Q: How do I convince my father to observe the Five Precepts, when they don’t ‘buy’ karma readily?

A: The ’simple’ solution is this. You must learn and practise the Dharma better, so that you will be able to touch and influence him more deeply through your conduct. Whenever you [...]

For the very first time, I became genuinely apprehensive of a Dharma class being oversized due to space constraints and shortage of chairs. This is called a ‘good problem’ and I have to agree. When I first started publicising the fifth run of the ‘Introduction to Pure Land Buddhism: Understanding Amituofo Via [...]

Pic: Sign for ‘Homage to (or refuge in) Amitabha Buddha (Amituofo)’ in Taoyuan
Another still and well-meaning ubiquitous sign,
to remind fleeting passers-by to be mindful of Buddha…
but how many are mindful of what his name means?
More and more I hope!
Namo Amituofo!

Next Taiwan Adventure:
http://moonpointer.com/new/2010/06/taiwan-adventure-6-oh-my-buddha
Previous Taiwan Adventure:
http://moonpointer.com/new/2010/06/taiwan-adventure-4-a-makeshift-bridge

On how to find one’s Guru?
You just need to keep your mind and heart open
and learn the Dharma
from whoever you can.
Everyone who is
able to benefit us with the Dharma
is like our Guru
in the moment.
With this approach,
coupled with a questioning mind,
you will encounter many Gurus,
unless you wish to settle with one later.

(My [...]

From ‘A Spacious Path to Freedom: Practical Instructions on the Union of Mahamudra & Atiyoga’ by Karma Chagme, Commentary by Gyatrul Rinpoche, Translated by B. Alan Wallace:
(This excerpt continues from the excerpt at http://thedailyenlightenment.com/enewsletter/43.php)
[Teachings from Machik Labdron (11th century Tibetan Buddhist yogini, emanation of Yeshe Tsogyel)]: There is a Tibetan aphorism that it [...]

The most urgent matter,
upon attaining this precious but brief human rebirth,
is to safeguard one’s future rebirth.
- Stonepeace
From (1) Wikipedia and (2) The Phrase Finder: (1) ‘The Vulcan salute is a hand gesture consisting of a raised hand, palm forward with the fingers parted between the middle and ring finger, and the thumb extended. Often, the [...]