HOW TO ENSURE THAT OUR ALTAR INVITES BODHISATTVA AND NOT FOREIGN SPIRITS?

Wenda20161028 54:53
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)

Caller: Master Lu, how can we ensure not to invite foreign spirits to our altar at home? How do we invite Bodhisattva to come more often?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Pray and perform recitations daily in front of the altar to prevent attracting foreign spirits.

Caller: That is to continuously pray and offer incense every day, right?

Master Jun Hong Lu: You cannot break the continuity. Once you stopped praying and offering incense for a day or two, foreign spirits can enter the Bodhisattva figurine.

Caller: If there is discontinuity for a few days, do we have to recite 7 times of the Great Compassion Mantra, 7 times of the Heart Sutra and 7 times of the Eight-eight Buddhas Great Repentance to repent?

Master Jun Hong Lu: It should not be a problem if you have positive energies and Bodhisattva has been visiting your altar; the foreign spirits would not dare to appear. However, if Bodhisattva hardly visits and you stop praying and reciting for a few days or a week, foreign spirits will go onto the altar.

Caller: How can we ensure that our home altar invite Bodhisattva to come more often?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Simple! Sincerity will make your wish come true. When you sincerely and earnestly change water and fruits on the altar, offer prayer and incense to Bodhisattva respectfully Bodhisattva will present when she hears your passionate prayers.

Caller: Also to maintain cleanliness in the house, right?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Of course, that is a must.

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

WHY DO WE GET HEADACHES AFTER ATTENDING EVENTS SERVING NON-VEGETARIAN MEALS?

Wenda20170101A 09:56
(Master Jun Hong Lu's call-in radio program)

Caller: Master Lu, some Buddhist practitioners attended events that served non-vegetarian meals which also included seafood and they suffered from headaches upon return. What is the reason behind this?

Master Jun Hong Lu: As a Buddhist practitioner, you should not go to such places at all. To give a simple example, a person who performs recitation is ‘clean’ and he is like a karmically wealthy man. When he goes to places of ‘high poverty’ like the non-vegetarian events, the karmically poor people will pester him for money. The sutras and mantras that he recited are like money in the karmic world. They are valuable.

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

QUESTION REGARDING HANGING THE POSTER OF GREAT COMPASSION MANTRA

Wenda20160710B 42:28
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)

Caller: Please enlighten us Master Lu. You have mentioned previously that hanging the poster of the Great Compassion Mantra at home would help create positive energy field. However, if the family members are not full-time vegetarians, is it ok to hang it in the living room?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes, it’s ok.

Caller: Will it be disrespectful to the Great Compassion Mantra if not everyone in the family is vegetarian?

Master Jun Hong Lu: You cannot help it. You have no choice.

Caller: Oh, if given a choice, can it be hung inside the bedroom of a bachelor? That is, to hang the poster inside the Buddhist practitioner’s bedroom.

Master Jun Hong Lu: You may do so as long as there is no sexual conduct in the room.

Caller: She is single.

Master Jun Hong Lu: That is alright then.

Caller: Can she hang it facing her feet or hang it above the headboard?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Neither is acceptable. She can only hang it alongside the bed.

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

EVERYTHING IS THE BEST ARRANGEMENT

Master Jun Hong Lu’s
Public Talk in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
December 14, 2015

EVERYTHING IS THE BEST ARRANGEMENT

There comes a time in our life, when we find the cold freezing rain of life is beyond endurance, we should learn Buddhism, practice patience under humiliation, dedicate ourselves to progress, and last but not least, wait on.  Life is like a giant tree sheltering us from the storm.  As long as we put in our best effort, success will come to us slowly but surely.  We may not see immediate return; however, with a little patience, oftentimes it will come to us when we least expect it.

When we are faced with adversities, when everything seems to go against us - our relationship, job, career, and our shattered dreams; when we are in total desperation, try seeing things from another perspective.  Everything is the best arrangement.  Disaster and happiness are twins.  Behind every disaster, there is a drop of happiness, and there is always a hidden side of happiness where disaster may just be on the horizon.

WINTER SOLSTICE

WINTER SOLSTICE

All of you are advised to exercise more caution during the festival of Winter Solstice, especially during the period prior to the festival. 

Do take extra care to prevent falls, injuries, catching flu or colds. These pointers have always been in existence in the Chinese tradition.

You should also avoid going to places that are dark or with negative energy field at night. 

If you dream about the deceased, you are advised to pray and offer Little Houses to them. 

During the period before and after Winter Solstice, you may flare up easily for no reason and you are prone to injuries. 

Traditionally, during this period, try to minimize visits to doctors as you may be diagnosed with some strange illnesses. After you go through all the hassles seeking treatments only to find out that you are not suffering from any illness at all. Actually it is a case of being possessed by a spirit.

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

PERFORM PROSTRATIONS DAILY TO GET ACQUAINTED WITH BODHISATTVA

Wenda20160115 [Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program]

All prayers shall be answered – as such, how can we deny the sentiments of Bodhisattva? It’s just that, they are not those inordinate sentiments of the Human Realm, but Buddha's compassion. It is the concept of a kind of love, which is vast and has no boundaries. Therefore, you would need to perform prostrations every day to get acquainted with Bodhisattva.

That is why I taught all of you – during prostration, when you lift your head and look at Bodhisattva, set your eyes on the face. When you lower your head, close your eyes; and once again when you lift your head, gaze at Bodhisattva’s face. You will have to make Bodhisattva recognise you so that when you go to the Heaven one day, at a glance Guan Yin Bodhisattva will immediately recognise you, and where you are from.

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

SEE THROUGH THE EMPTINESS OF THE MATERIAL WORLD

Master Jun Hong Lu’s
Public Talk, Macau
February 25, 2017

SEE THROUGH THE EMPTINESS OF THE MATERIAL WORLD

We have to see through the emptiness of the material world as it is transient. We have to realize that life is impermanent, as the most beautiful body is nothing but a mortal. The most touching love story is nothing but a predestined affinity that meets and parts. Hence, face life tribulations with a smile. We must understand that all things are in a state of constant change and our heart is immeasurable. Life’s trials and tribulations can only make us more mature. It takes strong faith to practice Buddhism to support the purity of the spiritual space in us.

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

LIVE BY THE PRECEPTS

Master Jun Hong Lu’s Talk
Guan Yin Hall, Sydney, Australia
May 31, 2016

LIVE BY THE PRECEPTS

When Buddha passed to Nirvana, his disciples knelt in front of him and asked: “Master, after you are gone, what are we supposed to do?” Buddha answered: “The Precepts will be your teacher."
As long as a person live by the Precepts, he will never be strayed. Cultivation of equanimity is essential to safeguarding our primitive heart, the one that is sincere in nature. You started off as a kind-hearted person, how did you become unkind afterwards? That is because you have stopped perceiving others with a heart of equanimity and became judgemental – “this person is bad, that person is good, this person is rich, that person has no social status.” All these will transform into ideology and the development of a mind that lacks equanimity. Little by little, it will be detrimental to the kind, compassionate heart of the Buddha in you.

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

WHAT DO VARIOUS TYPES OF DREAMS ON ELIMINATION OF NEGATIVE KARMA IMPLY

Shuohua20170901 14:17
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)

Caller:  With regards to elimination of negative karma, if we dream about washing clothes, taking a shower, vomiting or buying new clothes, are there differences with regards to the messages from these dreams?

Master Jun Hong Lu:. Certainly, there are.  If you dreamed about washing clothes, it implies that you are cleaning off the filth on your body.  It shows that you are turning over a new leaf.  If you dreamed about taking a shower, it is even more formidable.  It means you are transforming yourself from inside out. 

Caller:  What if we dreamed about vomiting something filthy? 

Master Jun Hong Lu:  It implies that you are eliminating your karmic obstacles.  It goes to show the presence of negative karma, and the karmic forces or karmic obstacles have begun to form.  This means the transgression has already taken place. 

Caller:  What if we dreamed about buying new clothes?

Master Jun Hong Lu: It implies that the person is turning over a new leaf. 

Caller:  Generally speaking, how much negative karma will be eliminated with such dreams?

Master Jun Hong Lu:  This is something subjective, it depends.

FAITH IN BUDDHISM DRIVEN BY ONE’S WISH

World Buddhist Fellowship Meeting, Paris, France, September 30, 2017
FAITH IN BUDDHISM DRIVEN BY ONE’S WISH

A good majority of sentient beings wish for peace and prosperity, hence their belief in Buddha.  They assumed that their faith in Buddhism are deep but in reality, their faith hover on the superficial level as they are unable to relinquish their earthly comforts and good fortunes.
In reality, everything in this world is like passing clouds.  We are besotted with the enjoyment of  materialistic comforts and therefore, we are not willing to relinquish them nor are we able to reflect on the impermanence of time.  Just like a person who owned a house but financially would have to work very hard to service the loans and ultimately exhausted himself completely.
We cannot bring along our wealth with us when we passed on.  Our spiritual life is the result of our cultivation and it is truly our “only life” that can allow us to transcend the six realms of samsara.

MENTALITY IN BESEECHING BODHISATTVA

Wenda20171105A 13:50
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)

Caller:  A Buddhist friend is worried that the matter he is praying for will not materialize.  Although he is confident that “all prayers shall be answered” by Guan Yin Bodhisattva, he is also worried that his karmic obstacles may be too substantial or the power of his vow may be insufficient.  Master, may I know how do we overcome this mentality?

Master Jun Hong Lu:   It is not an issue for us to have faith in Guan Yin Bodhisattva and at the same time worried that our karmic obstacles may be too substantial. However, to claim that we have faith in Guan Yin Bodhisattva but at the same time doubt if Bodhisattva is able to help us, is quite a different story and that is where the problem lies. Do you understand?

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

MERITS WILL BE USED WHEN MAKING PRAYER REQUEST DURING RECITATION; DREAMING ABOUT BUYING FOOD SYMBOLIZES MERITS HAVE BEEN EXPENDED IN EXCHANGE FOR THE FRUITS OF MERITORIOUS DEEDS

Wenda20161021 21:24
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)

Caller: Master Lu mentioned previously that dreaming about buying vegetarian food, fruits, ice cream and so forth is an indication that merits have been expended in exchange for the fruits of meritorious deeds. Does this mean only a portion of merits has been converted into blessings?

Master Jun Hong Lu: This is possible. If the quality of your recitation is good, when you pray for something, your merits will be immediately expended. For example, the previous guy who performed recitation and prayed for the successful opening of his shop, once his prayer has been answered, the merits accumulated from his recitation will be depleted straightaway.

Caller: That’s right. Bodhisattva was really merciful to him. You requested Guan Yin Bodhisattva and the Dharma Protectors to help him and things went extremely smoothly for him. Initially, he found a shop priced at $140,000. Bodhisattva was compassionate and found him another shop with only $80,000 rent. It really saved him a lot of money.

Master Jun Hong Lu: Now you are aware of it.

GREAT COMPASSION WATER

Metaphysics Q&A 132 – Great Compassion Water
2012-04-18

Q132: May I ask what is Great Compassion Water? Can I recite the Great Compassion Mantra (Ta Pei Chou) to a bowl of water to perform the blessing? Or is it that only water that has been offered to Buddhas and Bodhisattvas is called Great Compassion Water?

A132:
Great Compassion Water is the water that you have offered to Guan Yin Bodhisattva. It has been blessed by Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.

As ordinary humans, we are unable to bless the water simply by performing recitations so that it becomes Great Compassion Water.
You can offer hot or cold water that has previously been boiled, mineral water, purified water or any other drinkable water that has no colour or fragrance. You should not directly use tap water or untreated water.

Please use a new cup when you make water offerings for Great Compassion Water. The material for the cup can be glass, china or ceramic. It can be with or without a lid, but it is better to have a lid to prevent dust and insects from falling into the cup. It is best to use a plain white cup without any images or text on it. 

It would be alright if the cup has the Great Compassion Mantra printed on the surface, but it should not have the Heart Sutra (Hsin Ching) printed. The cup should also not have any names or images of Buddhas or Bodhisattvas, or have any animal figures.
The cup should not be too large in size. If you wish to offer more Great Compassion Water, you can do so by offering more cups. Please do not directly offer bottles of water, or offer water using bottles instead of cups, as it would be disrespectful.
You should not drink the Great Compassion Water directly from the cup used for offering on the altar. The water can be poured from the offering cup to another cup for drinking. Your mouth should not touch the offering cup. 

As a general practice, you can first face the statues and images of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, then with both hands, raise the cup slightly above your eyebrows, and say the following prayer, “May the Great Merciful and Great Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva protect and bless me, <your full name>, grant me good health.” At the same time, you can visualize that the purified water of Guan Yin Bodhisattva is gradually pouring from the top of your head, and then flowing over your entire body. You can then pour the water into another cup, and drink the water respectfully. For best results, you can place your hand on top of the cup and recite the Great Compassion Mantra once before you drink the water.

After it has been offered, if you wish to heat up the water, it is best not to heat the water directly including heating it in a microwave. You can immerse the container with the Great Compassion Water in hot water to heat it up before drinking (it should only be heated slightly rather than heated to its boiling point). Please do not add hot water directly to the Great Compassion Water.
If you are making water offerings to several Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, you should not mix the water that you offer. You can pour the water that has been offered to each of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas into different cups before drinking.

WHAT TO DO WITH BONE CHINA TABLEWARE; AVOID PLACING EMPTY OBJECTS AT HOME

Wenda20171022B 22:31
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)

Caller:  Master Lu, I purchased some bone china bowls and plates not long ago, after which I learnt that bone china are made of animal bones, what should I do now?

Master Jun Hong Lu:  It doesn’t matter as the composition is very little.  Importantly, it does not come in a particular shape or image.

Caller:  They are white, with no design, whatsoever.

Master Jun Hong Lu:  What a strange person you are.  Why would you want to buy bowls? Empty bowls are generally not good.  Do not place any empty objects in the house.  In the past, when a feng shui master saw an empty flower jar at the entrance to a person’s house, it implied that this person had nothing and that he would fail in attaining whatever he was pursuing.  Do you understand?

Caller:  Do not place any empty objects, is that right?

Master Jun Hong Lu:  You can’t have anything like that.  Many people purchase big vases for display and leave them empty.  That’s not the right thing to do. 

Caller:  We should at least fill it up with water? 

Master Jun Hong Lu:  That’s right.  You may use it to rear fish, as an umbrella holder or place artificial flowers in it.

BODHISATTVA WILL APPEAR REGARDLESS OF WHAT TIME WE SET UP A BUDDHIST ALTAR DURING THE DAY. HOWEVER, DO NOT DO SO AFTER 10PM

Wenda 20161209 34:22

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

Caller: Master Lu mentioned before that Bodhisattva appears whenever one sets up a Buddhist altar. Does it mean Bodhisattva will appear any time during the day when we set up the altar?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes, Bodhisattva will come down. There is no night time in heaven.

Caller: Because of being busy during the day, if we assist Buddhist practitioners to set up an altar in the evening, will Bodhisattva still appear? And until what time can we do so?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Bodhisattva will appear. But setting up an altar late at night is not allowed. Do not do so after 10pm.

HOW IS WEALTH AMASSED THROUGH PERFORMING LIFE LIBERATION?

Wenda20170205A 01:11:59
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)

Caller:  Master Lu, you mentioned in 21 January Totem program that, “a person is able to amass wealth through performing life liberation.”  Can you kindly elaborate on this?

Master Jun Hong Lu:  Amassing wealth in this context includes amassing one’s literary and virtuous talent which amounts to amassing one’s wealth.  How is that so?  The money spent on performing life liberation is never wasted as you have spent it on your virtuous achievement through saving others.

Caller:  That’s right.

Master Jun Hong Lu:  And, neither have you wasted your time.  You have used your time for your virtuous achievement too.  Aren’t you amassing your future wealth and possessions as a result?  Based on the law of causality, what we give, we shall receive.  As you have given away wealth, you shall gain wealth, hence, the more you give, the more wealth is amassed.

Caller:  That’s right.  Master, if a person wishes to pray for wealth, should he verbalise his intention to Guan Yin Bodhisattva during the life liberation ceremony?

Master Jun Hong Lu:  Don’t do that.  When you perform life liberation, a cause is sowed.  Hence, the effect will surely come about.  It is like the farmer who had sowed the watermelon seeds this year.  The fruit can only be reaped the following year.  He cannot be telling the seeds daily, “Please hurry up and give me watermelon as I need to make some money,” or “Hurry up! Grow now!”  It doesn’t make any difference if he verbalises his intention or not; it takes time.  Do you understand?

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

WHAT SHOULD WE DO WHEN WE ENCOUNTER AN INEXTRICABLE SITUATION

Wenda20161118 18:04
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)

Caller: Master Lu, if we are unable to extricate ourselves from entanglement or hit a bottleneck which hinders us from achieving a breakthrough despite understanding the principles and rationale behind it, how do we overcome it? Master Lu, please enlighten us.

Master Jun Hong Lu: This is due to heavy negative karma. People with heavy negative karma will not be able to attain realization or breakthrough obstacles. They should pray to Guan Yin Bodhisattva for blessings to help resolve and alleviate their problems through the recitation of the Heart Sutras.

Caller: Master Lu, you have advised that we recite the Heart Sutra to pray for enlightenment in a particular matter. Is this to be done as part of our daily homework or do we need to recite another 108 times of the Heart Sutra after completing our daily recitation?
e
Master Lu: Both are acceptable. When performing daily recitation, you can add a statement going “Guan Yin Bodhisattva, please have mercy and enlighten me.” You will be enlightened immediately ---Bodhisattva will give you an opportunity to understand many things in an instant.

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

RECITE EIGHTY-EIGHT BUDDHAS GREAT REPENTANCE FOR BREAKING THE PENDANT OF BODHISATTVA, OTHERWISE MISFORTUNE MAY BEFALL

Wenda20151003 56:30
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)

Caller: If my husband has broken the pendant of Bodhisattva, what should he do?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Tell him to recite 11 times of Eight-eight Buddhas Great Repentance.

Caller: I have asked him to recite 49 times. Is that all right?

Master Jun Hong Lu: It’s up to you. It is important for him to recite whole-heartedly, otherwise misfortune may befall him.

DREAMT ABOUT MESSAGES SENT FROM GUAN YIN BODHISATTVA RECITE THE THREE "PILLARS" OF SCRIPTURES FIRST THING IN THE MORNING TO LAY A SOLID FOUNDATION

Wenda20161211B  23:05

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

Caller: A Buddhist practitioner dreamt about messages sent from Guan Yin Bodhisattva compassionately: "As soon as you wake up the morning, perform your daily recitation and start with the Great Compassion Mantra, the Heart Sutra, and the Eighty-eight Buddhas Great Repentance.
Building these three pillars to lay a solid foundation. As for the other mantras, you can recite later or while traveling."

Master Jun Hong Lu: Exactly! As the saying goes: "A days's plan start with early morning". You should perform recitation of the three “pillars” earnestly in the morning. It would be good if you could recite at least once when there wasn’t enough time.

Caller: Master Lu has mentioned previously that due to time constraints, we could recite part of the three "pillars" in the morning, then complete the recitation of the Eighty-eight Buddhas Great Repentance after returning home in the evening, is that correct?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes, it is correct.

TRUE CULTIVATION IS A TREASURE

Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse (Question 126)

Q: In my dream, I was seated next to Bodhisattva and opposite a white bearded old man. We seemed to be discussing topics related to calamities. I asked what we should do and Chun Ti Bodhisattva said to me, “If sentient beings do not repent sincerely, they will not be able to avoid calamities”. I think what Bodhisattva meant was that cultivators would not be able to escape from calamities through recitations alone. If they do not cultivate wholeheartedly, calamities will inevitably befall them. Since I was not aware of what Chun Ti Bodhisattva looks like, I started to search for images of Chun Ti Bodhisattva after I woke up, and found a picture identical to the one in my dream. I had this dream around 2 years ago.

A: People who are insincere in their cultivation will not be able to ward off calamities. Why are there still so many cultivators who contract chronic diseases? Are they cultivating sincerely? They have to ask themselves. The Bodhisattva knows who the true cultivators are. Those who fail to cultivate truthfully will not be able to escape from destined calamities.

EVALUATE YOUR SITUATIONS WHERE AN ATTENTION TO PERFORMING MEITORIOUS DEEDS NEEDS TO BE DRAWN. UNDERSTAND THE CORRECT PRACTICE OF GIVING

Wenda20120615 35:36
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)


Caller: Let’s say I have ten thousand dollars. Should I use it to perform liberation of captive lives, sponsor children in need for education, or should I make offerings to the Triple Gem of Buddhism? May I know which one is more important?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Firstly, you should know what your priority is. If you are praying for longevity on behalf of someone, of course you should give priority to performing life liberation; If you wish to receive more blessings of good fortune, you may cultivate the practice of giving. Secondly, with the money in hand you need to know the right way of giving. If your money is used in malpractices by the recipient, you will hold accountable for the sin too.

BEING A VEGETARIAN CAN PURIFY NOT ONLY OUR BODY AND BLOOD, BUT ALSO OUR EIGHTH CONSCIOUSNESS

Wenda20161113B 01:01:58
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)

Caller: Master, is it true that being a vegetarian will purify not only our body and blood, but also our Eighth Consciousness, so as to awaken our Buddha nature?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Certainly. A person who is on a vegetarian diet is very clean and pure. Physical purity creates a clean heart in you. When your heart becomes pure, Eighth consciousness will be cleansed. Thus, the more purity you achieve, the more impurity you remove.

TWO PATHS FOR SENTIENT BEINGS IN THIS WORLD

Master Jun Hong Lu's Public Talk in Canada, February 7th, 2017

TWO PATHS FOR SENTIENT BEINGS IN THIS WORLD

1. Illnesses stem from our heart, as our health is directly affected by the worries, miseries, and fears which we have to face daily. 

2. To cultivate the Dharma and recite scriptures is to help sentient beings to be awakened; have clear understanding, gain enlightenment, let go, abandon attachments and to be free from worries.  This is the way to liberate them from afflictions.   

There are two paths in this world:  One is the way that leads you from the bright to the dark path; the other will lead you from the darkness to brightness.  A short-sighted person will head towards darkness; whereas a virtuous person will advertently pave his way towards brightness.

WHAT TO OBSERVE POST EXAMINATION

Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse
(Question 112)

Question: While awaiting the results of a college entrance examination, should we continue to recite additional Cundi Dharani daily? Is there a limit that we should observe?

Answer: Generally, based on normal circumstances, reciting 108 times per day will be sufficient.

Question: Is it all right for us to offer Cundi Dharani Self-Cultivation Mantra daily? Is there a limit that we should observe? After the examination, can we offer Little Houses to untie the karmic knots between the child and the college entrance examination board, or should we just offer general ones with no specific indication?

Answer: Cundi Dharani Self-Cultivation Mantra can be offered as usual, i.e. not more than two pieces (of 272 times each) per week.

In order for the child to achieve favorable examination results, what is most crucial is to perform recitations, make great vows and perform life liberation and to ensure that all these three Golden Practices are performed. You may also recite Gong De Bao Shan Shen Zhou 49 – 108 times, perform more meritorious deeds, make great vows, and perform more life liberations. Meanwhile, you will need to offer Little Houses to the child’s karmic creditors.

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

COOKING NON-VEGETARIAN MEAL FOR FAMILY MEMBERS WILL CAUSE LEAKAGE OF MERITS – BE DETERMINED NOT TO COOK FEATURES SLAUGHTERED ALIVE FOR YOU OR YOUR FAMILY

Wenda20161023B 01:30
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)

Caller: I have some Buddhist friends who have vowed to become a full vegetarian. However, among them there are some who are still in poor health. Does this have anything to do with the fact that they are still cooking non-vegetarian meals for their families?

Master Jun Hong Lu: That’s for sure. For example, you are a good person now, but on the other hand you are still helping others to kill someone or perform evil deeds.

Caller: Is there anything that can be done to allow these Buddhist friends to be spared from preparing non-vegetarian meals, and at the same time steer away from any possible conflict with the family? By the way, they have made vows to be full vegetarians.

Master Jun Hong Lu: It’s very simple. It is an issue of predestined affinity. Conflicts will definitely arise as you have taken the lead in becoming a full vegetarian at a time when your family members’ affinity for vegetarianism is not ripen yet. You have no choice but to accord with conditions. That’s the only way. As for now, you can choose to be a full vegetarian yourself while you continue to prepare non-vegetarian meals for your family members, there is no other way. However, you should remain steadfast in your stance on not cooking any creatures that are slaughtered alive for you or your family. Be firm on this issue, even if you are being held at gunpoint! Do you understand? Otherwise, it will be very bad for yourself as there will be leakage of merits. It is like having a pocket that is consistently being filled with money, but at the same time the money keeps leaking out, would you still have money in the end?

Caller: No.

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

FEWER DESIRES LEAD TO GREATER CONTENTMENT

An Excerpt from Master Jun Hong Lu's
Public Talk in Penang, Malaysia
August 14, 2016

If we live and die for desires, you would end up becoming a slave of desires in your next life.

We shall not become the slaves of our desire. Fewer desires leads to contentment and a person with few desires is a content person that treats a simple bowl of plain rice with delight and gratitude – “how great is it to be given food when hungry!”
Restrain and look away when faced with material attractions, as it adds no value to your cultivation. By doing so, you will attain progression in your cultivation.

As such, desires are poisonous. They could harm you without you knowing it. In the past, Buddhist scriptures referred desires as snakes that reside in the heart. The moment thoughts of desire arise, they will bite and damage your heart.

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

PERFORMING RECITATION IN THE HOSPITAL

Wenda20170106 56:37
(Master Jun Hong Lu's call-in radio program)

Caller: Master Lu, can we perform recitation in the hospital during the daytime?

Master Jun Hong Lu: You may do so during the daytime. You can recite the Great Compassion Mantra (Da Bei Zhou) and Heart Sutra (Xin Jing).

Caller: Master Lu, may I ask if we would attract foreign spirits in our surroundings to go after us if we perform recitations silently in hospital during the day?

Master Jun Hong Lu: No, it won’t. It doesn’t matter in daytime as foreign spirits generally come out at night. However, foreign spirits tend to come out earlier in hospitals, normally at around 12 midnight. In the hospitals, doctors are usually quiet, forbid people to talk and urge all patients to sleep after 10pm. This is when the foreign spirits appear. They emerge the moment hospitals become silent.

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

HOW DO WE STOP OURSELVES FROM BRAGGING?

Wenda20161127A 33:50
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)

Caller: Master Lu, how do we eliminate our inclination to brag?

In any conversation, as long as you speak what is necessary, it is not considered as bragging. Once you have made your message understood by the other party, don’t dwell on the subject anymore. It will help you guard against bragging. Showing you rattle on about how good you are is considered bragging, isn’t it?

Caller: That’s right.

Master Jun Hong Lu: For example, in the process of helping the others, you may speak at length about how much effort you have put. However, in the end, if you keep harping on how good you are and how diligent you have been practicing Buddhism, isn’t this bragging? The other party has already fully understood what you are trying to say, so stop talking! Stop before you go too far, observe moderation in everything you do. Say only what is necessary as dwelling on something at length would be meaningless.

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

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

DO NOT USE OIL LAMP ON THE ALTAR TO BURN LITTLE HOUSES

Wenda20161127A 38:44
(Master Jun Hong Lu's call-in radio program)

Caller: Master Lu, I heard from a Buddhist practitioner that we are not allowed to use the oil lamp on the altar to burn Little Houses. We have to use a lighter instead. Is this true?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes, it's true. Generally, you use a lighter or match sticks but not the oil lamp offered to the Bodhisattva.

Caller: I was under the impression that we are supposed to light the Little Houses using the oil lamp.

Master Jun Hong Lu: No, you cannot do that.

Caller: I see. Do you mean after we light up the oil lamp and offer the incense, then we use the lighter to burn Little Houses?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Exactly. Oil lamp symbolizes Bodhisattva's light. Can you use it on things meant for spirits? Little Houses are meant for spirits from the underworld, and using Bodhisattva's light for the purpose is forbidden.

Caller: I realise my mistake now and will not do that again.

[Afternote: Update from 2OR Secretariat (28/11/2016 at 17:41hrs):
Regarding burning Little Houses, we have sought clarification from Master Jun Hong Lu and was advised that we could use Bodhisattva's lamp, match sticks or a lighter to light the Little Houses. However, it is advisable to use match sticks or a lighter and avoid using the oil lamp.]

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

HANDLING OF LEFTOVERS

Master Jun Hong Lu's Discourse on Question 123
August 24, 2016

Q: At times, Buddhist friends who gathered to dine at restaurants couldn’t finish all the dishes. Would this reduce their blessings? if they do not take away the leftovers? What about if one of the Buddhist friends offered to take away the leftovers, will it help him to accrue merits and virtues?

A: Not taking away the leftovers will reduce blessings; taking them away will accrue some merits and virtues.

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

PROPER WAY TO PRAY

Dharma Talk
by Master Jun Hong Lu
20151214

PROPER WAY TO PRAY

Many people do not know the proper way to pray. Please keep this in mind:

When you bow down, close your eyes as this will help you to concentrate and stay free from distracting thoughts. When you lift up your head, open your eyes, gaze at Guan Yin Bodhisattva and instantly “capture” the image in your mind. Then close your eyes again as you bow down. By doing so, you would have retained Guan Yin Bodhisattva in your heart.

Prostration should be done at a slow pace. Hasty prostration serves no purpose. There are people who offer incense in a rush…(Master Lu imitated the action of offering incense hurriedly), it won’t be effective. By doing it slowly, you are showing your sincerity and respect.

Placing both palms together represents the unity of Buddha nature and our hearts. When you close your fingers and place your palms together, it helps clear the circulatory system.

Prostration must be performed at a slow pace as it takes a little while for Guan Yin Bodhisattva to receive your energy field and messages. When I invite Bodhisattva to come, even if she travels at the speed of light, it still takes a little while for her to get here as she’s coming from a very high realm.

How will you know about this if I do not tell you? Many people have been performing prostrations all their lives without knowing the essence, which is why they never seem to have their prayers answered.

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

SOULS AND SPIRITS TEND TO BE INCOMPLETE WHEN WOKEN ABRUPTLY BY OTHERS

Wenda20161021 42:35
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)

Caller: A Buddhist practitioner felt exhausted and forgetful throughout the day after being woken up rudely by his mother. Master Lu, is this because the parts of his soul have not been recovered?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes. When someone is asleep, do not wake him up suddenly but rather gently. Many people are not aware of this, because the moment when a person has fallen asleep, in fact, his soul and spirit have also left his body. A lot of people have such an experience: when they were suddenly being called while their souls and spirits have left their bodies, their souls and spirits would be lost, especially when this happens at night. That’s also why when you scare someone at night, his soul and spirit will tend to be incomplete.

Caller: How should he resolve this problem?

Master Jun Hong Lu: When one does not get enough sleep, it feels like one didn’t sleep at all. When a person wakes up naturally, his sleep quality is the best. It is not ideal to wake someone up abruptly. This is because everyone has a biological clock. And think of intended wake up time before going to sleep, like setting an alarm. When you tell yourself, “I’ll get up at eight o’clock tomorrow” or “wake up at seven o’clock”, you will automatically wake up at the intended time.

Master Lu's Public Talk- MOVE SIDEWAYS

Master Jun Hong Lu’s 
Public Talk in Paris, France
October 1, 2017

MOVE SIDEWAYS

An elderly Buddhist monk once asked a novice, “If taking a step forward or backward both spell death, what would you do?”  Without hesitation, the novice replied, “I shall move sideways.” 

The inspiration from this theory is: a side road is a path too.  Hence, when a path is filled with trammels, it may not be necessary for us to continue threading on it till night falls; when we see no hope on the path we are on, move sideways. 

This is a widely known theory. However, many people who are living in this complex world would still be drawn into a swamp, as we would have forgotten this notion in the midst of our confusion.

HEALTH EFFECTS OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS

Wenda20161030A 31:40
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)

Caller: Master Lu, after becoming a vegetarian, I have noticed that many products are labelled as containing “genetically modified soybeans” or “Ovo-Lacto Vegetarian”. Would the health of Buddhist practitioners be affected by consuming such products over a long period of time?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes, in fact, the issues of genetics are very complicated. And I have sought advice from Bodhisattva. Generally, it’s safe to eat. However, prolonged consumption may lead to producing certain hormones which can be harmful.

Caller: So shall we try not to consume genetically modified foods?

Master Jun Hong Lu: It’s best to avoid. Nevertheless, don’t be scared if you consume a small quantity. For example, a small amount found in a piece of cake should be all right. Should you eat genetically modified foods every day, your genes will be altered eventually. However, minimal consumption has a negligible impact on your health.

REPENTANCE IS THE KEY

Master Jun Hong Lu's Discourse (148)
February 2, 2017

Q: If one with higher state of mind repents frequently, even towards matters that didn’t cause any karmic debts, does this generate merits?

A: Frequent repentance is not regarded as a meritorious act, but is helpful in eliminating karmic debts speedily, thereby making your prayers more efficacious. Many people think they manage to hide away from Bodhisattvas, but they are simply fooling themselves. Need not be embarrassed; just confess to Bodhisattvas, as the saying goes: 'Leniency to those who confess and severity to those who resist'. It is even worse when you get caught red-handed. Heaven’s vengeance is slow but sure. You either do not commit any wrongdoing or be prepared for getting caught.

BEING A VEGETARIAN CAN PURIFY NOT ONLY OUR BODY AND BLOOD, BUT ALSO OUR EIGHTH CONCIOUSNESS

Wenda20161113B 01:01:58 (Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)

Caller: Master, is it true that being a vegetarian will purify not only our body and blood, but also our Eighth Consciousness, so as to awaken our Buddha nature?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Certainly. A person who is on a vegetarian diet is very clean and pure. Physical purity creates a clean heart in you. When your heart becomes pure, Eighth consciousness will be cleansed. Thus, the more purity you achieve, the more impurity you remove.