1. On Keeping the Bodhi Mind
You must fisrst make a firm decision to attain enlightenment and help others. You already have the five or the ten precepts. Know when to keep them and when to break them, when they are open and when they are closed. Let go of your small self and become your true self. 2. On mindfulness Do not cling to your opinions. Do not discuss your private views with others. To cling to and defend your opinions is to destroy your practice. Put away all your opinions. This is true Buddhism. Do not go where you have no business. Do not listen to talk that does not concern you. Do not make the bad Karma of desire, anger, or ignorance. 3. On conduct Always act with others. Do not put yourself above others by acting differently. Arrogance is not permitted in the temple. Money and sex are like a spiteful snake. Put your concern with them far away. In the Dharma room always walk behind those seated in meditation. At talks and ceremonies, keep the proper posture and dress. Do not talk or laugh loudly in the Dharma room. If you have business outside the temple, which causes you to miss ceremonies or meals, notify one of the temple officials before you leave. Respect those older than you. Love those younger than you. Keep your mind large and open. If you meet sick people, love and help them. Be hospitable to guests. Make them welcome and attend to their needs. When respected people visit the temple, bow to them and give them good words. Be courteous. Always let others go before you. Help other people. Do not cling to the scriptures. Do not oversleep. Do not be frivolous. Let older and more respected people be seated before you. Do not discuss petty temple matters with guests. When visiting outside the temple, speak well of the temple to others. Drinking to produce heedlessness or acting out of lust will only make bad karma and destroy your practice. You must be strong and think correctly. Then theses desires cannot tempt you. Do not delude yourself into thinking you are a great and free person. This is not true Buddhism. Attend only to yourself. Do not Judge the actions of others. Do not make the bad Karma of killing, stealing, or of lust. Originally there is nothing 4. On speech
Your evil tongue will lead you to ruin. You must keep the stopper in the bottle. Only open it when necessary. Once a man spoke incorrectly and was reborn a fox for five hundred generations. What is correct and incorrect speech? You must grab the word-head (KONG-AN) and not let go. The dog is barking. Wong, Wong, Wong! 5. On eating
An eminent teacher said, ¡°A day without work is a day without eating¡± The great way is not difficult Salt is salty. 6. On formal practice
During formal practice act with other people. Keep this in mind as you bow in repentance. Shouting into a vally. 7. On the Dharma talk When you listen to the words of the Zen master, keep your mind clear. Do not be attached to his words. Cut of f thought and pierce the true meaning of his speech. In the great work of life and death, What kind of body will you get? Hurry up! Hurry! Blue sky and green sea The sound of the waterfall and the bird¡¯s song Where are you going? |