Metaphysics Q&A 125 – PERFORMING RECITATIONS IN HOSPITALS

Metaphysics Q&A 125 – Performing recitations in hospitals

Q125: Hi Master Lu. I am taking care of my family member who is now in hospital. I heard that it is not recommended to perform recitations at hospitals. What should we do for our own Daily Recitation, the patient’s Daily Recitation, and the recitation of Little Houses? Does this mean that hospital staff should also not perform recitations at work?

A125:

For patients, it is best to recite the Great Compassion Mantra (Ta Pei Chou) as much as possible for as long as possible. Because patients would be physically weak, they should only recite the Great Compassion Mantra. They must not recite the Heart Sutra (Hsin Ching) or the Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra (Wang Sheng Chou).
If you are a caregiver or hospital staff, you can recite any sutras and mantras other than the Heart Sutra and the Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra. In addition, you should recite the Great Compassion Mantra as much as possible to protect yourself. You should also recite more Little Houses.
The “Yin” energy in hospitals is relatively severe, and the energy field is complex. Therefore, regardless if you are a hospital staff, patient or caregiver, it would be best if you could recite the Great Compassion Mantra as much as possible, and frequently recite Little Houses.
You can recite the Great Compassion Mantra and the Sapta Atitabuddha Karasaniya Dharani (Chi Fo Mieh Tsui Chen Yan) for the Little House. Please avoid taking Little Houses to the hospital. You can keep track of the numbers that you have recited during the day and then put the red dots on the Little Houses later when you get home.

WHERE THERE'S A WILL THERE'S A WAY

Wenda20171119B  29:16
(Master Jun Hong Lu's call-in radio program)

Caller: A Buddhist practitioner would like to attend the Public Talk but he is worried that he may not be able to make it.  How should he pray to Bodhisattva to enable him to attend the Public Talk？

Master Jun Hong Lu: With willpower, you can accomplish everything you want in life.  It is the most important factor in becoming successful.  Where there's a will there's a way.

GREAT COMPASSION MANTRA ON AMULET KEPT IN WALLET SHOULD BE FACING OUTWARDS

Wenda20160228A 59:15 [Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program]

Caller:  Master, next question, “ the amulet can be kept in a wallet., When one opens the wallet, the Great Compassion Mantra should face outwards, not the Bodhisattva image.  Master, is that what you said during one of your discourses?

Master Jun Hong Lu:  Yes, indeed.  It is much better to see the Great Compassion Mantra instead of Bodhisattva’s image when you open the wallet  Monies in the wallet carry negative energy. 

The way the amulet works is that Guan Yin Bodhisattva would give you special blessings through the amulet when you are in need of help and recite Buddhist scriptures. However, in other times when you were not reciting sutras and the amulet is visible, it is disrespectful to look at the image of Guan Yin Bodhisattva each time you take money from the wallet.

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

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COMPARING A PATIENT WITH ACUTE SICKNESS AND A HEALTHY BUDDHIST PRACTITIONER WHO BOTH RECITE EIGHTY-EIGHT BUDDHAS GREAT REPENTANCE 5 TIMES DAILY, IS THERE ANY DIFFERENCE IN TERMS OF SIGNIFICANCE?

Wenda20160619B 24:58
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)

Caller: Master Lu, in your radio programs, you usually advise patients with acute medical condition to recite 5 times Eighty-eight Buddhas Great Repentance daily, similar to the number of times recited by us. Are there any differences in between? Does it differ in terms of significance? Please enlighten us, Master Lu.

Master Jun Hong Lu: It is not the same. One is objective driven whereas the other is not. Should it be objective driven, it will help you solve the problem in hand. For example, you did something wrong and you said, “I will recite the scripture 5 times, Guan Yin Bodhisattva please bless and protect me and help me to resolve the negative karma generated from this particular wrongdoing”. As for the other, you recite the scripture even though you did not commit any wrong deed. The latter will have the effect of helping you resolve any grievances or some potential problems that may arise. The concepts are different. The latter may be conserved, whereas, the former is expended.

Caller: Master Lu, how should a patient with acute medical condition say his prayer to Guan Yin Bodhisattva when he recites the Eighty-eight Buddhas Great Repentance?

Master Jun Hong Lu: “Please help me eliminate my karmic conflicts and my karmic debts of this lifetime”.

Metaphysics Q&A 154 – WHAT TO DO IF I HAVE TOO MUCH "YIN" ENERGY?

Metaphysics Q&A 154 – What to do if I have too much “Yin” energy?

Q154: Master Lu, I often have nightmares and I feel cold all the time. Does that mean I have too much “Yin” energy? What should I do?

A154:

For people with too much “Yin” energy, it is recommended that you recite more Great Compassion Mantra (Ta Pei Chou) to enhance your spiritual energy and power.
Recite more Little Houses. A person tends to have a lot of “Yin” energy if foreign spirits are chronically occupying this person’s body.
It helps to have sun exposure, especially having the sun on your back.
Ensure that you have the lights switched on at home to make it bright during night time. You can also play the recording of the Great Compassion Mantra when you are at home.
Avoid visiting places with a lot of “Yin” energy, such as hospitals, cemeteries, etc.
Minimise contact with people who are negative and have “Yin” energy. It is best to be with people who are positive and have “Yang” energy
It is best not to wear a dress or skirt as it may cause your energy to leak.

Metaphysics Q&A 155 – WHAT IF I RECITE IN MY SLEEP?

Metaphysics Q&A 155 – What if I recite in my sleep?

Q155: Master Lu, I often feel that I am performing recitations in my sleep. Sometimes I even recite the Heart Sutra (Hsin Ching). What does this mean? Do I get up and continue my recitation, or should I go back to sleep?

A155:

This could indicate that you have been practising very well lately, and that you are even practising Buddhism and performing recitations in your subconsciousness. This is a good sign.
In the case where you only recite a particular type of sutra in your sleep, then perhaps you need to recite it more, or you need to check if you are reciting it correctly.
If you are reciting the Heart Sutra or the Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra (Wang Sheng Chou) in your sleep in the middle of the night, then it could be your Karmic Creditor requesting for Little Houses.
At night, you can go back to sleep after you wake up from performing recitations in your sleep.

Metaphysics Q&A 152 – ISSUES ENCOUNTERED WHEN PROMOTING BUDDHIST TEACHINGS

Metaphysics Q&A 152 – Issues encountered when promoting Buddhist teachings

Q152: Master Lu, I have brought forth my mind to promote Buddhist teachings, but I have not been successful in my attempts. I would also have headaches and become ill every time. Is it because my approach is inappropriate, or is it because I should not be doing this?

A152:

There are several reasons for being unsuccessful when promoting Buddhist teachings to others:
-Insufficient spiritual energy. If this is the case, then we need to enhance our Daily Recitation and eliminate karmic debts in order to better help ourselves as well as others.

-The negative karmas of the other party may be too severe. This can lead to obstacles in realising their true nature.

-The karmic condition of the other party is not yet fully mature. It is said that everyone has Buddha nature, however, the karmic condition for some people is yet to arrive.

-The karmic connection between you and the other party may not be strong enough, resulting in the other party not agreeing with what you say.

When we promote Buddhist teachings to others, we need to be mindful with our approach. If after half an hour of interaction, the other party still shows limited interest, then it would be possible for the foreign spirits of that person to occupy us. 
In addition, if the other party had generated negative verbal karmas during the interaction, then we would also share some of the responsibility.
As a beginner with limited spiritual power, you can start by giving out Master Lu’s books or radio program recordings, and briefly describing Master Lu’s transcendental ability. You can also share Master Lu’s website and encourage people to read about the inspirational experiences of other Buddhist followers.
Try to avoid having selfish thoughts when promoting Buddhist teachings. When we help others with the mind of mercy and compassion, we would be able to avoid leakages during the accumulation of virtues.
It would be best to have a sincere heart when promoting Buddhist teachings. We can share our own experience regarding Buddhist practice, even if our experiences may be limited. With a sincere heart, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas will bless us with more and more efficacious experiences.
With limited spiritual power, we may experience physical discomforts if the other party has severe negative karmas. However, we always have to give when we help others, and this giving has great virtues in return. By accumulating virtues incrementally in our lives, we would receive positive returns in the end. Nothing comes for free. So we have to continue to help others despite potential complications.
Please also keep in mind that we can sometimes experience discomforts, and it is not entirely because of the negative karmas of others. It could also be our own. 

When things are uncertain, we can recite more Heart Sutra (Hsin Ching) to improve the condition, as the recitation of the Heart Sutra provides immediate benefits. 

It would be best to avoid reciting the Great Compassion Mantra (Ta Pei Chou) too many times as it may create conflicts with foreign spirits. 

We can also recite the Eighty-eight Buddhas Great Repentance (Li Fo Ta Chan Hui Wen), and recite Little Houses for our Karmic Creditor. Please say the following prayer to Guan Yin Bodhisattva, “May the Great Merciful and Great Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva protect and bless me, <your full name>. I will offer <number of> Little Houses to the Karmic Creditor of <your full name>. Other karmic debts will be repaid by <full name of the other party>. May Guan Yin Bodhisattva protect and bless me, <your full name>, grant me safety and good health.” Generally, we can offer 7 Little Houses to our Karmic Creditor.

We can say the following prayer before we promote Buddhist teachings to others, “May the Great Merciful and Great Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva protect and bless me, <your full name>. I will be promoting Buddhist teachings to others. May Guan Yin Bodhisattva grant me spiritual power and energy, so that other foreign spirits would not come to me. I will teach people how to practise Buddhism and perform recitations.”

If we experience physical discomforts during or after our promotion process, you can say the following prayer, “May the Great Merciful and Great Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva protect and bless me, <your full name>, so that I can help <full name of the other party>. I am promoting Buddhist teachings and performing virtuous deeds. May Guan Yin Bodhisattva have mercy and compassion, so that <full name of the other party> will attain realisation, and the foreign spirits of <full name of the other party> will request Little Houses from <full name of the other party> directly instead of coming to me. ”

It is once said that the Buddha can only help those with karmic affinities. Each person has different levels of cultivation, different experiences in Buddhist practice from previous lives, and different amounts of negative karmas. If we are not able to do something or help someone for the time being, then it would be best to respect the karmic flow and let it go.

SEEING MANY SPIRITS INSIDE THE SUBWAY, AND NEEDING TO BE CONSTANTLY MINDFUL OF SENTIENT BEINGS’ SUFFERINGS TO ENABLE ONESELF TO BE PERPETUALLY ADVANCING

Shuohua20160429 11:56 [Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program]

Caller: 
A Buddhist practitioner is vaguely aware that he has a mission in this life. There was a time when he slackened a little and developed cramps as he recited the Eighty-Eight Buddhas Great Repentance. Then, the spirit planted a thought in him: “Do you know that it is very difficult for us spirits to do cultivation in the spiritual world? Sentient beings have such a great condition and environment and yet they do not take advantage of this situation to cultivate properly!” There was another time when a Buddhist practitioner was travelling on the subway, he actually saw that many spiritual beings were waiting for him to save them and he started to shed tears. He had previously asked Bodhisattva how to maintain diligence in the practice of Dharma. Bodhisattva replied to him: “You must always think of the sufferings of sentient beings.” He finally realised the Bodhisattva’s words when he saw so many spiritual beings on the subway. Master, please advise him on how to continue cultivating correctly.

Master Jun Hong Lu: 
He needs to put in more effort and be even more diligent in helping other people. It is not a joke that they let him see what others cannot see. This is to let him know that sentient beings are suffering and can become ghosts in the spirit world in an unwary moment. Spirits in the underworld are not able to do cultivation, unlike sentient beings who can cultivate best on earth. Do you understand? (I understand now, Master. So he should use his energies to help sentient beings, right?) Yes, indeed.

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

WHY DOES ONE FEEL DOWN AND IRRITABLE ON THE FIRST AND FIFTEENTH DAY OF THE LUNAR CALENDAR MONTH?

Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse
(Question 63)

DO'S AND DON'TS ON THE FIRST AND FIFTEENTH DAY OF THE LUNAR CALENDAR MONTH

WHY DOES ONE FEEL DOWN AND IRRITABLE ON THE FIRST AND FIFTEENTH DAY OF THE LUNAR CALENDAR MONTH?

Q: A Buddhist friend has this question – why does he feel down and is quick tempered during the first and fifteenth day of the lunar calendar month?

A: The first and fifteenth day of the lunar calendar month are auspicious days, which explains why I advised all of you to adopt a full vegetarian diet and perform more recitations on such days. However, if the person in question feels irritable on these days, it indicates that he has hefty negative karma. It is likely that, in the Bodhisattva’s presence, the spirits might have lodged complaints against him, complaining about his cultivation, his refusal to offer Little Houses, etc. All of these are possible causes. The practitioner might feel uncomfortable and in such a case, even his longevity will be shortened. Hence, for those of you who do not practice as diligently as you should on these days, you are inviting great troubles upon yourselves. Bodhisattva will not take sides. Everything is based on the Law of Cause and Effect. In addition, there should not be any sexual intimacy on these days or any kind of misdeeds and you should not berate others since all the Bodhisattvas are watching over us. Keep in mind that the Dharma Protectors are very stringent.

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

Metaphysics Q&A 127- DISCIPLINING MISBEHAVED CHILDREN

Q127: Hi Master Lu, my child is very hard to discipline. My child does not listen to me, no matter what I say or how I say it. What should I do?

A127:

There are many possible reasons for children to misbehave.
First of all, you should not use the analytical mind of adults to interpret the naive and playful nature of children.
Generally, if a child does not like to study or listen to you, you can recite the Heart Sutra (Hsin Ching) for the child and sincerely ask Guan Yin Bodhisattva to grant the child wisdom.
If a child is always having conflicts with their parents or family members, it may be due to negative karmic ties from previous lives or the child may have come into the parents’ lives to collect karmic debts. The recitation of the Mantra to Untie Karmic Knots (Chieh Chieh Chou) is also required.
Another possible reason is that there are Karmic Creditors or foreign spirits occupying the body of the child (could be a child that was aborted or miscarried by the mother). Then the recitation of Little Houses would be required.

DURING RAINY DAYS, IT'S BETTER TO RECITE LITTLE HOUSES WITH MERIT RECEIVER STATED TO PREVENT SUTRAS AND MANTRAS BEING TAKEN AWAY

Wenda20150424 50:53 [Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program]

Caller: Master Lu, what kind of feeling would we have if the sutras or mantras in Little Houses are being taken away during recitation? For instance, a Buddhist friend suddenly felt dizzy when chanting during a rainy day, is this a sign of Little Houses being robbed?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Could be.

Caller: Under what other circumstances that Little Houses will be taken away?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Usually this won't happen if you have written name on it.

Caller: Do you mean the name on the right-hand side of the Little House - the merit receiver?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes, if you fill in your name and name of merit receiver, no one would dare to rob it from you.

Caller: Oh, I see. Then the Little House reserved for future use is more dangerous in this sense?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Indeed. During rainy days, avoid reciting the Little House reserved for future use; recite those with merit receiver stated instead.

Caller: Alright, duly noted.

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

THE ACT OF MAKING A VOW IS VIRTUOUS

Wenda20151127 08:59 [Master Lu's call-in radio program]

Caller: When we are releasing captive animals, how do we pray to transform our blessings into virtues? Can we say, “May Guan Yin Bodhisattva help me to resolve negative karmic ties, and eliminate my karmic debts. I will perform more virtuous deeds to help more sentient beings, to follow Master Jun Hong Lu to propagate Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door diligently”. Can we say the same after we perform the ‘Practice of Dharma Giving’ (to bestow dharma) or after we introduce Buddhism to the others? Will this help us to eliminate negative karma, gain wisdom and accumulate virtues? Master Lu, please enlighten me.

Master Lu: Please remember this. The act of making such a vow itself has merits and virtues. Let me give you an example. When you see a person drowning in the water, you say to yourself “I must rescue him. I am determined and I must do it”. Then you take off your clothes, change into your swimming suits and get ready to jump in the water. Right at that moment, you realize that the person has already been rescued by someone else. Even though the person isn’t saved by you, don’t you think your action would still earn respect and admiration? (Yes). Haven’t you gained merits and virtues then? (That’s right. Thank you for answering my question).

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

HOW TO ENHANCE THE EFFICACIOUSNESS OF OUR PRAYER

Singapore Guan Yin Hall Consecration Discourse
April 21, 2016

I feel that all of you present here today are blessed immensely. Many do not know the proper ritual when praying to Bodhisattva. Usually, after offering incense, they will kneel down, start crying and wailing. 

Please remember, should you have an important matter to pray for, after lighting up the incense, do not place the incense in the censer immediately. 
Instead, hold it in your hands and with your most sincere heart, state your prayer, “Guan Yin Bodhisattva, please bless my child with good health. Deepest gratitude to Guan Yin Bodhisattva”. 

Then, place the incense in the censer after saying the prayer. When you are holding the incense, you are using your heart to connect to Bodhisattva, it is your “Initial Heart". 

When offering the first incense of the day, should you state your prayer in this manner, your heart and that of Buddha will be united as one. Bodhisattva is able to hear the voice in your heart. After stating that important prayer, you place the incense in the censer and perform prostration. This shall enhance the efficaciousness of your prayer.

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

HOW TO LIVE UP TO THE ROLE OF A BODHISATTVA? THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MAKING SUCH A VOW AND NOT MAKING SUCH A VOW

Wenda20160124B 22:04 [Master Lu’s call-in radio program]

Caller: Master Lu, please enlighten us, what are the requirements for someone who wishes to make a vow to live up to the role of a Bodhisattva in this human realm?

Master Lu: When a person makes such a vow, he already has the power of vow and there’s no need to worry about the requirements. The question is not ‘whether I can live up to the role of a Bodhisattva?’ In fact, when we help others, we are already acting as a Bodhisattva. If you stop doing bad things and dedicate yourself to helping others, aren’t you already living up to the role of a Bodhisattva? Right? (Oh, that’s right.) When you are helping other people, you are a Bodhisattva. That is for sure. But when you make such a vow, you really need to be diligent, hard-working, and discipline yourself all the time. For those who don’t make such a vow but constantly emulate Bodhisattva’s behaviour, it’s good for them too. The difference is for those who made the vow, they must fulfil it and practice as a Bodhisattva ( I understand now. Thank you for answering my question, Master Lu).

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

GUIDE TO MAKING VOWS FOR BEGINNERS WHO ARE CRITICALLY ILL / STRICKEN BY CANCER TO HELP RECOVERY

Wenda20160527 22:57 [Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program]

Caller: There is a discourse being disseminated on the internet that goes, “Master Lu advises those with health issues, including critical illnesses and cancer, that if you wish to recover it is essential to make the following vows:"

1 To be a full vegetarian your whole life

2 To refrain from the act of killing for your whole life

3 To perform the liberation of captives (more than 10,000)

4 To offer 1000 Little Houses to repay karmic debts

5 To share testimonials to save other sentient beings upon recovery

May I know if it is alright for Buddhist friends to use the points above as model answer to be disseminated to Buddhist friends who are terminally ill and who have just started on their cultivation journey?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes, they may do so as these are the basic obligations aside from those additional ones that I may have specifically advised others. Once you are stricken with cancer, you will need to do the above. Failure to do so will render the making of any other "Greater” vows worthless.

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

CAN WE PERFORM RECITATION PRIOR TO WASHING FACE AND BRUSHING TEETH?

Wenda20170113  28:47
(Master Jun Hong Lu's call-in radio program)

Caller: When performing recitations, we should dress neatly and recite scriptures with reverence. Let's say if we are to perform recitations prior to brushing teeth, washing face, or even while changing, is it considered too disrespectful? I personally feel that it is inappropriate. Please enlighten us, Master Lu.

Master Jun Hong Lu: First of all, it is improper to perform recitations while changing clothes. You may still perform recitations without washing your face or brushing your teeth by reciting silently. Nevertheless, if you could wash up before performing recitations to Bodhisattva, it goes to pay your respect to Bodhisattva.

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

ADJUST THE AMOUNT OF _MANTRA TO UNTIE KARMIC KNOTS_ BEING RECITED AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME

Q:  In a recent radio program, Master Lu mentioned that after reciting the _Mantra to Untie Karmic Knots_ 49 times per day for one month, it should be reduced to 27 times per day, the following month.  Is this applicable on a case by case basis or on a regular basis?  In my case, I have been reciting 49 times per day for three months before reducing it to 21 times per day for one month.

A:  It is a regular method.  Nevertheless, both methods are fine.

Metaphysics Q&A 143 – WEDDING PREPARATIONS

Q143: Master Lu, I am about to get married. From a metaphysics perspective, what should we be aware of?

A143:

It is best to have the wedding on a date that is an even number.
You should be mindful of your speech before you have the wedding, and after you have moved into your new place. As a Buddhist cultivator, you should be respectful in your speech and actions.
Your new place should not be disorganized. It should be clean and tidy. It would be beneficial to have more visitors.

You can recite 7 Little Houses and address them to the “Karmic Creditor of the house of <full name of the occupant>”.
In your new place, you can place landscape paintings of water and mountains, as they will bring you a good energy field.
You can place your enlarged wedding photographs in your living room for one week or longer, but it should be less than one month.
In the bedroom, it is best to avoid placing photographs of both of you together. You can have individual photographs of each person.

It is best to have a vegetarian wedding banquet. If this is not possible, you should try your best to avoid the killing of live creatures. If this absolutely cannot be avoided, then you would need to recite the Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra (Wang Sheng Chou) as much as possible. It would be best if you also recite the Eighty-eight Buddhas Great Repentance (Li Fo Ta Chan Hui Wen).

HOW TO DETERMINE IF WE ARE CULTIVATING TRUTHFULLY

Wenda20141102A06:29
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)

Caller:  Many fellow practitioners felt that their fellow mates found them cultivating very well, but could not avoid the calamities or misfortunes when the situation arose. Master Lu said we are not able to judge how others are cultivating, we can only judge for ourselves if we are cultivating truthfully. How do we determine if we are cultivating truthfully?

Master Jun Hong Lu: How do we judge, only you are clear about yourself! Do not let others judge you. True cultivation comes from your heart! Every good and bad thing that you do are with your conscience, don’t you think so?

Caller: Understand, in future when we do anything, we will do it openly for everyone to know, including myself.

Master Jun Hong Lu:  Right! Everything must be above board and open here.  A person who likes to whisper is disrespectful and off the course! What is there to be ashamed of?

Caller: Many fellow practitioners organize group _life liberation_ activities and practice Dharma together, actually, we should spend a little time to cultivate our inner selves, right?

Master Jun Hong Lu:  Be clean about it, three or four people take charge together, understand? Do not let one person take charge or someone too young to be in charge of monies. Why do banks need cashiers and accountants?

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

Metaphysics Q&A 146 – PERFORMING RECITATIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH HEPATITIS B

Q146: Hi Master Lu, I am a Hepatitis B carrier. How should I perform recitations?

A146:

From the medical perspective, Hepatitis B is related to a physiological imbalance. This is in fact an illness resulting from karmic obstacles due to negative karmas, regardless of whether you were born with it or you became infected later on in life.

The following is recommended for your Daily Recitation: 
the Great Compassion Mantra (Ta Pei Chou) at least 21 times, Heart Sutra (Hsin Ching) 7 times, and Eight-eighty Buddhas Great Repentance (Li Fo Ta Chan Hui Wen) 3 times. 
These are the basics.
In addition, it is recommended that you recite the Arya Amitayur Niyama Prabharaja Dharani (Sheng Wu Liang Shou Chueh Ting Kuang Ming Wang To Lo Ni) at least 21 times per day. This is because an illness such as Hepatitis B is especially detrimental to people during old age and can affect their lifespan. 

Before you recite this mantra, you can say the following prayer, “May the Great Merciful and Great Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva protect and bless me, <full name>, help me to eliminate my Hepatitis B virus.”
It is recommended that you also combine the above with the recitation of at least 3 Little Houses per week. Please be persistent and recite the Little Houses continuously until you have fully recovered. Generally, you can recite 21 Little Houses as your first batch, 49 Little Houses as your second batch, 21 Little Houses for your third batch, and 49 Little Houses for your fourth batch, and so on.
It is also strongly recommended that you perform Life Liberation in large quantities, as well as make Great Vows.

A HEART FILLED WITH VANITY

Words of Wisdom
Master Jun Hong Lu's
Online with Belgium and Spain Buddhist friends, April 10, 2016

A HEART FILLED WITH VANITY

Many people have asked Master Jun Hong Lu: “Master, why do we have a heart filled with vanity?  The Master tells them that vanity surfaces when you are too conscious about yourself and tell yourself, “I have lost face”, “I am ashamed”, “Where do I place my face?”, “I, I, I….” so the vain heart surfaced.  When you are aware that “no one is perfect”, I am just like the rest of you, I am not special and I am just like everyone else practicing Buddhism.  What is so special about me?  What do I have that can be better than other people? At this point in time, you have lowered your self-centered-ness and your vain heart will not exist.

Metaphysics Q&A 142 – PERFORMING RECITATIONS IN HOTELS

Q142: Master Lu, when we are travelling on business trips or holidays, how should we perform recitations for our Daily Recitation and Little Houses (Hsiao Fang Tsu)?

A142:

Once you have reached your destination, you can pay your respects to the local Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and supreme beings in your mind by saying the following prayer, “I, <full name>, am now paying my respects to all Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and supreme beings in <name of the location>. Please protect and bless me, so that I will be safe and fortunate.”

After you have checked into your hotel room, you can recite the Great Compassion Mantra (Ta Pei Chou). Face each of the 4 walls in turn, in a clockwise direction, and recite the Great Compassion Mantra once for each wall. You can say the following prayer, “May the Great Merciful and Great Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva protect and bless me, <full name>, grant me safety.” While you recite the Great Compassion Mantra, you should avoid having the intention of fighting with beings from the spiritual world. After you have recited the Great Compassion Mantra and stated your prayer, you can begin your recitations for Daily Recitation or Little Houses.

Generally, the energy field in hotels is complex. It is best avoid reciting the Heart Sutra (Hsin Ching) and the Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra (Wang Sheng Chou) in hotels. Before you leave for your trip, you can state to Buddhas and Bodhisattvas that you will perform your recitations for the Heart Sutra and the Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra in advance or on a later date. If your situation is urgent and you must recite, then you can still recite the Heart Sutra and the Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra in your hotel room during day time. Please avoid reciting them at night time.
No matter how busy you are, you should ensure that you perform recitations every day, even if you are just reciting the Great Compassion Mantra several times.

If you are reciting Little Houses while travelling, you can record the number of sutras and mantras that you have recited, and then put the red dots on the Little Houses when you have returned to your hotel room.
Generally, you should not burn Little Houses in hotels, except during emergencies.

DO NOT LET OUR LIVES PASS US BY

An Excerpt from
Master Jun Hong Lu's
Public Talk in Singapore
April 22, 2016

DO NOT LET OUR LIVES PASS US BY

It takes a person repenting and reflecting on his whole life to reach his life’s final destination.
Do not let your life pass you by in the sighs that you let out.  You must possess:

- the state of mind of a 100-hundred-year-old;
- the broad-mindedness of an 80-year-old;
- the wisdom of a 60-year-old;
- the resolution of a 40-year-old;
- the passion of a 20-year-old;
- and, the innocence of a 2-year-old.

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

WAYS TO ELIMINATE SMALLER KARMIC DEBTS

Wenda20160610  60:00  [Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program]

Caller:  Apart from recitations to eliminate negative karmic debts as well as facing the natural negative karmic emergence, will our Dharma protectors make arrangements to help clear some of our smaller negative karmic debts in advance?

Master Jun Hong Lu:  Yes, your Dharma protectors will do that.  For example, you were rude to your parents but they did not take it to heart.  Since this is a very small negative karma, this issue is considered over and cleared.

Caller:  Has this small negative karma been eliminated?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes, it has been eliminated.  Do you know why?   If your parents were angry with you and took it to heart; this will retain in their eighth consciousness and will create a negative karmic affinity with you.  Then your Dharma protector will arrange for this negative karmic debt to emerge.  How will this negative karmic debt surface?  A little while later, you may be scolded or beaten by your mother just like during our younger days.

Caller:  Regarding the destined negative karma, if a person suddenly cut himself and bleed, do we consider such an event has naturally eliminated the negative karma?

Master Jun Hong Lu:  Of course.  Bloodshed, be it little or profuse, is considered as serious eruption of karmic obstacles. What would be the general reaction?  If you speak harshly towards your mother and she takes the opportunity to reprimand you sternly, like scolding you brainless, your negative karma would be considered as eliminated.

Caller:  Understand now, Master Lu.

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

LIFE AS BUDDHIST PRACTITIONERS

An Excerpt from
Master Jun Hong Lu's
Public Talk in Madrid
May 13, 2016

Let me share with you a few pointers for life as Buddhist practitioners:

• Exercise, even if you are healthy

• Drink water, even if you are not thirsty

• Clear your thoughts, even if you are troubled

• Let others have the last word, even if you are right

• Be humble, even if you are powerful

• Rest, even if you are not tired

• Be content, even if you are not wealthy

• Life is short; live on, even if it seems bitter and tiring

• Life is impermanent; insist on learning the wisdom of Dharma, even if it seems unfathomable.

Translated by Oriental Radio Practice Centre (Singapore)
Proofread by 

AGE AND KARMIC PASSES

Metaphysics Q&A 139 – Age and Karmic Passes

2012-04-25
Q139: Hi Master Lu, at what ages do we experience Karmic Passes? Is this the same for everyone?

A139:

In general, we experience Karmic Passes, or the predetermined period of time which follows a karmic pattern that calamities are destined to occur, when the last digit of our age ends with a 3, 6 or 9. For example, when we reach 19, 29, 33, 39, 49, 59, 66, 73, and 89, etc. People also experience Karmic Passes at age 84.
Conditions vary for each individual, and therefore this cannot be generalised for everyone. However, we should be extra cautious when we reach any of the ages mentioned above.
All ages are according to the Gregorian calendar. For example, if you were born on 1st January, 1993, and you turn 19 on 1st January 2012, then you are likely to experience Karmic Passes at this age.
When you experience major Karmic Passes in life, it is recommended that you recite the Jvala Mahaugra Dharani (Hsiao Tsai Chi Hsiang Shen Chou) as much as possible. At the same time, you can make a Great Vow stating that you will recite 108 Little Houses to transform and resolve your Karmic Passes. It is also important that you persistently perform your Daily Recitation, as well as make Great Vows and perform Life Liberation.

DO NOT SWEEP THE FLOOR WHEN THE INCENSE AND OIL LAMP ON ALTAR ARE LIT UP

Shuohua20161202 01:04
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)

Caller: Master Lu, may I know if we can sweep the floor in front of the altar when the incense and oil lamp on the altar are lit up?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Do not do so when the incense and oil lamp on the altar are lit up.

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


卢台长博客

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Metaphysics Q&A 136 – Birthday celebration

2012-04-22
Q136: Hi Master Lu, what should we be aware of for birthday celebrations?

A136:

Birthday celebrations for a living person should be based on the Gregorian calendar rather than the lunar calendar.
On your birthday, you must not perform the act of killing, as the resulting karmic obstacles due to negative karmas generated would be doubled on your birthday. During your birthday celebration, if you and others consume live creatures, then all the negative karmas from the killings are counted towards you.
It is best to be vegetarian on your birthday. If you can perform Life Liberation it would be even better.
In addition, it is recommended that you perform more recitations and recite more Little Houses.
It is best not to light or blow out candles. When you light candles, it is similar to informing the underworld that one year has been deducted from your lifespan.

HOW DO MERITS AND VIRTUES ELIMINATE NEGATIVE KARMA

Wenda20160306A 41:10
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)

Caller:  When we pray to Guan Yin Bodhisattva about using our merits and virtues to eliminate negative karma in the case where spirits are present, are those merits and virtues used directly to repay the spirit? Or they could be used as a substitute for _Little Houses_ (a combination of Buddhist texts) to reduce the number of _Little Houses_ required to repay the spirit?

Master Jun Hong Lu:  It is difficult for merits and virtues to be used as a substitute for _Little Houses_.  In fact, merits and virtues serve to enhance one’s energy.  A person with stronger energy recites more powerful _Little Houses_.  While other people’s _Little Houses_ may have 50% power, the _Little Houses_ recited by those with stronger energy can have 70%-80% power. The latter will be more effective, of course.

In addition, when you have energy, you can store that energy for later use, such as avoiding disasters or mishaps.  While others may be left helpless when stricken by calamities and disaster, you, with enough energy, can get away with them as soon as you pray. For example, when someone causes you trouble, you can pray to Guan Yin Bodhisattva to bless you and eliminate that misfortune. A few days later, that person may stop bugging you.  On the contrary, for a person with little merits and virtues, even if he prays, he won’t be able to avoid trouble.

Caller:  Thank you, Master Lu.

REPAIRING OR RELOCATING THE BURIAL SITES OF ANCESTORS

Metaphysics Q&A 130 – Repairing or relocating the burial sites of ancestors

2012-04-16
Q130: Hi Master Lu, the burial sites of our ancestors have been severely damaged since we have not maintained them for years. We would like to repair or relocate them. What should we do?

A130:

Generally, it is best not to relocate burial sites. You can repair the headstones instead.
Before you begin the repairing work, you can say the following prayer, “May the Great Merciful and Great Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva protect and bless me, <your full name>, so that my deceased relatives will not be upset. On <the date> I will repair the headstone, please protect and bless me.” Before you visit the burial site and commence the repairs, you can recite the following (repeat the above prayer before you recite):
Eighty-eight Buddhas Great Repentance (Li Fo Ta Chan Hui Wen) 49 times;
Great Compassion Mantra (Ta Pei Chou) 7 times;
Heart Sutra (Hsin Ching) 7 times;
Jvala Mahaugra Dharani (Hsiao Tsai Chi Hsiang Shen Chou) 49 times;
Cintamani Cakravartin Dharani (Ju Yi Pao Lun Wang To Lo Ni) 49 times;
7 Little Houses for the “Karmic Creditor of <your full name>”. It is recommended that you recite and burn these 7 Little Houses before you visit the burial site.
If you have no choice but to relocate the burial site, generally it is better to do so in the morning on a sunny day. You should recite 21 Little Houses and address them to <full name of the deceased>. You can burn them beforehand or on the day of the relocation.
On the day of relocation, you can offer 3 incense sticks at the old burial site, followed by the burning of the Little Houses (if you have not already done so beforehand). Then you can relocate the burial site. During the process of relocation at the original site, you can continuously recite the Great Compassion Mantra and the Heart Sutra (you should not recite the Heart Sutra at the burial site if you have not made the incense offering). While you recite the Great Compassion Mantra, you must not have any disrespectful or defensive thoughts. It is best to empty your mind.
On the way from the old burial site to the new burial site, you should only recite the Great Compassion Mantra.
Once you have arrived at the new burial site, you can first offer 3 incense sticks, followed by reciting the Great Compassion Mantra and the Heart Sutra continuously. Then you can perform the burial service.

HOW TO IMMERSE OUR HEARTS INTO THE SCRIPTURES DURING RECITSTIONS

Wenda 20151129B  47:11
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)

Caller:  Master Lu ever said that we have to immerse our hearts into the scriptures whenever we perform recitations. Please enlighten us on how do we achieve it, Master Lu.

Master Jun Hong Lu:  Listen with your ears.  For example, listen to your voice when you are reciting.  However, many people will fall asleep quickly while listening to their own voice.  It is alright to fall asleep, just continue to recite when you are awake.  Listen to your voice as you recite.

Caller:  Okay, thank you Master Lu for answering my question.

Master Jun Hong Lu’s
Public Talk in Toronto, USA
September 5, 2016

A CONTENTED MIND IS A PERPETUAL FEAST

In this world, we would have to carry the weight of what we have gained.  It is because, for all that we have gained, it is inevitable that we will have to bear the misery of losing it one day.  Just like a coin has two sides, there is a positive and negative side to everything in life. Wherever there is a cause, there will be an effect. Everything we do has consequences.

As humans, we should not “pursue suffering”. When we fail to gain what we pursue, suffering will set in.  Buddhist practitioners should understand that “a contented mind is a perpetual feast."

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

POWER OF ENDURANCE

Excerpt from Master Jun Hong Lu's Public Talk, Houston, USA
September 10, 2016

POWER OF ENDURANCE

The utmost accomplishment in cultivation is one's ability to endure, as our endurance is our greatest strength. If you wish for serenity and peace at home, you have to endure; if you wish for a safe society, you have to learn to endure; if you wish to resolve conflicts, you must learn to endure. Only by doing so could you survive in this world. Therefore, we have to adopt the wisdom of Buddha to resolve conflicts in our daily lives. We ought to learn three methods in life. Firstly, learn to admit our mistake. Once admitted, the mistake will no longer exist. Secondly, learn to be tolerant, patient and accommodating. Thirdly, seek to get over vexations and learn to let go.

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

Metaphysics Q&A 124- The Western Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha

Metaphysics Q&A 124 – The Western Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha

Q124: Hi Master Lu. From your radio programs, it seems like the highest realm that a deceased person can reach as a result of the transferring of merits would be the Deva realm (known as “Heaven” in English). However, we are cultivating with the hope that we would be able to be reborn into the Western Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha. We would like to ask, by cultivating under Master Lu’s Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door, would there be any conflicts with going to the Western Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha?

A124:

First of all, regarding your question about performing the transferring of merits for the deceased:

Some Dharma cultivators under Master Lu’s Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door have successfully helped their deceased relatives to be reborn into the Western Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha by transferring merits to them. However, this is very rare. A rebirth into the Western Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha not only depends on a large quantity of Little Houses being burnt, it also depends on the amount of karmic obstacles due to negative karmas this person has, as well as the level of cultivation that this person has achieved in the present life.
First of all, this person must be very kind and benevolent in the past, and has not committed wrongdoings. In other words, the foundation for this person’s true nature must be good. Secondly, having the right consciousness is also very important. For example, during this person’s life time, or just before this person passes away, if the person is determined, “I want to be reborn into the Western Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha”, then it would be possible for this person to proceed to the Western Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha.
Then you can recite Little Houses for this person to increase their spiritual power. Together with the mercy and compassion of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, even if this person has already passed away, you can still perform the transferring of merits to this person and help this person to be reborn into the Western Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha.
However, for many deceased people, because they did not know how to perform recitations and cultivate their minds in the past, they are full of karmic obstacles. Even if you recite a large quantity of Little Houses to transfer merits to them, the best you could do is to help them to be reborn into the Deva Realm.
If you would like to cultivate for a rebirth into the Western Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha:

In fact, all Dharma Doors are the same, as they all teach us to cultivate our minds and to eliminate karmic obstacles so that we would be able to proceed to higher realms.
Please remember that, the foundation for cultivating our minds is very important. We are all ordinary humans, and we carry with us many karmic obstacles, as well as ignorance and bad habits accumulated from numerous previous lives. If we would like to be reborn into the Western Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha, we must first cultivate and purify our body and mind. We need to cultivate our minds and practise Buddhism, perform recitations, and perform virtuous deeds. It is said that we could be reborn into the Western Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha with karma remaining in us. However, this karma must be very insignificant. It does not mean that we could do so with all of our negative karmas. It refers to the remaining minor negative karmas after we have corrected and resolved our previous negative karmas through learning Buddhism and cultivating our minds. The remaining karmic obstacles should only be ones that were generated in the past, not ones that are newly generated. It is the mark that is left behind during the process of eliminating our previous karmas. This mark results from previous karmic obstacles that have not been completely eliminated. For example, you write something on a piece of paper, and then later you erase what you wrote. The remaining mark on this piece of paper is similar to the remaining karma that we are able to take with us when we are reborn into the Western Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha. It does not mean that we can continuously generate new karma after we have started learning Buddhism and have attained awakening, or just before we are about to pass away. Only when we are not generating new karma, and have successfully eliminated previous karma, then we can be reborn into the Western Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha by reciting in the name of Amitabha Buddha (A Mi To Fo) in our minds, and/or by reciting the Amitabha Sutra (A Mi To Ching) during the period before we pass away.
Master Lu is constantly teaching us that, when our foundation is not yet strong, our karmic obstacles are still numerous, and foreign spirits are countless, we need to first eliminate our own afflictions and karmic obstacles through cultivation. Then we are able to pray to be reborn into the Western Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha. If a person has dementia, Meniere’s disease, fall into a stroke induced coma, or with limited consciousness, it would be impossible to be reborn into the Western Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha by merely reciting in the name of Amitabha Buddha (A Mi To Fo) at the end of life. This is the reason why Master Lu always teaches us to eliminate karmic obstacles and afflictions from daily life. If we eliminate our karmic obstacles, perform the transferring of merits for the deceased, improve our level of cultivation, and purify our body and mind, then when we reach the end of life, we could be reborn into the Western Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha by reciting in the name of Amitabha Buddha. This is one of the most important foundations for our true nature. Therefore, Master Lu’s Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door has no conflict with proceeding to the Western Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha. The requirement is that before we can be reborn into the Western Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha, we must completely eliminate the karmic obstacles in our body and our mind.
In fact, the ultimate goal for Master Lu is to help everyone to surpass the six realms of rebirth. Therefore, the Western Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha is also one of the destinations that Master Lu hopes that all of us can reach through cultivation.
Guan Yin Bodhisattva is one of the Three Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of the Western Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha. We can cultivate our minds and practise Buddhism under the Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door. When we have attained the Right Fruit and we would like to be reborn into the Western Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha, not only Guan Yin Bodhisattva would come and receive us, Amitabha Buddha would also come and receive us. 

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF RECITATION PROCEDURE FOR LIFE LIBERATION

Wenda20160311 12:09 [Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program]

Caller: Master, please enlighten us about the purpose of the recitation procedure before releasing the fish.

Master Jun Hong Lu: Life liberation procedure represents your heart because when you are liberating lives, the Dharma Protectors and Bodhisattvas will be present. This is also why so many people could see the auspicious cloud in the sky while liberating the captive lives. Sometimes, these Bodhisattvas are on top of these auspicious clouds but many people cannot see them. AThey could only see the auspicious cloud, “Gosh, this cloud is so beautiful”, “Goodness, it radiates the colour of a rainbow.” In reality, if you could see through the inner side, you would be able to see Bodhisattvas. But you don’t have the capability. Whenever I take you all to perform life liberation, I am able to see Bodhisattvas. What will you do when you are able to see Bodhisattvas? Tell the Bodhisattva: “Guan Yin Bodhisattva, please have mercy on these sentient beings. Today, we are liberating lives to release them from captivity, in so doing, we are also liberating ourselves and cultivating our compassion to free sentient beings from suffering.” Following that, you can pray for your parents or your own health, etc.
This way, your words will be heard by Bodhisattva and Dharma Protectors. Think about it, when you delivered such a speech before freeing the captive lives, won’t your merits be enhanced? (Yes, Master) And won’t it be easier for Bodhisattva to fulfil your wishes? (Yes, indeed).

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

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

PUT OFF OIL LAMP BEFORE CLEANING THE FLOOR

Master Jun Hong Lu's Discourse (139)
December 17, 2016

PUT OFF OIL LAMP BEFORE CLEANING THE FLOOR

Q: When both the incense and oil lamp on the altar are lit up, can we clean the other rooms in the house, such as sweeping or mopping the floor? Or is it not appropriate to sweep or mop the floor even in other rooms?

A: It is all right to leave the incense burning, but the oil lamp must be put off before cleaning.

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

SUCCESSFULLY RENTED OUT HOUSE THROUGH PERFORMING RECITATION

Wenda20160410 13:13 [Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program]

SUCCESSFULLY RENTED OUT HOUSE THROUGH PERFORMING RECITATION

Listener: Master Jun Hong Lu, due to some unique reasons, we have had to rent out our house for a year. The renting period is limited to one year only, and we will be moving back in afterwards. Our tenant, however, requested to move out after staying for only four months. In this case it had not been easy trying to find another tenant for the remaining seven months. Coincidentally, during this time, a fellow Buddhist friend told me that in her dream there were a lot of foreign spirits in the house. In the past, when facing a situation like this, all our family members will be under much stress, they will even argue with each other. The entire energy field of the house is affected accordingly.

Through practising Buddhism and listening to Master Jun Hong Lu’s advice every week, we are taught to stay calm and composed no matter what happens. When faced with any difficulties, we were taught that we must focus on performing recitations and praying to Guan Yin Bodhisattva. This is what I did the entire time. Everyone in the family, including me, seemed to be calm and composed. My mother also helped out by reciting the Little House. Every day I prayed to Guan Yin Bodhisattva for helping us to find a tenant who would rent houses for exactly seven months. This would be a win-win situation—we won’t argue with each other over lack of income and it would also allow us to focus on reciting sutras/mantras. I then had a dream where there were many youngsters whom I do not know moving into my house. On the second day, just last week, I was fortunate to be able to get through to Master Jun Hong Lu’s radio program and I was advised to recite Little Houses as there were foreign spirits in my house. I told Master that my mother had already started reciting Little Houses. Miraculously, on Tuesday afternoon, my husband called and told me that we had managed to find a tenant. The rental commencement date starts exactly when the previous tenant left, not a day more, not a day less. This new tenant needed a place for seven months as they are renovating their house. The contract has now been signed.

I experienced a great gush of gratitude when I heard this news. My deepest gratitude to the Greatly Merciful and Greatly Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva. Deepest gratitude to Master Jun Hong Lu. From this experience, I learnt a lesson— it is important for one to remain calm and composed when facing many challenges in our lives and to diligently practise Buddhism. Thank you Master.

Master Jun Hong Lu: With Guan Yin Bodhisattva by your side, you need not fear a thing. With a sincere heart, all prayers will be answered. Many people are so anxious, like the ants on a hot pot, feeling unsettled, because they do not have the Buddha or Bodhisattva in their heart.

Caller: Thank you Master Jun Hong Lu for your compassion.

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

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT IS A GRAVE SIN IN THE CELESTIAL REALM; ONE IS UNABLE TO ASCEND TO HEAVEN IF SUCH SIN IS NOT ELIMINATED

Wenda20160724A 31:40 [Master Jun Hong Lu's call-in radio program]

Caller: I would like to ask Master Lu about a dream. A deceased Buddhist friend from Singapore, who had transcended the Six Realms of Karmic Rebirth with over 2,000 Little Houses, came to my dream two days ago. I heard her voice telling me, “People who have committed sexual misconduct or adultery are unable to ascend to Heaven, even if it happens in a Dream Test. So one must…” It seems like saying “one must totally eliminate it”. Master Lu, is this dream true?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes, really. It’s 200% true! Do you know why I keep telling people to refrain from sexual misconduct in my radio programs and at my Dharma talks? Because sexual misconduct has increasingly serious consequences nowadays, which is considered as a grave sin in the celestial realm.

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

DO NOT PLACE PORTRAIT/STATUE OF BODHISATTVA ON THE STOOL

Wenda20140413B 18:17
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)


Caller: A Buddhist practitioner planned to set up an altar after moving into new house. As he has yet moved in, the portrait/statue of the Bodhisattva is kept on a stool. Is this proper?

Master Jun Hong Lu: No, it’s not proper! Stools are for people to sit on. The portrait should be placed on a table instead!

Caller: I see. Must it be placed flat on the table?

Master Jun Hong Lu: That’s right. As stools are for people to sit on. If the portrait of Bodhisattva is placed on it, it is disrespectful, regardless if the stool is a brand new one and has never been sat on before.

Caller: If the portrait of Bodhisattva is placed horizontally and kept in a red bag, instead of being wrapped with red cloth, is that alright?

Master Jun Hong Lu: It’s better to have it wrapped up.

RESPECT THE BOOK OF “BUDDHISM IN PLAIN TERMS”. KEEP IT INSIDE A RED COVER WHEN PLACED AT INAPPROPRIATE PLACES

Wenda20161118  50:44

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

RESPECT THE BOOK OF “BUDDHISM IN PLAIN TERMS”. KEEP IT INSIDE A RED COVER WHEN PLACED AT INAPPROPRIATE PLACES

Caller: A Buddhist practitioner dreamt that she was reading the book “Buddhism in Plain Terms” to a group of people. After she finished reading a chapter, she said,“ Deepest gratitude to Guan Yin Bodhisattva.” When she stepped out of the house, she looked up at the sky and saw a Dharma Protector. Her immediate thoughts were that when she was reading “Buddhism in Plain Terms”, the Dharma Protector was with her from the beginning to the end. In the dream, she used her handphone to take a picture of the Dharma Protector and said: “I will use this picture when introducing Buddhism to other people. It will help them believe in the existence of Bodhisattvas” and there are Dharma Protectors on every page of “Buddhism in Plain Terms”. There are Dharma Protectors on the top of every page that she turned over. Then, when she tried to show them to people, she felt that the book slid from her abdomen area into her pants. Master Lu, does this indicate some inappropriate handling?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Firstly, all Buddhist materials have Dharma Protectors. Thus, the books of “Buddhism In Plain Terms” have immense energies. Many people may think that the contents are very simple to understand. Actually, the level of comprehension depends on whether you perceive it in depth or in a shallow way.

Caller: Yes, indeed.

Master Jun Hong Lu: Secondly, this is to tell her to respect the Dharma Protectors when she sees them. She could have mishandled the book of “Buddhism in Plan Terms” with no respect. That is why she dreamt about the book sliding into her pants. The Dharma Protectors hold high regards and respect for the book; therefore, it is disrespectful to place the book of “Buddhism in Plain Terms” inappropriately.

Caller: Master Lu, can we place the book in our bedroom?

Master Jun Hong Lu: It is alright to place it in the bedroom or on the bedside so long as the place is clean.

Caller: Most bedrooms are not very clean. Would it be better if we do not place it in the bedroom?

Master Jun Hong Lu: It is okay to do so. You can keep it inside a red cover or a red bag; something red to protect it and it should be alright.