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Yun, Venerable Master Hsing

Venerable Master Hsing Yun

In the essays in this book, the Master demonstrates with warmth and wisdom how to put the Buddha's teachings into practice in order to be a positive and productive force in the world. He addresses modern challenges such as the difficult jo . market, work-induced stress, environmental protection, and health. In each instance, we are encouraged to approach our experiences with a mind to foster compassion and find joy. Master Hsing Yun writes about the potential of "one seed," and how hardship and sickness can be vehicles for a better life: "Without suffering," he quotes, "one cannot attain Buddhahood." These simple essays contain fascinating illustrations and tidbits of historical fact. Information on pioneering Chinese monastics like Xuanzhang and Fahsien; glimpses of the life of the Buddha; lessons learned from the history of China; references to the fabled Shaolin Monastery-the Master weaves together modern life and ancient wisdom into a fabric of challenge and encouragement.
In a world characterized by the insensitivity to the suffering of others, numbness to violence, and profit-driven decision-making, Venerable Master Hsing Yun's inspirational words serve to redirect our focus onto our own spiritual well-being. He teaches that everything happens in a moment of thought, and we need to be conscious of this simple truth: When we view things with light, then everything glows. When we view things with the confidence of success, then success will be found. When we view with constructive benevolence, then we will be constructive and not sabotage others. Discourses in this book cover a wide variety of subjects, including further reflections on the effect we have on others; the relationship between the past, present, and future; and the importance of right mindfulness in living a successful life. Despite this seeming diversity, a common thread runs throughout the book: now, we have the power to make decisions with favorable and enduring effects.

The aim of this book is simple: to invite readers to consider what it means to lead a good life, and to offer practical advice, based on the Buddhist teachings, as to how this can be accomplished. In each of more than thirty brief essays, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, treats a specific moral or ethical issue, using quotations from the rich treasury of the Buddhist scriptures as a point of departure for his discussion. 

Among the topics he considers are controlling the body and speech, overcoming greed, ending anger, having patience under insult, managing wealth, getting along with others, what it means to practice Buddhism, and the blessings and joys of that practice. The Buddhist precepts are introduced as guideposts along this path of liberation, and friendship, gratitude, and service to others are presented as essential elements of a common quest to discover and to embody our innate goodness and humanity.

In this collection of stories, Venerable Master Hsing Yun offers profound yet practical advice for integrating contemplative practice into every aspect of our daily lives. If we cannot find it within ourselves to break through a difficult situation, why not try to find other causes, conditions, and joy in letting go? Illuminating key principles such as karma, rebirth, and mindfulness, he teaches us how to find focus by clarifying our hearts and minds. Through simple acts we can let go of our attachments, of our greed and ignorance, and move on into lives of contentment and ease.
A mind of ignorance can transform happiness into suffering, while a mind of enlightenment can transform suffering into happiness. Through his personal reflections in this collection of articles, Venerable Master Hsing Yun draws from Buddhist wisdom and a lifetime of experience to provide practical advice for everyday living. In the introduction of this book, he writes: 'The sourness of pineapples and grapes can be turned into sweetness with sunshine and warm breezes. Therefore, by being able to reflect and contemplate on the sourness of our ignorance, we can taste the sweetness of enlightenment right here and now.' This book will provide food for thought on your journey to cultivate a mind of enlightenment and transform your suffering into happiness.
A garden of plum blossoms and lush willows will look forlorn if they are surrounded by withered branches and dead leaves. When our morals and character are flawed, we cannot win the respect of others no matter how great our accomplishments. Therefore, we should never stop tending to our life's garden, trimming and ridding it of its impurities and decaying matter. In Tending Life's Garden, volume six of the popular Between Ignorance and Enlightenment series, Venerable Master Hsing Yun meditates on this theme of tending to life with wisdom and compassion. He charts a sound and empathetic course for tending to the causes and conditions of human suffering. This volume also offers ways to celebrate and enhance the beauty in the garden of life, inspiring people of all generations and walks of life to realize their potential for growth. Tending to life's garden is ultimately about renewal, just as trimming a rose bush is about expecting it to bloom more beautifully. Venerable Master Hsing Yun captures this spirit when he reminds us, 'When we pour our life into the stream of the universe, the whole world will jump and dance with us. Then, any season, any age can be the spring of life.'

The depth and complexity of the Buddhist scriptures can often be daunting to those who wish to learn the Buddha’s teachings, leaving many who have an interest in Buddhism without a place to start.

The Core Teachings provides a straightforward introduction to the Buddha’s essential teachings, including the Four Noble Truths, karma, and the Five Precepts. This thoughtful collection of essays is ideal for those coming to Buddhism for the first time.

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