Relax the Night Away

With a variety of tasks to complete, college students live a busy and stressful life. Relaxation of mind and body is an efficient way to lessen the burden. But how can we achieve to have a relaxed and peaceful mind? Research has shown that meditation, if practiced appropriately, can serve to reduce stress, adjust mood and increase focus. In the evening of September 28, we’re honored to have Venerable Jian Dan give a lecture on meditation. The new Resident Assistant attended the meditation workshop at Learning Support Services. She thought it’s a good idea to hold a meditation workshop because the one she went was a huge success. She remembered there was a long line outside of the room where the class was held and only a certain amount of people were allowed in because of the amount of space. She had a great experience in Master Jian Dan’s class and she thought she would hold one where a lot more people would come.

The class started with students asking some interesting questions, which, as always, showed the students’ curiosity about Buddhism and the practice of meditation. Then the students began to complain about the amount of homework, the tough tests they need to take, and some questions about socializing with other people. As the conversation went, we touched and discussed some more philosophical questions. Where do our sufferings come from? The Venerable explained while gesturing to indicate the difference between expectation levels, “When we have high level of expectation, we’ll feel frustrated if we can’t get to it.” Sufferings come from our mind within, not from external sources. “Wouldn’t you be suffered if you didn’t make the score you wished to get in the exams?”

Next, the Venerable guided us through a 5 minute meditation. The Venerable especially talked about how we intend to attach ourselves to many things and people in our lives. It is those attachments that make us suffer. Meditation will eventually make us obtain a peaceful and happy mind without being attached to anything.

The “Relax the Night Away” was very relaxing and enjoyable. It’s true no single person can control the conditions around them. All we can do is focus on the present situation. It’s the gap between our expectations and actuality that causes the unnecessary stress in our lives.

To end the class, we feel we want to learn much more about the practice of meditation…

New path ahead – YiLan State penitentiary visit

Over two hundred female prisoners listened to Ven Jian Dan’s talk tentatively

Invited by Taiwan’s YiLan State penitentiary, Ven Jian Dan visited the prisoners on August 21 to provide guidance and support. Before his talk, the warden met with Ven Jian Dan to thank him for his visit. The Warden mentioned that the spread of illegal drugs has caused many social issues. Especially, once addicted to drugs, the rehabilitation is extremely difficult. Many prisoners complete their sentence and reenter the society, only to be addicted to drugs. Working hard to fight against such a vicious cycle has proved close to mission impossible. However, the correction system still holds hope for these people. Ven Jian Dan praised Warden and compared what they are doing as a practice of that of a Bodhisattva – never give up on anyone out of compassion.

Venerable Jian Dan spoke to the prisoners and used the analogy of making a path to illustrate how we can follow an existing path or create a new one. For example, if you keep walking on the same path on the lawn, day after day, eventually you will create a path and will always follow it. Our way of thinking and our habits are cultivated overtime as well. If we continue to repeat how we think or how we act, we will always follow the same pattern, just like how we will always follow the same path. As a habitual being, once we are used to things a certain way, it is not easy to change it. The only way to escape from the habitual thinking and action is to make a change. It requires courage. However, in order to start a new trail, you need to start walking on a different path. We should cultivate goodness of mind, try to help each other, and face life challenges with patience and perseverance. Get rid of the old past and walk a new tomorrow for yourself.

Poster created for Ven Jian Dan’s visit

Study Abroad China - Summer 2009

During the month of July, Ven Jian Dan visited China with the study abroad program with the University of Houston. During this study trip, he had the chance to visit several well-known temples in Shanghai and Beijing. He also had the privilege to meet with several authorities and discussed Buddhism’s development and local differences between the east and the west. Ven Jian Dan also spent time meeting with local lay Buddhists, offering lectures and facilitating discussions.

Shanghai JadeBuddha Temple (上海玉佛寺). Picture taken in front of the grand hall.

Shanghai Jing’an Temple (上海靜安寺). Picture taken in front of the grand hall.

Shanghai Longhua Temple (上海龍華古寺) Picture taken in front of the grand hall.

Shanghai Pupu Bridge with study aborad student.

Picture taken in front of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower

Picture taken in front of Beijing Hall of Supreme

Conclusion of Sutra of the Forty-Two Chapters

Sutra of the Forty-Two Chapters class came to a conclusion on May 3rd. Several impressive records were set during this nine-class semester. For example, class location had to be changed to accommodate the large number of attendees. On average, the number of weekly attendees exceeded 36. At the end of the term, 28 people received a certificate of completion while 18 students attended all classes.

May 3rd coincidently was also Shifu’s birthday. Current and past students gathered and gave him a surprise birthday party. Shifu expressed his deepest appreciation to both Venerable Jin Hai and Venerable Hung I, and all the students and supporters for the past two years. He was especially grateful of the encouragement and opportunities granted by the two Venerables. Because of their trust and support, he was able to continue his study for the past two years while offering classes at Jade Buddha Temple. Similarity, students were thankful that Shiful would share his teachings while juggling with busy academic schedules. Everyone wished him to complete his degree soon.

Graduation ceremony was held the following week. Venerable Jin Hai and Venerable Hung I were present to give the awards. Eighteen students who maintained a perfect attendance received a black sandalwood wooden fish, completed with a golden-stringed cotton pad. Shifu joked that the unprecedented high level of full attendance must due to everyone’s desire to receive this gift. This phenomenon reflected what the sutra said, “give them what they desire to attract them in, then teach them the dharma.”



After the ceremony, some students shared their reflections. Here are some selected contents:

Student1: This was my first dharma class. I hope I can continue.

Student2: I had never stepped into a temple, let alone taking dharma class. Being a Christian for 40 years, I continued to struggle with things in life and were unable to find an answer. A friend introduced me to this class. I thought I would take it as a philosophy class. However, this class was like a door to a new world. Even though I have not taken the refuge, I have started to think deeper and wilder. I hope I can continue to take Shifu’s class.

Student 3: I am ashamed to say that I have been coming to the temple for many years; however, this was my first dharma class. I was so blessed to be able to attend this class and I have benefited greatly.

Student4: This was my second time taking Shifu’s class. However, my husband challenged me: how come you are leaning the dharma yet you have not yet changed your temper? There are still rooms for improvement!

Student5: I particularly liked how Shufu always pulled us back to focus on the cultivation of our mind. This method can be easily applied to my daily life and I have received great benefits.

Student6: This was my first dharma class. Shiful pointed out in the first class some common pitfalls we parents share today. He advised us to create a positive relationship with our children and respect their own development. At times, we should learn to let go and try not to always make decisions for them from our own angles. My daughter asked me about the class when I returned home. Upon hearing what Shiful said, she eagerly encouraged me to continue taking the class.


Student7: what stayed with me the most is what Shifu asked: what is true happiness: away from suffering is true happiness.

Student8: I have been to the temple for over 20 years and my first dharma class was with Shifu. In the past two years, except for one time I was sick, I have never missed a class. In order to succeed in Shifu’s classes, I began to pick up books and dictionary again. Unfortunately my memory is not as sharp as before, so I can only continue to attend class to make up my own shortcomings.

Student9: I feel I still have yet learned enough. This was my third semester. I was clueless in the first semester. Second semester was a little better. This semester was the best because Shifu’s skillful way of designing the homework. It forced us to read the sutra and review the handout. I often stayed up pass midnight for homework. Two-hour class was too short. I hope Shifu will return soon so we can take more classes.

Student10: I attended Christen schools and requested that my husband accept Jesus before I would marry him. Because my father passed away last year, I came in contact with the temple then. Thank to Shifu’s class, I realized my own misunderstanding about Buddhism and finally had the chance to uncover the real Buddhism. My husband was especially looking forward to the weekly class.

Student11: After two semesters, I can now apply Buddhism in my daily life. I used to change job every other year because I seemed to be able to find faults in everything. After these classes, I began to see people, things, and events with a different light. As a result, I felt more at ease.

A farewell party for Shifu was held the next day at Sweet Tomato.

Meditation to Reduce Academic Stress

Location: Social Work Building #328, University of Houston

Date: Tuesday (3/31) & Thursday (4/2)

Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm

Sponsor: Learning Support Services (http://www.las.uh.edu/lss/)

Due to popular demand, Master Jian Dan was invited back by University of Houston’s Learning Support Services to give two seminars on mediation and academic stress. Learning Support Services offers tutoring, learning strategies workshops, learning style assessments and other activities to support and increase student academic performance. Master was invited to teach students how to reduce academic stress through meditation practice.

Survey collected by Learning Support Services showed that students regarded this seminar a positive experience. One student commented, “the presenter was knowledgeable & entertaining,” while another wrote, “the topics is pretty interesting for me.” Students listed new skills they learned from “take a deep breath and count the number,” “meditation to concentrate,” “focus on only present situation,” to “trying to stop wondering thoughts.” So, how will the new learned skill help them academically? One student shared, “It would affect me greatly academically because I could reduce lots of stress.” Another student indicated that the new skill will help him or her more “easier to focus on assignments & exams w/o being distracted.” “Help me pay attention in class,” “be able to concentrate better and relax more”, and "better performance grades wise and career goal wise” were among other answers.

Integrating regular mediation sitting into daily routine undoubtedly requires certain level of commitment and motivation. Students who are interested in knowing more about mediation should go to a reputable mediation center and seek guidance from well-trained teachers.

Integrating Chan into Your Life

Date: March 27, 2009 (Friday)
Time: 7:00-8:30pm
Location: University of Texas, Austin
Venue: Texas Union Asian Culture Room 4.224

Venerable introduced the difference between Chinese Chan and other Buddhist practices. He emphasized the application of Chan into day to day activities. Venerable borrowed stories from Chan koans to illustrate the skillful integration of Chan in daily life.

AMZH @ Aloha - Beach Picnic with Chan Talk

Master’s Wednesday talk at the Chinese Pure Land Buddhist Association, Hawaii Chapter was so well received. As a result, members voluntarily organized a beach picnic Friday. The picnic was held at Honolulu’s famous Ala Moana beach park and over 50 to 60 people gathered. With delicious home-cooked food and beautiful Hawaii weather as companies, everyone sat under the shade to take the last chance to listen to Master’s teachings.

AMZH @ Aloha - Spiritual Conversation with a Buddhist Monk

Spiritual Conversation is a student group initiated and organized by University of Hawaii students to have a safe place to discuss various religions. They often invite teachers from different faith traditions to share their perspectives and answer questions from people who do not share the same religion. Venerable Jian Dan was invited to offer his take on the unique teachings of Chinese Chan Buddhism.

Venerable pointed out that Chan originated in China and its teaching highlights the quest to uncover our original pure mind. For example, the concept of “dust” and “guest” from the Shurangama Sutra 《楞嚴經》can help illustrate this concept. Buddhist’s quest is to realize what/who is the dust and guest. Guests are those coming and going in a hotel while the owner is the real host. We should observe the impermanence of the world, and recognize that all phenomena are dust and guest where they appear and fade away. This way, we will not waste our lives on pursuing mirage (dust/guest) but to uncover our true host – our pure mind.

Among the attendees were trained teacher in Japanese True Pureland, scholar in Japanese Buddhism, and many other students with different faith traditions. After the detailed and lively talk, many people stayed and took this rare opportunity to ask more questions.

AMZH @ Aloha - Chan & Pure Land

More pictures here

Date: March 18 (Wednesday)
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Location: Chinatown, N Hotel St & Kekaulike St, Honolulu, HI 96817
Sponsor: Chinese Pure Land Buddhist Association, Hawaii Chapter

Chinese Chan Buddhism highlights how an enlightened mind sees the nature（明心見性）。On the other hand, Chinese Pure Land Buddhism emphasizes when the inner flower blossoms, one sees the Buddha (花開見佛) 。In reality, these two represent identical meaning: seeing one’s true nature is seeing one’s Buddha nature. Therefore, practicing Chan is the same as practicing Pure Land, even though Chan does emphasize more on the causes while Pure Land pays more attention to the results. Nonetheless, these two practices point to the same path. In this interactive talk, Venerable Jian Dan explained the two practices and encouraged all practitioners to purify one’s mind to attend Pure Land.

AMZH @ Aloha - Meditation & Inner Peace

More pictures here

Date: March 18
Time: 1:30 – 2:30 pm
Location: University of Hawaii at Manoa, REL 475 Seminar on Buddhism class

Venerable Dr. Mun is a Korean monk and a visiting scholar to University of Hawaii at Manon. He offers classes about Buddhism at the department of philosophy and religion. When he received the news about Venerable Jian Dan’s visit, he eagerly invited Venerable Jian Dan to give a talk at his undergraduate seminar class. This semester, this seminar class focuses on the investigation of Buddhism in peace. Based on this idea, Venerable Jian Dan was asked to teach basic meditation techniques and addresses the relationship between meditation and individual inner peace.

Venerable taught basic breath counting method and let the students practice twice. After the short meditation practices, students expressed the difficulty of focusing on the breath. Many indicated that their minds wondered around and were unable to concentrate. Venerable Jian Dan pointed out that we are habitual beings who are used to allow our wondering thoughts control us. We follow our thoughts everywhere but here. Most of the time, we are not even aware that out thoughts have gone a thousand miles away. By relying on counting the breath, we can gradually train our mind to be more aware, more concentrated and therefore more peaceful.

Venerable stressed at the end that peace is not something external for us to seek. Inner peace is already in our Buddha nature. All we need to do is to uncover it within.

AMZH @ Aloha - Dharma Talk at Fo Guang Shan

More pictures here

Date: March 17, 2007
Time: 10am – noon
Location: Fo Guang Shan Hawaii Center@ Chinese Culture Plaza

The Abbot of Fo Guang Shan Hawaii Center, Venerable Yi Hong, was generous enough to give their regularly scheduled book club meeting time to Venerable Jian Dan for a dharma talk. Venerable Jian Dan used some frequently used Chinese idioms to illustrate some Buddhist concepts. Interestingly, many of these Chinese idioms were originally from Buddhist text. However, over the years, their meanings have changed. For example, tian hua luan zhui (天花亂墜) means smooth talking that stretches the truth. However, from the Buddhist text, it means heavenly beings are so joyful after hearing Buddha’s teaching, they drop flowers from heaven to express their appreciation.

After a short and humorous talk, attendees started to ask questions. For example, one person asked, if Buddhism talks about cause and effect and stresses that we are always the receiver of our own action, no one else could take our consequences away from us, then why when America made a big mistake and dug a big financial hole that caused economical crisis, the rest of the world has to suffer with America? In other words, America created the cause but everyone else suffers the effects? Venerable quickly pointed that there are at least two kinds of karma – individual karma (別業) and collective karma (共業). Countries that have a close economic tie to America share the collective karma, therefore suffer when the entire economy changes. However, not all countries or all companies are losing money under current situation. They have individual karma that separates them from America, therefore can avoid been affected by the economy.

After the talk, Venerable stayed for some delicious homemade vegetarian meals. Another visiting Buddhist nun, Venerable Yi Fa, also joined for lunch. During lunch, Abbot introduced both Venerables and praised Venerable Jian Dan for his right view, sharp concepts, and skillful presentations.

Many members gathered around Venerable Jian Dan after lunch and continued to seize the opportunity to ask more questions. Most of them commended on his talk and was eager to see him visit Hawaii again.

AMZH @ Aloha - Temple Visits

While in Hawaii, Venerable Jian Dan took the time to visit a couple of local temples.

Venerable Yi Hong, Abbot of Fo Guang Shan Hawaii Center, and members welcomed Venerable Jian Dan for his visit to the center

Venerable Jian Dan visited Guan Yin Temple, a traditional Chinese temple of over 100 years old. Abbot of Guan Yin Temple, Venerable Hong En, encouraged Venerable Jian Dan to visit Hawaii again.

Venerable Jian Dan visited Xu Yuan Temple, a 40-year temple in Honolulu. Venerable is in the lineage of Master Xu Yuan (empty cloud)

Venerable visited a Korean Temple called Dae Won Sa Buddhist Temple of Hawaii. It is said that this temple is the largest Korean temple outside of Korea

AMZH @ Aloha - From Chinese Idioms to Learning about Buddhism

More pictures here

Date: March 13 (Friday)
Time: 3:30 - 5:30 pm
Location: Wist 115 (University of Hawaii @ Manoa - College of Education)
Sponsors: Center for Chinese Studies

Buddhism came into China as a foreign religion, yet it not only flourished in China, Buddhism also deeply integrated into the Chinese culture. For example, Buddhism impacted significantly on Chinese literary styles by introducing new imaginary concepts, terminologies, and narrative styles. Many everyday Chinese idioms are from Buddhist texts and Chan stories. In this interactive and humorous talk, Venerable Jian Dan, a visiting Buddhist monk from Houston, Texas, deciphered some deepest Buddhism concepts using everyday Chinese idioms.

Participants asked many practical questions after the talk. One professor from social work shared her reflection afterward, "it was a very interesting talk that I really enjoyed. The teacher is not a old monk we usually have in our mind. He is a young, funny, and intelligent teacher. I am glad we will all go to meet him and listen to his talk."

Venerable gave blessings to those who wish to receive by giving them a rosary. Several people indicated that they will also attend Venerable's upcoming talk in China Town.

AMZH @ Aloha - Meditation on Encounter Dialogues: At the Core of the Chan Tradition

more pictures here

Location: Sakamaki Hall A302 (University of Hawaii @ Manoa - Department of Religion)
Date: March 13 (Friday)
Time: 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Sponsors: Department of Religion & Center for Chinese Studies

Abstract: Encounter dialogues refer to the questions and responses that take place between Chan masters and their students. These spontaneous everyday conversations showcase Chan’s core tradition a practice of “living,” rather than just “sitting.” In this down-to-earth talk, Venerable Jian Dan will use many well-known Chan stories to illustrate the concept of Chan meditation – to cultivate in sitting (stillness) but to practice in living (movement). He will even share some of his personal encounters with his teacher and use those stories to help bring Chan practice from ancient China to 21st century America.

Many people attended this talk, including professors from the Department of Religion and Department of Philosophy. After the talk, Venerable gave rosary to those who wish to receive blessings. Two students approached Venerable and requested to have private one-on-one lunch meeting with him.

From Chan Koans to Practicing Buddhism

More pictures here

Invited by the active English Dharma Group of Jade Buddha Temple, Master Jian Dan talked about the practice of Buddhism using koans. From the conversations between Chan masters and their students, Master explained the uniqueness of Chan Buddhism. Chan emphasizes the function of our mind as well as correct views. With the right view, a Buddhist practitioner can practice in the right path. Using a well-know story between the famous Chinese scholar Su Dongpo and his good friend Zen Buddhist Master Foyin, Master asked us to reflect on the "eight winds" (praise, ridicule, honor, disgrace, gain, loss, pleasure and misery) in our busy lives. Master encouraged everyone to be mindful of the “eight winds” in life and maintain an equanimous mind when facing these challenges.

During Q&A, one person expressed that he is fully aware the usefulness of meditation to self. However, he often forgets the practice when he is in the middle of a situation. Master acknowledged that this is a very common situation. However, through consistent practice, we will eventually be mastery of mindfulness. This is like any good habits we try to foster. It takes persistent daily practice. We can always start small, say, sitting for 5 minutes a day, and then gradually prolong the time. Try to set aside a fix time during the day, first thing in the morning, or last thing before retire to bed. Daily practice really helps in maintaining a consistent and peaceful mind.

New Class - Sutra of the Forty-Two Chapters

More pictures here

The Sutra of Forty-two Chapters (四十二章經) is the very first Buddhist sutra to be translated into Chinese. During emperor Ming of Han, Kasyapa-Matanga (迦葉摩騰) and Dharmaraksha (竺法蘭), two Buddhist monks from India, brought to China many sutras, Buddha relics, and Buddha paintings, reportedly on the back of a white horse. When they reached the Chinese capital of Luoyang, the emperor built the White Horse Temple for them. This was the very first Buddhist temple built in China. The emperor also requested that they translate the sutra into Chinese.

The Sutra of Forty-two Chapters consists of largely quotations from the Buddha. It is believed that these quotations were systematically selected and compiled by Buddha’s disciples after Buddha passed away and entail all major teachings of both Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism.

Master Jian Dan carefully categorizes the forty-two chapters and selectively chooses sections that are more suitable for contemporary livings. Combining with real-life examples, Master skillfully explains the meanings of the sutra to realize Buddhism in everyday life.

Due to the overwhelmingly large audience, the class has to be moved to a larger classroom to accommodate everyone. Students always enjoy and appreciate Master’s humor and lively interactions.

Welcome OX; Goodbye Rat: 2008 Dharma Activities Recap

As we are welcoming the year of 2009, we also reflect on the journey of 2008. With his unyielding determination to propagate Buddhism and his untraditional approach to teaching, Master Jian Dan, a dedicated dharma worker, has turned in yet another productive report card.

Continuing his Dharma Lecturer post with Jade Buddha Temple, Master offered four structured dharma lecture series in 2008. It is worth noting that, in addition to the long-semester dharma lecture classes, Master tried something different during the shorter summer terms. He led a dharma assembly on Universal Door Chapter (from the Lotus Sutra) and also led a sutra-study seminar on The Eight Great Awakenings Sutra.

In addition, Maser maintained his active engagement with the large Chinese constituents at the Jade Buddha Temple by not only attending many activities such as Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara Ceremony and Jade Buddha Temple’s annual bazaar, he also organized or helped coordinate a couple of them. For example, he planned and coordinated a two-day Buddha's Relics Resting Ceremony. In con junction with this historical event, he created two volunteer trainings to ensure the quality of the ceremony.

As expected, Master maintained his engagement with the potentially even larger English-speaking audience. As listed below, you can see his English dharma activities of 2008. It is worth pointing out that 2008 also marked the year that Master made major strike in his dharma work with the younger generations. His works with University of Houston exemplified such an effort.
We are looking forward to an even more adventurous 2009. This year, Master’s dharma work will extend outside of Texas and come to a state maybe near you! Stay tuned.

Dharma Lecture Series

1. 1/15~4/28/2008 Three Vehicles of Practices (10 classes). Used “The way to Buddhahood” (by Venerable Yin-Shun) as the guide to illustrate the concepts of Four Noble Truth and Twelve Casual Chains. Master even added additional materials to help us understand each concept as well as how they are related to each other.
2. 5/30~6/27/2008 Dharma Assembly: Universal Door Chapter (5 classes). A five-week dharma assembly, reciting the Universal Door Chapter. Dharma talks were given on selected contents.
3. 6/01~6/29/2008 The Eight Great Awakenings Sutra (5 classes). Through recitation, discussion, and dharma, participants gained deep understanding of the eight awakenings practiced by all Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Buddhist followers.
4. 8/24~12/14/2008 Bodhisattva’s Practices (12 classes). Learned the vows and practices of four celebrated Boddhisattvas and learned how to integrate our understandings into daily life.
5. 3/7~23 Volunteer Trainings (2 series). A highly anticipated and practical training to enable volunteers to be more effective helpers for the temple. Covered topics such an overview of Texas Buddhist Association, an overview of major Buddhist ceremonies, the Buddhist way of interacting with each other and with the Masters in, out and around a Buddhist temple, and much more.
   

Public Activities in Chinese

1. 2/10 Talk given at Jade Buddha Temple (Grand Hall) Happy New Year: Rats Bring Fortune
2. 3/23 Attended Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara Ceremoney – Jade Buddha Temple (Grade Hall)
3. 4/6 Planned and coordinated Buddha's Relics Resting Ceremony (American Buddha Center)
4. 4/27 Hold Graduation Ceremony for Intermediate Dharma Class @ Jade Buddha Temple
5. 4/28 Hold Jade Buddha Temple Member Spring gathering
6. 5/11AttendedBuddha Bath Ceremony (Jade Buddha Temple)
7. 6/29 Hold Graduation Ceremony for Summer Classes
8. 7/06 Talk given at Jade Buddha Temple (Grand Hall) Connectedness in Life
9. 8/10 Hold Jade Buddha Temple Fall Member gathering
10. 8/17 Attended Ullambana Ceremony (Jade Buddha Temple)
11. 9/26 Talk given at Port Lavaca, Texas: Wisdom and Compassion: Twin virtues of Mahayana Buddhism
12. 10/19 Talk given at Jade Buddha Temple (Grand Hall) Cultivating merits and wisdoms during difficult times
13. 11/15 Attended Jade Buddha Temple’s annual bazaar
14. 12/14 Hold graduation ceremony for the fall
15. 12/21 Hold Jade Buddha Temple Winter Member gathering
    

Public Activities in English

1. 5/24 Talk given for Gulf Coast Mensa: Nothingness Explored @ Crowne Plaza Hotel in Houston, Texas
2. 6/01 Talk given at English Dharma Group (Jade Buddha Temple): Freedom in Buddhism
3. 9/7 Talk given at English Dharma Group (Jade Buddha Temple): Meditation in Everyday Life.
   

University Dharma Activities

1. 2/20 The Awakening Mind: Path to True Freedom. Invited by University of Houston, College of Education Social Study Doctoral Seminar. Addressed true meaning of freedom in Buddhism. Student feedback.
2. 3/10 American Buddhism: Challenges and Possibilities. Invited by University of Houston, Department of Religion. Addressed Buddhism in the west.
3. 4/16 Introduction to Buddhism & Meditation. Invited by University of Houston, College of Education. Addressed to the undergraduate pre-service teachers about everyday meditation practices.
4. 9/10 Meditation for a healthier you. Invited by University of Houston Wellness Center, the first official university-level invitation. Addressed the balanced between physical health and mental health and pointed out how meditation as a way to a healthier life style
5. 10/28、30 Reduce Academic Stress through Meditation. Invited by University of Houston Learning Support Services. Addressed the relationship between meditation, concentration and academic success.
   

Youth Activities:

1. 2/17 Bodhi Chinese School’s annual New Year carnival. Invited to attend the annual Chinese school carnival. Gave out gifts and encouraged students to continue diligent study.
2. 5/10 Bodhi Chinese School Commencement
3. 5/24 Gulf Coast Mensa: Meditation for Children: Skillful Kong Fu for the Mind. Hold at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Houston, Texas.
4. 10/12, 10/26 & 11/2 Growing a Good Mind: An Experiment. Invited to give a series of classes about the importance of practicing saying good words and cultivating good minds.
   

Conclusion of Fall Semester –Boddhisattva’s Practices

More pictures here

Fall semester’s class on Boddhisattva’s Practices ended on December 14th. It was a time to congratulate all dharma brothers and sisters for the completion of yet another semester of assiduous studying of Buddhism. It was also a time of renewing our vows and following the Boddhisattva’s path to benefit self and all sentinel beings.

This semester, Master spent a great deal in discussing each of the six paramitas (giving, virtue, tolerance, diligence, concentration and insight). Master emphasized the multi-facet understanding of each paramita and the practical ways to implement them in our everyday lives. Master’s teaching was well received, as evident by an impressive record of attendance. Nineteen (19) attendees attended eight (8) or more classes and received a certificate of completion. In addition, nine (9) attendees managed to attend all classes. Those with perfect attendance received a special rosary from the Master as an encouragement to their diligence.

Shortly after the certificate ceremony, the group moved to a newly opened coffee shop to continue the dharma discussion and celebration. Over 60 people gathered, including family members, children and new born babies. All students earnestly request to hear the spring class schedule soon.

Growing a good mind: an experiment

From late November to early December, Master held a series of special “experiment” with Bodhi Chinese School children about “growing a good mind.” The purpose of this experiment is to demonstrate the power of words. Using green beans as the experiment subjects, we test saying good words and bad words to them while growing them.

As always, to make any activity meaningful and successful, before Master’s visit to the classrooms, the school sent a letter home. In the letter, the school stressed how parents’ continued involvement is essential in any learning activity. As such, Master asked that parents come to both classes and be active in helping their children throughout this experiment. Together with the letter is an instruction sheet detailing the experiment procedures, which will be carried out at home with parental assistance.

Grade Level: 3rd grade (can be adjusted to fit all levels)

Key concept: Our mind can create positive energy
Title: Growing a Good Mind: An Experiment

Objectives: Students are able to

1. relate the experiment results to daily interactions with others
2. practice setting good intentions and using good words

Description: A two-class series about how important it is to set positive intentions and interact with others using positive words. Students, with the help from parents, grow green beans for two weeks at home. Students and their parents say good words to one cup of beans and bad words to another cup of beans for two weeks. At the end of the 2-week period, students bring back their experiments, discuss in class the findings and what it means to them.




Class 1 Anticipatory set:

1. Story: Nails, Nails on the Wall: a story about how anger (bad words) leaves permanent scars and are hurtful to others and self.
2. Interactive Questions: use questions from story to bring students to identify the power of words and how easy we can practice saying good words every day.

Class 1 Procedure (details omitted here)
At the end of the story and class time, ask students to predict what will happen to the beans.

Class 2 closure activity
After students examine each other’s experiments, compare, contrast, and discuss the reasons, play the game “thinking positively”

For example: On my way to school today, I realized that I lost the 5 dollars I put in my pocket… Now think positively …what would you say? 1) Thank goodness I did not lost 10 dollars or 2) Whoever finds it must be very happy

Another example: I studied very hard but still did not do well on the Chinese quiz. Now think positively … what would you say? 1) Thank goodness it is not the final examine or 2) I will have so much room for improvement

Each Chinese class’s homeroom teacher gives out Chinese-related homework based on this experiment.

Overall, students were engaged and enthusiastic about this experiment. One student even brought his beans to his American school every day, just to show off his experiment! Even though the end results did vary (while mostly favored the good-word group), students were able to relate the power of intentions and words into daily interactions.

The school has asked the Master to give another lesson next semester.

Meditation and Stress

Master Jian Dan recently finished his third and last public teaching at the University of Houston this semester. This time, the invitation was extended by Learning Support Services (LSS), an office under the division of Student Services at the campus-wide level. LSS is one of many hidden treasures on the University of Houston campus. They offer tutoring, learning strategies workshops, learning style assessments and other activities to support and increase student academic performance. Master was invited to teach students how to reduce academic stress through meditation practice.

Even though pre-registration was required, both sessions were full. Surveys collected by the LSS office indicated that students overwhelmingly appreciated learning about meditation. Students strongly agreed that they learned a useful new skill that will help them in their school work. Interestingly, however, when asked “how confident are you that you will incorporate this new skill into your college experience?” the answers ranged from “somewhat” to “very much.” Conveniently, the next survey question probed further “what might prevent you from using this new skill?” Not surprisingly, the majority circled “time constrain.” Integrating regular mediation sitting into our daily routine undoubtedly requires certain level of commitment and motivation. Students who are interested in knowing more about mediation should go to a reputable local mediation center and seek guidance from well-trained teachers.

Due to the tremendous positive feedback from the students, LSS has already asked Master to offer another round of mediation training next semester. We are happy to report that Master has already agreed. Once the dates are finalized, we will announce it here.

Reduce Academic Stress through Meditation

Location: Social Work Building #328, University of Houston

Date: Tuesday (10/28) & Thursday (10/30) (repeated sessions, choose one to attend)

Time: 4:00pm sharp (50 minutes)

Sponsor: Learning Support Services (http://www.las.uh.edu/lss/workshops_fall_2008.pdf)

Registration: Prior registration is REQUIRED – sign up online https://www.las.uh.edu/lssonlineworkshop/(S(5rbhn5vu5o5r5pmn3ia4g4yz))/studentlogin.aspx

Speaker: Master Jian Dan, a trained meditation master, UH Association of Buddhist Students’ first dharma teacher, dharma lecturer at Jade Buddha Temple, President of Awakening Mind Zen Center

Wisdom and Compassion: Twin virtues of Mahayana Buddhism

Located near the center point of the 275-mile Texas Gulf Coast, the city of Port Lavaca is home to one of Taiwan’s Formosa Plastics Corp’s plants in the US. Since its operation in early 1980s, the plant has brought many Taiwan immigrants, many of whom are Buddhist. In late September, Master Jian Dan was invited to give a talk to this Buddhist community. Among the attendees were managers, engineers, and staff from the plant, as well as resident Chinese. Master took this rare opportunity to address the interrelationship between wisdom and compassion. Skillfully integrating everyday examples, Master showed the audiences the practice of both virtues in day-to-day activities.

Master pointed out that “compassion” means to “give happiness” and “eradicate suffering.” He stressed that the concept of “happiness” in Buddhism is simple: When suffering is removed, there is happiness. Wisdom in Sanskrit is pana; it is different from the worldly knowledge. In Buddhism, true wisdom means the removal of defilement & ignorance. When defilement and ignorance are eliminated, we see things as they are, therefore the attainment of wisdom. Master highlighted that both compassion & wisdom are “minuses” – to get rid of sufferings and ignorance, compared to “pluses” – to acquire, possess, and gain things.

As the twin virtues of Mahayana Buddhism, wisdom and compassion are important practices for Buddhist practitioners. Wisdom and compassion are like a bird’s two wings. Just like as a bird requiring both wings to fly, a Buddhist practitioner needs to cultivate both virtues in parallel. In particular, compassion should be rooted in wisdom. Master further illustrated this point by using the analogy of a compass. To draw a circle, you position the compass needle firmly on the center. Wisdom is like the campus needle while compassion represents radius of the circle. Without a firm center, you cannot even begin to draw a circle. The more the compassion you hold, the bigger the circle you can draw, therefore the broader your worldview.

In the work environment, compassion can be shown through the equanimous caring of all livelihoods of employees and wisdom can be represented by selfless management of all affairs. Master encouraged all to take advantage of our interaction with others through work. By helping others to fulfill their goals and perform their duties, we also benefit in the process. Service to others is one of the best ways to practice Buddhism every day. Imagine this. For a moment, let’s switch from profit-driven, expansion-oriented business model to consider running business as a personal responsibility to the living of employees and to the development of society. Under this mentality, running business is no longer a solitary, endless pursue of self-fulfilling prophecy but a socially responsive endeavor. This, as the Master highlighted, is how Buddhism could be practiced in day-to-day activities.

After the talk, many attendees asked questions and Master answered each in great details. He stayed overnight at the Days Inn. Next morning, he had breakfast with the group and continued the stimulating conversations from the night before.

Meditation for a healthier you

more pictures here

Workshop Title: Meditation for a healthier you

Location: University of Houston Wellness center

Sponsor: UH Wellness Center

Time: Wednesday, September 10, from 1:30 – 2:30 pm

Master Jian Dan was invited by the University of Houston Wellness Center to be a speaker at their wellness program and address the topic of meditation for a healthier you. We all strive for a healthier body. However, going to the gym only fulfills half of the equation. Research has indicated that regular meditation helps regulate blood pressure, stabilize emotion, improve concentration and reduce stress, all of which contribute to a healthier life style. In this interactive workshop, Master explained the various benefits of meditation and demonstrated breath-counting method, a proper and safe way of meditation. Participants meditated and asked questions at the end.

Today also marks as a milestone for Master’s dharma work. Even though he has been giving talks at student clubs and classes, this is the first time he accepted an university-level invitation and participated in university-level event.

Two more university-level talks coming up this semester. On October 28 and 30 at 4pm, come to UH Learning Support Service and Master will give two talks about reducing academic stress through meditation. Stay tuned for more updates.

New Class: Bodhisattva’s Practices (in Chinese)

Boddhisattva is a compassionate being who seeks enlightenment not only for him/herself but also for all sentient beings. Bodhisattvas practice six paramitas (giving, virtue, tolerance, diligence, concentration and insight) to cross the Sea of Suffering, enter Nirvana and attain enlightenment. In particular in Mahayana Buddhism, there are four Boddhisattvas who are widely honored and recognized: Avalokiteśvara (Guan-Yin) of compassion, Manjusri (Wen-Shu) of wisdom, Samantabhadra (Pu-Xian) of great vows, and Kṣitigarbha (Di-Zang) of great practice. This semester, Master Jian Dan will detail the vows and practices of these four celebrated Boddhisattvas and guild us on how to put our understandings into daily life.

Date: Sundays (starting August 24, 10 classes)
Time: 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Location: Jade Buddha Temple conference room
Materials: The Way to Buddhahood and other materials as assigned in class
Class website: Buddhism Discussion Blog

Connectedness in Life

There was a farmer who grew award-winning corn. Each year he entered his corn in the state fair where it won a blue ribbon. One year a newspaper reporter interviewed him and learned
something interesting about how he grew it.

The reporter discovered that the farmer shared his seed corn with his neighbours. "How can you afford to share your best seed corn with your neighbours when they are entering corn in competition with yours each year?" the reporter asked.

"Why sir," said the farmer, "didn't you know? The wind picks up pollen from the ripening corn and swirls it from field to field. If my neighbours grow inferior corn, cross-pollination will steadily degrade the quality of my corn. If I am to grow good corn, I must help my neighbours grow good corn."

He is very much aware of the connectedness of life. His corn cannot improve unless his neighbour’s corn also improves. So it is in other dimensions. Those who choose to be at peace
must help their neighbours to be at peace. Those who choose to live well must help others to live well, for the value of a life is measured by the lives it touches. And those who choose to be happy must help others to find happiness, for the welfare of each is bound up with the welfare of all.

The lesson for each of us is this: if we are to grow good corn, we must help our neighbors grow good corn. With the same token, if we are to live a fulfilling life, we must help people around us to live a fulfilling life. If we want "pure land" - however your personal definition might be, we must elevate everyone around us to that level so, together, we can cultivate an environment of pure land.

All living beings are inter-connected. We celebrate the connectedness in life by being open minded and kind to all.

This speech was delivered at the Grand Hall of Jade Buddha Temple, aided by a PowerPoint presentation.

Conclusion of Summer Classes

Five weeks went by as quickly as a summer afternoon thunderstorm. Friday night’s Dharma Assembly on Universal Door Chapter and Sunday afternoon’s lectures on The Eight Great Awakenings Sutra l (both conducted in Chinese) came to a conclusion today.

Through weekly chanting, prostration, meditation and short dharma talks, participants gained insight into Universal Door Chapter and the spiritual powers of Guanshiying Bodhisattva. Total of 52 people attended this class, of which 13 achieved perfect attendance and additional 11 attended four times, totaling 25 people to receive a graduation certificate today. This dharma assembly was so well received that at the last class participants eagerly requested that Master should continue the assembly.

Similarly, the lecture class on The Eight Great Awakenings Sutra was also a success. Detailed class notes can be found here. Many participants asked the Master to slow down the class or extend the class to more weeks so students can better digest the content. This was the first time that students were required to memorize the sutra. Each week, participants would memorize assigned passages and the Master would randomly select a couple students for examination. To the Master’s delight, participants were all diligent and memorized the sutra well. Forty two (42) participants attended this class, including 12 perfect attendees and 5 who attended four times. These 17 people received a certificate of accomplishment today as well. It is worth noting that both classes drew different people even though about ten people participated in both classes.

As part of the celebration, we watched a movie - Running on Karma (Hong Kong, 2003). Dinner was offered by the Master afterward. Stay tuned for new class information in the fall.

English Dharma Group speech - Freedom in Buddhism

Master Jian Dan was invited to give a talk at the English Dharma Group, Jade Buddha Temple, exploring what freedom means in Buddhism.

Master introduced the three levels of freedom – personal, relationship, and environment. In order to achieve personal freedom, we need to be awakened from our wondering thoughts and attachments. When our mind is like a mirror that reflects indiscriminately of the truth presenting, we have eradicated our afflictions and attachments and therefore achieving personal freedom. For cultivating better relationship, we need to be flexible, as illustrated by the story of the little river (please refer to this talk about the story). When your mind is awaken, you know when and how to change your current form – attitude and intention – to better fit the present situation. Lastly, Master referred to the concept of Pure Land where people are in harmony with everyone else, with animals, and with the environment. The concept of Pure Land is that of harmony, in the present moment. In order to achieve the ultimate level of freedom, we have to start from ourselves, therefore the practice of meditation.

Meditation helps us see our mind more clearly. We can observe and detect its change; we are more aware of its current state. Through continued practice, we control our emotion instead of letting our emotion controls us. Some Q&A followed.

New Class - The Eight Great Awakenings Sutra (in Chinese)

As one of the earlier translation of Chinese sutras, the Eight Great Awakenings Sutra has only 372 words and is one of the shortest and most concise Buddhist sutras. This sutra has been dedicated to lay followers before Buddha’s attainment of Nirvana. Many regard this Sutra to encompass Buddha’s fundamental teachings preached during his lifetime. It has similar characters as the Sutra of Forty-two Sections and the Testament Sutra, which are particularly sacred to monastic disciples. This sutra is entirely in accord with both the Mahayana and Theravada traditions where the texts address both the way to self realization as well as the path of Bodhisattva.

If Buddhist disciples recite this Sutra on the Eight Awakenings, and constantly ponder its meaning, they will certainly eradicate boundless offenses, advance towards Bodhihood, and will quickly realize Proper Enlightenment. They will always be free of birth and death, and will abide in eternal bliss – The Eight Great Awakenings Sutra

The above excerpt is the conclusion of the Sutra. It emphasizes the importance of putting the eight awakenings into practice in order to attain the benefit of Enlightenment. Only reciting the Sutra is just like a parrot that imitates human speaking, without knowing the real meaning. In this new five-week class, through recitation, discussion, and dharma talk given by Master Jian Dan, participants will gain deep understanding of the eight awakenings practiced by all Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Buddhist followers.

Date: Sundays (June 1 – June 29)

Time: 1:00 – 3:00pm

Location: Meeting room @ Jade Buddha Temple

Registration: Contact temple office

Dharma Assembly: Universal Door Chapter (in Chinese)

At that time the Bodhisattva Guardian of the Earth rose from his seat and said to the Buddha, "World Honored One, if there are those who hear this chapter of Guanshiyin Bodhisattva, who learn about the self-mastery of his deeds and the power of his spiritual penetrations as shown in this Universal Door, you should know that the merit and virtue of such people will not be small."

The above excerpt came from chapter 24 of the Lotus Sutra. Containing 28 chapters in total, Lotus Sutra is one of the earlier Mahayana Buddhist texts. Widely regarded as a Buddhism classic of great beauty and power, Lotus Sutra also represents one of the most important and popular texts in the Mahayana tradition, a form of Buddhism predominant in East Asia. Chapter 24, titled Universal Door, focuses on the spiritual powers and miraculous functions of the inconceivable state of Guanshiying Bodhisattva, the Bodhisattva who Contemplates the Sounds of the World. It is believed that if we recite this chapter in great concentration and sincerity, we can experience this inconceivable and miraculous power ourselves.

Master Jian Dan will lead a five-week dharma assembly, reciting the Universal Door Chapter. In addition to chanting and prostration, Master will give brief dharma talks on this chapter.

Date: Fridays (May 30 – June 27)

Time: 7:30 – 9:30 pm

Place: Guan Yin Hall, Jade Buddha Temple

Registration: Contact temple office

Meditation for Children: Skillful Kong Fu for the Mind

A room full of children paying attention to Master's animated talk

As part of the invitation from Gulf Coast Mensa, Master also conducted a meditation session for children this afternoon. In this one-hour interactive talk, Master Jian Dan interwoven stories with live demonstrations to show how children can practice and enjoy meditation. Many children are involved in some forms of physical exercise to develop a stronger body. To be skillful at any physical exercise, one must practice on a regular basis. Soon, many of the techniques become second nature and children will spontaneously use them when necessary. The same principle applies to meditation, which could be considered a skillful Kong Fu for the mind. Through meditation practice, we learn to still our mind, examine our inner emotions, observe how emotions arise and fall away, and ultimately gain the skill to moderate our moods accordingly. Over time, we will become skillful in “fighting” negative emotions even before they arise. Emotionally balanced children benefit from a stable, tranquil mind and can have a more fulfilling and happier life. Several smaller segments of guided meditations were conducted. With this group of children aged from four and above, Master spent an interactive and entertaining hour with them. Afterward, many asked to take a picture with the Master. Master also gave them bead bracelets as a gift of blessing.

Children making funny faces for the camera













Master giving out bead bracelets as blessing gift













Children were eager to receive the special gift from the Master












Parents stayed afterward and asked many questions about meditation

Nothingness Explored

Mensa is an international organization whose only membership requirement is a score in the top two percent of the general population on a standardized intelligence test. Such an interesting group has a Gulf Coast chapter in Houston. Each year, the Gulf Coast Mensa holds a memorial weekend convention where “forward-thinking Mensans” get together to enjoy a weekend “filled with interesting speakers, games, dancing, good conversation, and fun.” Through contacts, they invited Master Jian Dan to give two talks at their annual convention, one aiming at adults about Buddhism and meditation, another aiming at children about meditation.

What can Master Jian Dan offer to this group of highly intelligent people who probably know more about many things than Master Jian Dan? “But I do know at least one thing you probably don’t. That is, today, I will teach you about nothingness.” The audience seemed intrigued by this statement.

“Many of you think it is easy to be a monk – you just do nothing all day long.” Master Jian Dan challenged the audience further, “you all are working very hard, running around between, work, family, children. Why don’t you try to do nothing, think nothing for a moment and see if it is easy.” Master asked the group to sit on the chair, close their eyes, and do nothing for three minutes.

Three minutes probably felt like an eternity. Audience shared that they cannot concentrate, kept thinking about something, kept hearing speaker from next room, etc. From here, Master directed the group into the essence of Buddhism and meditation.

Master introduced the mirror analogy as an example of how true mind should function. A mirror reflects all images in front of it without discrimination. If the surface of the mirror has dusts, a mirror will lose its function and unable to reflect things as they truly are. Our mind originally is like a mirror - clear, spontaneous and non-discriminating. This is a God giving quality that in Buddhism we called Buddha nature. When Sakyamuni Buddha reached enlightenment, he discovered this amazing phenomenon that “all sentient beings possess the same Buddha nature. It is only due to our delusions (wondering thoughts) and attachments, we are unable to attain Buddhahood (enlightment).” So the dusts on the mirrors are our wondering thoughts, past experiences, and attachments.

Master then gave an example of a dance recital. He was invited to attend a recital by a disciple. There were about 30 girls on the stage and the disciple was taking pictures the whole time. Afterward, Master saw the pictures in the camera but there was only one girl – the daughter of the disciple – also his attachment. Because Master was not attached to any single child, “I was able to see everything, therefore seeing the whole picture as it really was.” This example shows that when we have attachments, it is like the mirror with dusts, we can only see partially. However, when we are able to detach ourselves, therefore the clear mirror, we are able to observe the entire situation. Meditation helps us detect our attachments and train our mind to eradicate them.


Breath-counting method was introduced and a five-minute guided meditation was conducted. With the technique, audience found it easier to concentrate, even thought it was still difficult. Master reminded the group that training our mind to be strong enough to “shut down the background noise” requires routine practice. We are accustomed to allowing our thoughts wonder without knowing it. Thoughts are like seeds in the field. Without proper conditions, such as water and sun, the seeds will not be able to grow. When we follow our wondering thoughts, we give our thoughts energy. It is like the seeds that have received water and sun and now have grown into trees. If we continue to “give our wondering thoughts energy,” Master explained, “we will eventually imagine a garden with not only trees, but flowers, butterflies. We create the entire scenery and live in it. Eventually we live in this beautiful garden created in our mind.” This garden is our deluded mind, detached from reality and true situation. Meditation is the practice to have a strong mind so it does not wonder and got lost. Once we develop this ability to understand our thoughts better, we will be able to see things more clearly.


A longer meditation was conducted and audiences were eager to ask questions at the end. Master concluded the talk by referring back to the notion of “nothingness.” Master reminded us that when we reach that tranquility of mind where we are not attached to anything, the state of nothingness, we actually achieve the state of “all encompassing” as well. Nothingness needs to exist in order for somethingness to take place. As a matter of fact, eeverything arises from nothingness. When we open ourselves up for infinite potential, we work with nothingness to achieve somethingness. Ultimately, when we keep our mind in the state of perfect equanimity, our inherent wisdom will naturally arise.

Link to The Album

Bodhi Chinese School Commencement

Master was invited to attend Bodhi Chinese School’s commencement this morning. Master has always been interested in involving children in his dharma work. He believes that one of the best gifts a parent can give to his or her children is to let the children get in touch with meditation early on. For him, mediation can help children develop discipline and learn how to balance their emotions. An emotionally well-balanced child can learn better, has more friends, and lives a happier life. Master has a successful track record in leading children’s mediation camps and classes. For more information about his dharma work with children, please visit his Awesome Youth Group blog.

Jade Buddha Temple Member gathering

Master Jian Dan held a member gathering yesterday evening. The main purpose was threefold. First, Master used this opportunity to award certificate to students who completed the volunteer training class offered several weeks ago. About 35 people received their certificate of completion. In addition, Master used this opportunity to communicate his vision and future plans for Membership Group at Jade Buddha Temple. Lastly, this was a chance for members to get to know each other and to build team spirit.

In conjunction with the award ceremony, members were asked to give feedback about the volunteer training as well as the hands-on practices of either the Guan-Yin Ceremony or the Buddha Relics Resting Ceremony. Many feedbacks were received and they will be taken into consideration for future planning.

Graduation Ceremony for Intermediate Dharma Class @ Jade Buddha Temple

The ten-week intermediate dharma discussion class has come to its fruition. Nine students attended all class and received a special perfect-attendance gift from the Master. It is worth noting that eleven students had missed only one class. This impressive record speaks not only to the dedication of the students but also how well received the class has been.

This semester, Master Jian Dan went through first half of Chapter four of “The way to Buddhahood” (by Venerable Yin-Shun) in great details. We spent several weeks studying and contemplating the concepts of Four Noble Truth and Twelve Casual Chains. Master even added additional materials to help us understand each concept as well as how they are related to each other.

Chapter four centers on the concept of the “three vehicles.” Three vehicles are three ways of practice that are considered for different capacities of sentient beings. These are the vehicles of Saravaka, Paratyekabuddha and Bodhisattva. Saravakas are Buddhist practitioners who understand the Four Noble Truth in entering Nirvana while Paratyekabuddhas reach enlightenment by contemplation on dependent arising or Twelve Casual Chains. Even though these concepts sound theoretical, Master was able to position them in everyday life, which allowed us to be able to readily relate to these concepts in a more concrete way.

Our last assignment of the semester was to write reflections of what we have learned. Below are excerpts from students’ writings

Many people think they have Buddha in their mind, so they don’t need to listen to dharma talk. Others think they are not at the level to understand dharma talk. What I want is to start from the beginning, change my old habits. Many people have very strong self ego..I hope to learn how to control my mind, eradicate myself from afflictions, cultivate awareness and better myself.

Recently I had a dream that seemed very real… In the dream there was beautiful scenery, sounds, colors, etc… then I realized I was in a dream so I woke up. Upon waking up, this poem appeared:
While sleeping, six directions of reincarnation from hells to heavenly beings seemed vivid
Now I am awake, a billion desire worlds that are vast and interwoven result in only emptiness

I deeply realized that our awareness is always present. However, we have to cultivate it diligently.

I learned the concept of “change our mind” and how to apply it in my life. One time I sent an email to an employee asking for some information. I waited for a while but did not receive the data. I typed up a reminder email with some harsh words. But then I changed my mind. I deleted that email and walked over to him. I said, “I am sorry. I think my email did not explain clearly. I really need this information in a hurry. Is it possible that you can get it to me soon?” I saw that his face turned red. Five minutes later I received that I needed. He never delays anything I wanted from that point on.

After this class, I realized all afflictions arise from not understanding the truth, from the wrong views. Listening to Master explaining some of the concepts in great details helped me recognize that affliction has been my good friend all along, twenty four hours a day..

The more I learn about Buddhism, the more I appreciate its extensiveness and depth

Before this class, I thought a Buddhist’ practice meant to perform all goods, avoid all evils. After this class, I grasp the importance of supporting the Three Jewels. At work, if I encounter unfairness, I now can treat it with calmness. The emotions of sadness, anger or even rage are all due to our greed… Buddhism guides me in applying what I learn into my daily life, in order to continuously improve myself.

I learned how to look up Buddhism teams using online dictionary. Now if I encounter any terminology, I simply look it up. By looking up terms through a dictionary, it increases my study efficiency and brings more fun into the study.

My biggest take away from this class is that I learned not to keep things inside me. Sometimes I have disagreement with coworkers and I got angry. Gradually I learned to let anger go because I now know being angry will not help resolve the situation.

I did not believe in cause and effect before…Now I understand we should put our efforts on the “cause”. If we believe in cause and effect, we will have a better life and can face reality easier… I try to plant good “causes” in this life so that I could enjoy good results in the future. “Live the moment” is another concept I came to appreciate. We cannot change what had happened and we cannot control what will happen. We should appreciate what we have at this moment. Life is fuller and happier this way. Even if we run into problems, we know how to face it, accept it, then let go of it.

I thought Buddhism is about going to the temple, burning incents and chanting sutra. Now I know impermanence is a universal law and we need to constantly improve ourselves.

After the graduation ceremony, we watched the movie Fluke. And had a short discussion about reincarnation, preconceived views, and the meaning of live the moment.

All students eagerly anticipate the start of next semester where we can continue to learn more about the way to Buddhahood.

Introduction to Buddhism & Meditation (University of Houston)

Master Jian Dan delivered an interactive talk at University of Houston to a group of undergraduate students about Buddhism and meditation. Master explained that Buddhism is more of a way of living than a religion and that Buddha is a person who has reached a pure state of mind, a state that we all can achieve. Buddhism believes that we all have this original, pure Buddha nature. Unfortunately, due to attachments, this original, pure mind is deluded with wondering thoughts. Meditation is a tool, a practice, a skillful means, to help us settle down our attachments and reach the mind of tranquility.

So, how can meditation help?

Water Demonstration

Master Jian Dan brought out a big glass tube of water. “This is your original, pure mind. It is clear and calm.” Then he started pouring some red beads into it. “This is your anger when you argue with your girlfriend or boyfriend.” As the beads traveled down the glass tube, Master used a stick to stir them up. “But you cannot let go of your anger. The more you think about it, the angrier you become.” Master poured another bag of purple beads into the tube. “This is your sadness when you received a bad grade from school.” Another bag of blue beads were poured into the water. “This is your children when they do not listen to you.” Master continued to stir the water so all the beads were in a whirlpool, unsettled, restless. “Different color beads represent different emotions. When you give them energy by continue to think about them, they cloud your mind and you cannot see clearly.” Master Jian Dan continued, “So how can you calm your mind? You let thoughts settle down. You let the beads sink to the bottom by not stirring them. Learn to control your mind and ignore all wondering thoughts.”

This water example really helped students make the connection between meditation and clearing our mind. One student wrote on her survey, “The water demonstration was very insightful. It made it much easier to visualize how to clear your mind and let your thoughts go.” Another student echoed, “The explanation of how the mind is like clear water and then you add in the beads that represent thoughts and emotions, all stirred up. That made me think about the clear mind in a different way.”

Conversations between the Master and the students

Two guided meditations were offered where Master taught students the basic breath-counting method. After the meditation, students were eager to ask questions. Below is a snapshot of some of the questions and answers from today’s talk.

Student: Can a Buddhist monk get married?

Master: No.

Student: How old are you?

Master: It is a secret.

Student: How many colors are there in a monk’s robe?

Master: Black, brown and grey as they were considered “dirty” or “bad” colors in ancient time. Black becomes a fashion now but people did not like it before. Wearing undesirable colors is also a training to detach from material desires.

Student: Are you paid to be a monk?

Master: No, but according to the Chinese tradition, we accept offerings from laid disciples. It is also because of this tradition, when I get sick, I keep my mouth shut. Otherwise I will receive a lot of medicines from people.

Student: Why breath-counting method?

Master: There are different techniques but breath-counting is the easiest and safest to practice without a teacher. In addition, we usually are not attached to a number so later we can even easily let go of the numbers.

Student: It is very hard to ignore thoughts during meditation.

Master: That is why we call meditation a practice. Learn to give your mind the strength to ignore thoughts. We simply do not follow our thoughts and make a story out of it. Once we ignore a thought, it loses it energy and it will eventually disappear.

Student: Why is it a good thing to not to attach to things?

Master: When you are attached, you are limiting your world view to only the attachment. When you are free from the attachment, you are open to see the whole picture, therefore the truth. In reality, learning Buddha’s teaching or even counting the breath are also forms of attachment. Eventually we will have to “empty our emptiness.” At that point, we cease reincarnation.

Student: What is reincarnation?

Master: It is the arising (birth), falling away (death), and the recurrence of our thoughts. The same thought keeps coming back and we cannot jump out of this endless loop of suffering. True understanding of reincarnation lies in the awareness of the function of our mind.

Students: What are the differences among different schools of Buddhism?

Master: The basic concepts are the same but each school has adapted to different cultures. In 50 years, American will have its own unique variation of Buddhism.

Student: Are there hierarchy in monks?

Master: Not in Buddhism but since we respect our teachers, we might call them the Grand Master.

Student: Do you dress this way 24 by 7?

Master: When I was in Taiwan, yes. In America, it is a little more flexible so I will change to plain attire when exercising. The way we dress also distinguishes us from others. However, in 10 years, maybe this will change too.

Student: If I just don’t like certain vegetables, am I supposed to like them according to Buddhism?

Master: Like or dislike are still from attached standards. They are attachments. One analogy we often use is to say that our mind should be like a mirror. A mirror reflects what is in front of it without picking and choosing, liking or disliking. A mirror clearly knows the object in front of it and reflects the truth.

Student: If I like to follow the Buddha’s path, what do you suggest?

Master: Find a temple or center close to you and find a good teacher.

Student: good or bad aren’t them the same if we follow Buddhism’s concept where there is no duality?

Master: Like a baby learning how to walk. The baby has to first rely on the walker or the wall. Likewise, we will have to fist rely on the “good” to help get rid of the “bad.” You will not be able to learn anything if the teacher is no good.

Student: I have road rage. How can I get rid of it?

Master: Find an excuse for the other person. He or she might have an emergency. Secondly, I want to treat myself nicely. I don’t want to treat myself with anger.

Student: Is it difficult to be a monk in the west?

Master: It is difficult to be a monk in the east since we have to carry a lot of traditional burdens. It is more flexible here with more possibilities.

Overall reflections

Overall, students seemed to enjoy the talk and the meditation training. They find the talk “informative” “enjoyable” “educational” “very enlightening and very insightful. I plan on implemented some of the Master’s teachings into some of my own teachings” “I really liked his examples” “Master was very interesting. He really tried his best to explain and answer all questions.”

While some felt the talk “gave me a new outlook about Buddhism,” and “I will seek more information … so I can further myself,” many unanswered questions still lingered in students’ mind. For example, one student felt s/he liked to know “how American society reacts to Buddhism.” Yet another wanted to know “the difficulties monks encounter in the US compared to their country.” One student indicated s/he liked to know more about “how Buddhists live and do everything and how to teach children/others about Buddhism” This question was reiterated by another student, who wrote “I would have liked to know how a person implements this in their daily life.”

Master enjoyed the talk as much as the students did.

Buddha's Relics Resting Ceremony

Master Jian Dan coordinated a two-day Buddha Relics resting ceremony at Jade Buddha Temple (public viewing) on Saturday (4/5) and at American Bodhi Center (permanent resting) on Sunday (4/6).

When the Buddha lived in India in approximately 2,500 years ago, the people of that time had the opportunity to actually see and hear him, to be blessed by him in his human form. When Buddha left the earth by passing into nirvana (the enlightened state) during the body's death, he compassionately left relics so that today we still have the opportunity to receive the blessings
of the Buddha, directly.

These genuine relics are offered by Venerable Hung I, the Abbot of Jade Buddha Temple, to permanently rest at American Bodhi Center. In 1971 Venerable Hung I was visiting a temple in Taiwan when he met a traveling monk from India. Impressed by Venerable Hung I's big vow to spread Buddhism in the west, the traveling monk gave Venerable Hung I some of his share of
genuine Buddha relics as a gift. Years later, Venerable Hung I brought these relics, together with his big vow, and arrived in Houston. Thirty years later, we are celebrating the permanent resting of these precious relics in Houston. This event symbolizes the spreading of Buddhism to the west, to Houston, and also the resting of enduring Buddhism teaching in American.

Relics are said to carry positive energy. Interestingly, they are themselves living entities; they can grow bigger, split into more, shrink in size or even disappear. Viewing holy relics inspires us to develop our own Bodhi hearts and minds, to develop loving-kindness and compassion and to understand Buddha’s precious teachings.

In conjunction with coordinating this two-day event, Master Jian Dan conducted a 3-hour volunteer training a week prior. The training aimed to equip all volunteers with the knowledge of how a ceremony like this is carried out, how details are coordinated, and the proper manner and rules in greeting the relics and the guests.

It was a successful event. Can you find some “dharma wheels” in the pictures?

American Buddhism: Challenges and Possibilities

“Very awesome. Honestly, I was not expecting somebody so young and modern. Again, very awesome.” One student shared his/her reflection on Master Jian Dan’s talk today.

Humorous Monk

“I visited Los Angeles last summer. My disciple asked if I like to go to Disney Land. I immediately rejected this idea. I was afraid that if I go, tourists would think I am one of the new cartoon characters, probably from Mulian, and everyone would want to take a picture with me!”

Students laughed and right away Master grabbed their attention and interest. These students are talking an undergraduate class about “Asian Religions in America” at the University of Houston. Today Master was the invited guest speaker. The class instructor invited Master to talk about the practice of Buddhism in America, how it differs from traditional Buddhist practice--challenges, possibilities, and differences between American and Asian students.

Dispelling Misconceptions

Master first pointed out several misconceptions people have about Buddhism: Buddhists live in seclusion, Buddhism is passive and negative, and Buddhist’s precepts are restrictive. Through stories and logical reasoning, Master explained that these concepts are far from the truth. Master also shared some of the challenges he has faced when trying to spread Buddhism in America. For example, his has to change his teaching style to use more illustration, live demos, and hands-on practice. Nevertheless, as a relatively new concept, Buddhism also has found its way into America. With its fluid nature, Buddhism has been successfully adapted to local cultures. We can see today that we have Chinese Buddhism, Japanese Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism and so forth. Master predicts that there will be a new form of “American Buddhism” that is integrated with American pop culture. While talking about localization, Master made another joke. “If I ever became homeless and needed to beg for food, don’t be surprised to drive by an intersection and see me holding a sign that reads ‘Templeless, Vegetarian only!’”

Questions?

After the talk, students were eager to ask questions. One student wanted to know what was the biggest temptation Master has faced in American that has forced him to break his precepts? Master explained again that he always asked and tried to understand the reasons behind each precept. As long as he still adheres to the core value of the precept, he always adjust accordingly. For example, in Chinese Buddhism, monks should not have body contact with another person. However, he has to make adjustment as in the west, handshaking is considered polite and giving a hug is customary. Another student questioned how far should a religion change in order to survive locally? This student feared that when a religion, such as Buddhism, adopting and changing from culture to culture, will lose its original form. Master concurred. He was also afraid to see Buddhism losing its core values in this process of localization.

Good time always passes too quickly. Many students still had questions to ask. One student wrote on her reflection, “It was interesting – do you know from early on when you are destined to be a monk? Do you always get provided for? What do you think of people who adhere to a religion with a God And Buddhism? Wish we had more time!”

Survey Said...

Here are some things the students said about today’s talk, as collected by anonymous surveys.

1. What was the most interesting thing you learned today? Why?

• The great sense of humor the monk had and the way he deals with American society. The way he approaches Buddhist practice
• I just had a different concept about a monk. I thought he would be older and serious, but this monk was young and very funny. Some of misconceptions were cleared
• The difference b/w Chinese and American young society
• I had never considered that America would likely develop its own form of Buddhism, but it makes a lot of sense
• How integrated the monk was in technology. He had an IM account & cellphone
• That monks have modern ideas about today’s culture – technology – there is no need to isolate yourself
• That Buddhism is not a religion to the monk but it’s just a way of life. And that monks are very modern. Because learning that made me kind of question the uniqueness and the originality that Buddhism had.

2. What was one new concept you heard today that was difficult to accept/agree? Why?

• I am not a fan of reincarnation and I have a hard time with it. I don’t really understand it. It doesn’t sit well with me
• Personal concept of gay marriage. It is not what I am used to growing up with and disagrees with my religious view, but I understand his reasoning
• The monks don’t follow all 250 precepts – then why are they there? At what point can you decide whether or not they are still relevant?
• There was nothing that offended me.
• Cannot eat meat and some vegetables.
• I find it hard to agree that reincarnation can cause “confusion” in the sex (female & male) and that the definition of it is the character of a person because I think physical aspect of a person is very important too and it kind of confuses me how pervious life can affect “this life” when only the present matters.

3. What was the one thing presented today that you might like to explore further? Why?

• Meditation and calming the mind. Learning to live my life fully as someone who is comfortable with myself and living in the present.
• Very interesting analogy with the power and water and a clustered mind. Want to look further into meditation.
• I would have liked to hear more about meditation methods
• How Buddhism is developing in America
• I like the concept of how Buddhism is adaptable, how it is different in each culture.
• Live for the present. If you have a good cause now then there will be a good future.

4. Overall reflection on today's talk.

• I enjoyed it. I am very interested in Buddhism and find it interesting and beautiful. I have lived in a Buddhist monastery for a few months and really am interested in practicing it.
• Very entertaining and informative. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
• Better than last semester’s talk, very compassionate being very enjoyable to listen to.
• I enjoyed the talk. The monk helped dispel some of the misconceptions at what Buddhism is. Also that you keeps precepts to keep your mind clear.
  
  

Volunteer training class at Jade Buddha Temple (in Chinese)

Class A: Friday 3/7, 3/14 & 3/21 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm

Class B: Saturday 3/8 & 3/15 from 1:00 – 4:00 pm

Hands-on sessions: Saturday 3/22 1:00 – 3:00 pm & Sunday 3/23 10:00 am – 12:00

Total training hours: 10

During the month of March, Master Jian Dan will offer a series of training especially for volunteers. This highly anticipated course will provide much-needed trainings for volunteers so they can be more effective helpers around the temple. The course will cover topics such an overview of Texas Buddhist Association (history, organization, resident monks and nuns, etc), an overview of major Buddhist ceremonies (the origin, the meanings, the proper procedures, etc), the Buddhist way of interacting with each other and with the Masters in, out and around a Buddhist temple, and much more. Keeping it at a practical level, this course will also include four hours of hands-on sessions where participants will role play how to greet guests, how to provide a tour, how to answer questions, how to guide attendees during a big ceremony, and so on.

To encourage participation, Master will have one course on Friday nights and another one on Saturday afternoons. You can choose which time is more convenient to you. Each class will have a limited enrollment of 20 to ensure class quality.

There is already a discussion that Master will develop an English version of this training in the near future for our ever-growing America populations.

Nontraditional way of viewing the world: An American's feedback

More than a week after Master’s talk at University of Houston, an interesting email showed up in my inbox today. While this person preferred to remain anonymous, she did approach me immediately after the talk and expressed her gratitude toward an interesting talk by the Master. She was very impressed by the way Master addressed freedom and awakening, especially how he was able to give a talk so closely related to readings they have been reading this semester. In the email, she shared her reflection after attending Master’s talk. Here is her reflection:

Research or practice. Freedom or discipline. Individual or community. There appears to be a fundamental disconnect in our lives, a duality if you will, between what we perceive within ourselves and what is observed from without. These dualities often create “either/or” categories which determine unequal distribution of authority and result in depersonalization at the most basic level. Dualities also legitimize certain ideologies and exclude others, by representing “Norms” and casting nonconformists as “Others”.

Buddhism seeks to address dualities by offering what to my Western eyes is a very nontraditional way of viewing the world. Instead of waiting for guidance from without, be it a Bible or a God or a sermon, we are urged to set our moral compasses from within. This, in turn, compels us to scrutinize our own prejudices and belief systems. The notion of taking care of ourselves and examining our own lives before we can begin to examine another’s makes sense to me and speaks to our discussion of Maxine Greene and her concept of wide-awakeness.

Another concept of Buddhism that is difficult to understand from a Western perspective is realizing the impermanence of the things we want to hold close to us. In much the same way Ayn Rand in her Objectivist philosophy urges us to achieve true freedom by not living for another and never expecting another to live for us. Buddhism, to me, addresses much of this idea of freedom in letting go.

How many times have we, as Social Educators, searched for a stepping stone to begin our explorations of something greater within ourselves or within our world? When Maxine Greene asks so candidly in Landscapes of Learning “What shall we teach them? How can we guide them? What hope can we offer them? How can we tell them what to do?” she echoes the doubts of thoughtful educators everywhere while at the same time presenting us a framework of compassion and a route to freedom and wide-awakeness. Social Education through Critical Pedagogy seeks to overcome this “is/ought” duality and the split between theory and actual practice by embracing the idea of paradoxical thinking, which requires we accept the world as more complex and multifaceted.

The Awakening Mind: Path to true freedom

From Doctoral Semi...

Yesterday, Master Jian Dan gave a talk at a social study seminar at University of Houston. This semester, this group of about 15 doctoral students has been discussing ‘wide-awakeness’, morality and the concept of individual freedom, as based upon the writing of educational philosopher Maxine Greene. Students were interested in knowing how other culture or philosophy approaches these concepts. As a result, Master Jian Dan was invited to present his take from Chinese Buddhism’s point of view.

Master shared a story about a little river. The story goes like this:

A little river travels from far away mountain, passing through villages and forests. One day it arrives at a desert. It thought to itself, “I have overcome many obstacles, so I should be able to pass through the desert!” The little river decides to pass through the desert. However, little river soon realizes that its water is disappearing into the desert. It tries and tries for several times but every time the water disappears. Little river is disappointed and wants to give up, "maybe this is my fate; I will never be able to see the big ocean I have heard so much about!”

At this time, the little river heard this deep voice, ‘If the wind can pass across the desert, river can too.” It is the voice of the desert. However, little river argues angrily, “that is because the wind can fly across the desert but I cannot fly.”

The desert replies,’ That is because you insist on maintaining your current form (water). Therefore you will never be able to pass through the desert. You need to allow the wind to carry you over the desert to the ocean. You need to be willing to give up your current form (water), allowing yourself to be evaporated into the wind.”

Little river has never heard of such a thing. “Give up my current form, disappearing into the wind? No, No” Little river has never heard this concept and has never experienced it before. Asking the river to give up its current form seems like a road to death. “How do I know it will actually work?” little river asks.

The wind encompasses water. It can then fly across the desert. Once reaching the destination, the wind can release the water in the form of rain. Rains become the form of a river and then the river can continue the journey,” the desert replies.

Will I still be the original river?”

Yes and No. Whether you are a visible river or invisible steam, your original quality/true nature has never changed. You insist to be a river but you never really understand what your true nature is.”

So little river brings out all its courage, let go of its current form, and disappears into the wind. Little river allows the wind to carry it into its next destination.

In the story, the little river is willing to give up its current form and therefore adjust to the conditions appropriately. An awakening mind can observe each situation clearly and act accordingly. Buddha means the “awakened one.” As a cultivator, we first need to have the absolute confidence that each one of us possesses the same Buddha nature; it is God giving. Buddha nature is like the mirror: it reflects what is in front of it as is, without distortion, without addition. However, our mirror is covered by dusts so we cannot see reality as is. In other words, we are still asleep. Once we are awake, our Buddha nature will manifest.

Why our Buddha nature is covered by dusts? It is due to our attachments. We attach to all external phenomena: clinging and grasping to what we desire. Attachment to our Buddha nature is like dust to mirror. Once we are awake, once we have our dusts removed, we can see things clearly. We have to free our vexed mind first. Meditation helps us clean our dust, calm our mind, and manifest our Buddha nature.

No one lives in isolation. We cannot really function like a mirror, which only reflects without interacting with objects in front of it. When we start to interact with people and with the environment, we need to have the awakening mind to act accordingly – according to a particular time, a particular space, and in a particular relationship, such as what the little river did in the story.

As Thich Nhat Hanh once said, “Freedom is not given to us by anyone; we have to cultivate it ourselves.” An awakening mind is the path to true freedom.

Bodhi Chinese School: New Year Carnival

On February 17th, Master Jian Dan was invited to attend Bodhi Chinese School’s annual New Year carnival. Bodhi Chinese School, established 18 years ago, is an affliction of Texas Buddhist Association. The school offers Chinese language and culture classes from pre-k to 12th grade, in addition to English, math, calligraphy, painting, kung fu, and violin classes. Every year, the school holds a carnival the week after Jade Buddha Temple’s Chinese New Year ceremony. This yearly carnival has become a long tradition for fundraising and community gathering. There were performance by each Chinese class, games, raffle drawings, face painting, and much more. Master spent the morning at this event, watching kids’ performed, drawing prices, giving out gifts, and mingling with them. Master enjoyed his time with kids.

Happy Chinese New Year: Rats bring fortune

Chinese New Year is one of the most celebrated holidays in the Chinese community. On February 10th, Jade Buddha Temple held its annual Chinese New Year ceremony. With over 1,400 people attending, Master Jian Dan had the chance to publicly wish everyone a peaceful year.

According to Chinese zodiac, 2008 is the year of rats. Chinese believe that rats symbolize good wealth and will bring fortune to earth. It turns out this believe originated from Buddhism, a story from Virupaksla. Virupaksla, guardian of the northern direction, is one of the four heavenly kings who are protectors of the dharma. Virupaksla is known for his noble deeds and being the wealthiest among the four heavenly kings. With this great wealth, Virupaksla wished to share them with all beings. Unfortunately, all the precious gems were swallowed by a rat, impersonated by a phoenix. Virupaksla caught the rat and demanded the rat to spill out all the jewels. In the appearance of a warrior god, Virupaksla always has his left hand holding in the lap a rat expelling jewels from the mouth, creating a stream of precious gems spreading on to earth below.

It is from this story that Chinese believe rats bring fortune to earth. During Chinese new year, people always like to wish each other a new year of great fortune and wealth. From Buddhism’s perspective, there are four kinds of wealth.

Of course money is the first kind of wealth. We earn money through rightful means. Then there is wealth of wisdom. We diligently study Buddhism and achieve true understanding, then we obtain the wealth of wisdom. As we know, Buddhism is not just a grand theory but something concrete that can be practiced and applied in daily lives. For example, we can accumulate wealth of good relationship by volunteering at the temple, supporting Buddhism, and be friendly and kind to all beings. If we know how to skillfully utilize our wisdom when volunteering at temple, know how to continuously develop good relationship with dharma brothers and sisters, we will foster helping conditions that will further benefit the development of the temple, the propagation of Buddhism, as well as the spiritual growth of ourselves. This is the fourth and the ultimate wisdom, the wisdom of dharma.

Buddhism is not against money or wealth; buddhism emphasizes how to skillfully utilize the worldly wealth to benefit the dharma wealth. True wealth comes at the realization of dharma wealth.

Many honored guests were present today, including Senator Glenn Hegar and Judge Jim Shoemake with whom Master took a picture.

Intermediate Dharma class at Jade Buddha Temple

I will be teaching one weekly class about basic concepts of Buddhism at Jade Buddha Temple starting January. The class is offered on Sunday afternoons from 1:00 to 2:30. We use the book “The way to Buddhahood” by Venerable Yin-Shun as the framework to discuss various basic Buddhism concepts. This is a combined class with students from last semester's Friday night and Sunday afternoon classes. We finished chapter 1 to 3 of "The way to Buddhahood" and will continue from chapter 4. About half of the students will repeat chapter 4 one more time. The feedback I received from those students indicated that chapter 4 might be a little less organized and some of the concepts are mixed together. I will need to find different ways to convey those concepts.

2007 Recap

Activities at the Jade Buddha Temple

1. 2007/10/21 Speech at Jade Buddha Temple
2. 2007/10/13 Introduction to Buddhism (quarterly three-hour class)
3. 2007/09/16 Speech at Jade Buddha Temple English Dharma Group
4. 2007/06/16 Bodhi Family Night
5. 2007/06/09 Introduction to Buddhism (quarterly three-hour class)
6. 2007/05/20 Bathing Buddha ceremony
7. 2007/03/25_One-day Zen Retreat
8. 2007/03/24 Bodhi Family Night
9. 2007/02/17 Bodhi Family Night
10. 2007/02/11 Introduction to Buddhism (quarterly three-hour class)

Public Talks

1. 2007/10/31 Speech at University of Houston “When East meets West: from a Buddhist Monk’s perspective”
2. 2007/10/15 Speech at University of Houston “Introduction to Buddhism” course
   

Regular Dharma Classes

1. 2007/08/19~11/18 Every Sunday Basic Buddhism discussion class (B)
2. 2007/08/17~11/16 Every Friday Intermediate Buddhism discussion class (A)
3. 2007/02/25~06/18 Every Sunday: Basic Buddhism discussion class (A)

Others

1. Fall 2007, University of Houston, Association of Buddhist Students
2. 2007/09/17 Daily Cougar News
3. 2007/07/01~07/04 Youth Summer Camp
4. 2007/03/12 Interfaith: Mormonism Elder Meeting
5. 2007/03/01 Mrs. Chen funeral
6. 2007/02/27 Interfaith: Visiting with the Mormons

Mission Impossible: Recap UH ABS, Fall 2007

One of the most daunting tasks Master Jian Dan took on in 2007 had to be his involvement with a brand new student organization on University of Houston campus, the Association of Buddhist Students. He took on the role as the dharma teacher, as well as the President, while attending UH for the first semester. Looking back, we have to applaud him for his bravery (and may I say, a little craziness as well. Let’s be honest. It takes a crazy person to commit to such a crazy task!). On a more serious note, we also have to applaud him for a job well done. For twelve weeks, Master Jian Dan delivered dharma talks and provided guidance for students, faculty and staff. Here is a short recap of his accomplishment in Fall 2007.

Warm-Up:

1. 06/27/2007 Unofficial business meeting: Master Jian Dan was invited to be the dharma teacher for the association.
2. 08/18/2007 ABS Welcome Party at UH: Master attended the party and met many students interested in Buddhism and meditation.
3. 08/24/2007 UH Cat's back: Master even joined the organization fairs at UH to help promote the association and attract students.

Meditation Classes:

1. 08/29/2007 Class 1 – Introduction to meditation: First class. Introduction of breath counting method.
2. 09/06/2007 Class 2 – Be the master of your mind: Heave and hell is only the state of our mind.
3. 09/13/2007 Class 3 – Living the present moment: Do not attach to nor follow our wondering thoughts.
4. 09/19/2007 Class 4 – Cultivating the mind: Emotions are just series of thoughts. Learn to observe them as they arise and fade away.
5. 09/27/2007 Class 5 – Looking inwards: Our mind is the true creator, not something external.
6. 10/06/2007 Class 6 – Duality: A discriminating mind is the source of sufferings.
7. 10/11/2007 Class 7 – Inner beauty: Each one of us possesses Buddha nature and has the same opportunity to reach enlightenment.
8. 10/18/2007 Class 8 – Dealing with anger: Meditation helps eradicate our negative emotions such as greed, anger, and ignorance by being true to yourself.
9. 10/26/2007 Class 9 – Cultivating compassion: Compassion is selfishless where self-benefit is fully abandoned for the sake of serving all sentient beings.
10. 11/01/2007 Class 10 – Understanding death: Life is impermanent yet it never ends.
11. 11/09/2007 Class 11 – Wants & needs: Needs are our responsibilities while wants are our goals and wishes.
12. 11/15/2007 Class 12 – a day of appreciation: Pay it forward and together we can change the world.
    

Extra:

1. 09/02/2007 Field trip to Bodhi Center: Master brought the students out to Bodhi Center for a day of fun activities.
2. 09/17/2007 Daily Cougar Interview: Master was interviewed by University of Houston campus newspaper.
3. 11/2/2007 Merit dedication: Master held a special merit dedication for a member who passed away suddenly.
4. 12/07/2007 Winter Retreat: Master held a two-day retreat for the association.

Mission accomplished!

UH Meditation Class 12 – A Day of Appreciation

This is our last class; the semester went by very fast. I like to take this opportunity to thank many people.

I first like to thank Josten and Grace who initiated the idea of establishing this association. After the initial idea, we found two disciples’ kids as the inaugural President and Vice President. They attended the required orientation in creating a campus student organization and registered Association of Buddhist Students. We thank them for getting us a legitimate status on campus.

However, they were not really interested in getting involved, which caused some problems at the beginning when trying to get things moving. As a result, I took over the President’s post. That was a very difficult yet necessary decision. It was a burden on me as a first-semester UH student, facing a new school, a new environment, and a new challenge.

During that time and since, Maya has been very helpful in taking care of lots of tedious paperwork, going through red tapes and dealing with UH bureaucracy. Of course then there is Grace, who, as many of you know, are the “underground” president. She has helped me a lot. For example, every Wednesday after here, I would go home and receive an email from her giving me a long list of mispronounced words from that day’s talk. (I am often amazed at how you all can understand my English.)

Last week Emily asked me what is my true “self?” I told her I try to practice having no one fixed self. I am just a member of this organization. I always remind myself that I don’t get to give talks if you guys don’t show up. This is the concept of causation, which we have addressed many times this semester. In Buddhism, we see all phenomena as the results of arising elements/conditions. When all elements/conditions are put together, t the arising of the event.

Take a moment to think about this concept. Our government gives us a stable country to live a peaceful life. UH offers us this building and this room to hold our events. We all happen to be part of the UH community who happen to know about this organization, who just so happen to be interested in meditation, who just so by chance are available during this time… This list goes on. Without all of the elements/conditions working together, we would not be able to meet here today.

About mid semester, I was asked if we should consider taking donations or charging membership fees. Absolutely no. I just want to offer myself to you, to do the best I can. I believe we cannot put a price tag on practicing meditation and/or practicing Buddhism. Many of you have seen the movie “Pay it Forward.” An elementary school kid had a social study homework on how to change the world. He came up with this idea that if he can do three good deeds for someone and they in turn can "pay it forward" and so forth, positive changes can occur.

This is very similar to Buddhism concepts. I don’t know how much I can do. I just try my best. If you have received even the smallest amount of benefits, gained some small concepts and made changes in your life for better, I just wanted you to do something for others. Share your experience, tell your stories, and introduce them to this organization. We often gather together to go to a movie or a club. Probably even more often, we should gather friends to come to meditation and to attend Dharma talks.

Please continue your support next semester. We need your help. Many times during the semester, I was so tired and wanted to give up. Then Mimi made many good suggestions as to how I can better deliver my talk. We started giving out handouts as a result of her constructive feedback. It is suggestions such as this that kept me going.

I made a lot of friends here. I hope you all feel the same. Hope to see every one of you next semester. Stay tuned for our spring schedule. Tell your friends, bring them here. Let’s put all our positive energies together. If we all do our best, together, we can change the world.

Thank you for a wonderful semester! Let’s bestow all merits upon all sentient beings.


Recorded by Jian Dan

願 消 三 障 諸 煩 惱
yuàn xiao san zhàng zhu fán năo

願 得 智 慧 真 明 了
yuàn dé zhì huì zhèn míng liăo

普 願 罪 障 悉 消 除
pŏ yuàn zui zhàng xi xiao chú

世 世 常 行 菩 薩 道
shì shì cháng xíng pú sà dào

May the Three Obstructions and all the afflictions be eradicated.
May I obtain true wisdom with clear understanding.
May all the obstacles from all my offenses be eliminated.
I vow to practice the Bodhisattva Way constantly, life after life.

PS. This trace was recorded four years ago for my Chanting Class.

UH Meditation Class 11‏ - Wants & Needs

Today we discussed a seemingly easy concept – the differences between our wants and our needs. However, the line between the two is not always so clear cut. Most people think of wants and needs as opposites. This thinking results in the belief that wants are bad, not desirable. We should eliminate all wants and reduce all non-essential needs. Many people then become pessimistic and reclusive, lack of motivation and goals in life. Therefore, I believe this dualistic thinking needs some modification.

My definition of wants and needs takes a different view. I believe needs are our responsibilities while wants are our goals and wishes. Therefore, in order to achieve your goals/wishes, you have to be willing to take on the responsibilities that come with such a wish. For example, Buddha wanted all sentient beings to achieve enlightenment. We all want to achieve enlightenment. However, in order to achieve enlightenment, there are practices we need to follow. Practicing is our responsibilities. In other words, achieving enlightenment is what we want and practicing is what we need. If we approach wants and needs this way, we can have a positive life and are not ashamed of having wants.

However, in Buddhism, we also are cautious about attaching to our wants. If we are clinging to our wants, such an attachment will create suffering. Wants encourage us to realize our goals by putting in necessary (needs) efforts. In this process, be mindful of the states of your mind. Be mindful that everything is impermanent and observe the truth about cause and effect. If you can put in 100% of your efforts while not attaching to a fixed outcome, the outcome will be realized. The moment you are attached to a fixed outcome, you will never achieve your goal.

Now you understand the differences between wants and needs, and their relationships, be mindful in your daily life of what are wants and what are needs. Remember that impermanence is the true nature of all phenomena and attachments will create sufferings. Buddhism teaches us to be diligent in our practice without attaching to the ever-changing phenomena.

UH Meditation Class 10 - Understanding Death

Ryan was the first member of this association that I added to my Facebook account. He used to poke me whenever he found me online. When I received this shocking news last week, I realized I will never receive a poke from Ryan anymore. I am sad just like everyone else. Then I remember a story about a grieving mother.

Life is impermanent
During Buddha’s time, a mother was grieving for her son’s death. Her son died shortly after birth. The mother was so overtaken by the sorrow, she took her son’s body in search for a way to get her son back to life. Someone told him there is this enlightened saint named Buddha; maybe he has a way. This mother went to Buddha and expressed her sorrow and wish. The Buddha said, I can help if you can go and find a fire from a household to light this candle and bring this candle back to me. However, you have to get the fire from a household where nobody has ever died. The mother thought, this is easy, all I need to do is to light the candle. She went from door to door looking for a household where nobody has ever died. However, every household she visited, they all told her that, “we are more than happy to help you but somebody has died in my family. Sorry.” After a while, the mother finally realized that everyone eventually dies and life is truly impermanent. After realizing the truth about life and death, the mother was able to stop her sorrow, start practicing Buddhism, and eventually reached enlightenment.

Life never ends
In addition, in Buddhism, we also believe that life never ends. Life is like taking courses. We pass some courses while fail others. For those courses we fail, we have to retake them. For Ryan, he did petty well in relationship; a lot of friends memorialize him here today. However, he still had some courses that he needed to come back and retake. For example, I asked him to design a music program for us. He promised but it did not materialize. He still owed us a music program. If several years later, you see a cute boy who loves meditation, loves singing and playing music after we practice mediation. You know he is back!

Sadness is attachment
Some might ask, “Why do we feel sad?” We feel sad because we are still attached to him. When he is no longer with us, we lose the space, the chance to “practice” attachment to him. The practice of meditation can help us practice detachment. In Buddhism, lights also symbolize wisdom. Wisdom is like the light that illuminates the road ahead and chases away the shadow. Let’s find your wisdom within! During this difficult time, may your wisdom help you focus on the positive things we can learn from this event.

Dedication
Thanks to Ryan, because of him we have this chance to gather together today. Thanks to Ryan, he showed us how impermanent life is. He was like a bodhisattva, incarnated to teach us those truths. His death enlightens us to understand those truths just as the light that brightens our paths. To appreciate his teaching us about impermanence, we dedicate this wisdom to him. We wish that he could shower under the light of wisdom and achieve enlightenment. We wish that he will come back soon and we can practice meditation together again.

Also, let’s do not forget about the friendships present in this room right now. We appreciate this moment, appreciate everyone who is here today. Learning from Ryan, also we learn from all sentient beings. Ask yourself what did you learn from this event? For me, I treasure the chance we could gather here. May all become compassionate and wise and find the wisdom light within you.

May every living being,
Our minds as one and radiant with light,
Share the fruits of peace
Our hearts of goodness, luminous and bright.
If people hear and see,
How hearts and hands can find in giving, unity,
May their minds awake,
To Great Compassion, wisdom and to joy.
May goodness find reward,
May all who sorrow leave their grief and pain;
May this boundless light,
Dispel the darkness of their endless night.
Because our hearts are one,
This world of pain turns into Paradise,
May all become compassionate and wise,
May all become compassionate and wise.
(lyrics from UrbanDharma)

When East meets West: from a Buddhist monk’s perspective

“What if monks fall in love? They just stop being monks?” wrote one student on the exit survey after attending a talk by Master Jian Dan.

This afternoon, Master Jian Dan was invited by Ms. Sabrina Marsh to give a talk to her undergraduate “Community Education” class at University of Houston. The class is offered by College of Education, with the goal to expose pre-service teachers to different cultures, experiences and paradigms. This talk was arranged through the Association of Buddhist Students at University of Houston.

In today’s talk, Master Jian Dan shared his personal experiences living in American as a Buddhist monk. He talked about the common misconception linking Buddhist monks to Kong-Fu masters, and his encounters of cultural conflicts or misunderstandings between the East and the West. Master called the differences “internal versus external.” He used three examples to illustrate the point, chopsticks vs forks, mental math vs calculator, and Gong-fu vs weapons. From this “internal versus external,” Master concluded the talk by making the connection to meditation. He explained the training of internal mind as the path to true happiness.

After the talk, students had the chance to ask questions. Questions ranged from if he can have family and kids, if becoming a monk was a self choice, whether he plans to stay in America or go back to Taiwan, are there female monks, can a person be both Christian and Buddhist, what are some of the Buddhist holidays, to what is karma.

Meditation
Immediately after the Q&A, Master gave the students some brief mediation instructions and the group meditated for five minutes. Several participants stated at the exit survey that meditation was the most interesting part of what they learned today. Exit survey also asked students to reflect on their meditation experience today:

“I have never meditated before. It was fine but I wish we had more time”
“I loved it”
“before my thoughts keep distracting me, but today I was able to dismiss my thoughts”
“I liked it because I did not understand how to do it [before]”
“hard”
“my back hurt”
“I have never meditated before and I found this experience very relaxing. I especially like that it is a new skill that I can use to lessen anxiety”
“it really made me feel relaxed and calm”
‘I have always wanted to try meditation and learn some techniques and I thought it was great”
“today’s meditation was good, a little hard on my legs due to inflexibility”

Exit survey – most interesting
Several quotes from the survey showcased the variety of students’ reaction to this talk. When asked “what was the most interesting thing you learned today?” students answered:

“about the attachments in your life and mind…”
“internal vs external, difference in east & west cultures”
“that we are capable of controlling our mind. I cannot even control my emotions. I find it very interesting”
“about reincarnation”
“that in Buddhism you do not attach to anything and do not live for the future. I thought it was interesting because I spend most of my energy worrying about the future”
“the perspective of American culture from someone else’s perspective because it is easy to take our every day lives for granted and it’s interesting to see how other cultures view us”
“that to be a monk you see everyone as being your parent though the concept of reincarnation”
“about the difference between west and east… never looked at it that way”

Exit survey – further questions
Exit survey also indicated that many students still had more questions they like to explore. Questions such as “philosophy and life that a Buddhist has” “Buddhism” “What Buddha represents” “reincarnation,” and more. One student asked “What if monks fall in love? They just stop being monks?” Well, I guess we just have to find out the answer next time!

UH Meditation Class 9 – Cultivating Compassion

Nowadays, compassion has almost become a buzz word that everyone talks about. As one of the fundamental concepts in Buddhism, compassion is such a big topic that it can take several classes to discuss. Today I just wanted to focus on two things: the differences between love and compassion, and some simple ways we can cultivate compassion in day-to-day life.

In Chinese, compassion is 慈悲. The first character means “give happiness,” and second one means “eradicate suffering.” In other words, a compassionate person tries to give others happiness by helping them eradicate their sufferings. In Buddhism, happiness means “without suffering.” That is why we also emphasize the concept of cause and effect. The logic is simple: if we don’t create any suffering causes, consequently there will be no suffering results. True happiness can be reached then.

Most people think of happiness as “plus” – more money, a better car, a prettier cell phone, etc. I think differently. I consider happiness as “minus” – the removal of sufferings caused by all the endless desires, wants, and wishes. Think about the last time you went to a movie with friends. You had a great time. The movie ended, you went home, and you felt a sense of lose! Why? Because your happiness was built on “plus.” When you don’t have “it,” you feel unhappy. These kinds of happiness are temporary. Not only do they not last long, they sometimes become the source of unhappiness. Compassion, on the other hand, is to give others true happiness by helping them remove their sufferings.

If you understand the true meaning of compassion, you can then easily tell the differences between compassion and love. First, love usually implies possession and control. The best example would be a typical relationship between the parents and their children: because I love you, so I want you to do something for me. The line between control and love is a very thin one. You have to observe it carefully. Some might argue that I am the parent therefore I have to take care of my children. Being a parent is your responsibility. A good parent fulfills his or her responsibilities without trying to control their children. You want to help your kids by providing them good environment and education, so they can grow to be their own person. You don’t own their life so you should not control them to be the way you want them to be. While love implies possession and control, compassion means I just want to offer, to give.

Moreover, love often implies “exchanges.” Just like conducting business, I give you something and you give me something back in return. I read in my physiology textbook a case study about abused wives. Even after years of abuse, many of them will not leave their husband. For one, they keep thinking: he will change one day. For two, they feel I have invested so much in him, in this family. Isn’t this just like doing business, a form of “exchange”? I invest in you so I am waiting for my return.

Lastly, compassion is selfishless where self-benefit is fully abandoned for the sake of serving all sentient beings. A compassionate person treats everyone as equal. On the other hand, love is often selfish, discriminating between the ones I love and the ones I don’t. For example, you attend your daughter’s dance recital where more than 30 dancers are on stage dancing. You take pictures. Go home and examine those pictures. You see only your daughter. Your pictures have only 1 person. Or maybe her close friends, the ones you know. This is a form of attachment. You are attached to seeing only your daughter. You go to see a dance with 30 people and you see only 1 person. If I go to the same dance recital, because I am not attached to any one person or thing, I will be able to see everything. When my attachment is eliminated, I have more room to see things as they are. Our life is more open this way.

Some might ask that I am a very selfish person. Why should I care about the benefits of others. Actually, we follow any practice all for very selfish reasons. Just think this way. I practice meditation so I can purify my mind. I cultivate compassion so I can reduce anger and remove attachments. Even if you have the desire to help others, you have to start by helping yourself first. For example, if you see someone drowning and you want to save him. Before you jump into the water, you have to make sure you know how to swim first. Otherwise, you both will die. Therefore, help yourself first then help others.

So how can we cultivate compassion in day-to-day life? To start, you should understand the concept of reincarnation. In Buddhism, we believe we are all connected somehow in our previous lives so we are here today in the same room. You might be my mom or dad or daughter or son in my previous lives. When understanding this, you treat everyone as equal and with compassion.

In addition, just look around and you will observe a lot of sufferings of sentient beings. By observing that sufferings are all around us, you will easily and naturally deepen your compassion toward all sentient beings.

A lot of people connect compassion with being nice. However, it is not necessary the case. A professor drops a student, a parent scolds a child, a friend warns another friend…all could be forms of compassion. The focus is on intention and result. The intention needs to be wholesome, for the betterment of the other person. Then you observe the result – has the action resulted in a better outcome? Remember a couple of weeks ago I mentioned the story that a Zen master hit the deers. On the surface, he hit the deers. However, if you examine his intention, he wanted to scare them away so they will not be hurt by human.

Lastly, you can try to practice vegetarianism. You try to reduce the consumption of meats, try to reduce your attachments to certain food. Practicing vegetarianism is one way of working on letting go of attachments, therefore opening up your heart and cultivating compassion.

Next time when you go to a group event, take some pictures. Try to treat everyone in the group equally. Observe all arising thoughts. Is it love or is it compassion? Observe yourself. Look inward. Think about how meditation can help and/or has helped you in cultivating compassion.