Master Hsuan Hua (d.1995)

We should personally practice, always hanging the words “birth ” and “death” on our brows, and putting
the words “Way” and “virtue” beneath our feet. Maybe that’s hard to understand—why should we put the
words “Way” and “virtue” under our feet? Because the Way and virtue are a person’s foundation. They
are to us what roots are to a tree. Once we have the Way and virtue, we can stand on our own feet. But
with no base under our feet, we have no place to stand. We are in a fix, unable to advance or retreat, and
we cannot accomplish anything. If we can actually practice these two things, then we can establish a good
character and naturally be successful in whatever we do. So it’s said, “The Way and virtue are the
foundation of being a person.” The Analects of Confucius also say, “The superior person attends to the
root. When the root is established, the Way comes forth.” Only when the fundamentals are tended to can
the Way come forth. This is wise advice from the ancients.

Master Hua, Talks on Dharma, vol. one
 
I take a breath and thank you for the contemplation...

Feet are for understanding...take your sandals off you are on holy ground comes to mind.

If way and virtue are boots, shoes, sandals, skis, skates, snowshoes, crampons...we will go far and climb untold mountains.

Even from our bed...
 
The Buddha’s four measureless attitudes of kindness, compassion, joy, and even-mindedness are totally advantageous to all creatures. When we base ourselves in thoughts such as these, then we can go ahead and put technology to work for us.

Don’t get scared when you hear me call television, radios, and computers “man-eating goblins.” No need to be afraid. My hope is that you will clearly recognize these things for what they are. Once you recognize them, those electric gadgets lose their power to confuse you. But if you’re confused by them, then they can gobble you down.

Spring Sun, Lotus Flower.
 
What is the genuine Buddhadharma? It is not being selfish; it is being open and public-spirited; it is letting go of your views that discriminate between self and others. We shouldn't have an ego. We should not be selfish or seek for self-benefit. In every move we make we should cultivate the Bodhisattva Way and benefit living beings.

However much we understand, we should teach others to understand that much. When we obtain benefit, we should let others obtain that benefit. To be unselfish and seek no personal advantages is the greatest goodness. To practice the Way and uphold the truth means to uphold true principles and not to uphold empty and unreal dharmas. In cultivating, we must understand true principles. If we don't understand true principles, then we are not upholding the truth. Upholding the truth is the best thing.

To unite your will with the Way is greatness. When your will and the Way which you cultivate can unite as one, you can realize the fruition of a sage. Perhaps you can attain the position of Arhatship or walk the Bodhisattva Path. That is the foremost greatness.

From comments on 42 Sections Sutra
 
Clue about Chan Samadhi

Innocence found,
Vibrance abounds!
Thoughts turn straight and true.
Tame the mind. Let things go.
That is the vital clue.
As the earth dissolves,
Dualities will, too.
When space is shattered to smithereens,
Distinction-making will end.
A singular light then fills the cosmos.
Hold that pearl of wisdom.
Keep that mani gem close.
Transcending the defiled and pure,
Coming and going no longer occur.
The pulse will stop, thoughts cease,
And the mad mind, be at peace.
 
A 1982 talk on modern Monsters:

https://repstein.faculty.drbu.edu/Buddhism/VenHua/monsters.html

An excerpt:

"The Dharma-ending Age is a time when demons are strong and the Dharma is weak. The power of the demon kings grows day by day, while the power of the Buddhas decreases day by day. Actually, we don't speak of the Buddhas as having power; we say they have awesome virtue. When living beings have great blessings, the Dharma is strong and demons are weak. When living beings have few blessings, demons are strong and the Dharma is weak.
[...]
Therefore, whether you are a left-home person or a layperson, if you have taken refuge with me and truly have faith in me, you must reform your bad habits and faults and empty out your garbage can. Then, in this Dharma-ending Age, the world can borrow your light and hold out a little longer. Sooner or later, this world will be destroyed. However, people who truly cultivate can increase the proper energy and decrease the deviant energy in the world. They can increase the Buddhas' power and decrease the demons' power.

Don't let my words pass by your ears like the wind, because they are very important. They have a real, direct connection with today's problems."
 
OM MANI PADME HUM is the Six Syllables Great Bright Mantra. Earth Store Bodhisattva likes for people to recite this mantra. If you are able to recite it, he will grant your wishes to your heart's content. He will help you with whatever you wish for. Words come short when describing Earth Store Bodhisattva's [many] efficacious responses. We should recite the Six Syllables Great Bright Mantra often. It is an excellent mantra and its functions are also quite inconceivable.

Preface to Earth Store Bodhisattva Sutra
 
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