Uplifting Character

108 Adages of Wisdom

Master Sheng Yen

Volume 1

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聖嚴師父 Master Sheng Yan (1931-2009)

Building  a pure land on earth.

Become the best version of yourself.

To be grateful and repay kindness — this is first; to benefit others is to benefit ourselves.

Cultivate a big heart—but a small ego.

Our needs are few;  our wants are many.

Devote wholehearted effort without calculating who does or gains more.

Kindness and compassion have no enemies; wisdom engenders no vexations.

The busy make the most of time; the diligent enjoy the best of health.

Those who give selflessly are blessed; those who do good deeds are happy.

To take on anything, one must first be able to let go. One is truly free who can take on and let go of anything in peace.

Know yourself and others, and the ways of the world, so as to have a peaceful body and mind. Recognize, cherish, and nurture your blessings, and seize every chance to be of service.

For those who can take things on and let them go in peace, every year is an auspicious year. For those who can sow with wisdom the seeds of blessings, every day is a good day.

Maintain a relaxed body and mind, and meet and greet with a smile. Relaxation enhances physical and mental health, and a smiling face promotes friendship.

Before you open your mouth to speak, think twice and chew your words carefully. The point is not to hold your peace, but to speak with discretion and prudence.

Try to cultivate this attitude in life: if I can have what I want, that’s good; if I can’t, that’s fine too. This will help us turn our suffering into joy, and live a happier life.

In dealing with your heart’s desire, ask yourself these questions: Do I need it, or do I want it? Can I acquire it? Should I acquire it?

To get along with others, we must feel grateful for events that help us grow, feel thankful for chances to hone ourselves, reform ourselves through the Dharma, and inspire others through exemplary behavior.

Pursue only what you can and should acquire. Never pursue what you can’t and shouldn’t acquire.

Master Sheng Yen's  108 Adages of Wisdom 

4

Building a Pure Land

2

Enjoying Work

1

Uplifting Character

3

Living Life in Peace

Briefing Master Sheng Yen

(1931-2009)

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Chan

The originating tradition of Zen buddhism.

Chan Buddhism spread from China south to Vietnam as Thiền and north to Korea as Seon, and, in the 13th century, east to Japan as Japanese Zen.

Master Sheng Yen founded Dharma Drum Mountain in Taiwan in 1989 and experienced in Chan using correct approaches, he guided practice in both the West and East.

Sheng Yen taught in the United States starting in 1975, and established Chan Meditation Center in Queens, New York, and its retreat center, Dharma Drum Retreat Center at Pine Bush, New York in 1997.

Sheng Yen authored more than 100 publications in Chinese, English, and Japanese, and received the Sun Yat-sen Art and Literary Award, among other honorary awards.

We are committed to promoting Chan of Master Sheng Yen.

We also support American universities in organizing Chan workshops or establishing Chan societies.

We sponsor funding for meditation teachers & facilitators, offering scholarship to study Chan.

If you have any ideas or needs about meditation in USA, please contact us.

https://cbca.center/

About us

Dharma Drum Mountain (DDM)

Dharma Drum Retreat Center (DDRC)

Resources

Sheng Yen Education Foundation

Master Sheng Yen (Wikipedia)

Chinese Buddhist Cultural Association USA, Inc.

7735 113th St APT 4E, Forest Hills, NY 113757144, USA

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