Seek Joy not Happiness

Seek not happiness in life. Why settle for second best? Seek pure Joy. Happiness depends on what happens to you. Pure Joy has no limitations.

Joy is an abiding state. It has no conditions attached – no small print at the foot of the page. It is not dependent on status, race or creed. It comes not as a result of economic conditions or political policies. It is for all people of all times and all places.

That is what the Buddha came to show us. He observed and was deeply affected by the joylessness in life. Many, including fellow Buddhists, miss this point. It is often stated that the Buddha came to show us a way out of suffering. No! He came to show us Joy and that we may all directly experience this. But, I hear you say, isn’t this the same thing? Almost! Except it falls short of the mark. The former seems to be afraid of naming it. We are so entrenched in our suffering that we are often afraid to proclaim its antidote. We are like blind people stumbling across a jewel and then ending up in endless debate about what we have found.

Happiness depends on what happens to us; thus its name – “happen-ness”. Happiness so often depends on moods, feelings, ideas and even values. Joy, on the other hand, transcends all these things. Happiness is a brightly decorated spider that the poor insect mistakes for a beautiful flower. When the insect thinks it has attained this flower the spider then grasps the insect. It is unable to escape the sticky web and eventually its fate is sealed by the poisonous fangs of the spider.

The Buddha experienced these things in his life. He found an antidote, a path to untangle the web of ignorance and lead us to Joy.

Joy is like the air we breathe. It is vital and fresh, pure and enhancing. However, in ignorance we have built houses and palaces of happiness whose walls have blocked out the fresh air of Joy. We will soon perish of asphyxiation in this condition.

Joy is pure being. When we begin to pull down the walls of self-cherishing and attachment then we will be able to breathe the fresh air of Joy. It is this Joy that is limitless.

My wish for the world and for you my dearest friend is everlasting Joy. May you practice its path and share it with others on the journey.

Wise Up to Down Time

Mention the notion of Buddhist meditation and one most often conjures up the image of someone sitting in the lotus position, back straight, eyes closed and in peaceful contemplation - a perfectly normal and acceptable image. However, as most of us know who try to jam in twenty minutes or so of meaningful meditation in the morning before topping up the caffeine levels, racing out the door to pack into the bus or train or join the line of the other thousands of cars on the peak morning not-so-freeway bustle, finding the quality time to stay in tune with our Buddha consciousness can be quite a daunting task.

On the other hand Pureland Buddhism puts us in contact with the reality of each moment of the day, even during those stressful or irritating times hanging on the end of the phone line in the office while waiting for the automated voice telling you what number to press for half a dozen services you don’t want or feeling your blood pressure rocket past “normal” while waiting for the traffic to move past the tenth change of traffic signals. In fact, Pureland Buddhism is perhaps the most suitable method of practice for the modern era.

In my early days of practice of Pureland Buddhism I found I often bemoaned the seeming lack of time I had to practice meditation and Buddha Name recitation or “nien fo” as it is termed – that is until one day I discovered the wonderful Law of Downtime. It was before the time of the Navcom and I was racing out of the office to see a client in a southern Brisbane suburb. I failed to do my pre-drive check of the street directory instead navigating the car in a southerly direction. I soon realised I had no idea of where the destination address was so had to consult the street directory while at the same time steering the car. I am not sure if any of the readers of this blog have tried this (and I don’t suggest you do) but it is quite dangerous and difficult. Suddenly I found myself at a set of annoying traffic lights at an intersection I was acquainted with and I knew it normally takes what seems a millennium for the lights to change. So, I took this golden opportunity to consult the street directory. Well, you know what happened? Yes, you are right. The lights changed almost immediately just as I had fond page 230 in the street directory. At each set of lights the same thing happened leaving me no time to locate the destination address and plot a course. I could have sworn the Transport Department had changed the timing sequence on the lights! Alas! No! What had happened was that I had discovered the Law of Down Time: Traffic lights will always change quickly when to are pre-occupied with something else.

The central focus of Pureland Buddhism is to develop the Bodhi and Pure Mind through Buddha Name Recitation. “Once having developed deep Faith and earnest Vows you should hold on to the words “Amitabha Buddha” (Namo Amitofuo). Regardless of the occasion, weather walking or standing, sitting or reclining, speaking or remaining silent, moving about, meditating, dressing, eating, even when in the privy, you should keep the words “Amitabha Buddha” firmly in mind. You should exert yourself until the recitations are constantly before you, the whole Buddha is Mind, Mind and Buddha are one - reciting to the ultimate point where all mundane feelings are forgotten. At that time, the mind being empty, the Buddha appears. During this life you can attain the Buddha Name Remembrance Samadhi and at the time of death achieve rebirth in the upper lotus grades” - Master Yin Kuang, Pure-Land Zen, Zen Pure-Land, Letters from Patriarch Yin Kuang. The 13th Patriarch of Pureland Buddhism, Venerable Yin Kuang, makes it clear the necessity to hold the Buddha Name in all situations. If you become aware of Down Time you will find many such opportunities during the day: Standing in the line in the bank, waiting for traffic lights to change (they change a lot faster!!), waiting your turn at the check-out at the supermarket, waiting on the end of the phone, going through the security check at the airport, and so on it goes. Down-Time becomes the perfect opportunity for Buddhist Mindfulness practice.

Maximize your Down-Time moments for de-stressing instead of getting all wound up. Follow your breathing. Breathe in a gentle breath while in your mind saying “Amitofuo” (Amitabha Buddha). Allow the lungs to empty naturally while again holding the thought “Amitofuo”. Each breath: “Amitofuo”. If the mind pulls you into one of its stories simply acknowledge it by saying: “Thank you Mind” then continue the breathing and Buddha Name recitation. Observe how you feel at the end of each Down Time Session and make the Down-Time as an offering with deep thanks to the Buddha.

I invite you to make a written list of Down-Time opportunities in your day. No, don’t put it off until you have a moment. Do it now! – a short simple list is good to start with. You can add to it later when you discover more moments.

If you are not Buddhist you can still use this method adapted to your own faith tradition or simply to de-stress by doing some gentle awareness breathing. Notice what a difference to your day and your attitude it makes. Bring your meditation with you throughout the day and make a real difference to the world around you.

The line in the post office snaked its way out into the shopping centre mall. I closed my eyes and drifted deeply into my breath with the Buddha of Infinite Light and Life as my focus. Time stood still. All was gentle and peace. Suddenly I was aware of a soft tap on my shoulder: “Excuse me, Sir. It’s your turn.”

POSITION VACANT

I need a dedicated, reliable and motivated person to assist me in presenting Mindfulness Training and other courses in China. This an excellent opportunity for the right person to make a meaningful contribution in people's lives.

You must be fluent in both (Chinese)Mandarin and English. A knowledge of Chinese Buddhism and a passion for Chinese culture is highly desirable. If you are living near Hangzhou or Shanghai or know of anyone in this area this position would ideally suit you (them).

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What am I doing here?

Ever been confronted by this question? If you are like me I am sure you have. . .many times!

So, we have stepped into another year. January marks the beginning of the New Year. The name of the month is interesting. “January” is derived from the name of an ancient Roman god: Janus. Janus was the god of beginnings and endings, doorways and arches. It is an appropriate name for the month marking the beginning of the year. We look back at the year gone and we look forward to the year ahead.

At this time of the year we often reflect: Where am I headed? What are my goals for 2010? In the T’ai Shen Pureland Sangha and the Retreat Centre as we come to the end of our morning “nienfo” and meditation we recite together the dedication:

With the wish to help all beings,
may all my thoughts, words and actions
be void of attachment and ego;
May they arise from Compassion and Wisdom
and may they be imbued with
Patience and Joy.

The first seven words of this dedication are important: With the wish to help all beings. In these words contain the answer to the question: “What am I doing here?” As practicing Buddhists our vocation is just that – to help all beings. This is Bodhicitta – the mind of compassion. It is also enshrines the Bodhisattva’s vow: May I attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings; not Buddhahood for ourselves, not a personal and private “nirvana” but so that all beings may also experience this.

The next question is: How do I help? The second sentence of the dedication gives us a clue. The biggest hindrances to us are attachment and self-cherishing. Most often the two go hand in hand. All our actions and outcomes are a result of our thinking. When our private thought space is filled with thoughts of attachment to all those things with which we are familiar: our possessions, our ideas, or relationships our goals etc and when they are motivated by self-cherishing then we open ourselves to catching a ‘virus’ which we pass on to those around us. Perhaps I sound a bit heavy. A virus? When our thoughts are coloured by grasping and self we will ultimately become unhappy and others sense and respond from our moods. It’s catchy – like a virus! I remember my little dog used to sense my down moods and come and place her head on my knees and look sadly into my eyes. Animals sense these things and so do humans. It is not that things, ideas, relationships or goals are wrong. No! It is a matter of how we hold them.

So how does all this work out in our daily life? It all seems quite easy within the space of the meditation hall surrounded by our dharma friends. But soon we will walk out into the streets, drive on the roads, go to our jobs and be with our family and friends. I find by continually asking myself the question: “How am I helping all beings?” is useful. Am I helping other drivers on the road to have a safe and happy journey by driving carefully and responsibly? Am I helping my boss have a successful business by me doing my work honestly and diligently? Am I helping my friends giving them the joy and happiness of friendship by being encouraging and thoughtful? Am I doing my best to help relieve the suffering of animals in distress? Do I actively cherish nature (all beings!)? Am I a guiding light to enlightenment for others? How do I respond to possessions? Do I hold on like a plumber’s wrench or do I hold lightly and freely? So the helping comes from non-attachment and egolessness; or to put it another way, from a free mind of compassion and giving.

So what are you doing here? What is your plan for the New Year? What is your vocation? How will you shape your life this year? Obviously the choice is yours. May you choose with Wisdom and from the heart of Compassion underpinned by Patience. As a result of these things may you find abiding Joy. May you be blessed by the Buddhas of the Ten Directions. Amitofuo.

Pure Water and Pureland

In the past few years Western countries have had a thirst for pure bottled H20 - Water. You only have to take a casual stroll through any supermarket in Australia and behold whole aisles dedicated to the life giving liquid. Evian, Perrier, Fratelle, Home Brand (not sure if this one comes straight out of the tap at home!?) and on it goes. If you are like me having lived in Brisbane Australia you would certainly be drawn to the more “pure” waters as our city water supply tastes like something coming out of a chemical laboratory with its chlorine and fluoride additives.

I wonder if all of this has something to do with our unconscious search for something more pure in our lives, untouched by additives, ‘faddatives’, non-fat reduced and non-polluted. If you haven’t had an information holiday yet I suggest you try one for a few days. Get away from the TV, radio, computer, emails etc and just see how fresh you mind feels. It’s amazing. People seem to be searching for something more meaningful and deeper.

Another pure product, Pure Land Buddhism is still little known in the West due mainly to the paucity of literature for beginners in English. Pureland had its origins in China when it was founded by the Patriarch Hui Yuan in 402. It recognizes that in these times Nirvana is very difficult to attain. However, through faith in Amitabha Buddha and the concentrated recitation of his name we are able to attain rebirth in the Pure Land.

It is not just a “place” in the future after our completion of this life-time, it is also a state of mind. All external phenomena are a result of mind. The practise of Pure Land purifies the mind of all impurities and enables us to live more contented and fulfilling lives. The interesting thing about Pure Land practice is that results are very noticeable within a short time of concentrated and sincere practice. Pure Land Buddhism does not require any complicated rituals and is easy to practice any time anywhere. It is very portable (or should I say potable) and contains no additives or ‘fadditives’.

If you are interested in Pure Land Buddhism I can recommended a couple of good resources:

In One Life Time, Pure Land Buddhism by Venerable Wuling. It is freely downloadable in the Ven Wuling’s Blog at http://www.abuddhistperspective.org

Pure-Land Zen, Zen Pure-Land by the 13th Patriarch of Pure Land Yin Kuang. A free download is available at www.buddhanet.net/pdf_file/yin_kuang.pdf

For a general, easy to read, user-friendly introduction to Buddhism and Pure Land I recommend The Teaching of the Buddha (Available in English and Chinese). It is available free on our website www.taishendo.com

Frightening, isn't it?

It was an ink black night. I was lined up at the end of the run way awaiting take-off clearance from the control tower. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as a mixture of excitement and trepidation came over me. This was my first night flying training and I knew that as we were taking off into fairly uninhabited area there would be very little visual reference and I would need to concentrate upon the instrument panel. My instructor, a former Navy pilot and humorless man fixed his gaze straight ahead. “Romeo Victor Charlie, clear for take off”, came the control tower. I smoothly pushed the throttle into full position as the aircraft lunged forward gathering speed. At rotation speed the aircraft released its hold on the runway. Suddenly there were no runway lights. Excitement rapidly turned to fear and in an instant I caught myself saying to the flight instructor “I feel a bit scared.” As immediately as his icy glance came my way I wished I had not made any comment. He came back at me with a forceful and steely question that seemed to pierce my soul. “Then what are you doing about it?!!” I immediately gained composure and did what a pilot needed to do to navigate in darkness.

I have often looked back at that moment in my life with great thanks to my instructor. There have been many times I have had to navigate in darkness. . . and here I am referring to my daily life, not flying an aircraft.

Not so long ago my teacher had visited our Retreat Centre in our village of Shi Ta Wan, China. The local driver from Zaoxi had driven up the mountain to take us back down to the town below. We jumped into his little van. My teacher wanted to take the back seat, so I sat next to the driver. The driver took off as if there was no tomorrow. The very narrow road winds its way through hair-pin bends and past small villages. We were pushed from side to side as the diver picked up speed. I envisaged us going over the edge and being killed any instant. Suddenly as we sped through a village a dog leapt out in front of the van causing the driver to skid sideways. He made some remark in local Chinese about the dog and continued at break neck speed. Gripped with a sudden feeling of fear I look around to my teacher, a dignified Buddhist monk advanced in age. I pretended that I was simply looking at the scenery not wanting to show any sign of my inner fear lest I should be embarrassed by not attaining a level of meditative calmness. My teacher looked straight ahead expressionless. I marveled at his ability to remain calm, cool and collected and secretly hoped he would say something to the driver to slow down in local dialect.

We finally arrived in Zaoxi. My face and knuckles must have been snow white drained of all blood supply with my legs behaving like noodles as I climbed out of the van. I turned to my teacher as he brushed his robes and remarked without any tell-tale expression: “Tian na! Xia ren!!” which translates as: “Heavens above! That was frightening, wasn’t it!!” I roared with laughter. We laughed together as we thanked the driver. (Thanking him we arrived safely without incident!) Suddenly a memory flash came back to my night flying lesson. In an instant in time the two moments connected. My teacher was human. He felt the fear too! Only, he did not allow it to control him.

Mindfulness teaches us just that. There are many things in life that shatter us or can turn us to jelly. There are the memories that can still haunt us and cause us to panic at every turn in the journey of life. Fear puts tremendous stress upon the adrenal system and heart. Prolonged fear can have quite injurious effects to our physical and mental well-being. Most often we allow the fear to overtake us then the struggle sets in creating a vicious cycle. We can often find ourselves struggling against the fear: “Oh! I shouldn’t be afraid” or "I should get my act together". Somehow it doesn’t make the fear go away. We try other methods – a stiff drink, some pills, diversion – but the fear very often returns.

Mindfulness does not deny the fear but openly accepts it. Like my flying instructor it asks us: “what are we doing about it?” Positive and growthful action is necessary. Mindfulness is not violent to the fear. It says: “I know you are there. I can accept you and give you space to be.” We must learn that the thought of fear and ensuing emotions cannot harm us. What can harm is inappropriate action.

Accepting what “is” defuses the “struggle”. Mindfulness teaches us to breathe into the fear gently and slowly being aware of the body and its tensions. Often as a consequence the fear gradually subsides on its own accord.

Finally Mindfulness teaches us to be guided by what truly matters to us in life. As Buddhists we know that all things are impermanent. All things change. All ceases. Yes, even our fear. Allow yourself to be guided by your deepest inner values rather than fleeting impermanent feelings. As we concentrate on meditation and whole heartedly on the name of Amitabha Buddha all else begins to fade into insignificance. Naturally, we need to work at it. Just imagine your fear fading into insignificance. Frightening, isn’t it?

The Happiest Lady in the World

It was our second day of Mindfulness Training. The autumn had rapidly given way to winter in the bamboo forest mountains. We donned gloves, scarfs and hats as we mounted the three wheeled tractor that was to take us up to the summit of the mountain. As we wound around the mountain road the temperature seemed to drop with each meter we climbed. Suddenly the motorcycle tractor came to an abrupt holt. The bitumen had come to an end and the dirt track was mud and slush from heavy icy rains the day before. We all got out to push the tractor through the mud. My attention was diverted to a small stone house with its occupants now curiously looking at us guys and girls seemingly in position for a rugby “scrum”. Lijuan, our team guide, had gone up the path to chat to them. “They are inviting us in for hot tea!”, called Lijuan. This seemed a far more sensible thing to do so we made our way up to the humble hut. It was a small hut typical of this mountain area of China. I must have past it many times before but had not really noticed it as it was set off the road a little.

Inside the hut was an inviting charcoal fire in the centre. We gathered around warm our numbed hands. I looked up to notice an old lady inviting me to sit down. He face was a smile for ear to ear. As she prepared and poured hot local tea she beamed an infectious laugh. We couldn’t help ourselves laughing with her. Her invitations were interpreted by Lijuan to Jin Jin as she spoke a local dialect which Lijuan translated into Mandarin then Jin translating into English for us. The old happy lady offered us nuts and dried sweet potato. Soon we were joined by her husband and other local villagers. Communication seems to happen rapidly in these remote parts as our presence was announced!



I could not help wanting to ask her the reason for her high pitched laughter and beaming smiles. After the dual interpreting came a response: “Oh! I am happy here. We came here five years ago from the town. In the town we had no work so we came here to grow vegetables.” “But what makes you happy?” I inquired further? “I have never thought about it” came the lady with a giggle. “Are there times when you struggle or are sad?” I asked digging for the deeper meaning. “Oh! (a very big raucous laugh!) I have never thought about it. I never think very much. I just watch my vegetables grow, work the soil, and drink some tea. Maybe you think too much! Now have some more tea.” We all laughed. I felt a tad embarrassed and at the same time extremely humbled.

Earlier that morning in our Training we talked about the Mind pulling us into our thinking self. That same morning we had met the happiest lady on earth. Her recipe? Don’t think too much. Just observe, work and enjoy tea and don’t let the mind get in the way. Too simple? Maybe. However, the lesson was powerful – from the happiest lady in the world.