shame

Chan practice is not merely about sitting in meditation. Buddhist practitioners should also seek conceptual guidance and establish the correct mindset. Otherwise, practicing meditation only benefits one's body as qigong does and cannot really change one's character, mentality, and view of life. A true Buddhist constantly reminds himself to know contentment, shame, and repentance. Only when we repent can we feel joy, because we have a clear conscience and feel at ease.

Shame and repentance go together and complement each other. With a sense of shame, we are able to admit our faulty behaviors. Repentance means taking responsibility for our faults. By having the sense of shame and repenting, we show our willingness to shoulder responsibility and are determined not t

Repentance is about resolving to take responsibility for our misdeeds, improving ourselves and making redress. It enables us to accept our difficulties with inner peace rather than blame others.