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Hsing Yun

73 quotes

“Both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one family. There are no Taiwanese in Taiwan and Taiwanese are all Chinese. Which Taiwanese is not Chinese? They are Chinese just like you are. We are all brothers and sisters. The more (cross-strait) exchange we have, the more mixed we will be. Then we won't be able to distinguish who's Mainland and who's Taiwanese — and we will naturally become unified.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) first seen 2009 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Hsing Yun (2013) cited in "Taiwan Buddhist master: 'No Taiwanese'", Taipei Times, 31 March 2009.
“Our heart is like a factory. This factory can produce joy. It can also produce worry. If you can produce worry to make yourself unhappy, why don’t you produce joy instead? Many of our worries are much ado about nothing.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) first seen 2013 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Not Having Is the Best State to Have Interview with UM’s Honorary Doctorate Recipient Master Hsing Yun" (2013)
“I don’t think “poor” or “rich” should be defined by how much money one has. People with money are not necessarily rich. Some suffer from moral bankruptcy. In my opinion, the world is filled with poor people with money. How so? Because they don’t sow. They are not willing to think about others. Some people, even though they’re without money, they often help others. These people are rich. My personal philosophy is: Not having is the best state to have, and cultivating a big heart is the way to have lasting inner joy.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) first seen 2013 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Not Having Is the Best State to Have Interview with UM’s Honorary Doctorate Recipient Master Hsing Yun" (2013)
“If you have resentment in your heart, you’ve only got yourself to blame. If you could understand it’s not any outside thing but your own attachment or greed that causes the resentment in the first place, you would be able to let go of the emotion. If you have time to be angry, you might as well use that time to do something good for society, right?”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) first seen 2013 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Not Having Is the Best State to Have Interview with UM’s Honorary Doctorate Recipient Master Hsing Yun" (2013)
“Embrace the vow of compassion to deliver all beings, Float like an untethered boat in the Dharma sea. Ask me what merits have I over a lifetime, They are the Buddha’s Light across five continents.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) first seen 2004 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Excerpt in diary, "Handing Down the Light" (2004)
“Having marched through life for close to seventy years, I am but an ordinary monk who deems “preaching the Dharma a daily duty and benefiting all living beings a lifetime career.” Whatever transpires in the outer conditions, I have always felt profoundly blessed to be in the favor of the Buddhas from the ten directions and with the affinity of all living beings. With them watching over and caring for me, I have been able to carry out the sacred mission that pertains to a monastic little by little.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) first seen 2004 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Handing Down the Light" (2004)
“Just as we get sick physically, the earth is sick too. When people are sick, they need to be treated and saved. When the earth is sick, it also needs everyone to care for it and save it. To save the earth, we must begin with environmental preservation. On the other hand, the protection of nature depends on humanity to self-awaken, which also starts with preservation of the spiritual environment.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) first seen 2010 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: [http://www.hsilai.org/en/fd/2010.php
“Buddhism advocates that all living beings possess buddha nature; and that both the sentient and insentient possess the potential to attain Buddhahood. As mountains, rivers, grass and trees will all attain Buddhahood, thus Buddhism advocates no killing, thus no deforestation; no stealing, thus no unlawful logging. The Buddhist doctrine of equality views all beings as equals, and advocates that not only do humans and animals deserve love and care, mountains, rivers and the great earth also need to be protected.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) first seen 2010 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: 2010 Keynote Speech: Environment and Spiritual Preservation
“Places with water mean survival, places with water mean prosperity, and places with water are more suitable for communities to flourish. In this world, not only is the Sun important. The reason that humanity is able to surpass other animals in survival is because they discovered fire, which is extremely important to a civilization. No living creature in this world can live without air, just as has been said, “Life exists between each breath,” without the flowing of wind, there will be no air, and all forms of life will suffocate to death.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) first seen 2010 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: 2010 Keynote Speech: Environment and Spiritual Preservation
“As time progresses, human minds and civilization also continue to advance, it has become a trend for members of society to volunteer themselves. The work of a volunteer is different from that of general paid job which expects money and reward. Volunteer work on the other hand, focuses on happiness, joy and establishment of good connections, which is rather different from the former.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) first seen 2008 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: 2008 Keynote Speech: Bodhisattva and Volunteer
“I used to urge that “everyone be a police,” so that they can help the police to keep order in a society overflowing with chaos and problems. The best way for a nation or society to improve is for everyone to be a police. A police is like a guardian who also shows the bodhisattva spirit. Therefore, not only are compassion and initiative required to practice the bodhisattva path, one also needs to do so with activeness and bravery.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) first seen 2008 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: 2008 Keynote Speech: Bodhisattva and Volunteer
“Equality among people leads to wholeness and freeness in the human world. Everything in this world is originally whole and free. However, our ignorance and delusion give rise to perceptions of dualities, such as superior and inferior, coming and going, with and without, arising and ceasing, large and small, internal and external, good and evil, wise and dull. Such distinctions, subsequently, cause continual fighting among people, deepen antagonism among people, increase animosity among races, and escalate warring tensions among nations.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) first seen 1997 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: 1997 Keynote Speech: Wholeness and Freeness
“One, the lasting nature of life: Life may appear to be one span after another, arising and ceasing, however, within the arising and ceasing, there is its unchanging nature, which is always timeless, coexisting with space, and nature.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Two, the equality among sentient beings: When you witness the many shortcomings and imperfections of human nature in this world we live in, do you still have faith in humanity? Even though humans have so many inadequacies, but in the eyes of the Buddha, the mind, buddha, and sentient beings are no different. He told us, “All beings have the wisdom and virtue of the Tathagata,” and will ultimately attain Buddhahood.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The Buddha’s two realizations demonstrate his high degree of recognition in the value of life as well as firm faith in sentient beings, which is a deep faith in the truth of the world. If we are able to experience this wisdom of life as realized by the Buddha, then we will have more faith in viewing life, understanding that if we are willing to strive to act well as humans, the future will change for the better. We will have more confidence in dealing with people from all walks of life because all beings have Buddha Nature. Every person is a future buddha and should be accorded respect.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“While there are worries in the world, one should remember that, the world also has the Buddha; while there are suffering in the world, but remember, the world also has the Dharma. As long as we have Dharma in our mind, the Dharma can change our views, transform our way of thinking, and purify our body and mind. Then the world we see and hear will be different.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Just as the Venerable Master once said, “Life is a marathon race; we need to persevere over distance and time.” It is the same with learning Buddhism and cultivation, it is a lifetime undertaking or even life after life till the end of time, all of which needs perseverance. Of course, every lifetime will bring us much wisdom and experiences. Ultimately, if we can combine the experiences we have gained life after life, we will be like the Buddha’s “realization” in fulfilling the meaning of life.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Compassion, regardless of one’s status or position, is the treasure within every person’s mind. The Venerable Master said, “One can be without anything, but never without compassion.” Compassion is giving others joy and alleviating their suffering. If a person can always embrace compassion and uphold kind thoughts, then naturally there will be less troubles and worries in live.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Compassion is the common language of this world than can break down all barriers in human relationships. However, for most people it is easier to give rise to compassion when it comes to friends and relatives whom they have connections with; it is not easy to practice compassion on strangers. In reality, Buddhism teaches us that even for people who appear to have little connection with us in this lifetime, they could be our relatives and friends in our past lives. As such, regardless if we know one another or not, we should treat each other with compassion.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Wisdom is like a bright light, shining through people’s delusion and ignorance; it is also like a varja, eradicating delusional worries. Within the various Dharma services and activities, I believe we are able to learn much wisdom of the Dharma. It is wished that the legacy can be sustained into the future for the benefit of the next generation.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Morals and a person’s life are closely related, for instance, if someone praises us for being a person of morals, we will certainly be very pleased. Conversely, if someone says we are an unethical crook, we will be upset for a long time. So we can see that morals have significant implications for every person’s life.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“In today's world, technological and medical advances have prolonged the human lifespan. However, such advances have also led to increasing estrangement and apathy among people. More and more people are feeling the lack of happiness and peace in their lives.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Speaking of happiness and peace, what is the purpose of our existence in this world? Is it to find happiness? Or to experience suffering? Of course, most people would say, “Happiness!” In reality, how many people actually enjoy happiness and peace? What we hear and see most often are the wails of grief over the catastrophes of this world. These include natural disasters and man-made calamities such as war, violence, famine, poverty, and various stresses and anxieties experienced in everyday life. Very few people think of life as truly happy.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Happiness and peace come from detachment and contentment In this world, some people pursue material happiness and others pursue nature’s tranquility and peace, while some pursue material transcendence and spiritual happiness attained from detachment and contentment. So what type of happiness should we be pursuing? Material life may satisfy our daily needs, but it does not bring sustained happiness; only detachment and contentment allow us to enjoy lasting happiness.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“In this world, the meaning of compassion is often distorted, leading to excessive indulgence and turning a blind eye to what is wrong. When applied inappropriately, compassion can become the source of crimes and wrongdoings. For instance, the common practice of freeing live animals actually causes harm to more animal lives. Inappropriate and lavish giving of money only nurture greed and corruption. Therefore, true compassion and tolerance must be supplemented by prajna wisdom to prevent traveling down the wrong path, rendering the initial intentions futile.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I often use the suitcase as a metaphor for life: we pick it up when we need to, and we let go of it when it is time to do so. When we pick up something, we should be able to shoulder the responsibility with courage, with the resolve and sense of mission in serving. When it is time to let go, we should also follow conditions and let go in a calm and composed manner. The ability to let go makes it easy to pick up again. When you are willing to take a step forward, there will be hope for the future.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Picking up and letting go are two sides of the same coin; they are equally important. To pick up does not mean to fight for something; it is a resolve, a form of tolerance, and wisdom. To let go does not mean to ride on a loose rein and indulge oneself; it is the bodhisattva spirit of giving, only making contributions and not expecting anything in return.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I used to divide generosity into four grades: 1) giving of money, 2) giving of labor, 3) giving of language, 4) giving of goodwill. Money will be of no use if one does not know how to use it properly. Sometimes there may not be as many works available, but words of kindness will never be too much. If one offers good intentions and continue to wish others well, or even teach the Dharma to others, one will be practicing supreme generosity.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“To resolve means to cultivate the field of your mind, which is also the first thing we have to learn as Buddhists. Without cultivating and developing the field of our mind, no matter how good the conditions we may possess, or how much fortune and merits we may have, the sprout of bodhi wisdom will still not grow. This is similar to a seed without a good and fertile land, no good flower or fruit will ever grow out of it. Therefore, if we wish to open up and develop our spiritual wealth or utilize our energy, we must begin by resolving.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Develop a true mind that is as vast as the ocean: Not only is the ocean a palace for aquatic animals, it is also a place filled with inexhaustible treasures. Take a look at oil drillers today. Don’t they always dig deep in the ocean for the oil? The ocean’s resources are usually what supports and makes a country wealthy; this is why every country protects its water rights, because to them, they are protecting their national property. Our mind is also like the ocean, it is a womb that nurtures the treasures of compassion and bodhi wisdom awaiting us to uncover.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Develop a true mind that is as boundless as the earth: The earth is our mother that nurtures our life. Not only does the human race depend on the sky and the ocean’s resources for food, they also depend on the earth to survive. The earth supports all forms of life that grow on it, while underneath it there are mines of gold, silver, bronze, and all kinds of minerals. Our mind too, is like the earth in which our Buddha Nature and true nature lie deeply within. We must know where to dig and how to develop in order to uncover these treasures.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Being resolved and making vows are not a practice exclusive to Buddhists; every member of society has the obligation to do so. Once one has resolved to do it, the accomplishment of a task then becomes possible; once a vow is made, a clear goal will then be in sight. In particular, a chaotic society is the cause of many people’s worries and senses of insecurity.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Since our birth, we have gone through various phases of receiving instruction and education. Up to a certain age, our parents at home would give us the necessary instructions. When we grow up and go to school, we are taught by our teachers. Finally when we start working, we will receive further education from the interaction with society. However I consider the most important form of education as one that is gained from maintaining constant self-awareness.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Self-Awareness is essentially a form of self education. According to the Buddhist sutras, we must be reliant on ourselves and the Dharma, but never depend on external influence. Similarly, we should teach ourselves to maintain alertness at all times so that we can assimilate and derive global understanding of all events around us. This is what I mean by self education.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“By self education I mean the ability to be self demanding, self learned, self enriching and self reflecting without relying on others’ assistance. Successful self education is dependent on the constant questioning, awareness, motivating and understanding of the self. We can indeed discover our own self through self contemplation.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Mankind has been living on earth for millenniums, but why is it that no one ever discovered gravitational force before Newton? I believe that it is because Newton had a unique ability to observe. In Buddhist terms, Newton possessed a very high level of awareness, which is very important to the development of personal wisdom. Buddhism places a strong emphasis on the advancement of individual awareness; because only through progressive elevation of awareness can we develop and enhance our wisdom, which leads to the understanding and appreciation of nirvana.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Throughout our lives, we needed parental caring, instruction from our teachers, support from society, and assistance from our mentors and encouragement from our friends. However most important of all, we must rely on our own self-awareness. We must not lose our awareness and become totally dependent on others.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“We need either a legitimate job or business to be able to lead a proper life. Our wealth, comfort and stability are the result of daily hard work, which allow us to be able to perform good and benevolent tasks for others. One cannot be expected to carry out significant charitable deeds if he himself is poor and starving.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“It is essential to satisfy our daily needs for clothing, food, lodging and transportation. Even if you are a perfectly enlightened Buddha, your daily livelihood is what needs to keep you alive in this world. In your Buddhist cultivation, it is not necessary to maintain a poverty-stricken and austere lifestyle. In fact, Buddhism encourages its devotees to be prosperous by being successful businesspersons or industrious employees”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Before we start any task, we must set ourselves a goal. Once a goal is set, we will be able to identify a direction in which we can apply our energy and effort. To set a goal is to “make a resolution’ or in Buddhist terms “to resolve and make a vow.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Today, we live in a time when science and economics have produced so much wealth and so many marvelous inventions it is hard to imagine what will come next. As we enjoy the benefits of our age, however, we must wonder how these material achievements are affecting the moral behavior of the world's people. The world has become so complex, individuals are now more able than ever to select their own realities, and to make decisions based on personal feelings or personal assessments of what is true and false.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Deep truths are universal and they transcend the individual. Rational minds find solace in the truth because human reason itself is a reflection of deep reality.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The modern world seduces people into believing that they have the competence to interpret truth in any way they like. People know more today than ever before, but what they know is usually little more than a collection of facts about one area of study or another. Each area of human endeavor is important to all others, but few areas of inquiry can really be said to have major bearing on our understanding of who we are as people, or what our place in the universe really is.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Mountains lie in forms like living beings." If we pay close attention, can we not see—cannot all of us see—that there is nothing anywhere that does not issue from the very heart of our own being? All is one, all is us. How sad that so many people spend their lives encouraging division, selfishness and turmoil. Rather than enjoy the glory and oneness of this wonderful world, they prefer to carve out self-serving bits of it to the great detriment of all the many beings who must endure their presence here. That is exactly the kind of "life" that the Buddha taught us not to live!”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“A natural life in living nature All of life is one and all of life depends on all of its parts. The vast variety and complexity of life is something that all of us should treasure with all of our hearts. Unfortunately, humankind for too long has thought of itself as the "soul of nature" and in this has ceased showing respect and appreciation for the many other species of animals and plants that inhabit this world with us. To satisfy the needs of a mere moment, too many of us are willing to pillage and destroy entire ecosystems.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Freedom, democracy, and technology are the hallmarks of our modern century. However, misguided freedom has become an excuse for offending others; false democracy has become a weapon for trampling the weak; and unethical technology has become a tool for destroying one's neighbor. In the past freedom, democracy, and technology have been necessities for favorable progress. Now, they are the source of many problems. In these turbulent times, we call upon respect and magnanimity as a way for people of the world to cultivate increased mutual respect for and understanding of one another.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Life has no price because money cannot buy life. We should respect the value of being alive and of all living beings. Not only should we protect the lives of others, we should also respect our own life. We should be a lamp that illuminates and warms those who surround us. We should be a tree that shelters and comforts. We should be a bridge that guides all beings to the shore of happiness. We should be a raindrop that nurtures both body and mind.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Exposure to an appropriate amount of hardship is healthy for one’s growth. Parents should not spoil their children if they want their children to grow up to be resilient. Nor should young people spoil themselves. There is an ancient Chinese poem that describes the life of limestone. The raw limestone endures thousands of strikes to be dug out of the deep mountain, after which it is burned in scorching flames without ever flinching and then ground to dust without ever complaining, just so it can fulfill its destiny to become lime. If one wants to make his or her mark in the world, he or she must be able to withstand hardships like raw limestone. Young people nowadays are referred to as the “strawberry generation”, which means they lack spiritual vitality and a sense of mission and tend not to give much thought to personal growth or what they want to achieve in their lives. Endurance, wisdom, benevolence, responsibility and confidence—these are the qualities which give us strength and which we should work to possess.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) first seen 2013 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Not Having Is the Best State to Have Interview with UM’s Honorary Doctorate Recipient Master Hsing Yun" (2013)
“Today, as members of the global village, we are all responsible for caring for the continuous existence of the global village. Because the Dharma clearly explains that sentient and non-sentient all exist “because there is this, there is that. If this is not, then that will not be.” Thus we coexist as one. Thus, within the continuous flow of change, even something as tiny as a speck of dust has a subtle relationship with the environment. While there is no doubt that we should strive to eliminate the dusts in our inner world and change them, we must also raise people’s awareness and take action to preserve the external environment. Not only is the 21st century the era of environmentalism, it also will be a beautiful era of purified minds.”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) first seen 2010 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: 2010 Keynote Speech: Environment and Spiritual Preservation
“Before attaining Buddhahood, Prince Siddhartha lived a privileged life of abundance and joyful bliss in the palace, never knowing what suffering is. Till one day came the time for him to step outside the palace, where he saw for himself what old age, sickness, death, and rebirth are like in the world. At that moment, it finally dawned on him: “So this is the reality of the world!” Right there, he realized that people should fully bring forth the value of life and to actively elucidate the meaning of life. Soon after, he decided to give up the throne he was to inherit and trod alone on the path of cultivation. In the course of his cultivation, the Buddha had profound realization of two states:”
Hsing Yun (1927–2023) said by 2023 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source