How should I live? Please share with me your views
-
Originally posted by Dawnfirstlight:
I see. I believe you will get to enjoy life when your children become working adults. Anyway, many people are leading the kind of working life you are leading. Recite Amituofo and Guan Shi Yin Pusa. You will see your life will improve. Good luck to you.
I always recite amitouofo when I am walking to and from work.
At home, I switch on the simple chanting....
Life is so hard nowadays, working stress, boss give you stress, everything...sigh!
-
Originally posted by likeyou:
I always recite amitouofo when I am walking to and from work.
At home, I switch on the simple chanting....
Life is so hard nowadays, working stress, boss give you stress, everything...sigh!
There are many people facing the same problems as you. Take it easy. Everything is impermanent, what you are facing is only temporary, it is not going to last forever.
-
Originally posted by Dawnfirstlight:
There are many people facing the same problems as you. Take it easy. Everything is impermanent, what you are facing is only temporary, it is not going to last forever.
My stress is normally from my employer, Not only me but my team too.I just wonder why some kind of people love to see people stress and worry. If they see you happy and smile and laugh, they get angry and will try to put more stress on you? You said everything is impermanent, it is only temporary, but if my employer stay with us another single day, our lives will be suffer for another extra day.
Anyway, that is out of topic what I post. Sorry ya.
-
Originally posted by Dawnfirstlight:
There are many people facing the same problems as you. Take it easy. Everything is impermanent, what you are facing is only temporary, it is not going to last forever.
My stress is normally from my employer, Not only me but my team too.I just wonder why some kind of people love to see people stress and worry. If they see you happy and smile and laugh, they get angry and will try to put more stress on you? You said everything is impermanent, it is only temporary, but if my employer stay with us another single day, our lives will be suffer for another extra day.
Anyway, that is out of topic what I post. Sorry ya.
-
Originally posted by realization:
this attachment could keep all of you stuck in samsara.
Need to loosen the attachment.
one way is we can convert/transform the attachment to one pointed mindfulness (of Amitabha). Buddha know it's not easy, hence Pureland and Vajrayana method is evolve.i feel Buddha/bodhisattva is like seeing sentient beings as kids who still like to play in the playground, as they are attached to "having fun". when they are tired of having fun, they will return home. are we tired of samsara? still want to have fun here? see through çœ‹ç ´ already? can let go 放下 already? if not Buddha/bodhisattva will still fulfil your wish.
/\
-
In my life, the person that make life so difficult on me (even my whole team members + other section also feel the same) is my employer.
Why his heart and mind so evil?
-
Originally posted by sinweiy:
one way is we can convert/transform the attachment to one pointed mindfulness (of Amitabha). Buddha know it's not easy, hence Pureland and Vajrayana method is evolve.i feel Buddha/bodhisattva is like seeing sentient beings as kids who still like to play in the playground, as they are attached to "having fun". when they are tired of having fun, they will return home. are we tired of samsara? still want to have fun here? see through çœ‹ç ´ already? can let go 放下 already? if not Buddha/bodhisattva will still fulfil your wish.
/\
Actually, I've been thinking about this theme over the past few days and especially more so after Kelvin started this thread.
I've been thinking that 法是必须生活化的 (not sure whether my Chinese is correct). As in, Dharma needs to be propagated in such a way as to be applicable to real life and our daily concerns. While not forsaking the final 'goal' of liberation from suffering, it needs to also address the difficulties of our daily lives.
We obviously don't get from point A to point Z within a day, so sometimes to ask us to çœ‹ç ´ and see right through the illusion of life may actually prove more of a hindrance... when the view simply isn't there yet.
Over the past fortnight, I went to the temple to chant the Earth Store sutra on Sundays. It was quite an experience to be amongst so many 'aunties' so well-versed in the chanting. I looked at their weathered faces and the earnestness with which they chanted and I wondered about their life stories. What have they been through? What hardships did they face bringing up their entire families? I thought about their tears, their sweat, and their toil.... and no doubt also their joys. What brought them to the Dharma?
I know one or two people there personally and knew that it was through major crises that they came to know Buddhism. Their stories were ones of quite incredible suffering. They told me that they got through their tough times through sheer faith in the Bodhisattvas and perseverance.
One said this to me, "Bead by bead, recitation by recitation of the bodhisattva Guan Yin's name, I overcame the urge to perish together with my family by suicide. When I started off, I was an abused and battered person. But now my kids are grown, and while life is still hard financially, the worst is over." (She's not likely to read this forum and will no doubt not object to me sharing this story. In her own right, she's a bodhisattva too because she's been helping other women in similar straits.)
At the height of such suffering (say in the above scenario), it is more than likely that asking such a person to sit down and meditate or contemplate sutras, would simply be a tall, tall order. Perhaps, almost an impossibility.
When the major storms and tribulations have abated, I think this lady can begin to consider moving beyond reliance on the merits of the Buddhas and bodhisattvas... however, not before she is ready to. I think the Great Ones have sufficient merit and compassion to allow for that. Purelands were created out of just such Great Compassion and empathy.
Actually, I'm sure Buddhism has all that's necessary to meet each person who needs to know the Dharma, at their point of need. However, oftentimes it's ourselves who rigidly want to get from point A to Z by only that one mode of transport, when there are actually many modes to choose from.Just a sharing. /\
-
Why do pple have a good life? Rich, powerful, talent etc...because pple do good karma in their past life.
WHy do pple suffer? Work, Fark by manager, stress, etc....beacuse pple do bad karma in their past life. OR rather pple owe them in their past life, so now, they need to suffer to return the past life favour.
Is it true?
-
Originally posted by realization:
Actually, I've been thinking about this theme over the past few days and especially more so after Kelvin started this thread.
I've been thinking that 法是必须生活化的 (not sure whether my Chinese is correct). As in, Dharma needs to be propagated in such a way as to be applicable to real life and our daily concerns. While not forsaking the final 'goal' of liberation from suffering, it needs to also address the difficulties of our daily lives.
We obviously don't get from point A to point Z within a day, so sometimes to ask us to çœ‹ç ´ and see right through the illusion of life may actually prove more of a hindrance... when the view simply isn't there yet.
Over the past fortnight, I went to the temple to chant the Earth Store sutra on Sundays. It was quite an experience to be amongst so many 'aunties' so well-versed in the chanting. I looked at their weathered faces and the earnestness with which they chanted and I wondered about their life stories. What have they been through? What hardships did they face bringing up their entire families? I thought about their tears, their sweat, and their toil.... and no doubt also their joys. What brought them to the Dharma?
I know one or two people there personally and knew that it was through major crises that they came to know Buddhism. Their stories were ones of quite incredible suffering. They told me that they got through their tough times through sheer faith in the Bodhisattvas and perseverance.
One said this to me, "Bead by bead, recitation by recitation of the bodhisattva Guan Yin's name, I overcame the urge to perish together with my family by suicide. When I started off, I was an abused and battered person. But now my kids are grown, and while life is still hard financially, the worst is over." (She's not likely to read this forum and will no doubt not object to me sharing this story. In her own right, she's a bodhisattva too because she's been helping other women in similar straits.)
At the height of such suffering (say in the above scenario), it is more than likely that asking such a person to sit down and meditate or contemplate sutras, would simply be a tall, tall order. Perhaps, almost an impossibility.
When the major storms and tribulations have abated, I think this lady can begin to consider moving beyond reliance on the merits of the Buddhas and bodhisattvas... however, not before she is ready to. I think the Great Ones have sufficient merit and compassion to allow for that. Purelands were created out of just such Great Compassion and empathy.
Actually, I'm sure Buddhism has all that's necessary to meet each person who needs to know the Dharma, at their point of need. However, oftentimes it's ourselves who rigidly want to get from point A to Z by only that one mode of transport, when there are actually many modes to choose from.Just a sharing. /\
Nice sharing. It is common to hear terms like 生活禅，人间佛教. If I'm not wrong Master Xing Yun 星云 is the one who comes out with the idea 人间佛教.把佛教生活化。
There are many people who don't understand what is Zen. In fact, Zen is all around us.
-
Originally posted by likeyou:
Why do pple have a good life? Rich, powerful, talent etc...because pple do good karma in their past life.
WHy do pple suffer? Work, Fark by manager, stress, etc....beacuse pple do bad karma in their past life. OR rather pple owe them in their past life, so now, they need to suffer to return the past life favour.
Is it true?
Well, I believe it is partly due to our past karma. Buddhism is teaching us how to change our destiny. So, not everything is pre-determined by karma, it can be changed by practicing according to Buddha's dharma. I notice many Buddhists don't chant in the temple. It is good to participate in their chanting event. There are many chanting which is to lighten our "sins". You will see changes in your life if you constantly practice 拜� (repentance).
-
a part of it is due to past karma, i agree. yet i actually on the contrary also think that it's the working of Buddha/bodhisattvas trying to lossen our attachment to samsara; trying to let us "clear away" our past retribution; trying to let as see through the suffering of samsara so that one can practice toward Pureland. even heard of an abusive husband, where the wife practice Pureland. and also not forgetting the queen in Contemplation Sutra.
we have to pull through like the 'aunties' bodhisattva in realization's story. they are really showing a great example for us.
/\
-
Thanks for all the information guys.
I shall not be angry with my manager for what he did.
-
Originally posted by likeyou:
Why do pple have a good life? Rich, powerful, talent etc...because pple do good karma in their past life.
WHy do pple suffer? Work, Fark by manager, stress, etc....beacuse pple do bad karma in their past life. OR rather pple owe them in their past life, so now, they need to suffer to return the past life favour.
Is it true?
difficult to say it's bad karma entirely... cause karma is complexjust recall the First Noble Truth- 怨憎会苦- being with someone you dislike... lol
-
Originally posted by likeyou:
I always recite amitouofo when I am walking to and from work.
At home, I switch on the simple chanting....
Life is so hard nowadays, working stress, boss give you stress, everything...sigh!
I chant AMTF and listened to AMTF chanting too. -
I have something to ask regarding how to live. Recently, people asked me about what I would do if I saw violence used against another, and I do not know how to answer.
One way would be to use violence against the perpetrator but that is not a compassionate, and neither is ignoring the situation. What is the best thing to do in this case?
-
i listen to .... for inspirations...
-
Originally posted by Beautiful951:
I have something to ask regarding how to live. Recently, people asked me about what I would do if I saw violence used against another, and I do not know how to answer.
One way would be to use violence against the perpetrator but that is not a compassionate, and neither is ignoring the situation. What is the best thing to do in this case?
This is a big question and there can be no one-size-fits-all solution.
By violence, do you mean toddler A hitting toddler B? And so the adult goes up to toddler A, gives a benign slap on his bottom so that the kid may learn that it's painful to be hit?
Or do you mean, country A bombing country B? ... with country C coming in and deciding that only by means of attacking country A, and killing its innocent civilians can all atrocities come to an end.
Or, perhaps you mean... your neighbours are quarrelling and soon you can hear that the husband is being bashed by the wife with a frying pan (or vice versa). You agonise over ignoring the situation, versus calling the police in to mediate. However, you also worry that by the time the police come, one spouse would already be heavily injured.
The cop-out answer would be to say that we should act according to what the situation requires; but really, that's also probably the only way there is for such matters. We can only hope that we make the right decision on the spot and that we remain cool-headed throughout it all.
-
Originally posted by Emptied Cup:Dear All,I'm Kelvin, 29.Ever since I entered the "real world", I don't feel as calm or as happy compared to life being a student. There seems to be more burdens and responsibilities. More worries, doubts and fears.I realized that much of my worries revolved around the theme, "What If something bad happened, Will I be able to survive? Will I be able to support my parents?". For me, that means to have enough financially.As an elder son, in a Chinese family, i feel the heavy responsibility on my shoulder.It's part of the reason why I started practising Meditation (Mindfulness). I hope that it will help me stay focus, calm my thoughts, and keep me sane.I have been thinking about Impermanence. Ultimately, nothing is permanent. Three Hundred years from today, I, my parents, will turn into dust and ash. Whether by sickness, accident, or natural cause.. we are all going to die. Things we owned, things we say or did will be long forgotten. If things are so temporal, should I be so caught up by Whether I have enough? Since having much, or having little changes little about the fact that we are all going to be gone, then why does it matter? Should I just enjoy what I have, live from moment to moment? Don't worry about WHAT IFs? Isn't that careless??MY struggle now is, is that the right perspective to life?What should be my right attitude? I don't want to feel so worried and stressed.. i don't wanna be tied up by money.Please share with me your views,thank you
May I also suggest that you start learning chanting. Chanting booklets (such as Great Compassion Dharana, Heart Sutra, Guanyin Pumenping) are easily available in most Chinese buddhist temples.
Besides meditation, daily practices of chanting not only helps one to learn the dharma, but also has an important effect of calming one's mind; thirdly you gain lots of good merits from chanting and you can dedicate this merits to your family, all sentient beings. It has an important effect on relieving your own sufferings or people around you. Chanting allows you to be protected by Buddha, Bodhisattva and prevents you from being harmed by the evil. Most devoted buddhist practises "chanting homework" in the morning and night at home. However, as a general rule, avoid chanting "out" in the bedroom and toilet. That is to say, if you're in the bedroom and toilet, you can chant only in your mind (don't say it out). The best way to chant is to chant in front of the Buddha.
Chanting (esp. in Chinese Buddism) can come in the following form:
Chanting Buddha/Bodhisattva's Name: E.g. �無阿彌陀佛 (Namo Amituofo), �無救苦救難觀世音�薩 (Namo Jiuku Jiunan Guanshiyin Pusa)
Chanting Mantra : E.g. Om Mani Padme Hom (6 syllabus Mantra) ,
Chanting Sutra: They are usually longer. E.g. Amitabha Sutra (佛說阿彌陀佛經）, Heart Sutra (心經），Diamond Sutra (金剛經）， Ksitigarbha Sutra (地�王�薩本願經）
Dedication of Merits to Sentient Beings （回�給法界衆生）:
It is important to dedicate merits of chanting to all sentient beings after you chant.
Eg.
總回�
誦經功德殊�行 無邊��皆回�
普願沉溺諸有情 速往無�光佛剎
�方三世一切佛 一切�薩摩訶薩
摩訶般若波羅蜜
Also make sure you read out the taking refuge in triple gems verse
三皈�文
自皈�佛 當願眾生 體解大� 發無上心
自皈�法 當願眾生 深入經� 智慧如海
自皈�僧 當願眾生 統�大眾 一切無礙 -
<Emptied Cup> had asked "How should I live?". Looks like his life is not full yet. He had remained silent while others have been trying to fill his cup!