Altruism and Life Protection

 

 

1)

Question: How can we truly and effectively release life?


Master: Undertake life release in accordance with the Three Supremes:  in the preliminary stage, take refuge and generate Bodhicitta; in the main practice, recite the names and mantras of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas while carrying the lives to be released, at the same time circumambulate the sacred mandala; and in the concluding stage, dedicate the merit and make aspirations.


2)

Question: I have two older sisters who have not taken refuge and are against me releasing life. They believe that Releasing Life will disrupt the ecological balance. How should I explain this to them?


Master: Releasing Life benefits sentient beings, and the method of releasing should be carried out skillfully and wisely.


3)

Question: People often ask me how many mantras I have recited and how much preliminary practice I have completed. should I actually tell them?


Master: Before dedicating the merit, it should not be disclosed.


4)

Question: What is the relationship between Samsara and thoughts?


Master: Thoughts are afflictions, and afflictions are the cause of Samsara.


5)

Question: How can a mentor or group leader be both proactive and adaptable in leading a group? How can they maintain a balance between flexibility and discipline?


Master: Interact with everyone courteously, remain humble, and cultivate a broad mind. Develop Bodhicitta diligently and practice forbearance.


6)

Question: Homage to the greatly kind guru!

In this era, is it possible that Bodhisattvas manifest as monks or lay practitioners who appear to break precepts in order to test our view of compassion and purity? If behaviors arise that diminish faith, how should a lay practitioner respond? Should one refrain from judging and ignore faults, or should one correct them strictly to uphold the Dharma?


Master: It depends on the situation. If the violation concerns lay precepts or Pratimoksha precepts, after understanding the circumstances, one should minimize contact and decide whether to offer a reminder based on the situation. However, if it involves a breach of Vajrayana precepts, one should no longer associate with that person.


7)

Question: I would like to ask the grand master for guidance: may lay practitioners perform food offerings or smoke offerings at home?


Master: Lay Buddhists can perform food offerings in accordance with the Three Supremes.