PERSIST AND NEVER ALLOW YOURSELF TO BECOME NEGLIGENT IN YOUR BUDDHIST PRACTICE

Master Jun Hong Lu’s Public Talk - Auckland, New Zealand on December 3, 2017

Master Jun Hong Lu, ‘I once said we came to this world crying, and at the end we are going to leave this world in tears.  Do not be disheartened over trivial matters. Scientists have discovered all of our ailments are related to our energy field. After an outburst of anger, our ‘Qi’ is blocked, and as a result we have poor blood circulation. Consequently, this leads to the development of various types of tumours and other malignant growths in our bodies. Therefore, we must always see through this reality and understand the true nature of things. We must persist and never allow ourselves to become negligent in our Buddhist practice. Additionally, we must learn to liberate ourselves without restraint, no matter what life throws at us.’

Translated by Oriental Radio Practice Centre (Singapore)
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CUT DOWN ON OUR WORLDLY DESIRES

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

In truth, all the happiness in this world stems from human beings’ desires.  The pleasure of eating stems from our desire to consume food, the pleasure of wealth and fame stems from our greed; our quest for sexual intimacy stems from our sexual desire, the pleasure derived from sleeping and laziness also stems from a type of desire, that is the desire for enjoyment. As such, in this human realm, beware! The happiness you experience today could become the foundation for your slackness in your cultivation tomorrow!

Why the practice of extreme asceticism? It is to allow us to be enlightened, as all things in this world are impermanent.  They are all worldly desires. It is through cutting down these worldly pleasures that we are able to experience the “real” happiness within. Happiness within is something you sense on a spiritual level.

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THE EMERGENCE OF ALL KINDS OF WORRIES IN THIS WORLD ARE OPPORTUNITIES GIVEN TO US TO DISCOVER OUR SHORTCOMINGS

Excerpt from Master Jun Hong Lu's Public Talk, Jakarta, Indonesia
11 March 2018

Master Jun Hong Lu: The fame, status and wealth owned by a person are just temporary and will never bring us eternal happiness; conversely, these will create worries for us.  Many people asked me: “Master Lu, what is the source of vexation?”  Let me tell you; you are the source of vexation! 
You are being angry because you are intolerant;
You are being depressed because you lack sunshine in the heart;
You are worried because you lack wisdom;
You are grieved because you lack inner strength;
You are resentful because you lack compassion;
You are jealous because you are daunted by an inferiority complex.
Every vexation is caused by ourselves.
You must remember this:
The rising of all kinds of worries are opportunities for us to discover our shortcomings.

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HOW TO IMPROVE ONE’S EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT FOR LEARNING BUDDHISM?

Wenda20161030B 50:11
(Master Jun Hong Lu's call-in radio program)

Caller: Master Lu, when you perform Totem readings, you could see that some of the dharma practitioners have accumulated lots of virtues, but some of them do not have a supportive family or comfortable job that enables them to spend most of their time pursuing Buddhism. Is there any other way to improve such a situation apart from reciting the Mantra to Untie Karmic Knots (Jie Jie Zhou)?

Master Jun Hong Lu: For poor external environment, besides reciting the Mantra to Untie Karmic Knots you can also recite the Heart Sutra (Xin Jing) and the Jvala Mahaugra Dharani (Xiao Zai Ji Xiang Shen Zhou). In fact, another feature of the Jvala Mahaugra Dharani is to prevent calamities, so as to improve your environment and help you achieve a smooth sailing life.

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THE CRITERIA OF A QUALIFIED BUDDHIST CULTIVATOR

Wenda20180128A 37:23
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s Call-In Radio Program)

Caller: Master Lu, may I know the criteria of a qualified Buddhist cultivator?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Perform good deeds and do no evil.  Uphold the Five Precepts and practise the Ten Good Deeds, and you are a qualified Buddhist cultivator.  Take refuge in the Three Jewels: the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha wholeheartedly.  When you see the Bodhisattva, you are ‘taking refuge in the Buddha’.  When you come across the Dharma or my teachings, you are ‘taking refuge in the Dharma’.  And what does ‘taking refuge in the Sangha’ means?  It means that although you have yet become a monk or nun, you have devoted to genuine cultivation, and abiding by the precepts as the monks and nuns are doing.

Translated by Oriental Radio Practice Centre (Singapore)
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WORDS OF WISDOM

Master Jun Hong Lu’s
Public Talk
Jakarta, Indonesia
12 March 2018

WORDS OF WISDOM

Master Jun Hong Lu:
Do not overthink. Otherwise, it will be difficult for us to be clear-headed;

Do not speak irrevocably. Otherwise, it will be difficult for us to compromise;

Do not set our pitch too high. Otherwise, it will be difficult for us to harmonise;

Do not be too extreme in our approach. Otherwise, it will be difficult for us to advance or retreat;

Do not love too deeply. Otherwise, it will be difficult for us to extricate ourselves;

Do not be deceptive in life. Otherwise, it will be difficult for us to open our heart to others;

Do not take worldly gains too seriously. Otherwise, it will be difficult for us to be sensible.

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

https://richardjunhonglu.org/jun-hong-lu-publications/

SPIRITUAL CULTIVATION IS THE WAY TO HELP US ELIMINATE All OUR EVIL THOUGHTS, BAD HABITS AND POOR CONDUCT

Master Jun Hong Lu’s Public Talk
Melbourne, Australia
12 November 2017

Nowadays, people are preoccupied with self-interests and are less considerate towards others.  When people cannot get along with their spouses or children, they only care about their feelings.  They utter hash words towards others only to gain a temporary alleviation from sufferings.  As a result, people become eviler.  Cultivation of mind is to help us eliminate all our evil thoughts, bad habits and inappropriate behaviour.

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VEGETARIANS SHOULD MINIMIZE THE USE OF LEATHER

Wenda20141031  01:24:15  [Master Jun Hong Lu's call-in radio program]

Caller: Are vegetarians allowed to wear belts and clothes that are made of leather?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Vegetarians are allowed to wear leather clothes and accessories. However, it is best to minimize the use of it whenever you can.

Caller: I rarely wear leather products, but I do wear leather belts quite often.

Master Jun Hong Lu: It is fine. We have no choice since we are mortal human beings, unlike monks and nuns. They can’t use them.

Caller: Pardon?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Monks and nuns are not allowed to wear leather belts or leather shoes. When a monk or nun wishes to wear the types of clothing worn by ordinary folks, that is called ‘resuming secular life’.

Caller: Yes, that’s right, we didn’t know that.

Master Jun Hong Lu: No worries.

Caller: OK.

Master Jun Hong Lu: OK, thank you.

Caller: Thank you Master Lu, goodbye.

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WILL BEING FASCINATED TOWARDS CERTAIN THINGS AFFECT OUR EFFORT TO BE LIBERATED FROM THE CYCLE OF REBIRTH?

Wenda20160729  30:09  [Master Jun Hong Lu's call-in radio program]

Caller:  Master Lu, if we tend to be fascinated towards certain things in this world, like soccer or basketball, we may not watch the entire game but will be attentive to scores and players.  Will it affect our effort to be liberated from the cycle of rebirth?

Master Jun Hong Lu:  Generally, this is not an issue as long as it does not involve creation of major karma.  But if you are highly fascinated by it, it will result in formation of karmic consequence.  If you neglect your recitation as you spend your entire day watching football matches, don't you think there will be karmic consequences?  Especially when you have made a vow with regards to your recitation.

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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:   What is the maximum number of Self-Cultivation Record Form of Amitabha Pure Land Rebirth Mantra (272 times per sheet) that we can burn at one go on the 1st or 15th day of each lunar month?

Answer:  Do not exceed three pieces.

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WHY DO PEOPLE REACT DIFFERENTLY WHEN RECITING EIGHTY-EIGHT BUDDHAS GREAT REPENTANCE?

Wenda20180624A 13:15
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)

Caller: Master Lu, why some people often cry, experience a strong reaction and tremendous activation when they recite the Eighty-Eight Buddhas Great Repentance, while there are others who are slow to react. Are these reactions related to one’s karmic obstacles?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Certainly. People who have come to the realization and cultivated well will shed tears when they recite the Eighty-Eight Buddhas Great Repentance. This is because they have realized they had committed many sins in the past and they are deeply repentant for their wrongdoings.

Caller: I understand.

Master Jun Hong Lu: There are others with hefty karmic obstacles who have unearthed their innate nature recently and gained insights to their previous wrongdoings; it is impossible for them to be moved to tears right away. This is part and parcel of a process.

Caller: I understand.

Translated by Oriental Radio Practice Centre (Singapore)
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GRATITUDE WILL INHIBIT THE CREATION OF KARMIC OBSTACLES

Wenda20160115  01:32:56  [Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program]

Caller: Master Lu, you once said “To inhibit the creation of karmic obstacles, firstly, we should gain self-discipline. Secondly, we should always have gratitude.” May I ask, why having gratitude is so effective in inhibiting the creation of karmic obstacles?

Master Jun Hong Lu: It is very simple. When you feel thankful towards a person, will you still get angry with him? If you are thankful for your husband, will you still quarrel with him or hold any grudges against him? If you are thankful to everyone, would you still perform any evil act? You wouldn’t, right? With such a remarkable amount of gratitude in you, it is impossible for you to do anything evil to them. This explains how the creation of karmic obstacle is inhibited.

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LITTLE HOUSES FOR RESOLVING THE CLASH WITH THE GRAND DUKE JUPITER (TAI SUI) CAN BE OFFERED IN BATCHES

Wenda20180223 47:06
(Master Jun Hong Lu's call-in radio program)

Caller: Master Lu, we understand that Little Houses for resolving the clash with the Grand Duke Jupiter Bodhisattva is to be offered in batches of 27.  However, the number of Little Houses recited by some Buddhist friends recently maybe rather substantial, therefore, they may not be able to offer all of it at one go.  In this case, can they split the offering of the Little Houses into several batches?

Master Jun Hong Lu: It is best to offer it in batches of 7, or even 3.  Both are fine.

Caller: So the 27 Little Houses for resolving the clash with the Grand Duke Jupiter Bodhisattva can be offered in separate rounds, right?

Master Jun Hong Lu: Of course.

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

WORDS OF WISDOM

Master Jun Hong Lu’s
Public Talk
Jakarta, Indonesia
12 March 2018

WORDS OF WISDOM
Master Jun Hong Lu:
Do not overthink. Otherwise, it will be difficult for us to be clear-headed;

Do not speak irrevocably. Otherwise, it will be difficult for us to compromise;

Do not set our pitch too high. Otherwise, it will be difficult for us to harmonize;

Do not be too extreme in our approach. Otherwise, it will be difficult for us to advance or retreat;

Do not love too deeply. Otherwise, it will be difficult for us to extricate ourselves;

Do not be deceptive in life. Otherwise, it will be difficult for us to open our heart to others;

Do not take worldly gains too seriously. Otherwise, it will be difficult for us to be sensible.

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

FOUR THINGS WE SHOULD NOT WASTE OUR LIVES ON

Master Jun Hong Lu’s
Public Talk, Tokyo, Japan
October 8, 2016

FOUR THINGS WE SHOULD NOT WASTE OUR LIVES ON
We know that we should not waste our lives away and here are four things in particular that we should not dwell on:

Number 1: Our worries. Worries are an absolute waste of our lives. To worry is to make things difficult for ourselves. Why get anxious over problems that we are unable to resolve? As a result, you get tensed up and fatigued physically and mentally. Consequently, you will fall ill.

Number 2: Do not waste your time complaining. Please remember, all unnecessary complaints will only keep you away from happiness. Complaints are downright useless, and serve no purpose in extricating you from predicament of life.

Number 3: Do not waste time blaming others. When a problem arises, to blame others will only bring about bitterness and unhappiness thereafter. To blame the circumstances when things are not in your favour is a negative and passive attitude of life. From the Buddhist perspective, this is known as negative energy; and a mentality lacking self-confidence and the ability to undertake responsibilities.

Number 4: Do not compare with others, as it is an utter waste of time. The more you compare, the unhappier you will be. Being joyful and happy are personal feelings. They are not derived from our comparison with others.

Translated by Oriental Radio Practice Centre (Singapore)
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IS IT GOOD TO HAVE OUR NEGATIVE KARMA ACTIVATED EARLIER?

Wenda20180128A 27:22
(Master Jun Hong Lu's call-in radio program)

Caller: For Buddhist practitioners, is it good to have our negative karma activated earlier? As with that, it not only allows us to grow in wisdom but also to eliminate negative karma in advance, hence the opportunity to repay our karmic debts while we are young. Is that right, Master Lu?

Master Jun Hong Lu: It is indeed good to repay karmic debts earlier for those who are enlightened or with a higher state of mind. However, for those who are not so determined in learning Buddhism, the sufferings that occur one after another since they started to perform recitation, may cause them to waver in their faith, and start wondering, "I don't even need to undergo so much sufferings prior to my practising Buddhism". Eventually, their desire to practise will be affected and they might even stop learning Buddhism for good. Don't you think you are literally cutting off their wisdom-life? Moreover, a lot of those retributions that usually happen to aged people on their deathbed began to ripen earlier. Do you think they could endure that?

Caller: I understand now.

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

RESPECT ARISES FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEART

Wenda20171210B 46:38
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s Call-In Radio Program)

Caller: A fellow practitioner performs 21 full-body prostrations to Guan Yin Bodhisattva every day. He thought that he uses his body movements to express his utmost respect for Bodhisattva. Is it appropriate or not?

Master Jun Hong Lu: For the time being, do not act in this way. Respect arises from the bottom of your heart rather than your movements.

Caller: Yes, yes, that's right.

Master Jun Hong Lu: It would be interesting if everyone who wants to show their respect to their parents performs a full-body prostrating to their dad and mum. Hehe! True respect comes from your heart! Who knows what is on your mind when you are lying on the floor.

Caller: Yes.

Translated by Oriental Radio Practice Centre (Singapore)
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THE SEQUENCE FOR PLACING OFFERINGS ONTO A BUDDHIST ALTAR

Master Jun Hong Lu's Discourse (Question 178)
4 September 2017

Question: When we help a fellow Buddhist practitioner set up a Buddhist altar at home, is there any sequence to observe when placing items on the altar, for example, a portrait of Buddha, offering items (i.e. incense burner, cup, etc.)?

Answer: First, ensure the portrait of Buddha is in position, then followed this with the incense burner and oil lamp, cup, fruit, and so on.

Translated by Oriental Radio Practice Centre (Singapore)
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KEY TO EFFICACIOUS PRAYER WHEN OFFERING FIRST INCENSE

Master Jun Hong Lu's Discourse (Question 206)
4 February 2018

Question: What is the key to efficacious prayer when we are offering the First Incense in Chinese New Year Eve? Is it only efficacious when we make vows, perform recitation and virtuous deeds? If gastric diseases are considered spiritual diseases due to karmic obstacles, will our prayer for curing the diseases be efficacious? Since Bodhisattva does not intervene with the laws of cause and effect, what is the prerequisite for our prayer to be answered during the offering of the First Incense?

Answer: Sincerity can work wonders. Keep your mind empty, pray desperately and persistently, and your prayer may be answered on the same day.

Translated by Oriental Radio Practice Centre (Singapore)
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MENDING OUR SPIRITUAL WOUND

Master Jun Hong Lu’s Public Talk
Jakarta, Indonesia
11 March 2018

As a mother with a darning needle, Guan Yin Bodhisattva helps mend our spiritual wound and rescue our troubled soul, one stitch at a time. While she is the loving mother who assured us that all our prayers should be answered, she is also the bright light in the middle of the ocean, guiding us to the right path when we go astray.

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

FOREIGN SPIRIT WILL TEMPORARILY LEAVE WHEN ONE IS TAKING HOT SHOWER OR BE EXPOSED TO THE SUN

Wenda20171217B 32:04
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s Call-In Radio Program)

Caller: In one of your recent radio programs, a practitioner said that the foreign spirit will leave temporarily when one is taking a hot shower. May I ask if the spirit will leave us temporarily as well when we bask our back in the sun because of the heat.

Master Jun Hong Lu: Yes. When one is exposed to the sun, the foreign spirit will go away.

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

MASTER LU TEACHES YOU TO RECITE FEWER LITTLE HOUSES

Zongshu 20170504 15:31
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)

Could I give you a tip? If you have made a lot of efforts in reciting a particular Little House, you should burn the Little House for yourself. Suppose you were required to burn 21 Little Houses. But because of the excellent quality of the Little House that you burnt for yourself, things you were praying might go the positive direction. So you don’t need to recite as many as twenty-one Little Houses.
You only need recite 17 or even 11 Little Houses with a very good quality. In the future, you only need to vow for 11 Little House.

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HOW TO PRAY TO BODHISATTVA WHEN COOKING OR CONSUMING VEGETARIAN FOOD

Wenda20180608 44:12
(Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program)

Caller: A Buddhist friend would like to ask: when he prepares vegetarian desserts for others, would it be proper to pray to Bodhisattva by saying, “may there be a day more where they adopt a vegetarian diet and a day less where they consume meat, and may they establish affinities with Buddha thereupon.”

Master Jun Hong Lu: That is alright, and phrasing it like this would render his meritorious blessings plentiful. In fact, you should always pray to Bodhisattva when performing kind deeds as this would allow your meritorious blessings to be even greater.

Caller: Noted, Master Lu.

Master Jun Hong Lu: Before eating, take a few seconds to meditate upon your meal and say, “Deepest gratitude to the Greatly Merciful and Greatly Compassionate Guan Yin Bodhisattva for bestowing this food upon me.” When we practise mealtime prayers that emanates naturally from our heart, we will have greater meritorious blessings compared to others who do not practise the same. This is because we eat with a thankful heart.

Caller: I understand, Master Lu.

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