Recognizing What Accord with the Dharma And What Doesn’t (Issue 298)

Only through the Venerable Master’s teachings can we recognize the true and proper dharma. Within this true and proper dharma, we have to be very careful in how we conduct ourselves, as if we are walking on thin ice or trekking on the edge of a cliff. We must always reflect upon ourselves and investigate our own actions, correcting mistakes along the way and motivating ourselves toward what is wholesome and proper. We have to constantly go in the direction of what is good and cultivate what is righteous. It is a free choice for all. If we purposely go in the wrong direction, there’s no way we can forgive ourselves.

Now that we know what accords with the dharma and what does not accord with the dharma, it is up to us where to direct our six sensory faculties, either in the right direction or in the wrong direction, which consequentially produces the three karmas of the body, mouth, and mind. The reality of the law of cause and effect clearly exists. It is candid and impartial. It equally applies to all – the aged and the young. It does not play any tricks. Any single wholesome thought brought forth by living beings will never be forgotten by the buddhas and bodhisattvas. We need to make a firm and far-reaching resolve to uphold this dharma door of repentance for life after life, wherever and into eternity. Not until we have regained the luminance and clarity of our inherent nature can we say that we have truly accomplished the practice of the dharma door of repentance.

The dharma host has requested the lay people present at the assembly to come up and share their thoughts and insight gained during this repentance dharma assembly. I won’t do roll calls. If I call Tom, Dick will gripe, “Why didn’t you call me?” If I call Dick, Harry will protest, “Why do you always call me John?” So, I won’t call out any names. The time allotted for each speaker is three minutes. There’s no need for courtesy remarks. Be direct and sincere. Share your insights and reflections from bowing in this repentance. Don’t find words to say if you don’t have anything to say. If you have something you share, please do so by all means.

We plan to conclude the meal around 12:35pm and start the afternoon session at 1:20pm. We have 10 minutes left. We’d like to invite the laity to come up and share their reflections. There’s no need for courtesy calls. Do not take this time to vent your frustrations or make pointless comments. Don’t say anything that’s annoying, offensive, or untrue.

After what I have just said, maybe everyone thinks, “I better not open my mouth.” We have to leave some time to invite the dharma master for an instructional talk. Nonetheless, I would like to invite all dharma friends to make the best form of offering by sharing your insights and reflections you gained from bowing in this repentance these past couple of days, as well as from your daily cultivation. Amituofo!