While On The Path

Trouble Is Actually Bodhi

To be focused is an important point I often forget, and Master frequently uses any situation to remind me of it. At one point, I had to be a driver quite often, therefore my own work piled up. Seeing my work load accumulating day by day, I couldn't help feeling worried and disturbed. So I tried my best to avoid any outside duty. One day, when I had just settled down to finish a letter, suddenly I was told that a driver was needed to deliver relief supplies. The matter being so urgent I didn't have time to think much, so I started off immediately.

On the way we talked and laughed; the journey was somehow relaxing and joyful. However, once on the highway, we entered a traffic jam. As time was limited, I felt a bit anxious. The fellow sister accompanying me, seeing that the condition was not favorable, became stern and said, "Hurry! Recite the Holy Names and be quick whenever possible." To tell the truth, my ego was a bit damaged at that moment because she was just talking and laughing with me, and now she was lecturing me with such a stern face. So, feeling not at all convinced I said, "How can one pass in such a crowded condition?" But she replied, "Don't talk, just depend on your intuition." As there was no alternative, I kept silent in obedience, reciting the Holy Names, and driving with concentration. In that way, we arrived at the destination smoothly and completed our duty successfully.

On the way back, I felt happy and relaxed, because I suddenly realized that Master had given me this lesson with a double meaning. In actuality, my work that had been piling up - was that not just like the traffic jam on the road? What was so wonderful was that at the right moment, Master used my driving experience to enlightened me on the secret of doing work, and to have the right attitude in facing problems. My conception changed and my mind broadened immediately.

From this experience, I realized that I should use a focused and positive attitude to replace the usual habits of the mind like worrying, being anxious, etc... I also realized that we can learn and be enlightened at any time and in any place. If we could only let go of our ego, be attentive, and sincerely want to learn, we would see that Master is teaching us all the time, helping us to go beyond our bad habits and our bad qualities. Every time I long for my qualities to be changed and elevated, I can feel Master's very deep and strong love surrounding me, continuously blessing and guiding me.

Thank You Master!

An Apprentice To Love

When I was a new initiate, I often heard fellow practitioners talk about karmic influences. Unknowingly I built a shield around myself, worrying that my cultivation might be harmed by other people's karma if I were not careful. However, I also felt inside that something was wrong. This concept seemed to be contradictory to the compassionate nature of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Master must have realized that this is a struggle common to the minds of many initiates, as She has given many detailed elaborations on this point.

In fact, Master has set a perfect example for everyone. Her unconditional giving, Her natural flow of love, are perfect models for us to learn from. Wherever there is suffering, Master immediately extends Her help to relieve the pain. Master does not want us to become narrow-minded Buddhas. She wants us to learn the infinite, boundless love of the Buddhas. Therefore, I am now doing my best to meditate conscientiously every day, to replenishing myself with the Master's infinite love and blessing.

Through participating in activities like cleaning the environment, helping the poor, and visiting the prisoners etc..., Master's intentions have become increasingly clearer to me. All these activities are lessons of love. We are apprentices in these lessons. With persistent practice, our love will become more abundant so that it can be extended naturally at any time.

Master, I know very well that no earthly language could ever express my inner gratitude. Besides, You would not mind whether Your disciples are grateful, because Your love is given without expecting anything in return. The best way that I can repay You is to be the best apprentice in spreading Your love!