To extend our compassion and loving kindness from our loved ones and relatives to all sentient beings.

ESC Lotus Link Dharma Class - 3 December 2008

Before class some of the members helped with weeding of the temple gardens.

At 7pm seven members joined the class. It began with the group participating in the evening chanting with the Reverends in the Main Shrine.

Because it was a nice evening, the members then enjoyed the evening discussion in the Temple garden. The theme of the discussion was centred on a story in the book "How I practice Humanistic Buddhism". The story chosen was about waiting for puppies to cross the road safely. It was a lovely story and had a nice ending. However members gave examples and discussed how life does not always reflect this happy story and that people are impatient, in a hurry and have little or no compassion.

Venerable Miaoyu discussed compassion and asked us to explore our compassion - not only to other human beings but to all sentient beings. As a good example she talked about an experience some of us shared at the last Saturday service:

One of the members (Peter Batten) was absent from the motive meditation section of the service. He had noticed that a bird was stuck in the net underneath the roof of the temple. He was not selfish or attached to the service, so he stopped to try and free the bird. He went in search of a pole to use to manoeuvre an opening in the netting so the bird could be released. The bird was frightened and unable to fly free despite the help from Peter.

The members, on finishing their meditation and noting the situation, worked to help Peter release the bird. A tall stand used for the big temple drum was re positioned. Another member found some scissors, climbed the stand and cut a hole for the bird to fly out. After a bit of encouragement the bird found its way out through the cut opening.

At that moment in time the group acted with compassion and loving kindness. They were not focussed or centred on themselves.

When someone tries to help us; are we frightened, struggling, refusing to take the guidance? Or are we calm, open, willing to learn from the mistake, able to follow the guidance provided.

Conclusion:
* To extend our compassion and loving kindness from our loved ones and relatives to all sentient beings.
* When we are applying compassion, we don't have suffering and negative thoughts.
* Learn from the past mistakes; do not repeat your wrong doings.