Inspirational quotes from Master Jin Bodhi

"If you really want to get the feel, you need to kneel and chant. This is because you will not be easily distracted when you are kneeling. However, if you have health reasons that do not allow you to kneel, then you can do it while sitting. However, when you sit, you may become serene and drift into dreamland. You do not gain inspiration but only a sense of dreams, so it's easier to concentrate when kneeling. What should you do when you are easily distracted? Do not close your eyes during chanting if you have no foundation. You must kneel upright and look at the statue of Buddha, the Bodhisattva in front of you, so that you can fully concentrate and not let your spirit run off. 10 or 20 minutes a day is enough for the average office worker and your inspiration will then begin." - Master Jin Bodhi " 想讓自己真正地去感應，就跪在那念。如果你身體沒有其它不能跪的理由的話，跪著至少比較不容易分心。你坐在那是安祥到夢裡去了，這就沒有靈感、只有夢感，所以跪著才容易會聚精會神。 還有你容易思想分神怎麼辦？沒有基礎的，就不要閉眼念佛，要睜眼看著前頭佛像、菩薩像，跪到那裡，而且跪得筆直，這樣就能全神貫注、精神不會跑掉。每天1...

" On the road of cultivation, you will meet obstacles that trouble you, these are trials and they are necessary and inevitable." - Master JinBodhi 在修行的路上所遇到的一切煩惱是在考驗你，而且必然會發生，必須必然要走的。 - 金菩提禅师 Commentary by Jerome: When we put our time and energy to start a practice, it is quite common for bad karma from the past to surface in our lives. So all sorts of unwanted things happen to us: we fall ill easily, fell mentally anguished, experience the manifestations of negative forces, fall victim to hostile people, bandits and thieves and find ourselves subject to people's criticisms and false accusations and so on.  These are signs that we are purifying ourselves. These are dirt that comes out when one washes their clothes. Therefore, when unfavourable things like that happen to you, don the great armour of diligence and persist in your meditation practice in the face of unpleasant circumstances. We should happily accept these obstacles and challenges, do not ...

"If problems arise during cultivation, a good cultivator will not be affected. If problems arise, a good cultivator will accept the problem happily. Secondly, he will persist in his cultivation and not give up. He should take note of the details of the problem and adjust accordingly. In the making of a Buddha statue, a stone endure multiple cuts before he can become that perfect statue. Similarly, one must be able to bear the challenges ahead to perfect himself before he can  be enlightened. In fact,  problems may even be a manifestation of his good merits!" Sharings from Vancouver meditation retreat Commentary from Jerome: During cultivation, one gains peace of mind and does great merits. However, most or all cultivators will meet problems during cultivation. Some will find that their family members may disapprove of their cultivation. Others will find emotional problems that they cannot let go of in the past surfacing in their lives. Some...

"People are always accustomed to understand others in their own way. This often causes misunderstandings and even hatred and dislike for one another. They can also get hurt in the process. Let me share a story that took place in Qinghai province, China: Once, on my way to Qinghai, I saw a moving truck with one of its tires turning abnormally. From experience, I knew that the screws of the wheel had loosened and if it comes off, it could hurt someone else. I waved to the driver, pointing to his rear tire and signaling him to look at it. The man gave me a stare and scolded me, “Why, you want a free ride?” Apparently, he thought I wanted to take advantage of him. I frowned and shouted, “It’s serious!” He ignored me and drove driving away. . Shortly after, the wheel came off and flew towards the hillside. He had to run almost a kilometer to get the wheel from the hillside that was at least 50 meters in height. By the time he climbed down to pick up the heavy tire that weight almo...

Aspirations are not born of momentary impulse, but of lasting persistence and effort. - Meditation Master Jin Bodhi 愿非一时冲动，而是长久的坚持与付出。 - 金菩提禅师 Commentary by Jerome: A true aspiration is one that comes from the bottom of your heart. One that you are convinced you will not live your life in vain while doing it. One that you are passionate about. One that you will persist through and break your head through all the obstacles ahead. That is true aspiration. The highest aspiration is one that brings benefits to others and oneself. The highest aspiration is bodhicitta. Why? Helping people out of suffering always bring dharmic bliss and happiness to oneself. Not only will you receive the gratitude from the people you helped, the entire universe and celestial realms will support you. How will you tire out? Impossible. More information available at: 1) Master Jin Bodhi Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jinbodhiworld/ 2) Official Bodhi Meditation Website http://puti.org ...

To me, attaining personal liberation and happiness is not my true bliss. I wish to see all people relieved of worries and suffering - that is my ultimate happiness. - Meditation Master Jin Bodhi 对我来说，得到自我解脱和快乐并不是我的真正的快乐。我希望看到大家都脱离烦恼和痛苦 - 这才是我真正的快乐。 - 金菩提禅师 Commentary by Jerome: Happiness has many definitions. Mundane people say the acquisition of material wealth (money, fame, status, job, power, etc) is happiness. Some say being contented is being happiness. Some say helping other people (donations, etc) is happiness. Looking at these forms of happiness, they are only temporary and at best only help them in this life. True happiness is to help people rid themselves of suffering. All suffering arise from the mind. If we helps others learn the Dharma and rid themselves of this mental suffering, we help them not only in this life but also the lives ahead. This is the highest form of happiness. More information available at: 1) Master Jin Bodhi Facebook https://www.fa...