Celebrating Buddha’s Enlightenment Day: Laba Porridge and the Essence of Bodhi Day

Buddhists around the world come together to celebrate Buddha’s Enlightenment Day, also known as Bodhi Day, commemorating the momentous occasion when Siddhartha Gautama attained awakening and became the Buddha. One of the significant traditions during this celebration is the preparation of Laba porridge, which has deep roots in the events of Buddha’s ascetic journey.

The Origin of Laba Porridge:
The idea of Laba porridge originated from a crucial incident during Buddha’s six years of asceticism. A shepherd girl’s compassionate gesture of offering a bowl of milk to the emaciated Buddha saved his life. This act of kindness allowed Siddhartha Gautama to regain strength, leading him to sit in meditation under the Bodhi Tree, where he ultimately attained enlightenment. To commemorate this event, Buddhist monasteries worldwide prepare special eight-grain porridge, offering it to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas as a way to form affinities with the ten directions.

The Evolution of Laba Porridge Tradition:
While the exact origins of the Laba porridge tradition in China are not documented, historians believe it began during the Tang Dynasty (618–907). Over the centuries, this practice has evolved into a month-long event, becoming an integral part of the Chinese New Year festival. The free Laba congee offering ritual at Buddhist temples on lunar December 8 has become a warm-up to the grand celebration.

Bodhi Day: The Essence of Enlightenment:
Bodhi Day marks the enlightenment of Siddhartha Gautama, the moment when he awakened to the realities of life after years of spiritual seeking and meditation. The story of Prince Siddhartha’s journey, from a sheltered life to witnessing suffering and ultimately achieving enlightenment, is a central theme of Bodhi Day.

The Four Noble Truths:
Siddhartha Gautama’s enlightenment brought forth the Four Noble Truths, the essence of his realizations. He discovered that suffering arises from our attachment to temporary things in this ever-changing world. By letting go of attachments, one can attain liberation from suffering. This profound insight became the foundation of Buddhist teachings.

Bodhi Day Celebration Worldwide:
Bodhi Day is celebrated on December 8 in Japan, following the Western calendar. However, in other East Asian countries, the celebration varies and typically falls between the winter solstice and the lunar new year. Southeast Asian and Tibetan Buddhists celebrate Buddha’s enlightenment in May and June, respectively.

Traditions and Observances:
The observances of Bodhi Day vary, but common practices include prayers, reading scriptures, and acts of kindness. Some decorate trees with lights or candles symbolizing Buddha’s enlightenment. Families come together for special meals, and individuals engage in acts of generosity (dana) to reflect on the Buddha’s teachings and improve karma.

The Bodhi Tree:
Central to Siddhartha Gautama’s enlightenment is the Bodhi Tree, under which he meditated. This sacred tree has become a symbol in Buddhism, and many Buddhists plant ficus trees to honor its significance. Bodh Gaya, with its Mahabodhi Temple Complex, stands as one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites, preserving the legacy of the Bodhi Tree.

Bodhi Day is a time for Buddhists to reflect on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama and celebrate the profound wisdom that led to his enlightenment. Laba porridge, with its historical roots, adds a unique flavor to the festivities, connecting practitioners with the compassionate act that played a pivotal role in the Buddha’s journey. As Buddhists come together worldwide to celebrate Bodhi Day, they share in the joy of enlightenment and the timeless teachings that continue to guide their spiritual paths.

Seeing myself without using a mirror

Photo by Andre Mouton on Pexels.com

Studying Buddhism is a profound and transformative experience that opens doors to new perspectives, inner peace, and enlightenment. Embarking on this journey requires an open mind and a willingness to immerse oneself in the teachings of Buddhism without relying on comparisons from previous experiences. The idea from this post came from my recent meditation classes where my teacher has been emphasizing to returning students to not come back trying to compare classes but to maintain the Beginner’s Mind. Or else it’s like you’re coming to class with your glass nearly full, with no capacity for new material.

When studying Buddhism, it is essential to approach it with a beginner’s mind, free from pre-existing notions or judgments. This mindset allows us to be receptive to new ideas and concepts, enabling a deeper understanding of Buddhist philosophy and practices. By letting go of comparisons, we can fully engage with the teachings and explore their relevance to our lives.

Mindfulness is the cornerstone of Buddhist practice. By cultivating present-moment awareness, we can develop a deep sense of connection with ourselves, others, and the world around us. Studying Buddhism without comparisons encourages us to focus on the present experience and observe without judgment. This practice enables us to develop a profound understanding of our own nature and the nature of reality.

At the heart of Buddhism are the Four Noble Truths, which offer insights into the nature of suffering and the path to liberation. Without comparing these teachings to our previous experiences, we can fully explore the truth of suffering, its causes, and the cessation of suffering. Embracing these truths without bias allows us to delve into the teachings with fresh eyes and a deeper appreciation for their profound wisdom.

Meditation is a fundamental aspect of Buddhist practice. By sitting in stillness and observing our thoughts and emotions, we can cultivate tranquility, clarity, and insight. Studying Buddhism without comparisons allows us to approach meditation with curiosity and openness, free from any preconceived notions. This approach enables us to experience the transformative power of meditation firsthand (This was a meditation class after all, lol).

Buddhism emphasizes the cultivation of compassion and loving-kindness towards ourselves and others. By studying Buddhism without comparisons, we can explore these qualities from a place of authenticity and genuineness. This process encourages us to develop a genuine sense of empathy and compassion, fostering harmonious relationships and contributing to a more compassionate world.

Why offering incense is important pt. 2

Incense is a common practice in Buddhism. It is used in temples, homes, and even on the go. There are many different types of incense, each with its own unique fragrance. Incense is often burned as an offering to the Buddha or to the ancestors. It can also be used to purify the air and create a calming and meditative atmosphere. In ancient India, the climate was almost always hot and humid and sometimes just muggy. So as a way to welcome guests, incense is kind of used to relieve the sticky feeling. There are even mentions in the sutras where incense is used to invite the Buddha to give teachings.

There are many different ways to burn incense in Buddhism. The most common way is to use a stick of incense. The stick is lit on one end, then raising the incense level to your eyebrows, then placing the incense in the burner. The smoke from the burning incense rises and fills the air with a pleasant fragrance.

Incense can also be burned in cones, coils, powder, or granules. These forms of incense can be easier to use than sticks. They can simply be placed in an incense burner and lit, or you can shape the powder into a character with the help of a mold and lit at one of the edges. The more formal way to offer incense is by digging a small but deep hole in the burner, filling that hole with powder, then covering the hole with a layer of ash after igniting the powder. Then the officiant will offer wooden sticks and place them in the burning powder, creating a thick layer of offering smoke to the Buddhas.

In terms of ingredients, sandalwood, and aloeswood are the two most common that you’ll find. Before I would say that the latter is much more expensive, almost comparable to gold, but now with such a low supply that is available, some raw materials even have governmental export restrictions, even sandalwood is becoming more and more scarce. Sandalwood is known to help energize the self while aloeswood is known to help recenter and calm the self.

That being said, a lot of people opt to use blended incense. Not that I’m saying it’s bad or anything like that. Tibetan and Japanese incense is blended. Ancient forms of aromatherapy also use blended incense. But some people make blends that are…just not good.

In the market, you’ll see a lot of yellow-colored incense. Here’s the thing. the original reason behind the yellow, especially in Chinese incense is that yellow is actually a dye from a medicinal plant. End users at the time weren’t too excited about their sandalwood incense looking a grayish yellow or light brown color so they added this dye which does not add any additional aroma but brightens the color of the incense product. Nowadays, the dyes used are probably not from the fruit and the blends used are not only of low quality but can be harmful as well since the ash from the additional lime powder while burned can actually harm the skin for example. My suggestion is to shop around and do your homework.

Connecting with the Buddha through recitation

In Buddhism, reciting the Buddha’s name is a simple but powerful practice that can bring many benefits. It is a way to connect with the Buddha’s wisdom and compassion, and to generate positive karma.

There are many different ways to recite the Buddha’s name. Some people simply repeat the name silently to themselves, while others chant it aloud. Some people recite the name in a specific way, such as by counting the number of times they say it, while others simply recite it as many times as they feel called to.

There is no right or wrong way to recite the Buddha’s name. The most important thing is to do it with sincerity and devotion.

Benefits of Reciting the Buddha’s Name

There are many benefits to reciting the Buddha’s name. Some of these benefits include:

It can help to calm the mind and reduce stress. When we recite the Buddha’s name, we focus our attention on something positive and peaceful. This can help to calm our thoughts and emotions, and to reduce stress levels.
It can help to generate positive karma. Every time we recite the Buddha’s name, we create positive karma. Karma is the law of cause and effect, and it states that our actions have consequences. When we create positive karma, we plant seeds for future happiness.
It can help us to connect with the Buddha’s wisdom and compassion. When we recite the Buddha’s name, we call upon his wisdom and compassion. This can help us to overcome our challenges and to live a more peaceful and compassionate life.
It can help us to achieve enlightenment. Enlightenment is the ultimate goal of Buddhism. It is the state of perfect wisdom and compassion. Reciting the Buddha’s name can help us to develop the qualities that are necessary to achieve enlightenment.
How to Start Reciting the Buddha’s Name

If you are interested in starting to recite the Buddha’s name, there are a few things you can do.

Choose a name to recite. There are many different names of the Buddha. You can choose the name that you feel most connected to.
Find a quiet place to recite. You will need a place where you can sit or stand comfortably and focus on your recitation.
Set a timer. It can be helpful to set a timer for a certain amount of time, such as 10 or 20 minutes. This will help you to stay focused and to avoid getting distracted.
Begin reciting. Start by reciting the Buddha’s name silently to yourself. Once you feel comfortable, you can begin to chant the name aloud.
Continue reciting for the duration of the timer. As you recite, focus your attention on the Buddha’s wisdom and compassion.
End your recitation with a prayer of gratitude. Once the timer goes off, take a few moments to reflect on your recitation. You can also offer a prayer of gratitude to the Buddha for his wisdom and compassion.
Reciting the Buddha’s name is a simple but powerful practice that can bring many benefits. If you are looking for a way to connect with the Buddha’s wisdom and compassion, I encourage you to give it a try.

On Greasy Hair and Lousy Cooking

I’m not going to lie, this is a cold rice post, meaning this was posted a very long time ago somewhere else. That somewhere else was an old blog that I ran more than ten years ago as an experiment, but I recently got a notification that the server was shutting down and I had a time frame to move everything out. I did a review and thought some of the material can still be useful. So here you go!

This is one of those stories I found on a friend’s old blog. I wanted to credit back but I think the blog has since shut down, and the brain fog in me is stopping me from figuring out which friend it was that I borrowed this thing from. After reading the Emperor Liang’s Repentance recently, I thought of this story and had to dig it back out and share it with everyone. Enjoy!

On Greasy Hair and Lousy Cooking

For centuries, many religious folk believe that spiritual practice is the antidote for everything, be it emotional, intellectual, physical, social, or for morbid hallucinations sparked by working three hours overtime. Indeed, it is a mistake to think that spirituality will make us apt in all other areas. Some people possess brilliant minds but don’t have the slightest sense of compassion; some people may strictly uphold moral dignity but lack the know-how to influence society; and others can be seasoned meditators but are emotionally blind. Let us take Bodhidharma and Emperor Liang for example….

“Ah! Master Bodhidharma!”

“What’s up Emperor?”

“It is an honor to finally meet Your Highly Consecrated One in person. I have just been dying to see you!”

“Dying?”

“It’s only a figure of speech.”

“Can I have your computer?”

“No! You cannot have my computer! …Anyhow, I am pleased to say that throughout my prosperous reign, I have liberally funded the construction of hundreds of temples, provided generous donations to the Sangha, and most important of all, manipulated religion into grist for my mill.”

“What was that?”

“Never mind. So please, Oh Ridiculously Venerated One, please tell me how much merit and virtue I have generated. Surely my efforts surpass even those of King Ashoka.”

“Frankly speaking, there isn’t an ounce of merit and not a teensy bit of virtue, but I can tell you what there is.”

“What?”

“A head infested with extremely greasy hair. Perhaps shampooing with a bit of–“

“Get out! Out! OUT! I should’ve known this relationship wasn’t going to work!”

“Does this mean I can have your computer?”

“OUT!!”

Bodhidharma was no doubt a master cultivator, but being the severe man he was, it didn’t cross his mind to answer in a different fashion; he spoke directly from his Zen mentality (i.e. he could’ve suggested shampooing after establishing cheery relations with the emperor). In other words, Bodhidharma was lacking in EQ. In this respect, Zen Master Zhi Gong deserves high praise, for we all know that he was Emperor Liang’s spiritual advisor for many a year. If it weren’t for his social adaptation skills, he would’ve been kicked out just as fast as Bodhidharma.

Evidently, one of the skills that many people lack is speaking to the situation at hand. Of course, I’m a lousy speaker myself, in fact, I’m pretty taciturn, especially when my cyclic mood swings kick in, but let’s just shove that aside and share some communication pointers. There are many elements to speaking well, but there are three which I think are very essential.

Rule #1: Affirm before you negate. Have you ever wondered why people distance themselves from criticism? Easy. It’s hard on the ears. What we can do to remedy that is to say a few words of recognition prior to the criticism. Let’s say we go to a restaurant and order a unique-looking dish. Pretty soon we start attacking the food with all the glutton we’ve got, but lo and behold! it tastes like vomit. What is our instinctive response? “Eh, cook! This stuff tastes like Ron’s cooking!” Despite our impulsive urge to blurt such a statement, it is far much wiser to say instead, “Excuse me, sir, this is excellent Pepsi. I have never tasted such a fine mixture of carbon dioxide and fructose. Ah! It just brings my taste buds to heaven! Who is your supplier? …Hmm…I see…yes…well if you don’t mind, this dish here doesn’t seem to agree with my stomach. Somehow it reminds me of Ron’s cooking. I think I’ll just have a burger with chili on the side. Thank You.” You see? Easy! By saying something positive, the person is happy and thus open to criticism. It’s just a matter of equilibrium.

Rule #2: Speak in the positive. This is somewhat akin to Rule #1 but is used in different situations. The first rule is said when we want to alter or improve something without offending others. The second is a kind of positive statement or command. Let’s learn from the following examples…

NO: Your room is a mess.

YES: Would you please clean your room?

NO: Tired? Use your brain, you idiot. Who told you to stay up so late?

YES: You won’t be so tired if you sleep earlier.

NO: You’ve been late four times in a row.

YES: Please be more punctual. That would surely save us some time.

The negative speech addresses the problem without giving a solution; the positive speech directly addresses the solution. One hinders cooperation; the other offers an impetus for cooperation. Of course, it is alright to state the problem but be sure to always suggest the solution. If you notice, little kids will usually continue to make a racket if you say, “You guys are being too loud in there!” That’s because their brains are not yet capable of immediate response; they are acting on primitive impulses. Therefore, by giving a solution, “Please lower the noise,” they will more likely obey. Subtle, but essential.

Rule #3: Never blurt derogative labels. This is something that all of us do all the time. “You’re such a brat!” “How bratty can you get!?” “You are the ultimate embodiment of brattiness.” “Stupid idiot! When are you ever going to learn!” This list can continue forever. Labeling somebody like this not only impedes cooperation but worsens the situation. This is easy to understand, so I won’t elaborate further.

And those are the three pointers! Sure, I’m not a social chameleon, but it’s always good to learn a bit more. Here’s a parting quote from a favorite book: Someone who grasps the art of speaking can give others lasting hope and confidence. Peace and have a zenny day!

Why offering incense is important pt. 1

Incense has been used for thousands of years in many cultures around the world. It is believed to have originated in ancient Egypt, where it was used in religious ceremonies. From there, it spread to other parts of Asia, including India, China, and Japan. Incense was also introduced to Europe by the Romans, who used it in religious and secular ceremonies.

Incense is made from a variety of materials, including resins, gums, and woods. The most common type of incense is made from frankincense, which is a resin that is derived from the Boswellia tree. Other popular types of incense include myrrh, sandalwood, and camphor.

Incense is burned by placing a small piece of it on a hot coal or charcoal. The smoke from the burning incense rises and fills the air with a pleasant fragrance. Incense can be used for a variety of purposes, including:

• Religious ceremonies: Incense is often used in religious ceremonies to purify the air and to ward off evil spirits.
• Aromatherapy: Incense can be used to create a relaxing and therapeutic environment. The inhalation of certain fragrances can help to improve mood, reduce stress, and promote sleep.
• Home fragrance: Incense can be used to add fragrance to a home or office. It can also be used to freshen the air and to cover up unpleasant odors.
• Gift: Incense can be given as a gift to someone who appreciates its fragrance. It can also be used as a way to show respect or to honor someone.

Incense is a versatile and ancient product that is still enjoyed by people of all ages today. It is a simple way to add fragrance to your home or office, to create a relaxing and therapeutic environment, or to show respect to someone.

May we all be well

With all that is happening around us, whether it be pandemic-related or politically related, or anything like that, it can be hard to let that all sink in, sometimes it can be difficult to even sleep at night. I have my own episodes once in a while. Is there a way to handle these feelings? There probably is, but the method I found helpful is metta meditation.

Metta meditation, or loving-kindness meditation, is a Buddhist practice that cultivates feelings of goodwill and compassion. It is a form of active meditation in which you actively direct positive thoughts and wishes toward yourself and others.

The practice of metta meditation begins by focusing on your own well-being. You silently recite phrases such as “May I be happy” or “May I be well.” You then extend these phrases to others, beginning with people you care about and expanding to include strangers, difficult people, and all beings.

Metta meditation can be practiced anywhere, anytime. It is a simple but powerful practice that can help you to cultivate greater compassion and understanding for yourself and others.

Here are some of the benefits of metta meditation:

• It can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
• It can improve your mood and outlook on life.
• It can help to strengthen your relationships with others.
• It can help to increase your self-compassion.
• It can help you to feel more connected to the world around you.

Metta meditation can be practiced by anyone, regardless of their religious beliefs. It is a simple and powerful practice that can profoundly impact one’s life.

Here are the steps on how to do metta meditation:

1. Find a comfortable position and close your eyes.
2. Take a few deep breaths to relax your body and mind.
3. Bring to mind someone who makes you happy.
4. Send them positive thoughts and wishes, such as “May you be happy,” “May you be well,” and “May you be safe.”
5. Continue to send positive thoughts and wishes to this person for a few minutes.
6. Now, bring to mind someone who is neutral to you.
7. Send them positive thoughts and wishes, such as “May you be happy,” “May you be well,” and “May you be safe.”
8. Continue to send positive thoughts and wishes to this person for a few minutes.
9. Finally, bring to mind someone who makes you angry or frustrated.
10. Send them positive thoughts and wishes, such as “May you be happy,” “May you be well,” and “May you be safe.”
11. Continue to send positive thoughts and wishes to this person for a few minutes.
12. When you are finished, take a few deep breaths and open your eyes.

Metta meditation can be practiced for any length of time. It is a good idea to start with a few minutes and gradually increase the time you spend meditating.

Goddess of the Sea

When you hear the title Goddess of the Sea, some people think of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, but there are some groups that think of another deity, Mazu.

Who is Mazu? From Mythopedia, “Mazu is the patron goddess of sailors, fishermen, and travelers. She is especially popular in Southern Chinese coastal communities[.]” It is believed that around the 10th century Mazu was formerly named Mo Lin born in Meizhou Island, Mo meaning silent because she didn’t make a sound from her birth until much later. She did carry a lot of gifts, like the ability to predict weather and to heal using medicine. She was a follower of Avalokitesvara as well. Her most famous acts were saving fisherman from being harmed at sea. If I remember correctly, it was because Lin Mo couldn’t save her father after saving her four brothers from their capsized ship, then Lin Mo attempted to jump the cliff but instead turned into bright strands of light and became the Mazu that we know today.

Ven. Master Hsing Yun acknowledged that Mazu is a manifestation of Avalokitesvara and a protector of the Dharma. He even wrote the lyrics to the Mazu song that was gifted to Chao Tien Temple, considered to be one of the central Mazu temples in Taiwan. Venerable Hsin Ting recorded a CD reciting the name of Mazu as well. Some of the Mazu temples in Taiwan have Buddhist monks in residents and chant Buddhist sutras as part of the temple’s activities.

Mazu temples in the SGV sort of do their own thing. Most of the time, they have operating hours and people can visit to offer prayers. Most of them do not have monks in residence or anything like that. I did run into a temple that has their own lay chanting team that does chanting once a week I think. I personally was invited to another Mazu temple to perform services, what’s interesting is that the temple itself does not have residents, but they allow their devotees to invite their own masters to perform services as long as it does not conflict with the temple’s own scheduled programming.

Do you have a local Mazu temple near you?

What a wet year

First of all, thank you everyone for your patience these past few months. I had to take a break in order to readjust myself (again) and sort of re-center myself for this site and what lies ahead for me.

Lunar new year this year was on a Sunday, and for those that know that can mean large crowds at the temples. The older temple where I work decided to cut its three-day service to two and a half days to accommodate crowd flow. I thought that was not a good idea. I almost had to crack my head figuring out how to recite three thousand Buddha names in that short time. In the end, it still worked, but not without aches and pains.

Before the new year, an old family friend and Dharma brother reached out to my mom. It was her son actually. We lost contact for years whether it was a change in numbers or devices. Long story short, this friend was suffering from heart failure and suffered a stroke. I was asked to visit her at the hospital and offer spiritual care. Eventually the afternoon of the first day of the year she transitioned. I performed most of the memorial services and offered a 13-course meal as my tribute to her as a long-time temple kitchen volunteer.

The night before, a mass shooting occurred minutes from my location. Twelve died, and nine were injured. Things could have gotten worse if it were not for the owner’s son of the second dance studio that fought the gunman away. The exact moment the shooting occurred a few friends and I were temple hopping at the next major street just about to head to our next location. I had so many other things running in my head I didn’t know how to feel at the moment. I was indeed worried about what would happen if this happened at the temple with crowded worshippers. Dharma Drum Mountain Los Angeles held a short service at the site. I was fortunate enough to attend and offer my prayers. Unfortunately for one reason or another, it didn’t catch a lot of media attention though the site was swarmed with news vans and cameras.

One of the most influential teachers and one of my most respected teachers in Buddhism, Venerable Master Hsing Yun entered into stillness. I felt a little bit sad that he’s not longer physically with us, but I’m glad that his dharmakaya, or all of his written works, is still around and accessible. He inspired me to go “out there” and try different things with Buddhism and not confine it to an old frame. He started to idea of giving small gifts to people to make them happy, he emphasized things like combining old and new, traditional and modern, and the concept of thinking globally and acting locally. The Ven. Master’s daily routine was one of a kind. He couldn’t see very well, so his last works were verbalized to a bunch of scribes and they put everything together and feed the manuscript through an assembly line of editors. After first production, the piece is lined up to be fed into another assembly line of translators. I could go on and on, but what I think the Ven. Master wanted for us after his passing is to continue his mission to teach Humanistic Buddhism. I’m pretty certain he will come back as continue his mission.

The reason I’m calling this a wet year is because recently in the SGV there has been a lot of rain and cold winds. It’s to the point where I have yet to store away any winter gear, including the electric heating pad. Hopefully it will dry up soon, but I also hope this amount of rainfall will relieve the drought that the SGV and most of CA has been suffering through. But nonetheless, conserving water is still important.

I’ll be back on one post a month for now. As always if there’s anything you would like me to explore or write about, leave a comment or let me know. May you be well.