(Lecture given by Master Sheng-yen on the Surangama Sutra, Sunday, November 15, 1987.) I want to begin by talking about consciousness, because not everyone is familiar with what the term means, and there are many who have not heard of the sixth, seventh, or eighth consciousness. Consciousness can be understood as having three different forms, or aspects, into which are divided the eight levels of consciousness (shown in parentheses). The first form is the consciousness of contact (1-5). more
October 8, 1987
The Five Eyes
(Lecture given by Master Sheng-yen on the Surangama Sutra, Sunday, December 22, 1985.) Ananda reached an understanding of the limits of perception itself, and so he asked the Buddha how he would be able to know his true nature. The Buddha replied: "Ananda, though you have not yet reached the state beyond the stream of transmigration, you may now use the Buddha's transcendent power to behold the first dhyana heaven without obstruction, like Anirudha who sees this world as clearly as fruit held in his own hand.more
August 12, 1987
The Fate of Buddhists
(Lecture delivered by Master Sheng-Yen on Buddha's Birthday, Sunday, May 10, 1987.) There's something to be said for fortune-telling. In fact, I've met some fortune-tellers who were quite talented. Unfortunately, none of them had particularly good fortunes themselves. One who believes his fate is predetermined will not have a happy life. But one who believes in the Dharma and who realizes that his life is not predetermined, can have a very happy life indeed.more
May 12, 1987
Upside Down
(Lecture given by Master Sheng-yen on the Surangama Sutra Sunday, December 8, 1986.) Ananda was puzzled by why we have lost sight of our true nature. The Buddha replied that ordinary sentient beings do not see clearly because of their preconceived views. What they think is upside down, may be right side up. What they believe is correct, may be incorrect. The Buddha placed his hand down, and asked Ananda whether his hand was right side up or upside down.more
March 12, 1987
Misconception in Buddhism
(Talk given by guest lecturer Prof. Li Heng-yueh on Sunday, January 17, 1987.) I'm only a householder Buddhist. I simply want to talk about some common misconceptions about liberation or seeing your own nature that arise in the practice of Buddhism. Some may think that achieving realization is difficult, but there are worldly pursuits that are more difficult. Mastering boxing or studying for a doctorate require great effort. By comparison seeing your own nature is quite simple. more