Special Topics
The Meaning of Three Gate
Q: Why is the main entrance of a monastery called Three Gates, instead of Mountain Gate? When entering a Buddhist monastery, we usually go through the main entrance called Sanmen (三門) which means three gates in Chinese. However, some may call it Shanmen (山門) which means the gates of the mountain. Which one is correct? Three Gates for the Three Gates of Liberation As the Chinese monasteries were often built in the mountainous region, the main entrance of a monas...
Stay Overnight in the Monastery
Q: Is It Possible That We Stay Overnight in the Monastery? The best way to experience monastery life would be to register for a Buddhist practice for an overnight stay, in which the monastery usually arranges for meals and accommodation. If a mere one-night stay is needed, one may consult with the reception desk about relevant regulations. Asking for a stay in a monastery is generally referred to "Gua-Dan" (掛單), which literally means "hanging up one's pers...
How to Uphold the Precept of Abstaining from Drinking Alcohol
The precept of abstaining from drinking alcohol is unique to Buddhism. Although drinking alcohol does not, in itself, constitute a bad action, it can easily lead to mental confusion, impaired judgment, and, consequently, to many harmful behaviors. Whereas the first four of the five precepts are fundamental to moral life and thus primary, not drinking alcohol is a precept of prohibitive nature and thus secondary, since drinking alcohol is conducive to behaviors that break other precepts and ...
Would Upholding the Precepts Cause Any Inconvenience in One’s Daily Life?
Some people would undergo great changes in their physical and mental behaviors after they learn Dharma and take the Buddhist precepts. For example, they no longer drink alcohol; they become vegetarians; and they don't like shopping anymore. They seem to be completely transformed that their family and friends may find it strange and uncomfortable. In other instances, precepts-receivers, after returning home from the precepts ceremony, may feel unacquainted with themselves, awkward around...
Why Should We Keep Precepts?
Some people get nervous when they hear the word "precepts", thinking either that they will be restricted by them, or that they may not be allowed to do many things and lose the freedom to do whatever they want in their daily life. Therefore, they may decide to only learn the Buddha's teaching, without cultivating an intention to accept the precepts. Protection for Buddhist Practitioners In fact, the above is a misunderstanding of the meaning, function, and content of t...
Eradicate Karmic Obstructions and Avoid Calamities by Reciting Mantras
Some may question whether the idea of eradicating karmic obstructions and avoiding calamities by reciting mantras appears to contradict the doctrine of cause and effect in Buddhism. Reduce Bad Deeds and Develop Good Karmic Roots In fact, to uphold a mantra by reciting it with a pure and concentrated mind is to observe the precepts in and of itself. Doing so will reduce the chances for us to do bad deeds, transform our negative thoughts, and help us cultivate our good k...
What Attitude Should We Hold Toward Mantras?
Since Buddhist mantras embody the blessed power from Buddhas' and Bodhisattvas' compassionate vows, we should recite mantras wholeheartedly as though we were connected to the mind of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. In this way, our mind doesn't differ from the Buddha's mind. Understanding the Mindset for Reciting Mantras In the Great Compassion Dharani Sutra, Maha-Brahma once asked the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara to explain the characteristics of the Great Compa...
What is Mantra?
Whether they are attending Dharma assemblies or doing morning or evening services at home, Buddhist novices often experience a strange and mysterious feeling when they recite mantras. Why recite mantras? What is their origin? If mispronounced, could the power of mantras potentially fail? Mantras originated in ancient times as a special kind of sound, through which humans communicate with the natural or spiritual realms. Since ordinary people can't understand these unusual "...
Can Practicing Repentance Make Life Go Smoothly, Going Forward?
Everyone hopes that every day would be a good day, and life would always be smooth sailing. Yet, what does it mean to live an easy life? Our modern lifestyle is excessively tense and busy, which often leads to physical and mental strain. Most people are hardly relaxed. If we could live with peace of mind every day and not allow mental troubles to interfere with our sleep and digestion, surely we would live a tranquil and happy life. Though a good life seems natural, it is not so easy to ach...
Why Should One Practice Repentance Rituals?
Do you face endless vexations which cannot be extinguished? Are you constantly dissatisfied with your daily life and spiritual practice? When faced with life's various trials, monastics always advise people to increase their participation in repentance rituals, in order to feel tranquil and peaceful. Many indeed feel spiritually renewed after participating in repentance rituals. These individuals regain confidence, as well as the strength to renew their daily practice in the face of dissa...