Category Archives: Dharma

Resolutions and the precepts

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The following is an article I wrote for the recent issue of Buddha’s Light Magazine of Los Angeles. BLMLA is a bi-monthly newsletter available at Hsi Lai temple that I am fortunate to be involved with.
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As we celebrate the end of 2011, many of us will work to try and make New Year resolutions. At times, these can be beneficial, and others, we add a layer of unnecessary stress and worry to our lives. Statistically, we as humans do not have a great track record of keeping these resolutions. I have read that upwards of 80% of those that attempt New Year resolutions fail.

When we take a step back from all of this as Buddhists, one realizes we can look to our precepts as resolutions that help us year-round. Upon accepting the 5 Precepts, one makes the commitment to:

  • The First Precept Is to Refrain from Killing
  • The Second Precept Is to Refrain from Stealing
  • The Third Precept Is to Refrain from Sexual Misconduct
  • The Fourth Precept Is to Refrain from Lying
  • The Fifth Precept Is to Refrain from Consuming Intoxicants

As Venerable Master Hsing Yun says:

“Observing the five precepts is a lifetime undertaking, and not something one does for only twenty-four hours. The five precepts can be undertaken and observed all at once or done so in stages. We can select the one or two precepts that are the easiest to observe, according to our own situation, and then we can practice the precepts more diligently with three or four, till we gradually reach the full five precepts.”

I think it is crucial to note a key point Venerable Master Hsing Yun makes in this statement, “according to our own situation”. When I took the precepts, I worked to observe all five of them at once. This was years ago, and it is still something that keeps my practice going, and something that needs constant work.

In the simplest of terms, the precepts can even mean:

  • Instead of killing that spider in your bathroom, catch it and let it outside.
  • Before taking the last helping of a meal, ask others in your household if they mind.
  • Staying true to your partner and not looking for love elsewhere.
  • Being truthful about accomplishing what one needs to do around the home.
  • Not having a drink when others may be during dinner.

Over time I have understood they can be observed differently according to your life. They may even change how you practice them when your own life changes. But, when practiced with diligence and sincerity, the 5 Precepts are really steps on the path to freedom for our delusions. What better resolution can you take than working towards that.

Chinese New Year (Eve) at Hsi Lai temple

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Today Ian and I headed out to Hsi Lai temple for Chinese New Year. We go just about every year and always enjoy it.

 

On the steps of temple.

On the steps of temple.

 

The main shrine, beautifully decorated.The main shrine, beautifully decorated.

 

Making a wish for the New YearMaking a wish for the New Year.

 

Year of the DragonYear of the Dragon

 

Heavenly Blessings and Protection - Venerable Master Hsing YunHeavenly Blessings and Protection – Venerable Master Hsing Yun (me standing next to a blessing from Master)

 

Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva on DragonAvalokitesvara Bodhisattva on Dragon

Venerable Hsin Ting and IanVenerable Hsin Ting and Ian.  We were very fortunate to see Venerable while he is visiting from Fo Guang Shan.

Here is a link to the full set of pictures: “2012 – Jan 22 – Chinese New Year at Hsi Lai“

Happy New Year!

 

The Zen Of Steve Jobs, A Graphic Novel That Reimagines Jobs’ Relationship With Zen Buddhist Priest

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Not positive if this would qualify as a ‘Dharma Burger‘ but I’ll admit, this looks very interesting to me.  Added to my wishlist.

Read more over at The Laughing Squid:

The Zen Of Steve Jobs, A Graphic Novel That Reimagines Jobs’ Relationship With Zen Buddhist Priest.

Happy New Year everyone, may the 5th Precept keep you safe this evening.

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The Five Precepts:

1. Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living creatures.
2. Adinnadana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given.
3. Kamesu micchacara veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual misconduct.
4. Musavada veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from incorrect speech.
5. Suramerayamajja pamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness.

(via Access to Insight)

 

And whatever translation of the precept you follow, whether it is completely refraining, or consumption without drunkenness, my best wishes to you, your friends, and family.

…joining palms

Sand castles and waves, lessons in impermanence

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Had a nice time at the beach today with the little man. We were building sandcastles close to the water so we could watch the water come in and quickly wash them away. Seemed like a good time to discus impermanence.

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“Can you think of anything that lasts forever and doesn’t change?”

“Sand, no. Water, no. Plastic, no. There isn’t anything that lasts forever without changing.”

“true”

And so we waited for the water to come in and wash away the sandcastle.

Of course, if impermanence does not happen quick enough, an 8 year old boy can act like Godzilla and help it along.

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Slowly, working with present moment

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This evening Ian let me know he wanted to sit with me. Admittedly, I am always excited when he decides he wants to try so we went right in after he brushed his teeth.

First, he decided to almost quit because he wanted to sit in his room, not where I usually sit. So, we moved the cushions to his room.

Next, he decided he would rather stick his tongue out at me while we sat. No big deal, just keep my eyes out of focus and let that pass as one does with the thoughts racing through your mind during meditation. (and of course, don’t crack up – because the little goofball is funny)

Next, he decided to get up and lay in bed; that he was finished sitting with Daddy. No big deal, we’ll try again when he’s ready to try again.

All of this gave me things to work with during my sit. I am always so excited when he wants to sit; don’t let my ego make him sit with me – he will when he is ready. Don’t attach to disappointment when he decides tonight isn’t the night to sit, just let it be.

I continued sitting, working with all of this, working in the present moment. Really, isn’t that the point?

The little goofball ended up fast asleep by the time I’d finished so I went to tuck him in. He must’ve been very tired as you could hear his breath. A sound I would rather listen to over any chanting I’ve ever heard… hearing your child laughing, or sleeping soundly is the most wondrous sutra there is.

Sleepyhead

A meltdown and a sit.

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Tonight was quite the night. It started off really well, we had dinner, then went out to play some Frisbee. Then it happened…. the meltdown.We ran the gambit of it all, from him crying, to yelling, to getting a couple little spankings, to calmly talking about what he was freaking out about. (Yes, calm worked the best, mindful I take that approach quicker next time.)  Once we talked it out he had a quick shower and calmed down.

Afterwards, you could see that he was remorseful for his actions, but as a parent I felt it was better not to dwell on that, but to use it as an opportunity to grow.

So I asked, do you want to know what helps me stay calm?
Sure Daddy.
I sit. Do you want to try again to sit like Buddha?
Yes, I do.

So we go in the room and sit on pillows facing one another. I talk him through sitting down, straightening his back and neck like he’s holding up the ceiling with the top of his head, cross his legs, fold his hands, and we talk about breathing.

When you get a thought, let it come and go without attaching to it.
Why?
We are working on a clear mind. Thoughts will always come and go, but right now we’re working to calm your mind.
OK.

And we sit. He asks this; and I nod my answer. He asks that; I nod my answer. He asks something else; I smile and give a little motion to quiet. He looks here, there, and all around. Then you can see the tension go; it releases from him and you can see it.

He’s quiet for a while, just sitting. It’s been about ten minutes at this point. I calmly ask him, how is it?
Good Daddy.

And I tuck him in bed the for night. Calm. Hopeful I taught him half as much as he taught me.

My best buddy

Vesak Celebration – Whittier Narrows Park

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I’ve finally been able to make time to post our pictures from the Vesak celebration. We had a wonderful time and I was very happy Dawn was able to come with us this year. Another highlight of the day was seeing the wonderful, and always smiling Rev. Danny Fisher who immediately asked how our friend Bill in Chicago was doing. Made me smile ear to ear to be able to report the good news about Bill.

In the pictures, you’ll notice a set of beautifully carved statues ‘The 18 Lohans’. (BuddhaNet has a great explanation of each: http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/history/lohans.htm)

It was a perfect day.

Here is another shot the good Reverend took of Ian and I bathing the Buddha, while Dawn got video. (thanks again for the shot Danny)

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