Fo Guang Bodhi Class – Four things we should not do

On 6th June, BLIA Trustee Tina Hua Mei led 3 Bodhi class members to read and discuss Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s article “4 things we should not do”.

The article centres around 4 gathas selected from a famous literature from the Chan School called “Gateless Barrier”. The Gatha says: “Do not draw another’s bow, do not ride another’s horse, do not gossip other’s faults, and do not snoop on other’s affairs” Which are perfect mottos to follow when we conduct daily businesses. There’s a folk saying in China that goes: “If we do not listen, our mind will not be vexed, and if we do not look, we will not crave for it” The suffer, vexation, and unease that we feel every day all comes from our eyes, ears, nose, tongue and body, because we want to know everything and experience everything. It’s a shame we do not know these illusory thinking, experiences will bring disharmony between self and others. Hence we should be cautious with our words and actions, learn to see other’s good points, and use positivity to look at other people, issues and objects. This way we can avoid conflict with others, increase our merits and wisdom, and make positive Karmic connections with others.

Life is not full of “Must”, “worry” and “waiting”, instead we should have gratitude, able to let go and live in the present moment. All class members present were joyful and carefree. They happily spent the 2 hours to study with each other. Later they will surely transmit these wholesome feelings and intentions to others, thus bring out the values in life.