Common questions

　Actually, “see through red dust” is not a Buddhist phrase. In this expression, “red dust” (hongchen) refers to the mortal world, so the phrase really means “seeing t...

　Not necessarily; it depends on the situation. While one should abandon meaningless enjoyment as a lifestyle, reasonable enjoyment can be maintained. What does this mean? There is a saying: &ldquo...

　Foshi  (Skt. buddhakarya) means “Buddha activities,” and concerns practicing and advocating Buddhism. The main objects of the activities are people, and the activities include co...

　In principle, the precept against killing applies mainly to human beings; thus, to kill a human being is the most serious evil, while killing animals is a lesser evil. Although all sentient being...

　Some people may have the common belief that one cannot be in business and still be totally honest. It is like the old saying, “When Old Wang sells melons, he has to boast how sweet they are...

　In Chinese, the term “ganqing” refers to the feelings and affectionate relationships between men and women, parents and children, and among friends; as such, it includes romantic love...

　Services for deceased Buddhists should include rites such as sutra chanting, Buddha name recitation, and the like. However, in Chinese communities today, monastics are only tasked with chanting s...

　When Buddhism first appeared in India, there were no specific dietary customs and rules for practitioners. Since religious practices were prevalent in India, most people of faith must have follow...

　There are many levels to the teachings of Buddhism, from folk beliefs, advanced levels of religious doctrine and philosophy, to the ultimate reality without form or characteristics. The level of ...

　The practice of freeing captive animals, or “fangsheng” in Chinese, originated in the Mahayana sutras. It has been widely practiced in China as well as Tibet, and has spread to Japan,...