April.

11
One seeks cultivation but not harvest:
One comforts others sufferings but does not
Seek pleasure for oneself
One thinks only of giving but not repayment:
One wishes for achievement without fussing
about hardship.
In life we have to work to earn a living. In work, the emphasis is not only on capability
and resourcefulness, but also on the capacity to accept hardship and criticism. It is easy for most
people to work hard, but it is hard for people to take criticism. Being able to work hard and yet
accepting criticism is very rare and commendable.
Some are able to work very hard from daybreak till night, withstanding thirst and hunger
and never complaining. In order to complete their task, they will undertake all types of hardship
and risk, make all kinds of sacrifices and even neglect food and rest. They never complain at all
about the hard work.
However, a person who has endured hardships will find it difficult to accept criticism that
could be given to one anytime, anywhere. It is very difficult to completely satisfy the demands of
everyone in any undertaking
The Buddhist sutra sates, Those who cannot accept slander, criticism and scolding are
like those who drink sweet dew, and who are not deemed to be great! In our life and in our
work, it is impossible to be totally blameless. As long as we have performed to the best of our
ability and have a clear conscience, we do not have to please everyone. It is not enough for one
to be able to accept hardship at work: one should also be able to take criticism. This, then, is a
person with real strength.
Read, Reflect and Act:
Being able to bear hardship with no complaints is very and commendable.

Apr. 12
One who can accept disadvantage may in
Return reap a big advantage.
One who can undertake suffering may gain
Immense peace and happiness.
One who is amiable will acquire tremendous
strength.
One who shares wealth may earn a great
gathering.
Even though there is a saying Being at a disadvantage is actually having an advantage,
most people would still like to take advantage of others. Since no one likes to so suffer losses,
those who like to take advantage of others are definitely not welcomed by others. Therefore, in
handling matters and dealing with others, we should willing to be taken advantage of because
that is the easiest way to earn respect and the one and only way to achieve success in life.
The Taiwanese language has a common saying, The Buddha is fond of nave people.
There is also a Chines story about two ghosts, who were soon to be reborn in the human world.
The King of Hades asked them to chose between being reborn as a giver or receiver. As a result,
the one who chose to be born as a giver was reborn into a wealthy family living the life of
generous and happy giver. However the one who hoped to be a receiver was reborn as a beggar,
spending his life begging for a living.
The moral of the story is that if one knows to give and not be concerned over being taken
advantage of, one will have wealthy life. On the other hand, if one is fussy and only knows how
to receive without giving anything in return, one will certainly leading a poor life. Therefore, to
take advantage does necessarily mean getting an advantage: to be taken advantage of does not
mean being at disadvantage. In actual fact, being at a disadvantage is the way to get an
advantage.
Read, Reflect and Act:
To be able to let one-self be in a disadvantageous position is the easiest way to manage things
and people, and great way to achieve success in life.

April. 13
One has to endure much bitterness to
be successful.
Celebrities endure much pressure with
fame.
There is a price to pay for each glory.
Great achievement requires much
sacrifice.
A mother dedicates all her time, energy and love to her children. The innocent and
romantic voices of the children, their exuberance, vivid and adorable looks, all give great
pleasure to the mother. This wonderful enjoyment makes it all worthwhile for her sacrifice.
When teachers educate students, they do it with tender loving care and patience. They
sacrifice their time and energy. When the students accomplish achievements, the teachers will
feel the joy of educating the students although they do not get any repayment. Just as Mencius
said, It is great happiness to have the opportunity to educate the talents. Isnt this enjoyment
for your sacrifice?
To sacrifice is like a sowing seeds: a measure of cultivation reaps a measure of harvest.
Sacrifice appears to be a disadvantage, since it is suffering and working for the benefit of others.
In actual fact, sacrifice is for our own benefit because all our efforts will not be wasted. When
use our sweat and toil to irrigate, ou wisdom to cultivate and fulfill our vows; in giving our
money, services to bring others happiness, health and wellbeing, wont the merits that we have
accumulated bring enjoyment to us?
What is the most valuable thing in life? It is the enjoyment earned through sacrifices. The
happiest people are those who give love and care. A country or society can develop if there are
people who enjoy making sacrifices. The family and ancestors will be honored by the acts of
giving and making sacrifices. Hence, to sacrifice enjoyment and to enjoy sacrifices are important
factors that allow us and others to gain happiness, achievement and harmony.
Read, Reflect and Act:
The happiest people are those who give love and care.

April 14
With a strong will, one will not be influenced
by ones environment.
With aspiring objectives, one will be able to
undertake a career of cultivation.
In our living circle, some people are adept at avoiding disasters; they do not fail easily,
just like a roly-poly toy that quickly rights itself after fall. Such survivors can be found in all
trades and professions
politics, academic circles, corporations, finance, stocks, futures etc. Why are they invincible?
Their continued success depends on firstly, their wisdom, they are able to understand everything
secondly, their compassion, they are able to tolerate everything; thirdly, their righteousness, they
are willing to sacrifice everything.
They so-called roly-poly can sway easily and freely, it knows how to balance itself and
yet it does not necessarily stand on its ground. It is very steady and does not necessarily stand on
its ground. It is very steady and does not require help in handling itself. Even if it is pushed over,
it can still stand up again.
The roly-poly does not necessarily signify a physical form that cannot be toppled, more
importantly is the moral spirit that remains invincible. In the early resistance against the Japanese
during the Second World War, Zhang Zizhong was holding off the enemy in the north; he ran out
of supplies and ammunition and he committed suicide in the line of duty. The Japanese were very
moved and paid respect to him. This is the indomitable spirit of the Chines roly-poly.
In life, what type people could become the invincible roly-poly? A compassionate person
has no enemy and tolerant person faces no resistance. Would you like to be roly-poly? You must
first possess the perquisites and you certainly will not be defeated.
Read. Reflect, and Act:
The roly-poly does not require help in handling itself. Even if it is pushed over, it can still stand
up again.

Apr. 15
If during is courage, then it has wisdom.
If daring is aspiration, then it can undertake
anything.
As a person, we must have the courage to overcome adversities and setbacks in life. The
more we overcome, the braver we become. Buddhism talks about attainment of Buddhahood;
this attainment is not possible if one just have compassion and wisdom, one must also have
courage.
Avalaokitesvara Bodhisattva travelled the Great Chiliocosmos to relieve hardships and
sufferings from sentient beings. Without the ability to endure hardship and suffering, and fearless
undaunted courage, how could the bodhisattva help to take sentient beings across to the shore of
nirvana?
Ksitigarba Bodhisattva vowed that Until the hells are empty, I vow to forgo
Buddhahood, Hre, too, tremendous courage is needed to relieve suffering in the hell.
Courage could be expresses and conveyed through awareness of shame, admitting
mistakes, humility and repentance. To exercise endurance needs courage; to undertake
responsibilities also needs courage.
Monks and nuns show tremendous courage when they forgo their home life, travel
around the world to spread the teaching, transform all sentient beings, cultivate relentlessly, be
celibate, and work selflessly to benefit others.
It is easy for people nowadays to acquire knowledge, but it is difficult to learn to be a
courageous person. Some people display pretended courage and seek to compete with others, but
in the face of danger, they lose their moral integrity and forget their responsibilities, Therefore,
true courage cannot be reached without years of cultivation.
American astronauts, before embarking on space journey, have to learn and practice
meditation because meditation cultivates courage. When a person has no fear in the face of death,
what else could cause him to lose courage.
Read, Reflect and Act:
As a person, we must have the courage to overcome adversities and setbacks in life. The more
we overcome, the braver we become.

Apr. 16
The ability to overcome problems will gain
opportunities.
The ability to solve problems will seek auspiciousness.
The ability to not be afraid of problems
will seize chances.
Problems cannot be avoided. If you have a problem, you need to face it and think of ways
to solve it. Here are some methods to solve problems.
First, be honest and trustworthy. A person must be honest and keep to his word. If there is
a problem, it must be explained clearly and explicitly. Deception and lies will only worsen the
situation and are of no help.
Second, be cordial and kind. Solving problems is certainly related to people. To solve the
problem easily, the dealings between people must be gentle and friendly. If we put on a fierce
and stern expression with an unpleasant attitude or with an imposing, official bureaucratic
manner, the problem will only escalate and will not be solved easily.
Third, be considerate. An important condition in problem solve a problem involves both
parties; if you cannot help the other person to solve their problem, they too will be unable to help
you solve your problem. Hence, in order to solve a problem, you cannot stand only on your
individual view point; each expressing one opinion. This will increase the complexity of the
problem and make it simply unsolvable.
Read, Reflect and Act
If there is a problem, face it and think of ways to solve it.

Apr. 17
Go beyond conventions.
Avoid being complacent and conservative
so that you may transform and progress.
Exercise foresight.
Avoid being over ambitious so that you
May maintain the earlier achievements and
continue to grow.
In this world, nothing remains the same forever. If you remain unchanged or stick to
conventions and be your old self, no one can help you. The Buddha says, I am good guide,
guiding people onto the right path; if you do not take the path, the fault lies not with the guide. I
am like a good doctor providing good medical assistance and medicine, if you do not take the
medicine, the blame is not with the doctor.
People need to be educated to change their temperament. People often move house or
change occupations in order to change their residence and environment. With the change, there is
progress. Similarly, children begin their education by first going to kindergarten. Then, becoming
primary school kids, they later attend secondary school followed by university. Finally they are
able to become a scholar or a professor.
Some people may comment that, You seem like a different person. If person transforms
from being ignorant to virtuous, we compliment her. She has been reborn. In Buddhist
Medtation, a person who has realized the truth is deemed to have a rebirth metamorphosis.
Music may have tonal change, certain plants could change colour. Peoples hearts change
and this is the saddest thing to happen. A person with good intentions may change to one with
evil thoughts or vice versa; greed, anger and ignorance could be changed to moral virtues and
wisdom does not continue to cultivate and be influenced by adversity, he may become greedy,
angry and ignorant. Threfore, once there is a change the subsequent situation will not be the
same.
Read, Read and Act:
Change your disposition, change your environment, with changes there will progress.

Apr. 18
A tree cannot grow to a great height if not
exposed to the sun and rain.
A persons character is incomplete if not
tempered repeatedly.
Reinforcement is needed for all, whether it is a country, society, family or individual.
Even politics, economy, social, education and such things need reinforcement. When a building
is old, it has to be renovated: old bridges and roads need to be fixed and repaired; plants and
flowers should be watered and given fertilizer to sustain them; ditches and pipes have to be
cleaned and maintained; houses need to be freshened by fresh air and sunshine; buildings need to
be fortified and reinforced to prevent destruction by typhoons and earthquakes.
We study to improve our wisdom; we must have cultivation to enhance our disposition;
we must have cultivation to enhance our disposition; we must have good mentors to strengthen
our moral virtues; we must exercise to reinforce our physical strength; we should take part in
community welfare activities to form an affinity with others; we should visit relatives and friends
to strengthen our relationships. We wear glasses when our eyesight deteriorates; we use dentures
to replace our lost teeth. We aspire and work diligently to reinforce our services and endurance.
We must strive bravely to enhance our positive lookout and initiatives.
As the saying goes, If does not usually offer prayers, in dire times one has to hug the
Buddhas legs. This is not good method of reinforcement. Reinforcement should be done
frequently in the form of maintenance, protection or preparation in order to have the best
outcome.
Read, Reflect and Act;
We must strive bravely to enhance our positive lookout and initiatives.

Apr. 19
The path of ships is the ocean.
The path of light is the night.
The path to good behaviour is charitable deeds.
The path to enlightenment is compassion and wisdom.
Where is our path in life? Though our path here is only a brief journey in the eternity of
life, all of us should endeavor to walk the right path.
What is the right path? The right path for children is to practice filial piety and honour
their parents. Husband and wife should love and respect each other. Students should work
diligently in school. Friends should help and look after each other. All these are our right paths in
life.
Zeng Zi says, It is better to be lacking but on the right path than to be affluent and
deviant from the path. To succeed in our endeavor, we should always be decent, giving others
joy and doing things to benefit others. However, nowadays there are unethical developers who
cut corners and build unsafe buildings that could endanger lives. There are greedy lawyers who
instigate trouble by initiating unnecessary litigations and lawsuits just make fast money. There
are also shrewd bankers who scheme and manipulate to earn extra dollars. It is really unfortunate
these people choose to walk on the narrow path of deceit. They do not take the right path and
instead go down the deviant one. In the end they will reap the bitter fruit of their own misdeeds.
The sutra says Bodhisattvas fear causes and sentient beings fear effects. The right path
is certainly the road to heaven while the deviant path will lead hell. Which path would you like to
take?
Read. Reflect and Act:
To succeed in our endeavours, we should always be an upright person, giving others joy and
doing things to benefit others.

Apr. 20
Refrain from overeating, refrain from excessive speech.
Refrain from overreaching; refrain from over performing.
Our duty is to take care of the present.
Overdoing will cause us to miss out in the future.
A persons weight is not measure according to body mass; it is based on ones moral
virtue and wisdom. Ones contribution to the family and society during ones lifetime will be
determined by others. A persons merits and mistakes, success and failures will be appraised and
recognized in history, but does not come from blowing ones own trumpet.
In folk marriages of the past, a man was just required to pay certain amount fo dowry and
number of pigs to marry a wife; at a certain price a concubine could even be bought! What then
is the value of human dignity? The people of Qi would rather go hungry than to eat the food
offered in contempt. A persons integrity and dignity can best be seen when one is experiencing
hardship and poverty.
The Confucian Analects says, A noble man without dignity is not impressive, Our
behaviour, every move, each action, and our speech, each word, every sentence, our conduct in
society, and in our life; every minute and every second should all be conducted and
accomplished with respect and dignity. If we do not have self-respect and dignify, how do we
expect others to respect us? It is commonly said , One must have insulted oneself before one is
being insulted; one must have belittled oneself before one is being belittled. Thus, in our
conduct and behaviour not only must we be not arrogant, we must not belittle ourselves!
Read, Reflect and Act:
If we do not have self-respect and dignity, how do we expect others to respect us?

Apr. 21

We cant stop time but we can realize the truth of impermanence from it.
We cant chase after time but we can see clearly the value of life from it.
What do we base our value on? Some people place group interests head of everything,
others give priority to self -interest, some regard personal safety as of paramount importance
,some view personal sacrifice as sublime, others will first consider gain and loss, and still others
value justice and righteousness. Those who cling to life and fear death will put being alive as the
main value, where areas those who are ready to take up cudgels for a just cause would consider
risking their life to be the utmost value. Therefore we have re-evaluated our own value in life.
If a persons character, virtue and faith could easily be influenced by money, then the
value of ones life is decided by a monetary standard. If a persons thoughts, beliefs and
principles could be affected by ones emotional sentiments, then the orientation of the value of
ones life depends on the feelings.
People as well as countries have to reappraise their values. The value of a country does
not depend on the size of its land area, population density, or financial status as these are all
external factors. More importantly we have to appraise the moral strength, vitality and wisdom of
the people that constitute him intangible value of the country.
Anything of value should not be temporary; it should last into the future. Anything of
value should not depend on superficial factors; it should have intrinsic potential. In life how do
create our own value? How do we bring honor to our life? All these will have to wait till we have
reassessed our own worth.
Read, Reflect and Act:
Anything of value should not be temporary; it should last into the future. Anything of value
should not depend on superficial factors; it should be realized from the depth of the heart.

Apr. 22

Orchids are hidden deep in the valley.

Pearls are submerged in the bottom of the sea.
Precious jade is shaped after carving and polishing.
Iron and steel are cast after smelting and hammering.
Great talents arise in maturity.
Illustrious and influential talents emerge from humility
Sages and men of virtue could be hidden in mean alleys.
Great wisdom could be masked as a fool.
In our society and even the community around us, we often notice some people bloom
rather late in life. They have immersed themselves in their endeavors, enduring the hard knocks
only to emerge with their future soaring to great heights. This clearly shows a persons growth
requires the endurance of time, just as pines and cypresses require the baptism of frost and snow
to grow into luxuriantly green trees.
To immerse in an endeavor is to be prepared and wait for the right moment when causes
and conditions fall into place. Just like whales and dolphins submerging themselves in deep
oceans and orchids growing in valleys; only those who immerse themselves in their efforts will
eventually achieve great success. Just as twigs from a one-year old tree can only be used as
firewood while wood from a ten-year old tree is good for making furniture and only timber of a
century old tree can be used for beams and pillars.
It is generally said, Ones talent remains unknown until one amazes the world with a
single brilliant feat, Hence a person who is able to hone ones skills and not reveal ones talents
easily is the true master of those people who immerse themselves in an endeavor.
Life is too short; we need not retreat into the mountains or forests to practice serious
cultivation. These days, many young geniuses and gifted people could easily make use of their
talent to serve the society. There is nothing wrong or bad about this. However, fruits that have
been incubated fully should not be picked hastily; eggs that have not been incubated fully should
not be rashly pecked. Similarly, the early exploitation of talent in life is commendable. However
if a person were to immerse himself in honing his skills while waiting for the right moment when
causes and conditions emerge, that persons future is ascertained.
Read, Reflect and Act:
To immerse in an endeavor is to be prepared and wait for the right moment when causes and
conditions fall into place.

Apr. 23

Asserting tolerance of criticism from other people is the way to behave with integrity.
Having courage to courage to correct ones own mistakes is the way to accomplish goals.
Some things have the ability to absorb, for instance, a sponge. On the other hand, there
are things which do the other way around, such as plastics. Some people have the characteristic
of plastic, and some are like a sponge.
Some people in the same occupations are rivals, but some are best friends. We shouldnt
focus too much on the similarities and differences. Certainly, the best thing is to practice the
principle of tolerance for difference and pursuit of concord, if not, then let it remain different.
Similarly, there are many essential things in this world that are worth assimilating, for
example, knowledge, skills, good words, compassion, moral virtue, etc. The more we assimilate
these qualities, the more we benefit ourselves. However, there are also things we should not
assimilate, such as bad habits, laziness and slandering. We should expel qualities that can
contaminate our soul.
Normally, good men accept kind and good words. They reject malicious talk. In contrast,
bad people only accept vulgar words. Hence, we should conceive good words, good thoughts,
and good deeds while at the same time rejecting words which are irrelevant and nonsensical.
Prince Siddhartha learnt Brahmanic teachings before he was enlightened as Buddha.
From the teaching, Pince Siddhartha identified the unequal treatment of the different castes of
people, and this motivated the prince to find the truth. As a result, Prince Siddhartha realized that
all sentient beings possess a Buddha nature, which is in contrast with Brahmanic teachings. Thus,
emphasizing equality among all sentient beings is one of the main thrusts of Buddhist teaching.
Since ancient times, the sage learns only the good knowledge and rejects the bad. It is
beneficial for us to learn how to absorb and reject appropriately. With this, we will be able to live
middle path which is the path moderation.
Read, Reflect and Act:
It is beneficial for us to learn how to absorb and reject appropriately. With this, we will be able to
live the middle path which is the path of moderation.

Apr. 24
Generous people are not greedy.

People who is sacrifice their lives are not scoundrels.

People detached from worldly desires do not wrestle for fame.
People who strive to bring honour to their parents are not unworthy.
There is nothing wrong or improper with fame. In fame, we can seek benevolent and
good fame. In fortune, we should gain it through legal and benign means. It would be disastrous
if we achieve infamy while seeking fame or create negative conditions while pursuing wealth.
There is a Chinese saying about fame, It is worrisome that the generations after do not
seek reputation. A person with a truly good name should be loyal, filial, compassionate,
generous, and possess moral integrity. If one is able to serve society and contribute to the wellbeing of mankind, then more will applaud ones name. Unfortunately, many people are only keen
to chase after vain titles and are oblivious to the notorious reputation that they have garnered.
This is definitely an unwise move!
As for fortune, there is nothing wrong in seeking fortune with our capital, or in sharing
our fortune with others, or in making a profit for our living. If we pursue wealth deceitfully or
sacrifice moral integrity for gain and thus ruin our life, then we will certainly lose more than we
gain.
If we truly know how to live, we should be free and easy like the floating clouds and
flowing water. We should not allow fame and fortune to bind us, set our limits, or foreclose on
us. A person with a great craving for fame and fortune will have less happiness. Like iwse, the
more fame and fortune one possesses, the greater the stress on ones life.
Fame and fortune should be shared with family and friends and should benefit society
and the country. They should be used to help mankind so that fame and fortune are not
momentary but could endure through time and history. This certainly is true fame and fortune.
Read, Reflect and Act:
In fame we should seek benevolent and good fame. In fortune, we should gain through legal and
benign means.

Apr. 25

A noble person plans not only for herself but also for all beings.
It is vital to achieve enlightenment for self and others.
In the world around us, there are many loyal and upright people as well as cunning and
selfish scoundrels. So many devote their lives to society working for the common good whreas
many others are opportunists thinking only of their own self-interest. Of these myriad ways of
living, a pure and honest life is the most treasured.
What is a pure a honest way of life? Some examples include Yan Huis philosophy of life
which says, With only a bowl of food and scoop of water, others would have found it
unendurably depressing, but to my joy it made no difference at all.; Zeng Zis philosophy of
gain gain not from crooked means; Lin Juemins transforming personal love into the lofty
affection for mankind; Fan Zhongyens philosophy of having all beings as his prime concern;
Yue Feis loyalty and devotion to his country; Wen Tianxiangs aew inspiring righteousness.
These philosophies all represent the pure and honest life.
Buddhism teaches to use use this life to benefit all sentient beings; while Confucianism
stresses on the three immortal undertakings (upright achievement, upright virtue and upright
speech). Even the lives of many such as the Four Gentlemen during the Warring States, the
Six Gentlemen of late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China, the Seven Sages of the
Bamboo grove in the Jin Dynasty, the fourth Veneralbe Men of Mount Shang during the late Qin
and early Han Dynastics, and of course not forgetting the famous folklore of the twenty four
people and filial piety; all are examples of people leading a pure and honest life.
If our thoughts are always to benefit the world, always for the common good, wishing for
peace and happiness for everyone, and not seeking self-interest and self-enrichment, then this is a
pure and honest life.
Our life involves so much pursuit and so much desire, but in the end some people regret
the sins committed during their lifetime. If we are able to eradicate and remove this bad karma
and wrongdoing and in turn leave behind some pure and honest virtues for mankind, then our
existence in this human world will not have been in vain.
Read, Reflect and Act:
Of the myriad ways of living, a pure and honest life is the most treasured.
Apr. 27
Acting in self-interest only is the act of villain.
Acting in the interests of self-service before others is the act of mundane person.
Acting in the interests of others first before oneself is the act of virtuous person.
Acting in the interests of others without self-interest is the conduct of a Bodhisativa.
During the South and North Dynasty in ancient China the word sense of decorum was used to
comment on the character of people. Later these words were used to discuss a persons spiritually
and characteristics. Having a sense of decorum is a form of cultivation, respect, and tolerance.
An educated and sensible person generally has charming manners and is respected by others.
Mr. Hsieh Changting said it very well, Democracy has three measures, it should have a
system, it should also have tolerance and more importantly it should also have decorum. In any
American presidential election, the first thing the losing candidate did was to congratulate the

winner showing his sense of decorum. The British are usually considered to be the perfect
gentlemen. Often, Buddhists have also been complimented as having a religious demeanour.
General Le Yi in his reply to Emperor Hui of Yan Kingdom said, When gentlemen
severed their friendship, harsh words never uttered. When loyal ministers leave their country, its
reputation should not be slurred, This clearly demonstrated his upright character and sense of
decorum. In the Biography of Charity Temple, Master Xuan Zang was described as speaking of
no fame or benefits, acting in integrity and honesty. These words reflected a cultivators
demeanour.
For a person to be admired by the others, it is best to behave with decorum. During the
famous Three Kingdoms period, Zhou Yu was a person with no grace, he could not tolerate
Zhuge Liang and had sighed, Since Yu was born why then the birth of Liang? In particular,
there was the story of Zhou Yu and Liu Bei telling that Zhou Yu thought he had a brilliant
scheme to settle the world, and lost both his wife and battle in the end. Zhou conducted himself
with disgrace and he was ridiculed by the later generations.
Whether rich or poor, of noble or common birth, big or small, wise or foolish, one must
never lose ones sense of decorum!
Read, and Reflect and Act:
For a person to be admired by others, it is best to behave with decorum.

Apr. 28
Beautify our body and mind with morality; not necessarily through make up and appearance.

Enrich ourselves with compassion; not necessarily through fame and position to elevate status.
Virtue is an inner beauty, it is a noble natural temperament that is praised, respected,
looked forward to, and admired. Many people contributed to their country and were filial to their
parents. This is their virtue. Also, there are people who are not seduces by riches even though
they are poor. Although some may seem weak, they do not fear the powerful forces. Virtue is an
image that is accumulated over a long period of time. Virtue is like the pyramid; it cannot be
built within short period of time. Similar to wine: the longer the wine is brewed, the richer its
aroma.
We cant sense virtue from rich merchants because they are overbearing. Similarly, those
officials who are high in positions are so obsessed with fame that their virtue cannot be seen. In
fact, virtue is developed through humility and endurance. In addition, virtue should be proven
through time and temper, and should be regarded by others as noble and rightful, only then can
be considered as virtuous person.
A person can live without much wealth, fame, position, and a celebrated family
background; but one must not live without virtue. With virtue, we gain friendships, reputation
and good opportunities, Thus, why dont we trust ourselves in establishing the good image of
virtue?
Read, Reflect and Act:
Virtue is developed and nurtured with humility, and endurance.

Apr. 29
Patience is real power.
Generosity is true wisdom.

Tolerance is true compassion.

Contentment is real wealth.
Patience, generosity, tolerance and contentment are the four treasures of life.
The Roots of Dharma says, If you are right and forgiving, you are virtuous: virtue
broadens your scope. If you are wrong yet quarrelsome, you are overbearing; overbearing
narrows your scope.
One of the eminent scholars of the Chinese Song Dynasty, Su Dongpo, has known Prime
Minister Zhang Dun since a young age. When Zhang Dun was in power, he sent Su Dongpo was
pardoned, and instead Zhang Dun was banished to Leizhou Peninsula in Lingnan. When Su
Dongpo heard the news, he expressed his sympathy and sadness in a letter to a friend and told
Zhang Duns son to forget the past and to think about the future.
Tolerance is a virtue. Tolerance is a good prescription to promote world peace. As long
as all things are done in accordance with the spirit of respect and tolerance, they will have
admiration from others. In contrast, history has shown us that many high status ministers and
generals, owing to their imperious and domineering behaviour and their harsh treatment of
others, were killed at the hands of the enemies that they had made.
Sometimes, when we show tolerance to the enemy we are being cruel to ourselves.
However, this is not a inevitable principle; instead sincere and honest people will certainly have
received help from others. Even to forgive others is to benefit ourselves. Therefore, within a
family it is moral justice that we have to be tolerant. Unintentional words spoken in a moment of
anger could often destroy friendship and merits cultivated over years. If we could face all the
tribulations in life with a sincere, honest and tolerant kindness, in time it will become our
strength, and our future will certainly be easy and smooth.
Read, Reflect and Act:
As long as all things are done in accordance with the spirit of respect and tolerance, they will
have admiration from others.

Apr. 26
To be able to retreat as another steps forward reflects allowing.
One gains inner riches if one knows how to base shunyata as the foundation of existence.

One makes a life complete if one knows how to serve others as if serving oneself.
One achieves Dharma happiness if one knows how to treat emptiness as enjoyment.
In this world, we can see many people strive forward in obtain fame and wealth. They do
not stop and retreat even though there is a dangerous trap or wall blocking their progress. As a
result, they either sacrifice horribly or are battered badly. On the other hand, if they could retreat,
as in making a turn or detour, they might discover a bigger world. To retreat is not to give up, but
rather to make concessions in order to advance. This is analogous to a Chinese proverb of how a
farmer moves backwards in order to transplant rice seedlings in paddy field, By bowing down,
one can see the blue sky from the reflection of water. By stepping back and thinking, one will
gain new horizon.
In order for one to conduct oneself and handle affairs, one must be humble and tolerant.
In order for one to start ones career and to succeed, one must know that to retreat is to move
forward. An engine gains its force to move forward through backward propulsion. Similarly, the
more we compress the air, the higher likelihood that will burst. From these examples we can
understand how essential it is to yield in order to achieve success.
Knowing that in retreating we move forward encompasses the highest philosophy of selfconduct. What we are seeking in life is perfection and liberation. If one only knows how to move
forward without knowing how to retreat, that person only has half of the world. Thus, knowing
the philosophy of retreating in order to advance can elevate our life to having the complete
world. Hnece, we can live a meaningful life if we understand the significance of this philosophy.
As a resukt, why dont we retreat in order to move forward.
Read, Reflect and Act:
Knowing how to retreat is to move forward, as in making a turn or detour, one might discover a
bigger world.

Apr. 30
Rivers are as long as they twist, which is why rivers flow from a far.
Mountains thrust up for height, which is why mountains are grand and stately.

The mind is tolerant due to restraint, which is why the mind can encompass the universe.
Breath is balance where there is incoming and outgoing, which is why it extends in all direction.
How do we cultivate tolerance?
1. Usually it encompasses not fussing about trifles and always forgiving others. Do not mix
up important matters and keep a clear concept of right and wrong.
2. It is best not to be distressed by unpleasant matters. When faced with an unpleasant
incidence, treat it with equanimity and avoid panicking. This will cultivate tolerance.
3. When being ridiculed, self-reflect and do not retaliate. Tolerance will grow naturally.
4. Learn to bear losses and offer advantages to others. Tolerance will increase with time.
5. See only the good in others, forget the many wrongs of only the shortcomings are seen in
the others and the virtues are ignored, tolerance can never be cultivated.
The sutra says, The mind encompasses endless space, the thoughts reach limitless
universe. If you can encompass the whole universe in your mind, then your mental tolerance is
a vast as the universe. There is a common local verse that says, To take advantage is to lose
advantage: heaven knows when you are being taken advantage of; if you maintain integrity in
your mind, there will be no concern about being bullied in you life.
Those with tolerance will never suffer any loss!
Read, Reflect and Act:
If you can encompass the whole universe in your mind, then the capacity of your mind is as vast
as the universe.

May Family

May 1
The abode of fishes is the sea.
The abode of birds is the forest.

The abode of people is their home.

The abode of Buddhas path is the realization of the nature of emptiness..
A man travelling or residing far away from home always wishes to go home, whereas
those who stay at home always wish to go out. Some people prefer to go home while others
prefer to go out. If going home is good, then one should consider ones home as a temple, a Pure
Land, or a Buddha realm. Thus, home will be wonderful. If we wish to go out, we should aim to
broaden our heats so that we can accommodate the whole world and be in peace and harmony
with all Dharma realms. Then going out is not bad at all.
Workers go home after work. It feels great when there is a home to return to. One can
well imagine the homeless ones who wander on the street in late at night.
The Chinese conjure the feeling of returning home as that of falling leaves returning to
their roots and the tired birds returning to their nests. Dragons and fish live in the sea while
lions and tigers hide in the mountains. Tao Yuanming gave up his fame and status as highranking government official and went to live in the countryside. Some of us leave home to strive
for our ideals and careers. However, the homeland, family and relatives are also precious
treasures. Hence, it is also valuable to be bale to return home and enjoy kinship and family
warmth.
As the saying goes, Paradise may be good but it is not a place to become attached to for
long. Our home may be simple but it is still better than the golden or silver corner.
Read, Reflect and Act:
If one can think of ones home as a temple, a Pure Land or Buddha realm, then the home will be
wonderful.

May 2
Diligence makes a family prosperous
Laziness make a family weak.

Thrift makes a family wealthy.

Being a spendthrift makes a family poor.
A home does not belong to an individual but to the whole family. E have to follow the
philosophy of living at home in order to foster a happy family.
The philosophy of home living is to show respect to the elders, to establish a good
neighbourhood, to live within our means, to save money for rainy days, to take care of old and
young ones, to be filial and loyal, to be harmonious among family members. It is to treat others
as our first considerations and ourselves as our last as being at a disadvantage is favourable, to
balance by tolerance, to offer and receive love, to cultivate and practice spirituality, to live up the
familys good name, to learn to give selflessly, and to keep the home clean and tidy.
As the saying goes, Love me, love my dog. When you love your home and family, you
should also care for the environment, neighbourhood, and community facilities and so forth. A
home should be neat, clean, beautiful and simple. There should be an altar to revere the Buddha
and the ancestral tablet. One should not be superstitious about the geographical factors of Feng
Shui, as long as the house is adequately ventilated and gets plenty of sunlight. It is more
important to build a good affinity with the neighbours and to help one another.
Read, Reflect and Act:
We have to follow the philosophy of home living in order to foster a happy family.

May. 3
Morning is the best start of the day
Diligence is the best exercise in a lifetime.

A clear mind is the best tool to do things.

Harmony is the best principle for a happy family.
As the proverb says, If you are not connected to this family line, you will not be born
into this family. Living together as family members, we may eventually foster similar concepts,
expressions and habits. However, sometimes there might be differences in opinion or a different
routine in daily life due to work; but since everything belongs to the same family, all parties will
be tolerant and understanding towards one another
Home is like a comfortable nest and safe harbor. Family members are like pillars that we
can lean on forever. Home is support station that is never closed. Thus, anyone who travels or
resides far away from home would love to return whenever there is time. It is a place where one
can share ones happiness, anger, sadness and joy, Family members are people who will never
betray or abandon us.
Nevertheless, members of the same family can be also of different characters and
personalities. On the one hand, there are those who work hard and bring honour to the family. On
the other hand, there are also those who squander all the familys fortune and savings. Family
members should encourage a mutually supportive relationship and contribute to each others
well-being at all times.
Home is the nucleus of human organization. The meaning of home would be more
significant if we could extend our family love to all humanity.
Read, Reflect and Act:
Family members should encourage a mutually supportive relationship and contribute to each
others well-being at all times.

May 4
Do not fight your siblings over material gain
Do not hurt friends and family ties for selfish desire.

Do not forsake kindness and compassion out of greed and stinginess.

Do not damage the harmony of society and country by violent acts.
As the old sayings go, Two brothers work well together in battlefield and The united
strength of brotherhood can cut through gold. In Chinese, brothers are described as hands and
legs. With both hands and legs coordinating together, one can unleash great strength in life.
It is painful to parents when their children fight one another and it is misfortune of
children if their parents are not in harmony. Hence, it is important to practice family ethics,
parents have to be compassionate and children have to be filial. Parents have to respect and love
each other. Siblings are like hands and legs: they should help one another. How can people
develop great strength in their lifetimes if their hands and legs are incomplete.
Since ancient times, many siblings could not get along with one another in big family.
There are people who do not have any siblings and yet meet close friends and take care of each
other like brothers and sisters. These are also people who live alone and without any siblings. Li
Mi in Sui Dynasty sighed, I had no children in my family, nor even any close relative to assist
me outside. One whi cannot leave ones house to contribute to ones country is pitiful and
helpless.
Bo Yi and Shu Qi offered the throne to each other and strengthened their bond of
brotherhood. Ji Zha from the Chu Kingdom in Spring and Autumn Period offered his throne to
his elder brother three times which won him high respect from his fellow countrymen. That is
even more precious than becoming the emperor. From the above examples, we can see how
important the relationship of siblings is.
Read, Reflect and Act:
Siblings are like hands and legs: they should be supportive to one another.

May 5
Grandparents smiles are like sunshine to the grandchildren
Childrens voices are like music to the parents.

A wifes loving words are like a warm breeze to the husband.

A husbands arms are refuge for the whole family.
The most valuable human relationship is not to eat and drink together; nor to travel and
play together. Rather, it is to understand each other, to trust each other and to accept each other;
only then can it be considered a valuable relationship.
Some parents who are illiterate have high hopes for their children and are willing to pay
generously for educational fees and even go so far as to sell their property. As parents, they
understand and care for their childrens future achievement. They would rather be thrifty about
their own needs and prepared to pay for nurturing their children. Children should understand
their parents love and effort so that they can be motivated and grateful. And hence work
diligently.
A couple who mutually understand and care for each other surely love each other.
Mutually understanding parents and children will certainly be thankful to one another. A
mutually understanding employer and employee will support one another. There are bonds in
friendship when there is understanding; there is light and warmth in life when there is
understanding. If there is no understanding, families can become enemies, and working
comrades can become rivals. Hence, it is important to have mutual understanding in any human
relationship.
Read, Reflect and Act:
To be understanding, one should take into consideration each others positions and conditions.

May 6
Show filial piety to parents while they are still alive.
Start educating your children when they are young.

What is the most valuable thing in the world? Family ties are the most valuable thing!
There are family ties with parents, uncles and aunts, grandparents, siblings. Not only
humans have family ties, even animals have family ties. The tigers do not eat their young ones
because they have family ties. Little lambs kneel down when they are fed by the mother lamb,
the young crow will in return take care of their parents, these are all because will in return take
care of their parents, these are all because of family ties.
In the past, family ethics were the foundation of ones own conduct. Many ministers who
were famous for their loyalty and people who are well known for their filial piety kept to the
teachings of their parents and teachers. However, public morality nowadays is not what it used to
be, and not only are people estranged, but even family ties are not as valued as before. The media
reports about many cases of incest and children not fulfilling their responsibility and abandoning
their parents. Some of them even scold and beat their parents when their request for money is not
being satisfied.
Confucius once said, Rile the world with the virtues of filial piety. The social saying
goes, Filial piety is the first virtue to be cultivated. In Buddhism, we have The Filial Piety
Sutra: We should treat our parents with filial piety while they are still alive and not after they die.
As the saying goes: The tress long for peace but the wind will never cease, children want to take
care of the parents but they are no longer around. We have to show our parents respect and filial
piety without hesitation, for what is the use of regretting when it is too late? If we want to have
order in the society, ethics in the family, people need the virtues of the noble man. We should not
wait to advocate the importance of family ties and the virtue of filial piety.
Read, Reflect and Act:
If we want to have order in the society, ethics in family, people need the virtues of a noble man.
We should not wait to advocate the importance of family ties and the virtue of filial piety.

May 7
In childhood, we should correct ourselves frequently.
In youth, we should face ourselves seriously:

In adulthood, we should expand ourselves widely.

In old-age, we should perfect ourselves completely.
Once, there was a country which thought that elder people were useless and thus
abandoned them in the wilderness of the mountains.
One day, a foreign messenger brought to the country a letter from the king of a foreign
country. Unfortunately no one in that country could comprehend the letter. So the king of that
country offered great rewards to whoever could understand the letter. A minister requested the
kings consent to have the letter to seek the wise ones advice. He explained the content to the
king on the very next day. The king was happy and asked the minister how he did it. The minister
told him that it was the wisdom of the elders. The king finally admitted that his disrespect to the
elders was a great mistake. They are not only lovable but also very valuable.
Sometimes the elders are disliked by their family members due to the generation gap,
their nagging habits, their stubbornness and sickness. There is a saying: There are no filial
children by the bed of the old and sick ones, showing the elders as something to be abandoned
by the society. We as the elders should know how to enjoy our lives and to make sure the young
ones are willing to listen whenever we need to share our experiences. You should not be attached
to the methods of the past; this will only make others think that you are stubborn and the young
ones will dislike you.
The elders should not be egotistical and stubborn, thinking that all young ones should
listen to them and follow their advice. The elders should be young at hear, open-minded, able to
take in and let go. Although they are old, elders should be useful, interesting and skillful.
Read, Reflect and Act:
We should be old and useful, old and interesting and skillful.

May 8
Magnanimity is great treasure.
A harmonious relationship is wonderful.

Detachment from fame and gain averts affliction.

Joy at heart keeps us young.
If elders can always keep a simple and sincere heart, they are rejuvenated, like Max Liu,
who is known as Taiwans Picasso, is also called the naughty old child. An elderly person
should uncover something thats lovable, such as Zhang Daqians beard, Yu Yourens twig, Lang
Jingshans camera, Li Tianluss puppet show, Chen Das song named Si Xiang Qi. These are
all lovable things of the elders.
The elders should make an effort to guard the spirit of giving in to old age and be
someone who is retired but not resting. For example, some can help to look after their
grandchildren while others can help to sweep the park. Still others can help in recycling on the
streets. If we are able to manage our living not only will we live happily, we will not burden our
family and the society.
The elders must also be wise and able to provide inspiration to others. The elders must
also have a specialty, like learning computing, foreign languages, singing, and painting etc. Time
will be well spent if they read, self-improve, write and cultivate.
Being an old person is not about age but ones mental state; being an old person mis not
about body but ones mind. If ones personality and capability can benefit the society by being
able to contribute and bring happiness to others; not only will one not be troublesome, but one
can surely become a happy and loveable elder.
Read, Reflect and Act:
Being an old person is not about age but ones mental state; being an old person is not about
body but ones mind.

May 9
Modesty towards the elders is our duty.
Modesty towards peers is being good natured.

Modesty towards juniors is noble.

Modesty towards strangers is security.
One day, a devotee came to the temple to pray to the Buddha. The young monk at the
reception greeted him and informed an old monk at the reception greeted him and informed an
old monk nearby, A devotee is here. Please server tea. Soon, the young monk gave a few more
instructions to the old monk, Please wipe up the incense ashes on the table, Dont forget to
water the flowers, and Remember to invite the devotee to stay for lunch. The old monk was
busy following the young monks instructions.
Out of curiosity, the devotee asked the old monk, Who is the young monk? Why is he
telling you what to do all the time? The old monk gladly replied: He is my apprentice! It is my
blessing to have such a talented apprentice. When devotees come, he would just let me serve tea
and I dont have to do the talking. He just asks me to invite devotees to stay for meals, and I
dont have to do the cooking. He usually plans everything in the temple and saves me a lot
work! The devotee did not understand and asked, Who is the senior of the two of you? The
old monk answered, Of course the older one is the senior; but the young one is capable!
The wisdom and experience of the elderly is definitely a great asset to the family and the
society. However, the vitality and energy of the younger generation are also very important to a
society. The generation gap between parents and children can be resolved if parents let go of
their authority and take care of the children in the spirit of empathy and support, just like what
the old monk did. Similarly, children should learn to respect their parents experience and
wisdom without discrimination.
Read, Reflect and Act:
The generation gap between parents and children can be resolved if parents let go of their
authority and take care of the children in the spirit of empathy and support.

May 10
Fame and fortune can vanish instantly.
Meritorious deeds and the cultivation of virtue are long lasting.

The Three Realms are like a burning house; only by settling our body and mind can we find the
Pure Land.
Parents today do not need to wait until the children leave home to cultivate their interests
hobbies. They can start developing hobbies such as reading, painting, playing musical
instruments, travelling, doing volunteer work and spiritual cultivation etc. so that they are able to
face loneliness when their children leave home in the future.
I have provided a few suggestions here for reference:
1.) You may invite good friends over for meals of gatherings. Let your house be full of
vitality.
2.) You may nurture the habit of reading to continue learning and to calm down your
mind.
3.) You may develop a variety of hobbies such as writing, gardening, raising pets and so
forth in order to beautify your home.
4.) You may contribute to social welfare and be a volunteer at the school, hospital and
temple.
5.) You may find refuge in a religious belief to replace the kinship of a family. The
Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra said, The Dharma happiness is your spouse; benevolence
is your child, the four stages of meditation is your bed base; emancipation is the water
which satisfies your thirst.
If you have a sincere heart; even though your home is empty, your life will never be
empty.
Read, Reflect and Act:
You may nurture the habit of reading to continue your knowledge of things and people and in
order to reside in a calm mind.

May 11
Sparing no effort to serve parents is a good model for the young generation.

Doing good without expecting any returns will reap good karmic results for our young
generation.
Society today is growing more and more ignorant of the ethic of filial piety. Many Family
relationships become distant due to the generation gap. We can see many filial parents in the
hospitals serving their children and not otherwise. Some children hardly visit their parents in the
hospital let alone take care of them.
There was a butcher living in the Nanhai Putuo Mountain, China. He was an unfilial child
who always rebelled against his mother. One day, he went to pray on the Putuo Mountain when
he heard that there was a very efficacious Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. An old monk told him, A
living Avalokitesvara has gone to your house. He thus quickly returned home. His mother said
to him, You are unfilial to your parents. What merit would you gain by praying to the Buddha
afar?
We should perform our duty of filial piety while our parents are alive. During the Jin
Dynasty in ancient China, Emeperor Jinwu invited Li Mi to be the teacher of the prince.
However, Li Mi declined the invitation as he needed to take care of his grandmother in her old
age. He said to the Emperor, I would have time in the future to serve your highness. But I have
very limited time to serve my old grandmother. This showed that we should be filial while there
is time. Never wait until The trees long for stillness but the wind never ceases, children want to
take care of the parents but they are no longer around.
Read, Reflect and Act:
We should perform our duty of filial piety while our parents are alive.

May 12
Only love itself can gain love in return.

Haired cannot gain love.

Only respect itself will gain respect in return.
Anger cannot gain respect.
Our society likes to promote love. With love, we feel comfortable to be in any place in
the world. With love, we can have warm human world. Love is comparable to sunshine, air and
water, without which we cannot survive. Nevertheless, we should love ethically, reasonably and
respectfully. Otherwise, we can do many disgraceful things in the name of love.
As we can see, many young men and women wish to be with each other every minute
while they are in love. However, when they lose one another, some may wish harm onto the
other party. True love is sacrifice, to serve, to treasure and to support. For example, I love wealth
and I will share it with others. I love fame and I will use my reputation to support others. I love
relationships and I will take good care of my family.
A marriage is the sublimation of the love, the accomplishment of love and unity of love.
If our love is inappropriate, it is comparable to losing freedom, with a rope tied to our body and
mind; it is comparable to a shackle chaining us; it is comparable to being in the dark like a blind
man; it is comparable to drowning in the sea of suffering.
In fact, love is beautiful, love is kind, love is real and love is pure. We should sexpand
our love from a narrow perspective to broader perspective; to not only love ourselves and our
family, but also the community, country and the world.
Read, Reflect and Act:
Love is two-way street; we should be attentive to each others feelings.

May 13
Purify sentiment with rationality.

Operate sentiment with compassion.

Regulate sentiment with etiquette.
Guide sentiment with ethics.
The purification of love is compassion. The sublimation of life is our true nature. We love
nature, the mountains, the sea, trees and flowers, but we never think of possessing them.
Similarly, when we see an artistic building, a new car model, a beautiful person, we would
admire them but we need not think of owning them. In this way, to love and admire beautiful
things is human nature and not a sin.
However, Just is different from love. It is to possess and it is a selfish desire. Due to
lust, greed arises and contaminates our true nature. Thus, lust and love are totally different.
The worst result of lust is jealousy. Someone once said that we can find a woman who
does not eat, but we cannot find a woman who is not jealous. Man can also become jealous.
Some wives can tolerate their husbands debaucheries but some husbands cannot stand to see
their wives talking to another man.
In Buddhism, human beings are called sentient beings. With love there will be strength
and sublimation of state of mind. I hope that we can transform our selfish love into compassion
and also take away our lust.
Read, Reflect and Act:
Lust is different from love. It is to possess and it is a selfish desire.

May 14
The greatest happiness in life for children is to be taught by their mother.

The greatest happiness in life for a husband is to have his wifes support.
Holding hand is term in the Taiwanese dialect which means a marriage relationship
where the couple will hold hands and spend their lives together.
It is somewhat special to address a couple as holding hands. Normally, people will just
shake hands. Even good friends will only pat us on our shoulders. Holding hands means to
follow each other forever, to be interdependence, to share happiness as well as sorrow, and to
support each other in times of difficulties.
Holding hands is initiated from the relationship of love. If we have mutual respect
towards each other in society and develop our compassion and kindness towards each other, the
whole society would be transformed into a wonderful family like community.
A couple should not only hold hands and spend their lives together. They should also
work together as both hands helping each other. Things that the left hand couldnt carry the right
hand can help on its own initiative. If both hands couldnt cooperate, they can be likened to a
person who has a stroke of deformity. As a result, if they cannot hold hands or help each other,
a family will inevitable face problems. Let us wish all those holding hands in the world can
have blessed marriages.
Read, Reflect and Act:
A couple should not only hold hands and spend their together, but they should also work together
as both hands can help each other.