OFFERING HEART INCENSE TO BODHISATTVA ENSHRINED AT HOME WHILE WHOLE FAMILY IS AWAY

Shuohua20111202  11:07 
(Master Jun Hong Lu's call-in radio program)

Caller:  How do you do Master Lu?  A Buddhist friend would like to know what to do with the altar at home when they go to temple for prayer on the first day of lunar month.

Master Jun Hong Lu:  He still has to offer incense at home.

Caller:  What if there is no one at home?

Master Jun Hong Lu:  What do you mean by that?

Caller:  That is, the entire family visit the temple located in another city for prayer.

Master Jun Hong Lu:  I see.  He has to offer heart incense then.

Caller:  To offer heart incense, do they need to bring along a picture of their altar with them?

Master Jun Hong Lu:  If you use a picture, you will need an incense burner.  Without the picture, you may simply offer heart incense.

RECITE MORE OF _EIGHTY-EIGHT BUDDHAS GREAT REPENTANCE (LIFO)_ WHEN KARMIC OBSTACLES ARE TOO SUBSTANTIAL

RECITE MORE OF _EIGHTY-EIGHT BUDDHAS GREAT REPENTANCE (LIFO)_ WHEN KARMIC OBSTACLES ARE TOO SUBSTANTIAL

Recite more of _LIFO_ when your karmic obstacles are too substantial.  It is only through seeking forgiveness from numerous Bodhisattvas, that you are able to be truly forgiven. 

The fact of the matter is, it is not about the forgiveness that you receive from Bodhisattvas but it is you, who have become more compassionate, remorseful, insightful and have gained wisdom; it is at this instance that you are able to see through the reality of things and dissolve lots of hardships!

Why did Bodhisattva say, “to overcome all ills and sufferings”?  By “overcome”, it means to resolve.  We have to prevail over all our sufferings.  After all, the reason for us to be in this human realm is to undergo sufferings.  Hence, we should bite the bullet and make our way through it.

Master Jun Hong Lu’s
Public Talk
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
January 17, 2015

Metaphysics- PERFORMING RECITATIONS FOR DHARMA PROTECTORS

Metaphysics Q&A 107 – Performing recitations for Dharma Protectors

2011-12-19
Q107: Recently, some Dharma cultivators are proposing that we perform recitations for Dharma Protectors. They are saying that each of us has our own Dharma Protectors, and they also need spiritual energy and sutra and mantra recitations. Is this recommended?

A107:

Dharma Protectors in the upper realms are the ones who follow and support Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. They are also Bodhisattvas.
Dharma Protectors are Bodhisattvas who have already Brought Forth the Mind to save lives. They do not dwell on any gains or losses, nor do they seek fame or material returns. We should not perceive Bodhisattvas from our worldly perspectives. Bodhisattvas do not ask for benefits or returns from the human realm.
If other spiritual beings are communicating with you and sending messages through your consciousness to ask you to recite for them or to send them energy, you can recite Little Houses and address them to the “Karmic Creditor of <your full name>”. However, you should be extremely careful. A genuine Bodhisattva would never ask for such returns.
The spiritual world is far more complex than we can imagine. It is best to strictly follow the teachings of Master Lu. We should not follow methods that are not yet instructed by Master Lu for the time being to prevent undesirable situations from occurring.

Metaphysics- PERFORMING LIFE LIBERATION ON BEHALF OF OTHERS

Metaphysics Q&A 108 – Performing Life Liberation on behalf of others

Q108: Hi Master Lu, my family members do not believe in Buddhism but I would like to perform Life Liberation on their behalf. What should I do?

A108:

If your family members or friends do not believe in Buddhism, or are even opposed to you learning Buddhism, then the effects of performing Life Liberation on their behalf would be reduced. However, performing Life Liberation for them would be better than not performing it at all.

Before you use your own money to perform Life Liberation on behalf of others, you can say the following prayer to Guan Yin Bodhisattva, “May the Great Merciful and Great Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva forgive me, <your full name>, I am now using my money to perform Life Liberation for <full name of the family member or friend>.” You can then purchase live creatures, including fish, and perform Life Liberation. This way, the Life Liberation that you perform for others would be effective.

Another method would be: before you perform the Life Liberation, you can say the following prayer, “I, <your full name>, will give <amount of money> to <full name of the family member or friend>. Please regard the money as their own.”

Once you arrive at the site of Life Liberation, it is best not to mention your name again. If you frequently state your name, or think about your name in your mind, then a portion of the virtues from performing the Life Liberation would be allocated to you. 

It is recommended to only say the following, “<full name of the family member or friend> has contributed <amount of money>, to purchase <amount of fish>. May the Great Merciful and Great Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva protect and bless <full name of the family member or friend>… (followed by the rest of the prayer)”

After you have performed Life Liberation on behalf of others, it would be best if you could let them know the amount of fish that you have released for them. However, if they are completely opposed to the practice of performing Life Liberation, then it would be best not to mention anything to them at all. This is to prevent them from generating negative verbal karmas.

Metaphysics- HOW TO DETERMINE IF WE CAN RECITE FOR OTHERS

Metaphysics Q&A 110 – How to determine if we can recite for others

Q110: Hi Master Lu, how do we determine if we have enough spiritual power to perform recitations or perform the transferring of merits for others?

A110:

Saving people is a good deed. However, if you do not have enough spiritual power, then you may potentially become too involved. 

You should only help others if you have enough ability and spiritual power.
A person who has enough spiritual power to help others recite Little Houses generally should have the following characteristics:

Does not frequently have nightmares;

Does not feel fatigued or feel low in energy;

Generally has a smooth career and a good life; and
has good health and physical appearance, and is full of energy.

If you do not have the characteristics listed above, but instead, for an extended period of time, you have issues such as suffering from illness, having difficulties in life, having nightmares frequently, feeling cold constantly, and having too much “Yin” energy, then it would be best for you to recite Little Houses for yourself first before helping others.
If you have no choice but to help others recite Little Houses, then it would be best that you recite more Great Compassion Mantra (Ta Pei Chou) for yourself.

Metaphysics- EXPRESSING GRATITUDE TO GUAN YIN BODHISATTVA

Metaphysics Q&A 100 – Expressing gratitude to Guan Yin Bodhisattva

Q100: Great Merciful and Great Compassionate Master Lu, I have started following your Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door and have experienced many positive effects. Recently, I had a major event and nearly lost my life. I have escaped from my Karmic Passes, and I was kept safe from the predetermined calamities during this destined period of time in my life. I know this is all because Guan Yin Bodhisattva is protecting and blessing me! But I do not know how to express my gratitude to Guan Yin Bodhisattva. Which sutras and mantras should I recite?

A100:

For people who have just started performing recitations and cultivating their mind, as long as they have a sincere and respectful mind, and constantly perform meritorious and virtuous deeds, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas would protect and bless them. By performing recitations, we can repay our karmic debts and eliminate karmic obstacles due to negative karmas. We can avoid major disasters and transform them into minor problems, and eventually completely resolve the minor problems.

If you wish to express your gratitude to Guan Yin Bodhisattva for protecting and blessing you, you can make Great Vows in front of statues or images of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas on the altar. For example, you can make a vow to be vegetarian on certain days of the month, or to cross over a certain number of people within a certain period of time. You can also make a vow to follow the spirit of the Great Merciful and Great Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva, to save and cross over destined Dharma followers, and to propagate Dharma, etc.

In fact, Guan Yin Bodhisattva does not need any returns from us, but only hope that we can sincerely cultivate our mind and cross over people. Therefore, to express our gratitude to Guan Yin Bodhisattva, we should learn from Guan Yin Bodhisattva and Master Lu, and have the spirit of unconditional great mercy and great compassion to all sentient beings. In daily life, we should continuously propagate Dharma and cross over people, share our experience with others to demonstrate the results of learning Buddhism whenever possible, and help more people to break through delusions and attain awakenings. We should perform the giving of Dharma whenever possible.

In addition, you can recite more Heart Sutra (Hsin Ching). When you recite the Heart Sutra, you can connect your energy field with Guan Yin Bodhisattva. This way, Guan Yin Bodhisattva can sense the deep gratitude in your heart.

You can also respond to the proposal of many followers of the Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door, and recite Great Compassion Mantra (Ta Pei Chou) for Master Lu, or perform Life Liberation for Master Lu. You can say the following prayer, “May the Great Merciful and Great Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva protect and bless Master Lu to stay in our world for a long period of time to propagate and teach Dharma. May the Great Merciful and Great Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva protect and bless more destined Dharma followers to cross the ocean of suffering and to obtain ultimate happiness by following the Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door.”

PERFORMING RECITATIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DEPRESSION

Metaphysics Q&A 113 – Performing recitations for people with depression

Q113: I have been diagnosed with depression. I am constantly stuck in my own world, have trouble sleeping, and feel irritable and disturbed. What should I do?

A113:

Usually, mental disorders such as depression, epilepsy, etc. can be classified as illnesses relating to karmic obstacles due to negative karmas and foreign spirits.
These types of illnesses all originate from one’s karmic obstacles and foreign spirits from previous lives. If you have committed serious wrongdoings and generated severe karmic obstacles in your previous lives, then you would experience karmic retributions in your current lifetime. When your karmic fruits have ripened and your Karmic Creditors come to claim their karmic debts, the causality would take effect and the result is that you would develop mental illnesses. This may manifest in the form of feelings of irritability and disturbance, or even lead to you being unable to control your own emotions or willpower. This is because your mind may be controlled by your Karmic Creditor or foreign spirits.
Once you realise the cause of your illness, you need to perform your recitations with a sincere mind to repent and eliminate your negative karmas, and to repay your karmic debts. The concept of karma and causality is genuine and not false – instead of attributing blame on other factors, you can consider it as an opportunity to reflect and realise that you may have committed numerous wrongdoings to others in the past, and you were unable to accumulate a sufficient amount of virtues. In this life, you will experience the effects of your karmic fruits. Therefore, you must bring forth your mind for repentance and sincerely repent in order to eliminate your negative karmas, and to repay your karmic debts by transferring merits to your existing Karmic Creditors. Once you have eliminated your negative karmas and repaid your karmic debts, then you would be expected to recover.

It is recommended that you recite the following sutras and mantras:
Great Compassion Mantra (Ta Pei Chou), recite this mantra 7 times or more per day. 
You can 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, and help me to accumulate and strengthen my virtues.”

Heart Sutra (Hsin Ching), recite this sutra 21 times per day. 
You can say the following prayer, “May the Great Merciful and Great Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva protect and bless me, <your full name>, grant me wisdom, and cure my depression (or other mental illness).”

Eighty-eight Buddhas Great Repentance (Li Fo Ta Chan Hui Wen), recite this sutra 3 to 7 times per day. 
You can say the following prayer, “May the Great Merciful and Great Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva protect and bless me, <your full name>, help me to repent and eliminate karmic obstacles due to negative karmas that have caused my depression (or other mental illness), and cure my illness.”

You can recite 3 or more Little Houses per week. Usually these types of illnesses are caused by severe negative karmas. You can start with 21 Little Houses as the first batch, and then recite additional batches of 21 Little Houses according to your condition until you have fully recovered.
At the same time, you can combine your recitations with making Grand Vows and frequently performing Life Liberation. This would increase the effectiveness of treating your depression.

CONSUMING VEGETABLES IN A MEAT DISH

Metaphysics Q&A 115 – Consuming vegetables in a meat dish

2012-01-06
Q115: Hi Master Lu, I have made a vow that I will be vegetarian. Often when we eat out it is not convenient to find vegetarian food. Sometimes even a bowl of vegetable noodle soup would have animal stock in it. Can I just eat the noodle and not drink the soup? Also, is it alright to eat the vegetables in a meat dish?

A115:

Strictly speaking, if you have made a vow that you will be vegetarian, then you should not consume vegetables in a meat dish. Furthermore, you should not consume any food that has come into contact with meat, seafood, or any of the five pungent spices.

Under exceptional circumstances when you have no choice but to consume those vegetables, you should state the following in your mind, “May the Great Merciful and Great Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva forgive me, <your full name>, I am consuming these vegetables because I have no choice. I absolutely do not want to eat them at all.”

Most importantly, this is related to your consciousness. If you are consuming the vegetables in a meat dish and find the vegetables to be tasty, or you even find yourself enjoying the taste of meat, then you are breaking your precepts. This means you have not been able to keep your vow and you should address your wrongdoings accordingly. You need to recite the Eighty-eight Buddha Great Repentance (Li Fo Ta Chan Hui Wen) 49 times and sincerely repent your wrongdoings, and then make a new vow that you will be vegetarian.

If you have made a vow, you must try your best to keep it. You should not find excuses for being unable to keep your vow. A precept means that you must absolutely refrain from doing what you should not do. You must have strong willpower and obey your precepts.

In addition, you should not consume fertilised eggs (i.e. eggs that can hatch). Quail eggs should also not be consumed as they are already fertilised.

When you are consuming ingredients including gelatin or fish oil for medicinal or health purposes, if your body does not reject the taste, then perhaps you have not reach the level where you are completely obeying your precepts. However, it would be best to avoid consuming ingredients that contain animal by-products.

PERFORMING THE APPLICATION LODGING CEREMONY WITHOUT AN ALTAR

Metaphysics Q&A 106 – Performing the Application lodging ceremony without an altar

Q106: Hi Master Lu, I frequently go on business trips for my job and cannot settle in one place for an extended period of time. My circumstances do not allow me to have an altar to pay respects and make offerings. Now I would like to lodge the Application for Convincing Family Members. Can I leave the application form on the altar at my parents’ place, and then I offer the Heart Incense[1], perform recitations and say my prayers when I am out on trips?

A106:

If there is someone at home who makes incense offerings at the altar every day at a certain fixed time, then you can leave the application form with them. When your family member is making the incense offering at home, you can make your Heart Incense offering at the same time, and then you can lodge the application and perform the required recitations.
This method is also applicable for Dharma cultivators who do not yet have the conditions to have an altar at home.
For example, if John does not have an altar at home, but Jennifer does, then John can give his application form to Jennifer. Every morning at a certain fixed time, Jennifer makes incense offerings at her altar with John’s application form placed on the altar. At the same time, John is at his place making the Heart Incense offering at Jennifer’s altar. Then John can say his prayers and perform recitations for lodging the application.
Please note: The owner of the altar, Jennifer, must also be a Dharma cultivator who follows the Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door. In addition, John and Jennifer must establish adequate communication to avoid potential time differences.
Benefit: This method compensates for the limitations in conditions for Dharma cultivators who do not yet have an altar at home. For Dharma cultivators who already have an altar at home, this allows them another opportunity to accumulate virtues.

HOW TO HANDLE OTHERS’ SHORTCOMINGS

Master Jun Hong Lu’s
Public Talk, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
December 24, 2016

Question: As our Buddhism learning and practice deepen, we tend to be more aware of our own and other people’s shortcomings. While we work hard to overcome our own shortcomings, however, we might also expect others to be of a higher standard and no longer see them as kind as we thought they were. Unconsciously, we start to see them in a negative light and may even result in the developing contentious relationships. Master Lu, may I ask if this shows that our cultivation has strayed from the right path? How can we restrain and overcome such a criticizing mentality towards the others?

Answer: When you perform recitation of scriptures diligently, at a certain point of time, your state of mind will be elevated and you will indeed start to notice many more shortcomings of the others. 
Just like me, the minute I meet someone, I can see through all of his shortcomings. However, you are a Bodhisattva, a Buddhist cultivator. 
You have to love people despite their faults. Just like a parent who sees the faults of the child, you would have to continue to help the child to allow him to progress but not to despise him. This is the right mentality. Having this mentality will develop your sense of equanimity. 
They are like your brothers and sisters. “It is alright that they have some faults. I have my own sets of faults too in the past. Now that I have made some improvements, all the more I should help them overcome their faults too. By doing so all of us would be free of faults.”

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

OFFER MAXIMUM THREE PIECES OF SELF-CULTIVATION RECORD FORM OF _AMITABHA PURE LAND REBIRTH MANTRA_ AT ONE GO

Master Jun Hong Lu's Discourse (Question 205)
1 February 2018

Question:  On the 1st or 15th day of lunar months, what is the maximum number of _Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra_ Self-Cultivation Record Form (272 times per form) we can burn at one go?

Answer:  Do not exceed three pieces.

WHY IS IT NOT ADVISABLE FOR LAY BUDDHISTS TO RECITE SOME MAHAYANA SUTRAS?

Wenda20140413A 37:15
(Master Jun Hong Lu's call-in radio program)

Caller: Master Lu, I recalled that you did not recommend us to recite some Mahayana sutras. Now I understand the rationale behind it. Undeniably these sutras/scriptures are really great and contain infinite energy and immense power. Perhaps we lay Buddhists have more vexations and our level of cultivation is not high enough to harness the energy and power.

Master Jun Hong Lu: That’s right.

Caller: As these sutras/scriptures are so formidable, if a person commits the same mistake as one did before, it may result in major karmic debts.

Master Jun Hong Lu: Exactly. In an effort to protect you, there are things that I cannot be too forthright in mentioning to all of you. Many people said, “Master, these sutras/scriptures are really good and powerful”. Would you dare recite? You are not monks and nuns who have few distracting thoughts. You still live a mundane life and consume non-vegetarian food! As such, when the retribution comes, it will be so severe that at times, it supersedes the benefit that you may gain. Once that happens, you are doomed and it is finished! Do you understand?

Caller: I understand, Master Lu.

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

WHILE DOTTING LITTLE HOUSES, WE CAN PERFORM RECITATION FOR THE NEXT LITTLE HOUSE PROVIDED IT IS MEANT FOR THE SAME KARMIC CREDITOR OR FOR SELF-RESERVATION PURPOSE

Wenda20161230 01:08:13
(Master Jun Hong Lu's call-in radio program)

Caller: Master Lu, please verify a message from a WeChat group: a Buddhist practitioner rang up 2OR Secretariat and was told that while in the process of dotting a Little House, we may proceed with the recitation for the next Little House, as long as it is meant for the same merit receiver.

Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes.

Caller: We can’t do that if they are for different merit receivers?

Master Jun Hong Lu: No, the Secretariat has answered correctly.

Caller: Thank you Master Lu. Attention to all Buddhist practitioners, when recording red dots after reciting Little Houses, do not recite sutras or mantras of Little House meant for different merit receivers. Doing so will result in energy being channelled onto the Little House that you are dotting. Hence the next Little House would have insufficient energy. However, if the karmic creditors are the same, then you may do so. Is that correct, Master Lu?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes.

Caller: Master Lu, if we are dotting the Little House for self-reservation purpose, it is alright to recite the next piece while dotting, right?

Master Jun Hong Lu: That’s right.

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

MASTER LU'S PREDICTION FOR 2018

Master Lu's prediction for 2018:

Be cautious with the forest fire, earthquakes, and volcanoes that might happen in 2018, especially if you live close to the mountain area or live in Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, New Zealand, etc.

2018 is a year of fire, so people are quick to anger. If you feel that you’re about to lose temper, you'd better move your feet (walk around).

Upon leaving home and lock the door, think of Guan Yin Bodhisattva, bow your head, nod, and seek peace and safety for your home and the trip.

In 2018, you’d better choose even days for the stock market and the real estate trading day. For marriage and moving, better to select even months.

The most important thing in 2018 is that inner work is greater than materiality. In other words, if you are a person who can work hard, you can succeed, conscientious people, this year will be relatively smooth. If you are greedy, want to earn more, pull more people, you will be exposed by others, may eat more losses. Therefore, this year must meet the inner trouble, intentions to solve all their own things. 2018's fortune is the heart can stop evil, stop fierce, only trouble.

Next to talk about 2018's body. Because of fire water, every morning, protect your heart, the blood can not be too high, so drink warm water warm stomach. 
The most noticeable thing this year is your bones and spine, back pain. If your hands and feet found the bones rang, we must quickly eat calcium, if too serious to eat joint spirit. Do not walk to the effect that a fall may be lying down for many days. 
And visceral beware, mainly the lungs, pneumonia, emphysema and upper respiratory tract infections this year, particularly serious. You think about it. In the first year of this year, various media and infectious diseases and epidemics have been posted on the media. How many people have a cold and flu is not good for two months a month, which is already an epidemic. So go out to pay special attention to contact with others, others cold, as long as he does not sneeze, you can still be with him; if he sneezes, you are welcome, immediately cover your nose, otherwise it is easy to be infected. 

Master Lu 2018 Sydney Dharma Talk

Images from Master Lu's recent Sydney Dharma Talk 2018

Images from Master Lu's recent Sydney Dharma Talk 2018, Master Lu's Prediction for 2018

Images from Master Lu's recent Sydney Dharma Talk 2018, Master Lu's Prediction for 2018

Dharma Bliss!!

Images from Master Lu's recent Sydney Dharma Talk 2018, Master Lu's Prediction for 2018

Images from Master Lu's recent Sydney Dharma Talk 2018, Master Lu's Prediction for 2018

Images from Master Lu's recent Sydney Dharma Talk 2018, Master Lu's Prediction for 2018

Images from Master Lu's recent Sydney Dharma Talk 2018, Master Lu's Prediction for 2018

CAN SELF-CULTIVATION RECORD FORM OF _EIGHTY-EIGHT BUDDHAS GREAT REPENTANCE (LIFO)_ BE POST-DATED TO ITS OFFERING DATE?

 Wenda20180126 01:03:00
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)

Caller:  Master Lu, you mentioned before that under special circumstances, the _Little House_ can be post-dated to the day that it will be made effective. I would like to ask if the same can be applied to the Self-Cultivation form of _LIFO_?  For example, Chinese New Year is around the corner, there are some Buddhist friends who will be away, either to their relatives’ house or return to their home town, and there is no Buddhist altar.  Can they date the Self-Cultivation Form of _Lifo_ as February 15, and offer them today?

Master Jun Hong Lu:  The same rule applies.  That’s considered post-dated, just like a cheque. However it is best to write an earlier date.

Caller:  That’s right.  Master, you mentioned before that this is applicable to the _Little House_. 

Master Jun Hong Lu:  Yes. 

Caller:  There are many Buddhist friends who will be returning to their home town for Chinese New Year, where there is no Buddhist altar and they may not be able to recite that many scriptures then.  Under such circumstances, they may post-date the Self-Cultivation Forms to a future date, and offer them earlier. Is that alright, Master?

Master Jun Hong Lu:  That’s alright.

DO NOT TOUCH THE TOP OF THE INCENSE WITH OUR HANDS

Wenda20180121B 02:05
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)

Caller:  When we are holding three incenses that are not aligned, we will habitually place the incenses downwards onto our palm to tidy them.  Is this the proper way of handling?

Master Jun Hong Lu: You can’t do that.  When you are holding the incense, you are only allowed to touch the middle part.  You may also hold its end, however, do not turn it upside down.  Also, you are not supposed to touch the top of incense with your hands.

RECITATION OF GUAN YIN BODHISATTVA'S NAME

Master Jun Hong Lu's Discourse
(Question 205)
February 1, 2018

Question:  Master Lu, during one of your discourse over radio program, it was mentioned that we may make a vow to recite the name of Guan Yin Bodhisattva for 100,000 times to enhance our affinity with Bodhisattva.  May I  know how should I pray prior to the recitation?

Answer:  By reciting “The Greatly Merciful, Greatly Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva, savior of sufferings and disasters”, is a prayer itself.  It entails the prayer for the great mercy, great compassion and divine afflatus of Guan Yin Bodhisattva, and to salvage those who are suffering.  When we have made a vow to recite the name of Guan Yin Bodhisattva for 100,000 times, every now and then when we wish to seek guidance from Bodhisattva, it will be easier for us to get an answer through our dreams. Bodhisattva may not be present, but will provide us with reminders by letting us see some discernible occurrences.

MASTER LU'S PUBLIC TALK ,SINGAPORE 19TH MAY,2018

MASTER LU'S PUBLIC TALK ,SINGAPORE
19TH MAY,2018
1PM-5PM
SINGAPORE EXPO (HALL 1&2)
FREE ADMISSION!

On 19th May 2018, Master Jun Hong Lu will be giving a Public Talk on the essence of Buddhism in Singapore. In this talk, you will see why Buddhism is a 'way of life' --Master Lu will give guidance on improving your relationships, career prospects, academic performance, and your health.

Don't miss out on this great opportunity. Let Master Lu tell you how to take control of your destiny and attain happiness by practising Buddhism and cultivating the mind!

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 practising 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

FISH IS A BETTER CHOICE FOR LIFE LIBERATION, AS IT WOULD NOT HARM OTHER ANIMALS

Wenda20160828B  07:45  [Master Jun Hong Lu's call-in radio program]

Caller:  I have limited knowledge about turtles.  One day, on my way back from work, I bought two turtles with a high price to set them free.  I only found out later from fellow practitioners that those are common snapping turtles, which are noted for their aggressive and fierce disposition.  I felt remorseful as a result.  In the future, if fellow Buddhist friends bought the same type of turtles, only to discover their species before liberating, and are at a loss of not knowing whether to release the invasive reptile, what should they do?

Master Jun Hong Lu:  Why do we want to release fish during life liberation?  Because fishes will not harm others.  Then why don't you release tiger or lion?  Why not weasel?  It will eat all the hens!  One of the benefits of liberating fishes is that there will be peace of mind, as we are aware that they are harmless towards other living creatures.  In fact, we should not liberate anything that is ferocious or harmful.

Caller:  Yes, I didn't know that initially, I thought it was just a normal turtle and not familiar with this species.

Master Jun Hong Lu:  Since it was accidental, it doesn't matter so long as you don't repeat the same instance.  Need not keep blaming yourself for this too, it's ok.

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

HOW DO WE APPLY BUDDHISM INTO OUR DAILY LIVES

Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse
(Question 132)
November 1, 2016

Question: How do we put to use what we have learned - to apply Buddhism into our daily lives and to live life as Buddhists?

Answer:  Whatever we encounter in our lives, we must always think, how should we react from the perspective of Buddhism.  Do not be hasty in making decisions to avoid committing any mistakes.  Think before you act. Think and act only if justifiable - your actions should complement your words.  How do we integrate Buddhist cultivation into our real life? 

Number 1:  Be Calm
Number 2:  Contemplate
Number 3:  Speech

Calmness yields wisdom and contemplation makes every word spoken justifiable.

THE TYPES OF SCRIPTURES TO BE RECITED WHILE VOLUNTEERING.

Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse (Question 137)
December 8, 2016

Question: Master Lu, you mentioned previously in one of your radio programs that virtues will only be gained when a person performs recitation while volunteering. In this case, may I know which scriptures and the number of times we should recite? How should we say our prayers to Bodhisattva?

Answer: You may recite the Heart Sutra (Xin Jing) and the Great Compassion Mantra (Da Bei Zhou). If you feel that you are very ‘clean’ and possess great virtues, you may recite Guna Ratna Sila Dharani (Gong De Bao Shan Shen Zhou), which will immediately convert all your good deeds and virtues into merits. However, one must have a very pure mind, and should not keep looking at other men or women with a lustful intent. Otherwise, it is completely futile even after reciting.

IS IT ADVISABLE TO BRING PHOTOS OF FAMILY MEMBERS TO MASTER LU’S PUBLIC TALKS SO AS TO PRAY FOR BLESSINGS FROM BODHISATTVAS?

Wenda20160805 52:59 [Master Jun Hong Lu's call-in radio program]

Caller: Master Lu, will it affect Master if we bring many photos with us to attend Master Lu’s Public Talks? Reason being at times, there are people who brought photos of their entire family, including grandparents, parents, etc., is this alright?

Master Jun Hong Lu: With the blessings from so many Bodhisattvas, that is fine. But just that you do not bring photos of every family member. If you do that, my public talks will be filled with people holding multiple photos in future. Wouldn’t it be very unsightly? Haha.

Caller: That’s true.

Master Jun Hong Lu: There are some who depends on his personal influence. The fact is, the implication for a person to bring others’ photos with him is that he will have to bear their karmic consequences. You may bring photos of those whom you feel strongly that you have to, even if it means having to bear their negative karma. If you simply bring photos of anyone in general, you are bound to bear their karma.

RECITE MORE _EIGHTY-EIGHT BUDDHAS GREAT REPENTANCE (LIFO)_ AND OTHER SCRIPTURES BEFORE THE YEAR ENDS AS IT IS ABLE TO ELIMINATE A LOT OF KARMIC OBSTACLES; THINGS TO OBSERVE ON 1ST DAY OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR

Zongshu20180120 00:29
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)

Master Jun Hong Lu:  Chinese New Year is around the corner.  It is my wish that all of you will practise Buddhism diligently and perform recitation  without delay.  “Year-end” is a period when we should settle all the outstanding trivial matters as soon as possible.  It is best to perform more recitations before the year comes to an end, especially _LIFO_, as it is able to help us eliminate a lot of karmic obstacles.  Please be diligent in your cultivation.

The first day of the Lunar New Year falls on Friday.  Based on the Chinese tradition, if you are involved in an argument on this day, you are bound to have arguments throughout the year; the same if you are not happy on this day, you may be unhappy for the rest of the year.  That explains why most people will take leave from work on this day because if they don't, it is believed that they may need to work for the entire year!

A PERSON WHO GETS ANGRY OFTEN WILL HAVE A BAD AURA; CALMNESS AND COLLECTEDNESS DO WONDERS TO ONE’S HEALTH

Wenda20180107A 22:25
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)

Caller: How substantial is my karmic obstacles now?  Do I have poor aura?

Master Jun Hong Lu:  You are doing very well now.  Let me tell you specifically that you have improved and you are very different from the last time.  In the past, you….getting angry often will have an adverse effect on one’s aura.  When a person is calm and collected, it goes to show that he is very much even-tempered and his blood circulation and pressure are normal.

On the contrary, those with high blood sugar, high blood lipids and high blood pressure (The Three Highs) are those who are unable to calm themselves.  Without inner tranquility, their temper will form a vicious cycle.  The more frequent they lose their temper, the higher their blood pressure and blood sugar level will become.   The higher their blood sugar level, the more hot-headed they will become. This is how the vicious cycle goes.  Hence, if you feel that you are getting angry less often now, and you are more calm and collected, that is a sign of good health.

Caller:  Thank you Master.  I will take the teachings of Bodhisattva and Master seriously and be a better person.

Master Jun Hong Lu:  Do work hard at it and be rest assured, I shall give you my blessings.

THE REACTION TO RECITING THE EIGHTY-EIGHT BUDDHAS GREAT REPENTANCE RECITATION DIFFERS WITH VARIANT DEGREE OF KARMIC OBSTACLES

Wenda20160923 30:39 [Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program]

Caller: Why there are some who recite many times of the Eighty-eight Buddhas Great Repentance without the slightest reaction, while others who will start feeling uncomfortable and having dreams of many karmic creditors when they recite only a few times?

Master Jun Hong Lu: That’s because that person has a lot of karmic obstacles. For example, for a person who is free from any debts, when he says: “In future, should I owe others money, I will surely pay back”. In this case, as there is no one demanding any repayment from him, naturally he won’t feel any discomfort or guilt. On the contrary, when a person faces a group of creditors demanding repayments, even when he has just recited a few times saying: “I will be repaying my debts”. “Bang!” a group of creditors will dash forward. For sure he will feel uncomfortable immediately. It’s that simple.

Caller: For the second scenario, it is not advisable for them to recite too many? Should they slow down their pace in repenting of their mistakes?

Master Jun Hong Lu: That’s right.

Caller: The moment they “over-recite”, they will not be able to manage.

Master Jun Hong Lu: That’s for sure.

A CALLER ENQUIRED ABOUT HIS LIFESPAN AND MASTER JUN HONG LU ASSURED EVERYONE THAT HE WILL NOT FORSAKE HIS DISCIPLES REGARDLESS OF THEIR SITUATIONS

Zongshu20160528 50:15  [Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program]

Caller:  Master, please enlighten me on my lifespan.  How many more years do I have to continue helping others?

Master Jun Hong Lu:  Why do you wish to know?  Don’t bother about it.  (I felt that I have become lax lately and wish to enquire how many more days I have on earth; this is to remind myself every day in order to advance spiritually.  I am presently 27 years of age, born in 1988 in the year of the dragon).  Your lifespan is very long and you will live to over 70 years of age.  You can slowly and steadily help others.  Your main problem in the near future will be your relationship.  Your wife will become very fierce towards you eventually. (I know, Master, you are right).  Let nature takes its course.  (Thank you Master!  Master, finally, I would like to tell you that before I met you, I lived like an animal, wasted a lot of time and depleted many blessings.  I would like to prostrate to you here, Master).  Be diligent and correct yourself.  (Thank you Master!  Master, what is the quality of my recitations?  Presently they are very good.  Do not commit bad deeds.  Actually, you don’t really commit any bad deeds.  However, you have to be careful with relationships.  (Yes, Master).  As your Master, I know everything, that’s why I wish you children to remember that, regardless of how bad the relationships are, no matter how many problems you may encounter in life and whoever you may be deserted by, your Master will not forsake you, do you understand?  (I understand, Master).

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

AVOID LEAVING BEDS EMPTY FOR PROLONGED PERIOD

Wenda20141221A  16:52  [Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program]

Caller:  Master Lu, you mentioned that we should not leave the bed at home empty.  Now I have a question concerning this.  My child is studying in a boarding school and only returns home once a week or once every two weeks.  It seems inappropriate to dismantle the bed as he will need the bed when he returns over the weekend.  Anything we should do in this case?

Master Jun Hong Lu:  That’s simple.  It’s not a concern as long as there will be someone occupying the bed.  I was referring to those beds that were unoccupied throughout the year.   So long as there will be someone occupying the bed at home within one or two weeks, or even a month, it will be fine. Just do not leave it totally unoccupied.

Caller:  I understand now.

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

WHEN FACED WITH DEBTORS WHO DON’T PAY UP, RECITE MORE _MANTRA TO UNTIE KNOTS_ AND KEEP RECITING _HEART SUTRA

Wenda20170113 01:23:41
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)

Caller:  Suppose someone owe my friend money, and he requested me to recite _Heart Sutra_ on his behalf for the debtor.  I understand that by doing so, it has the effect of helping him to repay his karmic debts.

Master Jun Hong Lu:  That’s right.

Caller:  Will it be even more effective, should I state my prayer as, “I am acting on behalfof my friend to recite this Sutra for the other party.”?

Master Jun Hong Lu:  If you want the debtor to pay up, recite more _Mantra to Untie Karmic Knots_. 

Caller:  Alright.  What about _Heart Sutra_?

Master Jun Hong Lu:  To get the debtor to repay his debts, recitation of _Heart Sutra_ should be kept going.

Caller:  I understand now.  Thank you Master Lu.