Master Tells Stories
The Weaver and the Talented Man
During the Buddha’s time, there was a monk in the monastic community who often bragged about his former wealth and noble status. He would say, “No one was of nobler birth than I. My family is the richest in the world; no one can surpass us in wealth…”
The Blind Beggar Boy
We must always remember that whatever we sow, we shall reap. Hence, we must stop all our wrongful thoughts and actions, and prevent them from arising again. If we have erred, we should repent in a timely manner or it will be too late for regrets when...
The Greedy Deer
A passage from the Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra (“Great Treatise on the Perfection of Wisdom”) says, "The minds of the people in the world are wavering. They crave for blessings, yet they are not fond of cultivating the field of blessings. They seek to...
The Suspicious Old Monk
Once upon a time, there was a small village in Japan, where there lived an old monk with his young disciple. The old monk loved to play chess very much and whenever he was engaged in a game, he would forget about the time.
The Hideous Man and the Ugly Monk
Several years ago, a hospital social worker told me about a baby who was born without a brain, and the prognosis was that it would only be able to live for a year. The unmarried mother of the baby made it known that she did not want the abnormal child...
The Garlic-Loving Nuns
There was a rich landlord who grew many types of vegetables on his land and had a big garlic garden. He instructed his farm workers that should any monastic pass by asking for alms, they were to be given whatever vegetables they wanted and…
Subduing the Devil in Our Hearts
Our thoughts create everything and the rapidity in which they change far exceeds the rate anything changes. With wholesome thoughts, our minds will be like the Buddha’s. If our minds veer a little off course, our thoughts may turn us into a devil…
The Businessman who Craves a Fortune
Is it a blessing or misfortune if one leads a worldly life preoccupied with doing business and making profit? No one knows the answer. But if we do not cultivate wisdom, we will not be able to develop right faith and right thinking to break free from...
The Old Maid who Lacked Joyful Karmic Affinities with Others
During the Buddha’s time, there was a Sudatta Anathapindika, whose heart was filled with joy after listening to the Buddha expound the Dharma. Not only did Sudatta’s whole family seek refuge with the Buddha, but he also…
Resolving Enmity with a Mere Change in Thought
There was once an old man who lived next door to a pigsty in his village in which a piglet had just been born not too long ago. Each time the old man passed by the pigsty, the pig would behave savagely and attempt to attack him…
Cultivation is about Looking after Our Minds
Our thoughts are the key to spiritual cultivation. A person's success or failure often hinges on a single thought in his mind. If we can take good care of our minds and maintain an equanimous mind, we will dwell in a tranquil state.
The Buddha Enlightens a Bikkhu on “Demon”
Among the Buddha’s many followers was a very simple-minded Bikkhu. This Bikkhu had the habit of questioning others incessantly on matters he wished to know about. One day, he asked the Buddha: “Venerable Buddha, please explain what is known as a ‘demon’?"
Lighting the Inner Light of Others
Do not underestimate the light of one single candle or individual, because numerous brightly lit candles (i.e. the collective might of our individual efforts) will be able to illuminate infinite worlds.
Sundari Slanders the Buddha
If we act rashly without careful thinking, it may bring about obstacles and burdens for us life after life; even the Buddha had such experiences when he was living in this world…… And there was one incident that he would never forget...
The Overly Suspicious Bird
Trust is indispensable in our dealings with people. We must always remain calm and think carefully before we act. We must also be tolerant and considerate towards others, and not let ourselves be overcome by suspicion and then do things that we...
The Old Granny and the Cunning Thief
“Great wisdom” is inherent in everyone. Some people can manifest such wisdom outwardly, but for those with heavy negative karma, it lies deeply hidden...
The Old Lady who Exchanged Honey for Dirt Water
If we can take disputes as lessons to learn, it would be as though we were drinking honey and eating amla fruits, which would not only quench our thirst but also keep our breath fresh. However, if we see disputes as conflicts……
An Old Farmer and his Cow
The mind of a Bodhisattva dwells in this single thought of Great Love, which lasts lifetime after lifetime and is infinite and inexhaustible. What we need to learn is to cultivate such a mind.
