Venerable Huifeng leads the Sunday Dharma Function

The Sunday function was held on the morning of 25th August, where the 120 strong congregation recited and paid homage according to the “88 Buddhas Repentance Text”, as well as reciting “Prayers of Lay Buddhist disciples” by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Then Venerable Huifeng gave everyone a Dharma sermon on the meaning and importance of repentance.

Venerable Huifeng used the phrase of “One who drops the butcher’s knife can stand as the Buddha” as an encouragement for everyone to distinguish between right and wrong. One should recognise their short comings and courageously face these negativities, thus removing these stubborn impasses created by self centred attachment. The Buddha has said that there are two kinds of healthy people within the world, one are those who do not break precepts and those who know to repent after transgressions. Hence we should often uphold humility and repent. Overcoming one’s short comings requires wisdom and strong will power, and making vows is the best expression of will power.

Venerable Huifeng also encouraged everyone to open their heart, thus sifting out all the impure habits. Besides repentance we should recite the Buddha’s name, pay homage, and thus truly establish a complete Buddhist practice in accordance with action, speech and thoughts. If we can continue this, we will certainly feel more relaxed when facing the world, and find a more tranquil direction in life.