Turning Ourselves Around - Nan Tien Temple · mountains or rivers, we naturally need to turn...
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1 “Turn around and the shore is there.” This well- known saying is a good reminder in life. When the prodigal turns around and changes for the better, he/she is as good as gold. If an individual fails to see what is ahead and charges forward blindly, the result will be either crashing into a wall or falling over the cliff. Therefore, knowing when to turn around is very important. The journey of life is full of temptation and traps. When lured by temptation, if we do not turn ourselves around in time, we may find ourselves on the road of no return. For instance, many people indulge themselves in sex and alcohol. They should know when to turn things around, because their fate is in their own hands. Others blindly pursue fame and high status, not realizing how their lives have become shackled by their pursuits. If they turn their minds around, they will be so much more carefree. By looking ahead, we can only see half of the world. But by turning around, we will find the other half. The world in front is like a narrow door everyone is fighting to go through, and someone is bound to get hurt. If we can turn around and look at the world behind us, where there is no one fighting, we will see it is so much more open and free! In life’s boundless ocean of suffering, it is important for us to turn around to look for the shore. When we are forced into a corner by circumstances, or find ourselves walking down a dead-end alley because of our thoughts, it is crucial that we know how to turn things around and give ourselves some space. Just as in driving a car, we should know how to make a turn ahead of time. When crossing each other’s path on the street, we need to know when to step aside. We should ask ourselves, “Is it really victory for us when we do not yield and move?” There are so many embarrassing situations where we need to find a way out. Similarly, when we are engaged in conflicts with others, we should step back to look for a solution. Without leaving enough ground for negotiation in our relationships with others, we will not be able to reap good results. When there are financial disputes, we need to leave enough space for both sides to turn the situation around. Whatever the situation, when we are faced with obstacles, we have to understand when and how to turn ourselves around. As the saying goes, “Reaching the end of mountains or rivers, we naturally need to turn around.” Sailing in an ocean of suffering, we must understand that because the ocean is boundless, we must turn around to find the shore. In moving down the path of life, we also need to know where to turn around. There is a verse on the front gates of Fo Guang Shan in Taiwan, “Where do you want to go? Please consider carefully when you plan to come back! Turn around and the shore is there.” Once we understand this concept, need we still fear not having room to turn ourselves around in life? (adapted from Tending Life’s Garden, between Ignorance and Enlightenment VI, published by Buddha’s Light Publishing) Turning Ourselves Around Issue No.34 February 2014
Transcript of Turning Ourselves Around - Nan Tien Temple · mountains or rivers, we naturally need to turn...
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“Turn around and the shore is there.” This well-known saying is a good reminder in life. When the prodigal turns around and changes for the better, he/she is as good as gold. If an individual fails to see what is ahead and charges forward blindly, the result will be either crashing into a wall or falling over the cliff. Therefore, knowing when to turn around is very important. The journey of life is full of temptation and traps. When lured by temptation, if we do not turn ourselves around in time, we may find ourselves on the road of no return. For instance, many people indulge themselves in sex and alcohol. They should know when to turn things around, because their fate is in their own hands. Others blindly pursue fame and high status, not realizing how their lives have become shackled by their pursuits. If they turn their minds around, they will be so much more carefree. By looking ahead, we can only see half of the world. But by turning around, we will find the other half. The world in front is like a narrow door everyone is fighting to go through, and someone is bound to get hurt. If we can turn around and look at the world behind us, where there is no one fighting,
we will see it is so much more open and free! In life’s boundless ocean of suffering, it is important for us to turn around to look for the shore. When we are forced into a corner by circumstances, or find ourselves walking down a dead-end alley because of our thoughts, it is crucial that we know how to turn things around and give ourselves some space. Just as in driving a car, we should know how to make a turn ahead of time. When crossing each other’s path on the street, we need to know when to step aside. We should ask ourselves, “Is it really victory for us when we do not yield and move?” There are so many embarrassing situations where we need to find a way out. Similarly, when we are engaged in conflicts with others, we should step back to look for a solution. Without leaving enough ground for negotiation in our relationships with others, we will not be able to reap good results. When there are financial disputes, we need to leave enough space for both sides to turn the situation around. Whatever the situation, when we are faced with obstacles, we have to understand when and how to turn ourselves around. As the saying goes, “Reaching the end of mountains or rivers, we naturally need to turn around.” Sailing in an ocean of suffering, we must understand that because the ocean is boundless, we must turn around to find the shore. In moving down the path of life, we also need to know where to turn around. There is a verse on the front gates of Fo Guang Shan in Taiwan, “Where do you want to go? Please consider carefully when you plan to come back! Turn around and the shore is there.” Once we understand this concept, need we still fear not having room to turn ourselves around in life?
(adapted from Tending Life’s Garden, between Ignorance and Enlightenment VI, published by Buddha’s Light Publishing)
Turning Ourselves Around
Issue No.34 February 2014
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A Noble Steed Gallops into a Bright Future -- 2014 New Year’s Blessings
from Venerable Master Hsing Yun
There is a Chinese idiom: “Soar across the miles like a roc.” When a roc, a mythical bird, stretches its wings, it can fly across thousands of miles. As we come across the year of the Horse, a steed can also gallop across the great distance.
Every one of us wishes to improve and progress. Therefore I wish everyone, in the year of the Horse, to achieve great things in your career and life. May you be like the noble steed which gallops into the bright future.
Buddha’s Light Shines Bright!The annual ‘Lunar New Year Lantern Festival’ - featuring decorative lantern designs based on the twelve ‘Chinese Zodiac Signs’ and the ‘Three Acts of Goodness’ - was held at Nan Tien Temple from Friday, January 31st to Sunday, February 9th.
Inthe Buddha’s day, people were encouraged to make lamp offerings as one ofthe ‘ten kinds of offerings to a Buddha’. Lamp offering is a merit-making act, with the profound meaning of providing brightness to illuminate the world. Pervading the world with Buddha’s light thus fills it with warmth, happiness and harmony; and signifies peace, safety and auspiciousness.
The Buddha further expounded on the excellent merits of lamp offerings in the ‘Sutra of the Benefits of Offering Lamps’.
Besides the many wonderful lanterns on display,other activities at this year’s festival included Venerable
Master Hsing Yun’s ‘One-Stroke Calligraphy’, Tea Chan and a Teapot exhibition.
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On January 15th, the Gandha Hall was filled once again with the talents, goodness of heart and commitment of many project members. The Buddha’s Birthday Education Project (BBEP) brings back to life historical and literary descriptions of the world’s oldest birthday party of the Buddha (over 2500 years)! It is also a localisation effort enabling a research-based, educational and artistic vision to become reality.
To start off the meeting, Ven. Juewei introduced a reflection activity where we put in the good things we will do in the year. We now have the image of a large jar for conservation and honouring of good ideas, intentions and actions which can be reviewed at year end!
The meeting was firing with ideas new and surprising! It began with Sarah, the project manager, charting the BBEP organisational structure, enabling us to understand how each of us fits in the scheme of things. And, with around three months to go we took stock of progress made to date which covered refinement of event logistics (marquees I, II, III). Reports from team leaders prior to and after the session’s workshopping were simply impressive and amazing, from Synergy to IT, Dharma Cards, Educational Resource Kit, Timeline, Art Exhibits (old and new) merchandise plus Buddha’s Birthday Party.
So, already BBEP 2014 is appearing quite tangibly a quality, portable annual event! Not only is the project incorporating reusable materials for
BBEP Start off for 2014complementing local festival and ritual, but is producing and updating a highly attractive website and other media enabling accessibility of relevant materials.
* For enquiries or interests in joining, email [email protected]* Visit our site at www.paradeofthebuddhas.org or on facebook
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CAMParadise Fun @ Nan Tien
Welcoming 2014 with Pilgrimage and Lights on New Year’s Eve
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For the past few years,I’ve attended the temple’s ‘Cultural Festival’. I reallydelight inthe hustle and bustle of it all.And this yearthere were so many new things to see and do.
The sounds of children laughing, musicians performing and people of all ages sharing in the wonder and excitement of the festivalcreated a light-hearted, joyful atmosphere. Even the rain cleared and the sun came out to play!
At one point, I just stood there observing, thinking how nice it is to be surrounded by cheerful, friendly people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. I felt grateful forthe freedom to be able to come together and celebrate the New Year in such a multicultural, inclusive manner.
For me, the magic of the festival is really in seeing things through the eyes of the children with whom I’ve had the pleasure to interact and get to know. One little girl, about three years old, sat ever so still to have her face painted like a fairy queen, hardly a flinch from her as she had various shades of pink whisked around her nose and eyes. Her eyes widened in surprise, a look of shock on her face emergingas she was handed the mirror to see the masterpiece. As the day drew to a close, I decided to bring out the big kid within, and have my face painted, too!
This year, I joined fellow volunteer, Meich Chua behind the microphone to present a radio show, which was broadcast throughout the temple grounds. After figuring out how to work the equipment, and navigating our way around corners and cables, we settled in to discuss the various yummy foods available, the fun activities, and the array of performances held in the courtyard. We played songs from the ‘Sounds of the Human World’ CD, shared reflections on volunteering at Nan Tien, and interviewed Venerables Jue Wei and Miao You about activities in the templeand Nan Tien Institute.
Throughout my time at the festival, I felt rich - not in a material or monetary sense, but rich because there was so much love and generosity on display. Being able to put down our own worries to give and share with others - even if their story is not our story, their background not our background –that’s a special kind of treasure!
Sarah Cooper reflects on the magic of the Nan Tien‘ Cultural Festival’…
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Sitting in Quiet Contemplation“Buddhism is not a religion,nor an academia. It is a way of life that offers guidelines and precepts into how to live life” - Venerable Master Hsing Yun.
On the journey of life, we face many challengesand, sometimes, we forget who we are, and our life’s purpose.
The Buddha taught the Dharma to help people realise their own true natureof compassion, wisdom, and joy.
Nan Tien Temple’s ‘English Buddhism’ class offers
this opportunity to all.
One student commented - “Amidst the routine of life and the problems I face, I forget that I am supposed to be humanand act with loving kindness. This class was a great reminder of the more important things in life; a reminder not to get carried away by day to day stress.”
English Buddhism and Meditation Classes are held on Wednesday evenings. Term 1 begins March 12th. To register, or for more information call (02) 4272 0600 - or email [email protected]
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Date Time Activities Venue
1/12/13~31/3/14 9am~5pm Ven. Master Hsing Yun One-Stroke Calligraphy &Tea Chan Exhibitions Hai Hui Hall
1/12/13~31/3/14 Tues~Sun 9am~5pm Tea Pot Exhibition Museum
Starts 16/2 Sun 10:30 ~11:30am Self Development & Cultivation* Meditation Hall
8-9/3 Sat~ Sun Weekend Meditation Retreat* Meditation Hall
12/3-16/4 Wed 6:50pm Buddhism & Meditation Classes Term 1* Nan Tien Temple
15/3 Sat11am Guan Yin Dharma Service Front Shrine
1:30pm Baby Blessing* Main Shrine
19/3 Wed 11am Guan Yin Bodhisattva’s Birthday Main Shrine
22/3 Sat One Day Retreat* Meditation Hall
30/3 Sun 10am Qing Ming Dharma Service Main Shrine
12/04 Sat One Day Retreat* Meditation Hall
21~18/04 Fri~Mon Buddha’s Birthday Celebration Nan Tien Temple
27~25/04 Fri~Sun Weekend Meditation Retreat* Meditation Hall
Nan Tien Temple Mar ~ Apr 2014 Upcoming Events
*Requires registration, contact 4272-0600 for more information or to register online at www.nantien.org.au
8180 Berkeley Road, Berkeley (Wollongong), NSW Australia 2506 Tel +61 (2) 4272 0648 Email [email protected] CRICOS: 03233C ABN: 80 139 338 819
Key upcoming dates
HEALTH AND SOCIALWELLBEING
www.nantien.edu.auENROL NOW
Postgraduate | Masters | Diploma | Certi�cate | Short Courses | Professional Development
APPLIED BUDDHISTSTUDIES
Where will your learning journey take you in 2014?
Mindfulness: Theory and Practice subject
Selected Readings of Buddhist Literature subject
3 - 7 March
31 Mar - 4 Apr
Mind-Body Wellness subject*NEW24 - 28 March
‘Ethics and Social Harmony’ key topic of 2014 Harmony Day
The latest in holistic postgraduate education grounded in Buddhist values and wisdom
NTI launches new CBD English Language Centre
Academics and religious leaders from around the region participated in Harmony Day 2014 events at Nan Tien Temple on 9 February.
The 2014 Interfaith Festival of Music and Dance for Social Harmony included a Prayer for World Peace, a Light O�ering, and sacred songs and dances from interfaith communities.
This was followed by an interesting panel discussion involving various religious groups on the topic ‘Ethics and Social Harmony’.
See photos of this event at: www.pinterest.com/nantien/harmony-day-2014
Scholarships and FEE-HELP available for 2014 studiesNTI is making it easy for you to take advantage of unique and life-changing studies in 2014, with a range of scholarships for domestic and international students, and FEE-HELP for Australian domestic students.
Scholarships are available for 2014 in a range of areas – including Health, Education, Research and general postgraduate studies. These are valued at between $3,400 and $38,960.
FEE-HELP lets students study with no up-front cost. This interest-free Australian government loan scheme allows eligible students to defer payment of their NTI tuition fees.
See www.nantien.edu.au/policy/fee-help for details.
NTI will open its’ English Language Centre (ELC) in the Sydney CBD in early 2014. The programs will provide students with personal and professional development, and prepare them for further educational opportunities.
NTI’s ELC will provide quality-assured programs run by highly quali�ed and experienced teachers. It will provide a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment that supports the unique needs of international English language students.
Contact NTI for more information: tel 02 4272 0648 or email [email protected].
Mindfulness and Mind-Body Wellness focus of upcoming subjectsNan Tien Institute started its’ 2014 teaching program with ‘Introduction to Buddhism’ in early February. This subject provided students with a comprehensive overview of Buddhist history and thought. If you missed out, there are still places available in this subject running 28 July-1 August.
Enrol now in the upcoming subjects – ‘Mindfulness: Theory and Practice’ (3-7 March), the new ‘Mind-Body Wellness’ (24-28 March)* and ‘Selected Readings of Buddhist Literature’ (31 March-4 April).
Visit www.nantien.edu.au for more details and to enrol.*Note: Nan Tien Institute’s Master of Arts (Health & Social Wellbeing), Graduate Diploma in Health and Social Wellbeing and Graduate Certi�cate in Health and Social Wellbeing courses have been accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act). The application for CRICOS registration to o�er the courses to overseas students is under consideration. The commencement date for the courses will be con�rmed when the conditions attached to the accreditation have been satis�ed. Please check with the Institute for information on the indicative dates for the subjects.
