Introduction Death is a natural part of life that every person will face at some point. It cannot be avoided. Nevertheless, many people experience depression and a sense of loss when they come across a death of a loved one. Therefore, we need to learn how to maintain a healthy mindset in facing and dealing with death. We have no way of predicting or preparing for accidental death, and can only deal with the results. However, for people who are ...
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1. Introduction

It is said, “Precepts are the foundation of Supreme Bodhi.” Constructing a tall building needs a good foundation; attaining Bodhi requires upholding the precepts. This is why observing the precepts is so important! Why do we need to uphold the precepts? Why do we need to be restricted from doing something? In fact, the precepts teach the best moral conducts, such as doing good deeds and not committing bad ones. In other words, we have to sever ...
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Eradication Methods From where does the COVID virus originate? From which country did the infection spread? Did animals infect us, or is there a human cause? After months of panic, there is now an ongoing fear of famine and other catastrophes. Is this Heaven’s way of punishment? ...
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Foreword Three thousand years ago, the Buddha told us that there is no ultimately peaceful place in this world: “There is no peace in the Three Realms; they are like a burning house.” The Buddha told us that there will be three minor calamities: war, pandemic, and famine. All three have appeared in our world today. Warnings can be found in the Buddhist sutras from long ago, about the deaths and injuries due to war, the worldwide spread of the ...
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These days, vegetarianism has become a societal trend. Many people advocate for following a vegetarian diet, each with their own circumstances and reasons. The founding Abbot of Lingyen Mountain Temple, Venerable Master Miao Lien, always encouraged people to chant the Buddha’s name and be vegetarian. He said, “Blessings, wisdom, good health, and longevity are all contained within a vegetarian diet.” The following are selections from the Venerable Master’s teachings which explain the ten main reasons for being a vegetarian. 1 ...
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Ground Purification is a Buddhist ceremonial ritual, usually performed before the start of a Dharma service. Its main purpose is to purify a place, transforming all local spirits of the Three Lower Realms into Dharma protectors. Buddhism can bring benefits to all sentient beings from the Heavens to the Hells alike. The Great Compassion Mantra that we recite and the Great Compassion Water that we sprinkle are for delivering and liberating these spirits, transforming this place into a location for ...
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