Fo Guang Shan Bodhi Book Reading Class – Master Hsing Yun speaks Gatha “Be gentle, not harsh”

A book reading and discussion session was held at Fo Guang Shan for the elderly Bodhi class on 6th September at 1:00pm. The class was lead by BLIA board member Hua Mei Gao and attended by 12 Buddhist elders. The topic of discussion revolved around the article called “Be gentle, not harsh” from the “Master Hsing Yun speaks Gatha” series.

There’s an ancient saying that goes: “When others insult and slander me, what does that have to do with me? There is nothing wrong practicing forbearance during these occurrences. If we react rudely, what sort of example are we setting for our children? So we should express ourselves from a source of gentleness, instead of harsh confrontations.” By using the above sayings, Master Hsing Yun emphasizes that our behavior should be modest, honest and open, hence we are in accordance with “Express ourselves from a source of gentleness, instead of harsh confrontations.” So as long as we do not react angrily and behave in an unreasonable manner, other’s insults toward us will not harm us, instead they become good conditions that allows us to grow and improve, because we have learnt how to resist anger, be tolerant and accepting our circumstances. This way we eliminate bad karma and increase our merits.

During cultivation we should practice forbearance first. Forbearance comes from our mouth, where we do not casually curse, slander and insult others. Forbearance comes from our face, where we do not show our ugly expressions of anger. Forbearance comes from our mind, where we really can achieve doing things smoothly, being tolerant, and not fuss over “right and wrong, gain and loss” etc. This way we can become good role models for our children, which is the true way to grant them fortune for the future.

There are some common mundane quotes that go: “A wise man does not fight when the odds are against him.” And “For a gentlemen to take revenge, 10 years of waiting is not too long”. We definitely should not practice the sort of “forbearance” taught by these sayings! These sort of “Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth” attitudes are the cause of endless grudges, and the cause of the three evil realms. Real forbearance is built upon foundations of great wisdom and great compassion. It’s achieved by using contemplations of cause & conditions and compassion as a basis for our interpersonal conducts. If we practice in this manner, vexation and mental suffering with not arise when we encounter situations. This is real forbearance, which will open our wisdom.

All the elders present shared their experiences of tolerance and forbearance during their everyday life. Then everyone joined in the singing of songs from “Sounds of the Human World” music series to relax. All participants expressed that coming to the weekly “Bodhi Reading Class” is one of the biggest joy in their lives, so as long as they are healthy, they will not squander these wonderful conditions.