Listening, Contemplating, Meditating

Question: Shakyamuni! Homage to the Master! Master, is walking a manifestation of Buddha nature?

Master: Walking, standing, sitting, and lying down are all manifestations of Buddha nature.

Question: Homage to the Guru and Triple Gem! When meditating on the non-duality of the guru, all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, should this be established only mentally, or in terms of both form and mind? Guru, please kindly point out and show this.

Master: In essence, the Guru, and all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are one; but in appearance, they are distinct forms. When practicing the Dharma, it is important to visualize with pure faith.

Question: Shakyamuni! Homage to the greatly kind protector Guru! Many fellow practitioners have requested the thangka of the field of merit for the removal of obstacles through dependent origination. I would like to ask the Guru for guidance. In addition to the monthly feast offerings, how should we practice the Dharma based on the thangka in daily life?

Master: It can be used as an object for prostration and offering.

Question: What should I do if I am interrupted while chanting mantras or reciting sutras?

Master: You can no longer move the prayer beads backwards. It is best to dedicate the merit before speaking.

Question: Homage to the Guru! For those who have no foundation in Buddhism and are too old to study and contemplate, which is more suitable to recite, the name of Amitabha Buddha or the Six-Syllable Mantra of Avalokitesvara? Is it necessary to have a transmission? Thank you, Guru!

Master: You can chant both; both are Pure Land methods. No transmission is needed.

Question: When can beginners study the scriptures?

Master: The arrangement of the Wellspring of the Kama and Terma Teachings is to study the small treatises first, then the big treatises. Although they are treatises, they are all explanations of the scriptures.

Question: Homage to my greatly kind Guru! When I was doing the preliminary practice (prostrations), I stopped doing it for more than a year due to other reasons. Do the prostrations I did before still count?

Master: If the prostrations you did before were supported by the Three Excellences, then they would count.

Question: I took refuge a half-year ago. I consistently do evening practice every day and also participate in some Dharma assemblies and other activities. However, I always feel that all of this is just a formality. How can I bring this into my heart?

Master: You need to systematically listen to, contemplate, and carefully reflect on the content of the Dharma.

Question: How can I get a Dharma brother who has just taken refuge to participate in listening to and contemplating the Dharma, and making him become interested and willing to learn?

Master: Guide him well.

10)

Question: Homage to the greatly kind Guru! If we obtain Buddha statues and Dharma books from different places, is there any distinction among them being pure or impure? If someone who is possessed by spirits touches them, will it have an effect?

Master: There is a distinction between consecrated and unconsecrated. Purity or impurity depends mainly on one’s own mind. If one has pure faith, all Buddha statues and Dharma books will bring blessings to oneself. If one has no faith, even if the Buddha appears in front of you, you will not feel any blessing. From the perspective of external images that have been consecrated by great monks and virtuous masters, they have the power of blessing. Buddha statues and Dharma books that have been touched by people who smoke, drink, or are possessed will become less auspicious. There will be such a difference. But for practitioners, pure faith is the most important. If one’s faith is pure, there is no problem even if Buddha statues and Dharma books have been touched by others.

11)

Question: Master, when I was seriously ill, I covered myself with a Dharani blanket. A Dharma brother saw this and said that one should not cover oneself with a Dharani blanket unless one is going to pass away. I sincerely ask for the Guru’s pointing out: when is it appropriate to use a Dharani blanket?

Master: The Dharani blanket should be used when one is about to pass away (at the time of the last breath).

12)

Question: Homage to the Guru and the Three Jewels! May I ask if a pregnant woman can use one pellet of Baiwu Hundred Substances Incense daily, infusing it in water and drinking it to bless the baby?

Master: Drinking it once every two weeks is sufficient; there is no need to drink it every day.

13)

Question: How can we raise children to become talented individuals who contribute to the country?

Master: Let them study Dharma to develop wisdom, practice compassion, and serve the people.

14)

Question: Homage to the Guru! You once mentioned the Dharma King Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok’s teaching that prayer beads should not be separate from one’s own body temperature. How should we place the beads when sleeping?

Master: Place the prayer beads in a clean place. It is actually quite difficult to keep them the same as your body temperature at all times.

15)

Question: I have taken refuge in my Guru for many years, but I don’t know how to practice at home by myself.

Master: You should participate in systematic listening and contemplating and join group practice sessions at the Wellspring of Kama and Terma Teachings.

16)

Question: Studying is for a better life, so why should one cultivate the mind of renunciation?

Master: Dharma Practice is not for a better life; it is for liberation, attaining Buddhahood, and liberating all sentient beings.

17)

Question: Homage to the great and kind Guru! While I am learning Buddhism, my family members oppose me. What methods should I use to help guide them?

Master: Communicate with your family members skillfully and effectively. Don’t quarrel with them, and don’t make them feel troubled. Influence them step by step.