About Venerable Master Hsing Yun

Translator’s Introduction

Preface

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1.?? ?Heaven, Earth, Human

2.?? ?Oneness and Coexistence

3.?? ?The Beauty in Enjoyment

4.?? ?A Temple is Like a Gas Station

5.?? ?Reciprocal Donation

6.?? ?Keeping Money in the Hands of Devotees

7.?? ?Recording the History of Devotees

8.?? ?Crisis Awareness

9.?? ?Half-and-Half

10.?? ?Three Parts Guidance, Seven Parts Friendship

11.?? ?Ten Sramanera Precepts

12.?? ?Eight Garudharmas

13.?? ?Relics

14.?? ?Eighteen Arhats

15.?? ?Kim Gyo-gak

16.?? ?Eight Groups of Heavenly Beings

17.?? ?Underground Palaces

18.?? ?Significance of the Registration Book in Amitabha Sutra

19.?? ?Can Plants Become Buddhas?

20.?? ?Will Hell Be Emptied?

21.?? ?Is it the Age of Declining Dharma When Lay Buddhists Propagate the Dharma?

22.?? ?Mahayana Buddhism is Not Spoken By the Buddha

23.?? ?Types of Faith

24.?? ?People of Different Faiths—Each with Their Own Father

25.?? ?Who is the God of Wealth?

26.?? ?Recognizing Mazu

27.?? ?Legend of the White Snake

28.?? ?Dispel What is Wrong and Reveal What is Right

29.?? ?To Whom the Chants Are Offered?

30.?? ?Profound Discussion and Practical Actions

31.?? ?Fortune-Telling Sticks and Dharma Words

32.?? ?Buddhism and Politics

33.?? ?Environmental and Spiritual Preservation

34.?? ?Life-Releasing or Life Ending

35.?? ?The Act and the Intention of Killing

36.?? ?Prajna and Wisdom

37.?? ?Organ Donation

38.?? ?Hospice Care

39.?? ?Gender Equality

40.?? ?The Importance of Equality

41.?? ?New Ways of Dharma Propagation

42.?? ?Do What is in Accordance with the Buddha

43.?? ?Global Citizen

44.?? ?Each and Every Buddha Walks on the Same Path



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Translator’s Introduction

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　　“Dharma can only be found in the world, and awakening cannot be attained away from it.” The teachings of the Buddha are closely entwined with human life. They are the compass that guides us on the path of cultivation. There are four approaches in reading this installment: in relation to other people, other Buddhists, nature, and society.



　　In relation to other people



　　Every sentient being is dependent on and connected to another. It is impossible to exist on one’s own without the help of others. As a result, it is the wish of Venerable Master Hsing Yun that we can widen our hearts to accept everyone and everything in this world. In this way, life becomes limitless.



　　In relation to other Buddhists



　　In the long history of Buddhism, age-old misconceptions have been passed down from one generation to another without being questioned. Many articles are aimed towards practicing Buddhists, including monastics, in order to increase awareness about erroneous thinking and attitudes. Because some themes presented may be culture-specific, there are notes at the end of the book that provide additional clarification.



　　In relation to nature



　　Environmental issues are currently one of humanity’s most important concerns. Because our thoughts serve as the basis for the world we live in, Buddhists prioritize spiritual preservation in addition to collaborative efforts in environmental protection. When the mind is equipped with wholesome qualities, our actions are naturally considerate, leading to the purity of our surroundings.



　　In relation to society



　　Some of the societal concerns explored in this book include equality, politics, and hospice care. By relying on the Buddha’s personal experiences and teachings, Venerable Master addresses these challenges, giving insight into how the Buddhist tradition can address some of society’s most pressing issues.



　　Buddhist teachings are not just realized through words and writings; they must also be put into practice in daily life to be fully realized. May this fourth installment serve as a practical guide to discovering wisdom in everyday life.





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