FISHING IS NOT A SPORT!

Q&A Session with Buddhist friends in Malacca, Malaysia
August 19, 2016

Q11: FISHING IS NOT A SPORT!

Fishing Is Not a Sport!

Q: When one insists on fishing despite the discouragement from relatives and friends, we will instead persuade him not to eat the fishes caught, but to set them free. We try to convince the person that fishing is a form of sport, not for the consumption purpose. As most people would accept this reasoning, those who manage to convince others would earn merits, and those who continue fishing would incur less negative karma. Master Lu, please advise if this approach is correct?

A: According to what you have said, I could catch it for fun and then release it? Fine, let me have some fun by piercing a hole on your mouth, and thereafter send you to the hospital to get it stitched! Think about this, when you catch a fish, the fishing hook would have torn its mouth. How could you be happy even if you release it subsequently? How could you derive happiness from others’ misery? It is wrong to do so. There are many other forms of sports such as walking, why does it have to be fishing? If I beat you, it’s also a form of exercise for my hands! What kind of argument is this?

EXPLAIN WHEN NECESSARY BUT DO NOT OVERDO IT

Wenda20161016B 47:59 [Master Jun Hong Lu's call-in radio program]

Caller: Master Lu, how do Buddhist practitioners put into practice “Not explaining is the best explanation”? Is it possible to achieve this through actions in order to remove all vexations?

Master Jun Hong Lu: You still have to explain when necessary. However, do not overly explain. It suffice when you make your point clear. It’s now the Age of Dharma Decline, not the Age of the Right Dharma, during which explanation was not needed as self-realisation prevailed in everyone: when you stop talking, the other party will follow suit as he will be immediately enlightened. Nowadays people get confused easily, therefore you have to explain when the need arises.

Caller: If we would like to resolve everything in a non-confrontational manner…

Master Jun Hong Lu: It’s impossible. For example, your husband suspects that you are having an affair, what happen if you do not explain and remain silent? He will be very angry at you. It’s that simple. Can you afford not explaining under such circumstances?

Caller: We still have to explain when necessary, otherwise it will deepen the misunderstanding.

Master Jun Hong Lu: People today are different from people in the past. Their morality and standards have deteriorated.

CULTIVATE COMPASSION BY EVER FEELING GRATEFUL

World Buddhist Fellowship Meeting, Taipei, Taiwan
October 5, 2016

CULTIVATE COMPASSION BY EVER FEELING GRATEFUL

Master Jun Hong Lu: Many people have asked me: “Why is there demon within me?” 

The reason is that you are not compassionate enough! Remember, how can one become compassionate? He just needs to be content and grateful all the time! There are people who never know how to be grateful to the others in their lifetime. These are the ones who will never develop compassion in their heart.

MAKE A VOW WHEN SEEKING URGENT GUIDANCE FROM BODHISATTVA, YOUR QUERY WILL BE ANSWERED IN A DREAM

Wenda20161028  53:24
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)

Caller: When we need to deal with some critical matters, if all attempts to get through Master Lu’s line for totem reading and prayers to Bodhisattva proved futile, neither is there discourse through dreams to help resolve the issues in hand, what should we do?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Make a vow and your query will be answered. You should make a vow in front of Bodhisattva and pray for advice in your dream. Just say: “Bodhisattva, please enlighten me in my dream”. You will definitely receive the relevant guidance in your dream. However, if you have inappropriate sexual thoughts, Bodhisattva will not come into your dream because of your lewd thoughts.

BE DILIGENT IN PRACTICING BUDDHISM AND IN HELPING OTHERS

Wenda20141123A 00:42 [Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program]

Master Jun Hong Lu: “Please keep this in mind. In terms of practicing Buddhism, first and foremost, you must be diligent. What do we mean by “being diligent?” 
On a daily basis, you must perform a self-contemplation to find out “Have I done anything wrong? Have I put in my best effort? Have I let Bodhisattva down?” Ponder over these every single day.

Secondly, you must be actively helping others. As only those who help others can become Bodhisattva; while those who don’t help the others are regarded as self-cultivators. Only by helping others can you truly help yourself. All of you are good children, as you are always helping other people. This forms your virtue in your journey of Buddhist practice and cultivation. I hope all of you will persevere and put in your best effort!”

WHY DO PEOPLE WHO WALK A LOT LIVE LONGER?

Master Jun Hong Lu’s
Public Talk, Auckland, New Zealand
October 6, 2016

WHY DO PEOPLE WHO WALK A LOT LIVE LONGER?

Master Jun Hong Lu: 
Let me share with you, why people who walk a lot live longer? Do you have any clue? 

I was told by Bodhisattva that when a person walks, his head will receive the energy field of heaven, whereas his feet absorb the energy of earth. He is connected to both heaven and earth. This is referred to as “the connection of energy between heaven, earth and human.” It explains why when a person walks, the blood vessels in his entire body is cleared, promoting blood circulation and restoring his immunity system. 

As a result, he will recover from many ailments. Walking is a very good form of physical exercise. I hope all of you can walk more, even if you have car. Take a walk for twenty minutes to half an hour and I can assure you that you will live a long life.

GREAT COMPASSION MANTRA POSSESSES THE EFFECT OF EIGHTY-EIGHT BUDDHAS GREAT REPENTANCE (LIFO)

Master Jun Hong Lu’s
Public Talk in Milan, Italy
September 23, 2017

GREAT COMPASSION MANTRA POSSESSES THE EFFECT OF EIGHTY-EIGHT BUDDHAS GREAT REPENTANCE (LIFO)

Question:  There is an elderly lady in Guan Yin Hall who is illiterate.  She doesn’t speak Mandarin and neither is she able to articulate in Chinese dialects.  She is very committed to learning the practices of Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door, and had made a vow to practise vegetarianism her whole life.  She gets up at 5 every morning to recite the Buddhist scriptures along with a mantra recorder.  She has managed to master the recitation of Great Compassion Mantra, Heart Sutra and Sapta Atitabuddha Karasaniya Dharani (Qi Fo Mie Zui Zhen Yan). However, the recitation of *LIFO* still poses as a challenge to her. 
Master, may I know for elderlies like her, can they perform a fixed amount of Qi Fo Mie Zui Zhen Yan as a tentative substitute for *LIFO* in their daily recitation?

Answer:  Good question!  As elderly like her is not able to recite *LIFO*, they may recite more of Qi Fo Mie Zui Zhen Yan and also Great Compassion Mantra. 

After they recite Great Compassion Mantra, they may say a similar prayer like performing *LIFO*, “May Bodhisattva protect and bless me.  If I have committed any misdeeds, may I be forgiven..etc”. 

You may not be aware that in fact, Great Compassion Mantra does possess the effect of *LIFO*.

IT IS BEST TO PERFORM DAILY RECITATION FIRST BEFORE BURNING LITTLE HOUSE

Q&A Session with World Buddhist Friends, Paris, France

September 28, 2017

Question 32 

IT IS BEST TO PERFORM DAILY RECITATION FIRST BEFORE BURNING LITTLE HOUSE

Q: If we would like to burn the Application for Name Change(Gai Ming Shen Wen) and Little House at 8am, which one should we do first?

A: You may burn Little House and perform Daily Recitation in the morning.  However, performing Daily Recitation prior to burning Little House is more proper. The fact that you have invited Bodhisattva and performed your recitation of scriptures enhance your spiritual energy.  
Hence, burning Little House at this point is better. If you burn Little House early in the morning without performing your Daily Recitation, should foreign spirits approach and take the Little House,you will be prone to getting sick as your spiritual energy level is low. 
Therefore, offering Little House upon the completion of your Daily Recitation makes it more complete.

HOW DO WE ACCOMPLISH UNITY OF KNOWLEDGE AND ACTION

Wenda20160318 27:52 
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)

Caller:  Some people are very articulate in preaching the principles of Buddhist teachings.  However, their behavior does not concur with what they preached.  There are others who may not be very expressive but they are well-behaved.  Master Lu, with these two scenarios, how do we accomplish unity of knowledge and action?

Master Jun Hong Lu:  In the latter category, those people will have to improve their knowledge and learn to speak more often.  As for the earlier category, they will have to ensure that their knowledge and action goes hand in hand. What is the use of having the ability to convince people with your knowledge when it does not concur with your actions?  Your knowledge and ability to converse well only make you a  Buddhist scholar.  You are not able to save sentient beings like Bodhisattva nor can you manifest the qualities of Bodhisattva to make others feel that you.... "a fine example has boundless power ".

Many people said that they adored ‘Lei Feng’ from a young age.  Why would they emulate him if they did not revere him?  If I do not revere Bodhisattva, how do I emulate Bodhisattva?  Likewise, if I do not revere Sakyamuni Buddha and Guan Yin Bodhisattva, how do I learn from them and study Dharma?  Being eloquent is pointless as it will merely make you someone who has learned Dharma once.   Only when our innermost beings correspond to Bodhisattva that we can be a true Bodhisattva.  This is when others can see it clearly from your behavior.

DREAMT OF UNDERWORLD HAVING A BOOK OF MERITS THAT RECORDS LITTLE HOUSES OFFERED TO KARMIC CREDITORS. GOOD QUALITY RECITATIONS WILL SCORE HIGH MARKS

Wenda20161021 01:07:24 [Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program]

Caller: Master Lu, a Buddhist practitioner dreamt that he descended to the underworld, and noticed that there is a Book of Merits that records the quality of Little Houses recited by us. In the dream, he was told that an ordinary person’s Little House will only warrant 50 marks whereas those recited by him scored 1,000 marks. Master Lu, why is he able to obtain such a high score?

Master Jun Hong Lu: It is very simple. Let me ask you, do you think a person could recite Little Houses that are constant in quality?

Caller: Not at all.

Master Jun Hong Lu: The underworld does have a booklet that records Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door’s Little Houses; otherwise it would be chaotic as many people are not reciting properly. I will pose you a question and you will understand. If Master Lu and yourself each recite the Great Compassion Mantra once, do you think there is any difference?

Caller: Oh dear! The difference will be like heaven and earth.

Master Jun Hong Lu: Alright, a difference of 1,000 times or 10,000 times?

Caller: He is also powerful as he can gain 1,000 marks.

Master Jun Hong Lu: Now you know, he recites very well.

Caller: Master Lu, he also dreamt that his Little House is as large as the size of a table.

Master Jun Hong Lu: Do you understand now?

Caller: Then Master Lu took that piece of Little House and showed it to many people. Master Lu said his Little House is very well dotted. Master Lu, is there any relation with the dotting on the Little House? Is there a major relation between dotting and recitation?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Dotting is merely an act after recitation. It is the quality of recitation, and not how well you dot, that determines the quality of the Little Houses.

Caller: Master Lu, I would like to share that he has heart disease and he vowed to offer 5,000 Little Houses when he commenced recitation. After he recited more than 500 pieces, his heart ailment recovered immensely. This is so efficacious.

Master Jun Hong Lu: Right, it is very efficacious, very good.

Caller: He is also very capable as he could recite seven Little Houses in one day.

Master Jun Hong Lu: I can tell you that this is due to his past life’s affinity with Buddhism, not just his present life.

Caller: You mean he has a solid foundation of Buddhism practice?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Definitely.

Caller: I understand now. It is very good.

Q&A #166 RECITATION FOR THE DOUBLE NINTH FESTIVAL (CHONG YANG FESTIVAL )

Q166: Hi Master Lu, how do we perform recitation for the Double Ninth Festival?

A166: The Double Ninth Festival is a special solar term. According to Master Lu, you may perform the following recitation on this day:

- No more than 63 times of the Eighty-eight Buddhas Great Repentance (Li Fo Da Chan Hui Wen)

- No more than 21 little houses for each karmic creditor. For example, no more than 21 little houses for the child of xxx, 21 little houses for a deceased person, 21 little houses for the karmic creditor of the house of xxx, or 21 little houses for the karmic creditor of xxx.

- You may recite a special set of mantras : 3 times of the Great Compassion Mantra and 49 times of the Cintamani Cakravartin Dharani (Ru Yi Bao Lun Wang Tuo Luo Ni). You may pray to the Greatly Merciful and Greatly Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva for good health and good fortune before the recitation. Also, you can recite more sets of the mantras within your ability.  This combination of mantras and prayer will help you smooth the path to your future goals.

PRACTICING DHARMA INAPPROPRIATELY CAUSES CANCER, ONE NEEDS TO REPENT DEEPLY; CAUSING ANOTHER PERSON TO WITHDRAW FROM HIS CULTIVATION WILL CONTRIVE A HEAVIER NEGATIVE KARMA

Wenda20160826 40:30 [Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program]

Caller: Master Lu, a Buddhist practitioner who appears to be very diligent in his cultivation has been diagnosed with cancer. In reality, the cause is his improper relationships and the handling of financial matters. If this practitioner does not repent and disclose his inappropriate actions, and that leads to other practitioners to doubt or even waver, will this practitioner create a greater negative karma for himself? Please enlighten us, Master Lu.

Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes, the negative karma will be more significant unless he reveals his misdeeds himself. He must disclose it himself since he has already been diagnosed with cancer. 

He can say, “I have committed many wrongdoings.” He does not have to disclose the details, simply says: “I know I have done many improper things."

Everyone please remember that Bodhisattva will not mistreat us, we bear the burden of our own karma. I may be very diligent today but my karmic debt is also very heavy. Therefore, I am undergoing my karmic retribution. I hope everyone practise Buddhism more diligently.” This way, he will not create further karmic debts but will gain merit and virtue. However, if he does not repent and thinks to himself “I’m behaving well, why do I deserve cancer?” He will have to bear the consequences if his misdeeds cause anyone to stop practise Buddhism. He is bluffing and telling lies. He won’t be able to go up to the heavenly realm. In fact, he should have repented soon after he was diagnosed with cancer. 

He should have said: “I have let Bodhisattva down. I will share my experience and be a living testimony after I recover, and help others to develop faith in Buddhism.” Saying so will generate merits.

Caller: I understand now. We really need to set the records straight so that people don’t lose faith in practicing Buddhism. He must share his story and learn his lesson.

Master Jun Hong Lu: What is the use of bluffing? You can fool people but you
cannot deceive Bodhisattva or other spiritual beings. I have told you many times. The biggest event when a person departs from this world is his memorial service, where all the speeches made about him are good without faults to the point that he seemed to be a perfect person, never make any mistakes. Regardless of how people heap praises on him or even thousands of people come to bid him farewell, no matter how well others treated him…all this remains within the human realm. After he passed away, he will still have to undergo retribution. What is the use of having a grand memorial service?

THE QUANTITY OF HEART SUTRA RECITED FOR FAMILY MEMBERS SHOULD NOT EXCEED THAT FOR OURSELVES

Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse
(Question 142)
January 13, 2017

Question:
My daily recitation comprises of 21 times of the Heart Sutra. I recite 21 times and 11 times for my husband and son respectively. A Buddhist practitioner told me that if I were to recite 21 times of the Heart Sutra as part of my daily recitation, the total number of times of the Heart Sutra to be recited on behalf of my husband and son should not exceed that of mine. Is this right?

Answer: Yes, that is the case.

Translated by Oriental Radio Practice Centre (Singapore)
Proofread by 2OR Secretariat

START PRACTISING DHARMA BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE

Zongshu20160521 [Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program]

Let me reiterate, it is pointless when people only realise the urgency of becoming a vegetarian, reciting sutras/mantras, and liberating captives, only upon being hit by serious illnesses.
Why can’t you start practising all these much earlier? You need to understand that prevention is better than a cure. Once a fire has started, it is all too late and the only thing you can possibly do is to put it out. Can’t you look into fire prevention? Once there is a fire, it is only the question of how much is salvageable. Do you understand now why I have always advised you to perform recitation of sutras/mantras and to become a good person all this while? This is to prevent the coming forth of karmic obstructions and the depletion of your virtues as a result.

Translated by Oriental Radio Practice Centre (Singapore)
Proofread by 2OR Secretariat

THROW AWAY SOME OF THE THINGS THAT WE DO NOT NEED IN OUR LIVES AND WE MAY BE PRESENTED WITH WHAT WE TRULY NEED.

Master Jun Hong Lu’s
Public Talk, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
December 23, 2016

A teacher once asked his students, “What do we do if we want to boil some water but do not have enough firewood?” Some said they should go look for some firewood, others said that they should borrow some and there are also those who said they should go buy some. 

The teacher responded, “How about we pour out some of the water so that we have less water to boil?” There is no perfection in this world. It is impossible for everything to turn out exactly as what one wishes. We gain one thing when we let go of another. Throw away some of the things that we do not need in our lives and we may be presented with what we truly need. 

At times, things that truly matter in life such as love and hopes are right by your side and there is no need to travel thousands of miles to look for them.

Translated by Oriental Radio Practice Centre (Singapore)
Proofread by 2OR Secretariat

TOO MANY DESIRES AND WANDERING THOUGHTS WILL CAUSE MERITS TO LEAK JUST AS MUCH

Wenda20161230 25:18
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)

Caller: Master Lu, although we didn’t specifically ask for something, we may still consume our merits when we crave for certain things. Is it true that whenever desires and wandering thoughts arise, depletion of merits will ensue? Will having more desires and wandering thoughts lead to consumption of merits?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes, totally. When a person accumulates lots of merits but have increasing wandering thoughts at the same time, wouldn’t there be any leakage?

Caller: Yes, indeed.

Master Jun Hong Lu: If you are a government official who subsequently succumbed to greed and corruption, would you have depleted your merits?

Caller: Yes, definitely.

Master Jun Hong Lu: Eventually, you will be caught. It is this simple.

Caller: I understand now. Thank you for answering my question, Master Lu.

Translated by Oriental Radio Practice Centre (Singapore)
Proofread by 2OR Secretariat

*CONSTANTLY PERFORM GOOD DEEDS; RECITATION OF _EIGHTY-EIGHT BUDDHAS GREAT REPENTANCE (LIFO)_* *WILL EXTEND THE TIME IT TAKES FOR NEGATIVE KARMA TO COME TO FRUITION*

Wenda20170813B 22:09

(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)

Caller:  We often hear Master tells us Lord Buddha’s stories on the law of causation that mentioned, “may all my evil deeds do not come to fruition”.  However, the law of causation is an undeniable truth and evil deeds will ultimately come to fruition.  Master, may I know if we can mention this phrase to Bodhisattva prior to our recitation of *_LIFO_*?  Will it extend the time it takes for negative karma to come to fruition?

Master Jun Hong Lu:  Yes, it will.  By extending the time it takes for negative karma to come to fruition, it will eliminate substantial negative karma gradually, due to the fact that you are constantly performing good deeds. 

Caller:  How should we put it into our prayer prior to reciting *_LIFO_*?

Master Jun Hong Lu:  When you mention “May Bodhisattva protect and bless me (name) and help me to eliminate karmic obstacles”, it has the same significance as when you say, “May my karmic obstacles do not erupt.”

Caller:  I understand now.

A WISE PERSON IS ONE WHO KNOWS HOW TO LET GO

Wenda20170709A  12:59
[Master Jun Hong Lu's call-in radio program]

Master Jun Hong Lu:
We should be feeling happy while going through the path of Buddhism. If a person gossip frequently, he would have already entwined within.  Why do I keep reiterating the importance of being magnanimous, not allowing ourselves to be entwined in the right and wrong of this human realm and learn to let nature takes its course to the Buddhist monks and my disciples?

To break away from affliction is to stop dwelling on matters that we should not be thinking, not doing things that we aren’t supposed to do, and not saying things that we shouldn’t be saying.   Affliction is a by-product of our speech, action and thoughts.

Therefore a truly wise person is characterized by his magnanimity and righteousness.  He knows that one’s true nature can only be revealed with a pure heart and only a wise person could attain enlightenment.

Let me tell you, everything happens for a reason.  Be it love or hatred, it has something to do with your previous life.  Therefore a truly wise person is one who can look beyond and let go!

TO HAVE DISTRACTING THOUGHTS DURING RECITATION IS A SIGN OF KARMIC OBSTACLES - RECITE MORE EIGHTY-EIGHT BUDDHAS GREAT REPENTANCE

Wenda20160612B 37:00  [Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program]


Caller: Master Lu, we have an elderly lady Buddhist friend who has been practising Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door for several years.  She mentioned that previously when she performed recitations she seemed to have a lot of distracting thoughts, but now it seems that these thoughts have reduced.  When one has a lot of distracting thoughts during recitation, does it mean that the person has a lot of karmic obstacles? If that is the case, can we determine the level of our karmic obstacles by the amount of distracting thoughts we have during recitation? 

Master Jun Hong Lu:  That’s right.  Generally, a person who is unable to calm his heart will have more distracting thoughts, and the more depressed a person is, the more karmic obstacles he has.  

Caller: If, on some days, we find that our distracting thoughts are more plentiful than usual, does it mean that our karmic obstacles are more substantial, hence, we should recite more Eighty-Eight Buddhas Great Repentance?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes, that’s correct.

Translated by Oriental Radio Practice Centre (Singapore)
Proofread by 2OR Secretariat 

WHY DO PARENTS’ NEGATIVE KARMA FALL UPON THEIR CHILDREN

Q&A Session with Buddhist friends, Penang, Malaysia
August 12, 2016

WHY DO PARENTS’ NEGATIVE KARMA FALL UPON THEIR CHILDREN

(Q): We bear our own karmic consequences. Why do some of the karmic consequences resulting from parents’ bad deeds manifest on their children? Master Lu, please enlighten us.

(A): It depends on the karmic cause. For example, if you have seriously injured someone’s child, your child may receive the retribution. However, this child would also have received his dire punishment in the Realm of Hell before he is reincarnated, do you understand? Why do you think some parents felt the pain themselves? This kind of retribution is not as immense because it inflicts more pain to hurt your child than hurting you. This is karma. When you cause harm to another person’s child, he will hurt your child in return so that you will suffer more.

DO NOT PERFORM RECITATION WHILE SHAVING, TRIMING NAILS OR PICKING EARS

Q&A Session with Buddhist friends at Taipei, Taiwan
October 3, 2016

Q: Is it appropriate to perform recitation while we shave, trim our nails or pick our ears as long as we are not doing it in the washroom?

A: Do you think it is appropriate to do so? How would you define “respect”? Performing recitation is a form of connecting to Bodhisattva. It is visible to Bodhisattva – just like Facetime. Do you think engaging in such acts during this time are acceptable? (No) What about lifting and checking out your legs or feet? Can you do all these while performing recitation? The fact that you are asking such a question shows that you are not reciting enough Heart Sutra.

BUDDHIST TEACHINGS FROM MASTER JUN HONG LU

Wenda20170212B 49:49
(Master Jun Hong Lu's call-in radio program)

Caller: How do you do Master Lu? The Public Talk held in Singapore will be happening next week. Do you have any words for us?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Buddhist learning is all about going with the flow. When you embark on the path of Buddhist learning, you have to be diligent, to attain enlightenment and learn to let go. This is what I want to tell you. As a human living in this world, how do we transcend the mundane? Bodhisattva had repeatedly urged us to be awakened and to see through all delusions. If you are still delving in the concept of "others" and "me" in this world, when would you be able to attain enlightenment then?

Caller: Understand. Thank you Master Lu.

Translated by Oriental Radio Practice Centre (Singapore)
Proofread by 2OR Secretariat

DO NOT TRY TO CHANGE THE OTHERS

Master Jun Hong Lu’s
Public Talk, Sydney, Australia
January 22, 2017

Do not try to change the others as it is the most arduous task. By accommodating others, you will earn affection, respect and care from them.

A foolish person often seeks to be understood by the others, while a wise person seeks to understand and care for the others.

We get to know about each other because of the predestined affinities. Hence, no matter whom we cross paths with, we should be thankful for their company in our life journey.

Extend more of your warm-heartedness and compassion to the others as by doing so, you shall be bestowed with more happiness and good karma.

HOW TO RESOLVE UNHAPPINESS AND TROUBLES THAT HARRIED US

Zongshu20161115
(Master Jun Hong Lu's call-in radio program)

HOW TO RESOLVE UNHAPPINESS AND TROUBLES THAT HARRIED US

Generally, under such situations, you have to recite more Heart Sutra and to find specific ways to solve each problem individually.

Your prayer to Guan Yin Bodhisattva will be: "May Guan Yin Bodhisattva has mercy on me. Recently, I am harried by a particular issue. May Guan Yin Bodhisattva has mercy on me. I would like to recite 108 times of the Heart Sutra to help me resolve the karmic knots. May Guan Yin Bodhisattva bless wisdom upon me and help me develop the mindset that transcends the secular". Because of the statement "the mindset that transcends the secular", Bodhisattva will help to elevate your state of mind and you will soon be able to think through the vexations in your mind. It is extremely effective!

Translated by Oriental Radio Practice Centre (Singapore)
Proofread by 2OR Secretariat

IT IS NOT ADVISABLE TO OFFER EIGHTY-EIGHT BUDDHAS GREAT ☺️REPENTANCE IN SELF-CULTIVATION FORM TO OTHER BUDDHIST PRACTITIONERS

Wenda20161216 0:24:35
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)

Caller: A Buddhist practitioner has saved some Eighty-eight Buddhas Great Repentance in self-cultivation form. Can he offer it to other Buddhist practitioners in need?

Master Jun Hong Lu: I would not recommend this. At the point of recitation, it was all about the reciter's karmic debts. In his mind, the reciter was repenting his own wrongdoings and the “ownership” was already established at the time. As such, it is inappropriate to offer it to others as doing so may result in others sustaining his karma.

Caller: That’s right.

Master Jun Hong Lu: Don’t do it. You may offer help in other ways such as Little Houses. However, the Eighty-eight Buddhas Great Repentance in self-cultivation form is definitely not recommended.

Caller: I shall remind the Buddhist practitioner.

Translated by Oriental Radio Practice Centre (Singapore)
Proofread by 2OR Secretariat

BENCHMARK AND CHARACTERISTIC OF A PERSON WITH A HIGH LEVEL OF CULTIVATION

Wenda20151127 26:51
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)

Caller: Master Lu, time and again you have stressed the importance of mind cultivation; whereby only through proper mind cultivation that one's behaviour will be dignified. To facilitate our self-check and self-reflection, can you advise us what are the benchmarks and characteristics of someone who does it well?

Master Jun Hong Lu: A person who cultivates his mind well:

1. Will not quarrel with the others;
2. Will not scold the others;
3. Will not hold any lustful thoughts towards the others and will not look at anything that stirs lust;
4. They are decent and courteous. They allow others to speak first. They do not tell lies and neither do they incite disharmony.

These are all the obvious characteristics of a person who cultivates well. Fundamentally, a successful person’s behaviour and mannerism would resemble that of Bodhisattva's, which leads others to perceive that he bears a resemblance to Bodhisattva. Contrarily, if a person's behaviour and mannerism bear no resemblance to that of Bodhisattva’s, how could he possibly have cultivated well?

Caller: I understand. Thank you for answering my question, Master Lu.

Translated by Oriental Radio Practice Centre (Singapore)
Proofread by 2OR Secretariat

HOW TO CLEAN THE DUST ON THE STATUE OF GUAN YIN BODHISATTVA

Wenda20161216 38:16
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)

Caller: A Buddhist practitioner has a statue of Guan Yin Bodhisattva at home. A year or two later, the statue might have collected dust. Generally, how should we clean it in a proper way?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Use a duster, but not the one with chicken feathers. Alternatively, use a clean towel to wipe it gently and, simultaneously, recite the Heart Sutra.

Caller: Sure. Generally, we are not supposed to clean it too often. Is it correct that we should only do it once every one or two years.

Master Jun Hong Lu: That’s right. Don’t do it very often. It’s not good.

Translated by Oriental Radio Practice Centre (Singapore)
Proofread by 2OR Secretariat

BODHISATTVAS WILL BE PLEASED AS LONG AS PUBLIC TALK VOLUNTEERS SHOW WHOLEHEARTED DEDICATION, REGARDLESS OF THEIR ROLES; VIRTUES WILL ONLY BE GAINED WHEN ONE PERFORMS RECITATION DURING VOLUNTEERING

Shuohua20161202 02:00
(Master Jun Hong Lu's call-in radio program)

Caller: Master Lu, a Buddhist practitioner volunteered at one of your Public Talks. He made a vow to Bodhisattva that he would help Master Lu to promote Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door to more people. However, he was assigned to perform his duties at other designated area instead of the role of directly introducing Buddhism to others.

Master Jun Hong Lu: It is the same as long as you are performing the volunteer duties. This is called ‘protecting the Dharma’.

Caller: He wasn’t really promoting Guan Yin Citta to the others directly. Is this considered as breaking his vow?

Master Jun Hong Lu: No. When you act in a dignified manner, it is no different from directly promoting Guan Yin Citta to the others, because what you do would have created a positive impression of the volunteers of Guan Yin Citta, and others will look up to you and aspire to practise Buddhism as a result. Don’t you think this is accumulating virtues? Is this not helping to promote Buddhism?

Caller: That’s right. Therefore, when we are performing volunteer duties, regardless of our roles and workloads, the amount of virtues gained is the same?

Master Jun Hong Lu: There will be virtues, but you have to perform recitation of scriptures when volunteering. Otherwise, this is merely an act of volunteering, which is not considered as virtues. You have to keep reciting scriptures.

Caller: OK.

Master Jun Hong Lu: But you may stop reciting upon my arrival. A lot of people keep up a pretence by continuing to recite in my presence, as though they are diligent in reciting. However, this is useless. Whether it is towards me or Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door, or even when you are performing prostration at the Guan Yin Hall, as long as you are doing it wholeheartedly, Bodhisattvas will be pleased.

Caller: I understand now. Thank you, Master Lu.

*RETREAT BY WALKING BACKWARDS TO SHOW RESPECT*

Master Jun Hong Lu's Discourse (177)
August 22, 2017
​
*RETREAT BY WALKING BACKWARDS TO SHOW RESPECT*

Q: I noticed fellow Buddhist friends will walk backwards towards the prostration mat after offering incense in the Guan Yin Hall.  Even I myself will walk a considerable distance backwards after performing prayers.  I wonder if it is appropriate as I am a little confused after Master mentioned that we should not walk backwards.

A:  It is alright to walk backwards for a short distance.  For example, out of respect, a monk will walk backwards towards the door while exiting from my room.  To walk backwards inside the Guan Yin Hall is to avoid turning our back towards Bodhisattvas.  However, you should be careful not to tumble.

WHEN YOU ARE BEING BERATED BY OTHERS, RECITE THE GREAT COMPASSION MANTRA FOR PROTECTION

Wenda20161021  19:55
(Master Jun Hong Lu's call-in radio program)


Caller: Master Lu, when we are being berated by the others, can we recite the Great Compassion Mantra silently in heart for protection?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes, why not? When he is scolding you, you may say the prayer: "Guan Yin Bodhisattva, what I have done is righteous. I have done nothing wrong. May Guan Yin Bodhisattva help and protect me from being harmed by him." Once you say the prayer, the other party will suffer instantly. You will bear no consequence for his sufferings as it is the responsibility of the Dharma Protectors; and the justice meted out by Dharma protectors is in accordance to the rule of dharma.

Caller: Alright. 

PRACTICING DHARMA INAPPROPRIATELY CAUSES CANCER, ONE NEEDS TO REPENT DEEPLY; CAUSING ANOTHER PERSON TO WITHDRAW FROM HIS CULTIVATION WILL CONTRIVE A HEAVIER NEGATIVE KARMA

Wenda20160826 40:30 [Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program]


Caller: Master Lu, a Buddhist practitioner who appears to be very diligent in his cultivation has been diagnosed with cancer. In reality, the cause is his improper relationships and the handling of financial matters. If this practitioner does not repent and disclose his inappropriate actions, and that leads to other practitioners to doubt or even waver, will this practitioner create a greater negative karma for himself? Please enlighten us, Master Lu.

Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes, the negative karma will be more significant unless he reveals his misdeeds himself. He must disclose it himself since he has already been diagnosed with cancer. He can say, “I have committed many wrongdoings.” He does not have to disclose the details, simply says: “I know I have done many improper things. Everyone please remember that Bodhisattva will not mistreat us, we bear the burden of our own karma. I may be very diligent today but my karmic debt is also very heavy. Therefore, I am undergoing my karmic retribution. I hope everyone practise Buddhism more diligently.” This way, he will not create further karmic debts but will gain merit and virtue. However, if he does not repent and thinks to himself “I’m behaving well, why do I deserve cancer?” He will have to bear the consequences if his misdeeds cause anyone to stop practise Buddhism. He is bluffing and telling lies. He won’t be able to go up to the heavenly realm. In fact, he should have repented soon after he was diagnosed with cancer. He should have said: “I have let Bodhisattva down. I will share my experience and be a living testimony after I recover, and help others to develop faith in Buddhism.” Saying so will generate merits.

Caller: I understand now. We really need to set the records straight so that people don’t lose faith in practicing Buddhism. He must share his story and learn his lesson.

Master Jun Hong Lu: What is the use of bluffing? You can fool people but you
cannot deceive Bodhisattva or other spiritual beings. I have told you many times. The biggest event when a person departs from this world is his memorial service, where all the speeches made about him are good without faults to the point that he seemed to be a perfect person, never make any mistakes. Regardless of how people heap praises on him or even thousands of people come to bid him farewell, no matter how well others treated him…all this remains within the human realm. After he passed away, he will still have to undergo retribution. What is the use of having a grand memorial service?

COUNTER PETTINESS BY HAVING MORE COMPASSION AND FIND JOY IN GIVING

2017-10-05
Shuohua20160429 25:20 [Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program]

Caller: If a person is petty, how do we counter the fundamental of this temperament? In the recent Public Talk on Buddhism, Master Lu said that I’m very petty. You also mentioned that a person with small eyes, generally has a petty disposition.

Master Jun Hong Lu: While you perform recitation of the Heart Sutra, you must also understand the importance of compassion and the joy in giving. Once you have gained more compassion, you will be more generous. Those who are generous are those who are magnanimous. Your finding of joy in giving relies on the compassion you have. Being able to find joy in giving is a matter of state of mind. On the contrary, if you are asked to give but you do not find any joy in doing so, there is nothing I can do to help. Do you understand?

Caller: Yes.

IS IT CONSIDERED IMPROPER TO RECITE LITTLE HOUSES WHILE DOING HOUSEHOLD CHORES?

Wenda20111127 75:06
(Master Jun Hong Lu's call-in radio program)

Caller: Can we recite Little Houses while doing household chores? Is it considered improper?

Master Jun Hong Lu: No, it is not considered improper. Most importantly, you have to concentrate while reciting Little Houses. If you recite Little Houses while doing household chores, as long as you do so with a sincere mind and avoid any mistake, you will still be able to gain merits.

SOW THE SEEDS OF COMPASSION AND LOVE

Master Jun Hong Lu’s
Public Talk, New York, USA
September 18, 2016

When you sow the seed of compassion, you shall reap compassion; when you sow the seed of love, you shall find love perpetually revolving around you. Trust that compassion prevails in this world. A compassionate heart is able to touch the hearts of others. Even for those whose hearts have been hurt before, or those whom we considered “evil”, they will retain a portion deep inside, where it is warm where compassion thrives – a portion merely obscured by the Five Desires and Six Dusts.

An Excerpt from Master Jun Hong Lu’s Public Talk in Brisbane, 20 March 2016

An Excerpt from Master Jun Hong Lu’s Public Talk in Brisbane, 20 March 2016

People nowadays live in fear. We are fearful of traffic accidents when we walk outside, plane crashes when we board a plane, and unemployment when we go to work. All the worry and fear has caused hurt in ourselves and others. People don’t trust anyone and end up feeling even lonelier. True Buddhists need to be able to let go of things. We need to learn to think through things and relieve ourselves from the worries of this human world. Those who can do that have truly achieved “enlightenment.”

How do true Buddhists fill our hearts with light? The most important thing is to overcome pain and troubles in life with our mercy and compassion. Think about it: when you resent someone, you, in fact, start losing the compassion inherent in our true nature.

Therefore, the more we are compassionate toward others, the less we resent. The more compassionate we are toward others, the less we hurt. When we are more compassionate toward others, we fill our hearts with more love and light.

2500 years ago, the Buddha said that everyone has the inherent Buddha-nature. Everyone is his own master and his own future’s master. In this society, we can’t truly rely on others; we have to learn to count on ourselves. And we have to understand that everything happening right now is the karmic consequence of what we have done before.

No matter what mistakes we have made before, we have to live in the present moment. We have to be our own masters and not commit new offenses again in order to not suffer additional karmic consequences. While we have control of our lives, we have to train our hearts to always see the bright side and be optimistic. Because we can take control of our present, we can preserve the nature of Buddha in our hearts and see our bright futures.

The way to peace and happiness is to live to the fullest every day and keep a positive mindset.

We cannot take anything from our life when we leave this world, so let’s not be greedy anymore and not pray for more material things. The content people are the happiest people.

The less greedy we are, the more likely we can bring peace and happiness into our lives. The less content we are, the more pain we feel in life.

Our own mind creates all the pain and worries we experience. There’s a traditional Chinese saying: “Though peace reigns over the land, fools create trouble for themselves.” The person that hurts us the most is ourselves.

When others hurt you or scold you, you feel upset and sad when you get home. But by thinking it over and over again, you are hurting yourself a hundred or even a thousand times, more than people who hurt you. Some people had bad experiences when they were young and still couldn’t let go, even when they are old and they are really just hurting themselves this way. The most important thing in life is not the past nor the future, but the present. If you can take control of your life today, not let yourself be sick or live in sorrow and pain and can feel your existence every day, then you are truly “living in the moment” as Buddhists say.

For many Buddhists, we may have lost many opportunities in the first half of our life from hesitation and hurtful experiences in life, career, or relationships. So is the path of Buddhist practice. We should make sure we do not miss out on this opportunity. Some people missed out on Buddhism by accident and once we missed out, we missed out on the opportunity to gain wisdom. The mistakes we’ve made were not because of our stupidity, but because of our stubbornness. Think about it: how many opportunities have we missed ever since we were young because we didn’t want to listen to others’ suggestions? If only we were more willing to take other people’s advice, we might have gotten on a better path. When it comes to Buddhist practice, we cannot afford to hesitate. Before we learned Buddhism, we have many regrets in our life. After we started practicing Buddhism, we learned to treasure everything and everyone in our life, which leads to a brighter future.

Think about it: for all the people in the audience today, are you in the same amount of pain about things that have troubled you since when you were young? All the suffering you are going through today may be gone when you leave this world in 20 or 30 years. The past is already in the past and cannot be changed; all we can do is to take control of the present. Today, let us not get sick, let us treasure our family, our children and everything society has given you. Today, let us learn to be content and not let our weary heart go through more worldly worries and sufferings.

We need to be able to admit our shortcomings and tolerate other people’s shortcomings. This way we become more virtuous. If you resent others every day, you are only hurting yourself. Love is like a tooth, it’s gone once it falls off; even if you manage to put it back, it’s no longer genuine. Treasure everything, please! Learn to let go and be enlightened. Let us decide not to complain about others no matter what happens in the future. Let’s treat the handling of all of our negative emotions like a test. Today I was in bad mood, but I took control of it; I passed the test. Today I was unhappy and I lost control of my emotions, and I failed the test. If you can overcome your emotions, you can restore your rationality.

PEOPLE WITH BLACK PATCHES OF ENERGIES IN THEIR BODIES WILL BE UNHEALTHY, UNLUCKY AND HAVE UNSTABLE CAREERS. THEREFORE, THEY SHOULD DRINK MORE GREAT COMPASSION WATER

Zongshu20160823 00:56 [Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program]


Caller: Greetings to you Master Lu! Deepest gratitude to Guan Yin Bodhisattva! I would like to ask about my totem. I was born in 1979, the year of a Goat. Please check on the quality of my scripture recitations and Little Houses.

Master Jun Hong Lu: Your energy field does not seem good. There are black patches in it. You have to be careful and enhance the quality and quantity of the Great Compassion Mantra (Da Bei Zhou).

Caller: Alright, how should I resolve this problem? Will the increase in the quantity of Great Compassion Mantra suffice?

Master Jun Hong Lu: You need to enhance the quantity of The Great Compassion Mantra, alright?

Caller: Presently, I am reciting 21 times per day.

Master Jun Hong Lu: Make it 29 times.

Caller: Alright.

Master Jun Hong Lu: How many times per day are you reciting the Heart Sutra (Xin Jing)?

Caller: For Heart Sutra, I am reciting 27 times.

Master Jun Hong Lu: You may reduce the Heart Sutra to 21 times.

Caller: Alright, Master Lu, I would also like to enquire about my career.

Master Jun Hong Lu: Your career is not very smooth.

Caller: Yes, you are right.

Master Jun Hong Lu: How could your career be smooth when you have black patches in your body? Think about it and you would understand.

Caller: Right, I understand.

Master Jun Hong Lu: Why do you think I could see the black patches in your body? People with black patches will be sickly besides and have unstable careers.

Caller: Yes, that is true. Lately, my career is not smooth sailing at all.

Master Jun Hong Lu: If it is very bad, you must take note of two points:
(1) enhance your “Yang” energy and increase your recitations of the Great Compassion Mantra,
(2) stay away from “Yin” matters and drink Great Compassion Water persistently.
From now on, all of you must remember to drink Great Compassion Water when you are encountering misfortunes.

BURNING OF LITTLE HOUSES – SEQUENCE TO OBSERVE

Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse
(Question 129)


Question: When burning Little Houses with different receivers, is there a particular sequence to follow? Are we supposed to burn those addressed to our own karmic creditors first or should those addressed to the deceased come first?

Answer: Burn those that are addressed to the deceased first. As the deceased’s names are stated on the Little Houses, it is to allow them to get them first. Should you burn those addressed to your karmic creditors first, there is a risk of them being taken away by any related spirits because there are no names specified. This is the reason why you should burn the deceased’s ones first, let them get what they deserve then you can proceed with burning the ones addressed to your own karmic creditors.

WHEN WE EXPERIENCE A SMOOTH SAILING LIFE AFTER PRACTICING BUDDHISM, WILL OUR VIRTUOUS ACHIEVEMENT BE EXPENDED AND TURNED INTO MATERIAL BLESSINGS

Wenda20150424 40:50 [Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program]

Caller: At times, after practicing Buddhism for a period of time, there are many who experience improvement in their family harmony, daily life and career development. For example, there are some who managed to secure jobs with better pay, etc. At the same time, these Buddhist friends are worried that their virtuous achievement will be converted into material blessings and expended as a result. May I ask, Master Lu, how do we tell if our smooth-sailing life is a manifestation of our karmic obstacles being eliminated or our virtuous achievement being expended?

Master Jun Hong Lu: It is very simple. It goes like this. Generally, when you perform virtuous deeds, it will be expended on eliminating your karmic obstacles. When a person starts to reap material blessings, there are two explanations. Number one, it could be a coincidence that, at that time he has some good fortune. The Buddhist scriptures that he recited may have quickly elevated his good fortune. For example, when a fortune teller advises someone that he will be able to find a good job at the age of 23, and fair enough, in that year he experiences some good fortune. At this point in time, when he performs recitation of Buddhist scriptures, very quickly he will land himself on an ideal job. This is how it works. Do you understand?

Caller: Yes, and….

Master Jun Hong Lu: You are concerned that the virtues from performing recitation of Buddhist scriptures will be completely expended? That is impossible. A small portion of your virtuous achievement will be converted into material blessings. Should you have some karmic obstacles, any virtuous deeds that follow will be utilized to eliminate your misdeeds. Do you understand?

Caller: I understand now.