appear to teach and guide sentient beings, because sentient beings' evil karmic actions are too prevalent, as well as the great power of evil trying to destroy Buddhism, those going to the temples to study and cultivate will be few… As for those true cultivators (enlightened beings), maintaining pure precepts, the majority will retreat to isolated mountains and forests, maintaining a peaceful and contented life, receiving protection from the gods and deities…
When human’s life expectancy is fifty-two years,[8] the Buddhist robes of Bhiksu and Bhiksuni will alter to the color of white. All sutras will be destroyed. The first two Sutras to disappear will be the ‘Suramgama Sutra’ and the ‘Bat-Chu Samadhi Sutra.[9] Gradually, all other sutras will also disappear until no written sutras remain.
When the Buddhist robes of Bhiksu and Bhiksuni transform to five colors, there will be no one cultivating the proper teachings, but only a type of evil fiend who intrudes to appear as Buddhists to destroy the religion…
From that point forward, a time of hundreds of thousands and millions of years will pass before the Maitreya Buddha will appear in this (Saha) world to rescue and alleviate sentient beings from pains and suffering…”
Question:
Dear Master,
Within the practice of Buddha Recitation, when engaging in various activities, whether lying down, sitting, etc. thus, in other words, not necessarily being proper and respectful,[6] would that constitute as an offense or not?
Within the practice of Buddha Recitation, when engaging in various activities, whether lying down, sitting, etc. thus, in other words, not necessarily being proper and respectful,[6] would that constitute as an offense or not?
Answer:
The Buddha does not blame sentient beings.
Furthermore, the Pureland Tradition is extremely easy to cultivate. When working, studying, etc. it is still possible to practice Buddha Recitation. It is only necessary to have a sincere, respectful, and faithful mind and the Buddha will hear everything.
The Sutra taught:
“If you pray, you shall receive…”
Meaning, if you have a sincere and faithful mind, everything will be as you wish. Such matter is truly extraordinary and magnificent. It is not possible to use the human mind to understand or predict it.
Regarding this matter, it is important for the mind and speech to be consistent with one another (meaning if speech recites Buddha than the mind must also think of Buddha). Don't worry so much about the external (form) appearances (do not be too concerned with being proper, at all times, while reciting Buddha). If you are able to achieve this, then you should not be concerned or be worried that you are committing offenses. After many years of practice and recitation, gradually your Buddha recitation and wisdom will be in harmony, at that time, past offenses and obstructions will be eliminated.
Even so, I'm not suggesting you should give up the form appearance of a (proper) practice altogether. Please do not misunderstand this point. If time and circumstance permit, then you should sit down properly in front of the Buddha's shrine, chant and recite so you will gain even more merits and virtues. You must understand:
With each part of sincerity and respect, you will increase a part in virtue and merit.
The practices of Buddha recitation while walking, standing, sitting, or while working should be used to support your cultivated path as well as helping to solidify your Bodhi Mind with each passing day.
Furthermore, the Pureland Tradition is extremely easy to cultivate. When working, studying, etc. it is still possible to practice Buddha Recitation. It is only necessary to have a sincere, respectful, and faithful mind and the Buddha will hear everything.
The Sutra taught:
“If you pray, you shall receive…”
Meaning, if you have a sincere and faithful mind, everything will be as you wish. Such matter is truly extraordinary and magnificent. It is not possible to use the human mind to understand or predict it.
Regarding this matter, it is important for the mind and speech to be consistent with one another (meaning if speech recites Buddha than the mind must also think of Buddha). Don't worry so much about the external (form) appearances (do not be too concerned with being proper, at all times, while reciting Buddha). If you are able to achieve this, then you should not be concerned or be worried that you are committing offenses. After many years of practice and recitation, gradually your Buddha recitation and wisdom will be in harmony, at that time, past offenses and obstructions will be eliminated.
Even so, I'm not suggesting you should give up the form appearance of a (proper) practice altogether. Please do not misunderstand this point. If time and circumstance permit, then you should sit down properly in front of the Buddha's shrine, chant and recite so you will gain even more merits and virtues. You must understand:
With each part of sincerity and respect, you will increase a part in virtue and merit.
The practices of Buddha recitation while walking, standing, sitting, or while working should be used to support your cultivated path as well as helping to solidify your Bodhi Mind with each passing day.
These practices will allow you often to think and remember Buddha and to remind yourself of your cultivated path; otherwise, you should not rely on them to be the main foundation of your cultivated path.
This ideology also applies to practicing Buddha Recitation while lying down. Aside from the circumstances where you are sick or lacking any other options, then lying down to recite is permissible. Otherwise, if you are in good health it is necessary for you to demonstrate respect by reserving a specific time to appear before a Buddhist shrine to practice so you can achieve more merits and virtues as well as not committing any offenses…
Please try hard not to forget what I said.
This ideology also applies to practicing Buddha Recitation while lying down. Aside from the circumstances where you are sick or lacking any other options, then lying down to recite is permissible. Otherwise, if you are in good health it is necessary for you to demonstrate respect by reserving a specific time to appear before a Buddhist shrine to practice so you can achieve more merits and virtues as well as not committing any offenses…
Please try hard not to forget what I said.
Question:
Dear Master,
What about if my speech and mind are always reciting the Buddha, facing the direction of the Buddha including the times of my menstrual cycle. Does the latter constitute as a transgression? Dear Master, please explain and teach me what I need to do and what to avoid?
What about if my speech and mind are always reciting the Buddha, facing the direction of the Buddha including the times of my menstrual cycle. Does the latter constitute as a transgression? Dear Master, please explain and teach me what I need to do and what to avoid?
Answer:
As discussed, if the mouth recites Buddha, the mind often thinks of Buddha, then this is already very valuable (and if the “body also prostrates and respects Buddha,” then that is even more valuable).
The “menstrual cycle” is a natural condition of being a woman, so why should that be an obstruction to your cultivated path?
For example, if a child is sick, abscess wreaks odor, body infested with sores as the child cries and moans in agony; do you think the child’s parents would have the heart to leave him/her to die? Thus, the menstrual cycle is not nearly as bad (impure) as you think. If this matter hindered women's cultivated path, then are you suggesting from the past to the present women have been obstructed and have not been able to cultivate and practice to attain enlightenment? (Of course not.)
Furthermore, it is common knowledge most women begin the menstrual cycle during the adolescent years (12 or 13) and menopause will not happen until they reach late adulthood (48 or 49). This is a “natural” part of every woman’s life, and it is not something over which you have any control.
I often heard many people saying:
“When going thorough the “periods” do not worship, chant sutras, or come and go before the shrine because to do so Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and Dharma Guardians will criticize, reproach, and will not protect or approve of the cultivator (women) etc.!”
It is important to understand:
The statement above is contradictory to the Theory and Practice of Buddhism and does not agree with the teachings of the Patriarchs.
Menstruation may last anywhere from three to seven days, but the Patriarchs have taught the matter of our practice, cultivation, recitation, etc. should be “without any gaps.” This means we must be consistent in maintaining our daily practices without skipping.
Therefore, why should you let this small “natural” obstacle get in the way of the greater good of cultivating and reciting?
At most, all you need to do is be a little more careful. When going through the menstrual cycle, you need to reduce the practice of prostration (to about a third of normal daily practices). Thus, you are just prostrating less and not skipping altogether. Please keep this in mind.
As for the daily practices of Buddha Recitation and Sutra chanting, continue just as you have done.
Moreover, you must often bathe and clean yourself, change clothes, and do not count prayer beads, turn Sutra’s pages, or light incense with dirty hands (wash them clean first).
It is important to remember:
With regard to the Buddha Dharma, all dharma(s) are connected and harmonious with one another.
Often times, non-Buddhists and false religions (cults) will get trapped and fixated on “Theory” but do not understand the component of “Practice” (regarding this issue).
In the Dharma Ending Age (present day), many people have faith in the words of cults and false teachings (non-Buddhist). Because they lack the proper view to understand clearly the teachings of the Buddha, they lose many benefits and advantages on their cultivated path.
Therefore, this matter is not something you should concern yourself with too much. Of course, if you wish to be more careful, then before engaging in your practice, shower and change to clean clothing. Otherwise, if you are too busy (with absolutely no time to spare) then chant the Peaceful and Tranquility Mantra twenty-one times (or forty-nine times) to purify the mind, body, and the surrounding area before beginning your practice.
This mantra is as follow:
Äum räm (21 times)
I wish you the best of luck in cultivating with vigor.
Sincerely
The “menstrual cycle” is a natural condition of being a woman, so why should that be an obstruction to your cultivated path?
For example, if a child is sick, abscess wreaks odor, body infested with sores as the child cries and moans in agony; do you think the child’s parents would have the heart to leave him/her to die? Thus, the menstrual cycle is not nearly as bad (impure) as you think. If this matter hindered women's cultivated path, then are you suggesting from the past to the present women have been obstructed and have not been able to cultivate and practice to attain enlightenment? (Of course not.)
Furthermore, it is common knowledge most women begin the menstrual cycle during the adolescent years (12 or 13) and menopause will not happen until they reach late adulthood (48 or 49). This is a “natural” part of every woman’s life, and it is not something over which you have any control.
I often heard many people saying:
“When going thorough the “periods” do not worship, chant sutras, or come and go before the shrine because to do so Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and Dharma Guardians will criticize, reproach, and will not protect or approve of the cultivator (women) etc.!”
It is important to understand:
The statement above is contradictory to the Theory and Practice of Buddhism and does not agree with the teachings of the Patriarchs.
Menstruation may last anywhere from three to seven days, but the Patriarchs have taught the matter of our practice, cultivation, recitation, etc. should be “without any gaps.” This means we must be consistent in maintaining our daily practices without skipping.
Therefore, why should you let this small “natural” obstacle get in the way of the greater good of cultivating and reciting?
At most, all you need to do is be a little more careful. When going through the menstrual cycle, you need to reduce the practice of prostration (to about a third of normal daily practices). Thus, you are just prostrating less and not skipping altogether. Please keep this in mind.
As for the daily practices of Buddha Recitation and Sutra chanting, continue just as you have done.
Moreover, you must often bathe and clean yourself, change clothes, and do not count prayer beads, turn Sutra’s pages, or light incense with dirty hands (wash them clean first).
It is important to remember:
With regard to the Buddha Dharma, all dharma(s) are connected and harmonious with one another.
Often times, non-Buddhists and false religions (cults) will get trapped and fixated on “Theory” but do not understand the component of “Practice” (regarding this issue).
In the Dharma Ending Age (present day), many people have faith in the words of cults and false teachings (non-Buddhist). Because they lack the proper view to understand clearly the teachings of the Buddha, they lose many benefits and advantages on their cultivated path.
Therefore, this matter is not something you should concern yourself with too much. Of course, if you wish to be more careful, then before engaging in your practice, shower and change to clean clothing. Otherwise, if you are too busy (with absolutely no time to spare) then chant the Peaceful and Tranquility Mantra twenty-one times (or forty-nine times) to purify the mind, body, and the surrounding area before beginning your practice.
This mantra is as follow:
Äum räm (21 times)
I wish you the best of luck in cultivating with vigor.
Sincerely
[1] - Patriarch Sen-Tao: He was not an ordinary human being (Buddhist Master) but was a transformation body of the Amitabha Buddha. In other words, he was an incarnation of the Amitabha Buddha who appeared in this world to teach, guide, transform, and propagate the Pureland Traditions benefiting those who have a special destiny and connection with the Pureland Dharma Door. He has no known history, birthplace, or parents. Sometimes the Buddha and Maha-Bodhisattva appear in the world in this way (having no roots, origin, etc.) to teach and guide sentient beings. This is known as having a “Transformation Body.” Other times, they appear in the world where there is a history, birthplace, root, parents, etc. and this is called having a “Transformation-Adaptation Body,” such as the Sakyamuni Buddha (historic Buddha) who appeared on Earth over 2500 years ago as a Prince in India (modern day Nepal).
Note: The enlightened beings (Buddha, Maha-Bodhisattva, etc.) appear in the world out of compassion, and they come freely and remain unattached to the lust, desires, pains, sufferings, etc. of the world. In contrast, we sentient beings are born because of our karma. Not only are we not free, but, at every moment of our existence, we are affected by every little thing arising from mind, body, and environment. Thus, being bound by our great (unenlightened) karma, we are still trapped in the cycle of rebirths and cannot come and go as we choose.
[2] - Means mixing all sorts of practices. This means do not prostrate to Buddha one day, then next day worship other gods, deities, spirits, supernatural forces, etc).
[3] - Meaning: Only recite the Amitabha Buddha’s name. Do not recite this Buddha one day and another Buddha another day (because it is difficult to focus to reach “one-mindedness recitation.”). This also means, do not gossip, talk meaninglessly, etc.
[4] - Ten Recitations: In the Sutra, reciting ten times (per breath) is sometime counted as “one recitation.”
[5] - Patriarch Yin-Kuang: He was the last of the thirteen Chinese Pureland Patriarchs and lived during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Unlike the Zen, the Pureland Buddhism Tradition never had an official passing of the Patriarchy. The Thirteen Pureland Patriarchs came to be from the recognition of Buddhists of future generations. These Patriarchs were chosen because they were the leaders among cultivators in their time in propagating Pureland and upon death, they demonstrated “miraculous death” clearly illustrating to the great following they had gained rebirth to the Ultimate Bliss Pureland. For example, upon cremating Patriarch Yin-Kuang’s body Buddhists found caris (jewel-like compounds that arise from being an enlightened being; the Buddha left behind 84,000 caris) in his ashes. They were of different shapes and sizes. (The biography accounts of the Pureland Patriarchs have been translated into English through the Dharma Flower Publications “Thirteen Patriarchs of Pureland Buddhism”).
[6] - Proper and Respectful: Ideally, when Buddhists perform daily rituals, they should be clean and wear proper clothing, and reserve time to perform their rituals, such as sitting down in the lotus position to practice Buddha recitation.
[7] - Ananda: He was one of Buddha’s ten highest-ranking Arahat disciples. He had an extraordinary memory, capable of remembering every word ever spoken by the Buddha. Thus, all sutras written after the Buddha’s death start out with, “Thus I have heard…”
[8] - According to the Buddha Dharma, human’s life expectancy will decrease one year each century. Only when humans are expected to live 10 years will their life expectancy begin to increase again (one year per century). This increasing trend of life expectancy will peak when humans are expected to live 84,000 years, and once this occurs, the decreasing trend will begin. When humans are expected to live 80,000 years, the next Buddha (Maitreya Buddha) will appear in the world to teach sentient beings’ the path of enlightenment (8.4 million years from now).
[9] - Translator’s Note: The reason these two Sutras are the first to go is they contain teachings about the demons and the Mantras (Dharanis) that help cultivators overcome and destroy the demonic forces.END=RESEARCH BUDDHIST DHARMA BY THICH CHAN TANH.MHDT.WORLD VIETNAMESE BUDDHIST ORDER=VIETNAMESE BUDDHIST NUNS=GOLDEN LOTUS MONASTERY=AUSTRALIA,SYDNEY.10/11/2012.NAM MO SHAKYAMUNI BUDDHA.( 3 TIMES ).
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