19 January 2016

My 3 lessons of gratitude today:

• I am grateful to have come across an amazing account of a real Bodhisattva known as Venerable Hai Xian, who practised the Dharma Door of the Amitabha Buddha (the Amitabha mantra). Listening to his biography was just absolutely inspiring. Despite all the odds and tough situations that he went through, such as the Red Guards and the government banning all forms of Buddhism, he continued to do it secretly in the middle of the night and in secret. His diligence, perseverance and devotion to his practice was so awe-inspiring. He never showed off his powers and admirable acts of charity, but the villagers around tell stories of how he had donated hundreds of rice to villages from his own personal farm-work and how he cured the diseases of villagers by gathering herbs for them. He was known for setting an example through his life, exhibiting the Six Paramitas. He was humble and led a very simplistic life in an extremely small shack of a monastery. He was so attained in practice that he was able to directly communicate with the Amitabha Buddha, who said that he had to remain in his life to serve as an exemplary role for everyone else. Then, he foretold his death with a playful pun to his students and passed away the next day, where there was a brilliant golden light shining among auspicious clouds. I think what I am so, so grateful to was this subtle reminder that came: "Stick to one dharma door and persevere endlessly, and you will cross to the other shore." To focus on enlightenment on oneself, so that one can radiate one's nature out to others just by leading an exemplary, enlightened lifestyle.
• I am so grateful to all the people and masters around the world who are constantly trying to spread the message of presence globally. I deeply respect this enlightened Indian Yogi master Sadhguru, and having stumbled upon his video on the difference between Attachment and Love. I really admire his teachings because it is very Buddhist in nature as well. In fact, he quotes a lot of Gautama stories haha. Also, I'm so, so grateful to how there are foundations in the world that offer free distribution of Buddhist books (Mahayana and Theravada). Completely free! Isn't it just amazing how there are people out there who want to distribute the dharma so badly?
• I am very grateful to how amazing the air can feel sometimes. I opened the window and let the wind in, and there's something about how the breeze washes over your face that is so therapeutic. It's as if it's telling you... "Hush, just pay attention to me." And you can be so relaxed at that moment, just savoring every moment of that breeze.