Fo Guang Bodhi Class – No Fighting Between Self and Others

During Fo Guang Bodhi class’ lesson on 14th March, Trustee Tina Gao led 7 class members to read Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s “No fighting between self and others”.

Contents within described a gatha written by Venerable Master Hanshan during the Ming Dynasty who wished to alert people of the world, which reads “There is no need to fight over rumours and gossip between self and others, why do we need to talk about each other’s short comings? There have always been imperfections in the world. When cultivating the Way we are seeking for the truth, so it’s best to avoid things which are impermanent.” Main points are that conflicts over rumours and gossip will always occur during our daily lives, but as long as we do not hide from, discuss about, pass on, or be intimidated by these right and wrong type of conflicts then we will not be bothered by them. We should live a pure and carefree life and do not stress over interpersonal issues. We should remember the motto of “You are right and I am wrong, you can have and I can be without, you can have happiness and I will take hardship, and you are good and I am bad.” Then naturally we will possess a big and spacious heart. The world is full of regrets, but if one can discover the beauty amongst regrets and imperfections then we can still find enjoyment to live an open minded life.

With ever increasing age, Bodhi class members all realised the importance of keeping fit, hence it’s decided that after every class, they will all follow Dharma sister Bao Ju Zhang’s lead to practice Tai Qi. It is hoped that through the Bodhi class everyone can learn to cultivate their morality, conscience and wisdom; by not wasting time on impermanent arguments over right and wrong between self and others, comparing with others, fuss over issues, and getting exercises. Hence our body and mind can be healthy and perfect, thus creating a joyous life.