5th Day of Emperor Liang Repentance Dharma Function

Despite the winter chills, 130 devotees braved the weather and arrived at the Main Shrine on the evening of 29th May to recite and pay homage to 5th fascicle of the “Emperor Liang Repentance Text” under the guidance of Venerable Abbess Manshin.

After the completion of the service, once again Venerable Juexi expounded the meaning of fruit offering to the congregation. Using the scripture’s reference to amalaka fruit, the Venerable told several stories:

1. One day the Elder Aniruddha fell asleep during one of Buddha’s Dharma talk. After being scolded by the Buddha, Aniruddha felt very remorseful thus vowed to never sleep again. After awhile, this caused him to become blind, but instead of becoming disheartened and lazy, Aniruddha’s continued diligence in cultivation eventually gained him the supernatural power of Celestial eyes. Hence he can view the Saha world as if it’s just an amalaka fruit in his palm. This can be used to represent amalaka fruit’s purity and preciousness.
2. The devoted, generous donor and protector of Buddhism, Emperor Ashoka, was very sick during the end of his life. Worried that he will not have any more opportunities to make offerings and cultivate merit after passing, he ordered the entire contents of the national treasury be offered to the Triple Gem. But since he his sickness was almost terminal, no one heeded his command. Hence during the last moment, all he has left is a half eaten amalaka fruit that can be offered. Moral of the story is that all worldly riches and fame will not be under our control one day, but no one can take away our merit accumulated over a long period of doing good deeds and having good thoughts. If we want to make donations and offerings, we should do it as soon as possible.
3. Once upon a time there was a rich elder who’s family all caught epilepsy, and they’ve heard that only amalaka can cure it. Hence the elder ordered his servant to buy some, and reminded him to buy ripe and sweet ones. After the servant arrived at the orchard, the owner warmly received him and claimed that “All my fruit picked are the ripest and sweetest; if you don’t believe me you can try one.” The servant said: “How can I be sure all the fruit are ripe and sweet after just tasting one?” The owner persuaded him that: “But if the fruit’s skin has been broken, it will be no good anymore. But if you insist on tasting them all, the ones that are not sweet can be returned to me, but sweet ones you must buy.” The servant thus tasted all the fruits one by one, thus ended up buying a whole basket of spoiled amalaka fruits.” The rich elder is very angry with the result, thus threw out all the fruits. Moral of the story is that most ordinary people do not believe in Cause and effect, unless they’ve had personal experiences. But when serious consequences and Karmic obstructions have finally arrived, it will all be too late. Then just like the amalaka fruit, all will be for nought.

The participating congregation listened to the stories attentively, absorbing their meanings. Venerable Juexi encouraged everyone to be sincere and feel shame during every repentance, which is the best way to transcend our grudges. Learning from the 5th Fascicle’s “Difficult to Defeat” Bodhisattva to defeat demons with meditative concentration, understand the 4 Noble Truths and practice according to this Dharma Gate. From understanding and practicing in accordance to the sutras, we thus achieve self elevation and growth, and become a Bodhisattva in the human world.