Diligent Cultivation Evening Dharma Service

On the evening of 18th July, over 120 devotees gathered at the Main Shrine to participate in the “Diligent Cultivation Evening Dharma Service” despite heavy down pour. The proceedings were led by Venerable Abbess Manshin to recite sutra, chant the Buddha’s name and pay homage. Syllable after syllable of the Buddha’s name created a wonderful harmony with the pattering rain. Everyone present managed to settle their mind to be able to have a conversation with themselves.

During the Dharma talk, the Abbess emphasised that cultivation is “tidying oneself”, where the Buddha mentioned that: “Up in the heaven and down on earth I am the most honoured”. This is saying that the true self is life’s real master. We have continued searched for answers to how to find ourselves? How elevate the quality of our lives? We can use the Buddha’s teachings to uncover the strength of our faith, which will also clarify the direction of heart’s destination. New Zealand’s pure environment gives us ample opportunities to observe our inner world and to understand how much content and wisdom we really possess. It is hoped that we can use a calm attitude to face others and to adjust our habitual thinking to eliminate our habits. From the Buddha’s wisdom teachings we can abide our mind within the Dharma and faith. After having tidied ourselves well, our lives will become more relaxed so we can look into the pure reflective lake that is New Zealand calmly to see all that is within our mind.

The Abbess also encouraged everyone to do their own cultivation homework regularly, so after 1, 2, 10 or more years we can be tested. We should do our best to eliminate all our bad habits within our limited life span, so our life can be like a quiet lake that will not be disturbed by the 8 winds. This will mean that we have not wasted a pair of shoe walking through this life time.