When the conditions come together, You must still undergo the retribution yourself (Issue 285)

Earlier, Jin Ke Shi discussed many physics theories. Some people indicated what she said was right. I don’t know physics, but I feel it’s questionable. Why so? Since they have studied physics, surely, they know the principles. I believe that the Venerable Master is clearly knowledgeable of the manifold physics phenomena in this world. However, he would not tell us things such as how much energy would come back to you when you bow in repentance, what kinds of benefits you would get. The Venerable Master would not do that. This is the Ultimate Truth. We must be sincere and not scheme for this and that. We should not aspire for any gain. We are simply doing what we ought to do. Do not be attached to what we do; do not have any inkling of ulterior motives. This is how we should be.

Heng Wei Shi did not talk about any physics theories. What she has is her faith. Whatever the Venerable Master instructed her, she followed. Whether there is something to gain or not, it’s all the same to her. But this I must tell you all, she was very happy, because Shi-Fu revealed to her that Earth Store Bodhisattva would come to fetch her at the time of rebirth. Consequently, she was very much at peace.

Therefore, whatever we do, we should not scheme for benefits. We should take it as our own responsibility. That’s it, no need to wait for the next round.

We should not harbor a lot of random thoughts and ulterior motives, constantly calculating the pros and cons, e.g. Do I have the correct posture if I bow down this way? Will this take a toll on my spine?  What if I bow in a different manner? Would it affect my voice? If I chant louder, would I get more energy back? We should empty our minds and not think about anything. We should single-mindedly bow down with utmost sincerity and repent of our offenses genuinely and wholeheartedly, “I have erred; I have erred. I was really ignorant before and had made many mistakes”. This is the Ultimate Truth. If you have other thoughts and motives, then it is the Secondary Truth of Prajna. Do not harbor a mind of attachment and be unable to be straightforward. We know that prajna is a form of learning, but do not take it to heart. Just do what we need to do. Do not scheme; do not carry a calculator in your cultivation.

In the past, a dharma master from Taiwan came to train us on how to conduct the ceremony of Meng-Shan Offering. I knew nothing at that time. The dharma master instructed us to contemplate on how famished the hungry ghosts are, how nectarous the sweet dew is, and how abundant the milk is, like a river overflowing. We were asked to also contemplate on heaps of dumplings on mountains of mushrooms. I was clueless but I was obligated to follow instructions. It bothered me so much not knowing what to do. Finally, I sought advice from Shi-Fu, “What am I supposed to contemplate upon?” Shi-Fu answered, “Do not contemplate on anything. Just be sincere.” So be it with the countless random and idle thoughts.

Therefore, sincerity is most crucial. Why is it so difficult for the mind to be pure and sincere?  In truth the quality of purity and sincerity is intrinsic to our self-nature. But due to our own ignorance, we become more confused. There is too much information out there that constantly causes us confusion, consequentially making us forget what’s most precious and unable to employ it.

When studying Buddhadharma, we must learn the essential points, which are the Six Great Guiding Principles bequeathed to us by the Venerable Master: “No fighting, No greed, No seeking, No selfishness, No pursuing personal advantage, and No lying.” Every time we detect an erroneous thought, we must correct our thinking. We should apply this principle to everything we do. Reflect upon ourselves – Am I vigorous in my cultivation?  Am I loyal to the bodhimandala? These I have to answer myself. This is my duty. This is what I am supposed to do. If I haven’t been doing my job, haven’t done my best, then I must reflect and rectify my actions. I should not seek any credit for fulfilling these responsibilities since I am only doing my job. This is my point of view. Amitabha!