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.