By Lingzhi

Like many others, when I first started working after graduating from school, I was idealistic. I did not just want a job. I wanted a career. I wanted to excel.

In the first few years, I worked hard, pumped in extra effort to value add myself and to add value to my work. I was aggressive, critical and sometimes hot-tempered. I was intolerant of ‘mistakes’ as I had high expectations of my colleagues.

I did not mind working late every other day, as I wanted recognition for my work efforts. The ultimate goal was of course to achieve promotion and to climb up the corporate ladder.

At that point of time, I was already actively involved in activities at a Buddhist centre during the weekends. I listened to Dharma talks, joined chanting activities and even helped out regularly at the Buddhist centre.

However, I came to realize that whatever I practiced and learnt over the weekends, at the Buddhist centre, seemed to be only for the weekends. During the weekends, I was nice to people. But on weekdays, while working, I did not treat my colleagues better. Overall, I did not seem to improve as a person.

As the years passed by and after changing a few jobs, I began to see and realize more. Slowly I thought to myself: I put in so much of my time and effort in my job and for the company, but what had I done to grow myself as a person? Did I become a better person over the years? Did I practice what I had learnt from the Dharma teaching over the years?

The answers to the above questions were obviously “NO”.

I began to change my mentality and attitude. I needed to be true to myself! I began to practice what I have learnt over the years, in my course of work. I practiced compassion (with wisdom) at work, became more courteous in my emails and gave others the benefit of doubt. I began to put myself in the shoes of others, mellowed my temper and was more patient than before.

It took me many years to finally see a bit of light at the end of the tunnel and to integrate the practice of Buddhism in my life. Talking is easy, but being able to walk the talk is the challenge. I am grateful to have the opportunity to learn about the Dharma teachings of Buddha, Venerable Master Shen-Kai and my Buddhist teacher at the Buddhist centre. Some say a leopard never changes its spots, but I think it can, slowly, but surely.

May Buddha be with you.

By Ru Lan 

I found Jen Chen Buddhism ten years ago. Following the Teachings of Jen Chen Buddhism wholeheartedly without any query, I gradually eradicated my bad habits.

Though I did not have the chance to meet Venerable Master Shen Kai in person, I was still able to be with Him when reading his books and listening to his talks on the Buddha’s Teachings on discs. Venerable Master Shen Kai prepared and wrote the daily morning and evening practice routines for His disciples and every method is also a path for cultivation. I really regret not cultivating conscientiously enough, for not putting enough effort and not achieving good enough results. For instance, recalling one of his Teachings ‘One would rather die than to reveal other’s misdeeds’, I wonder whether there was a time when I had never complained or gossiped about someone else’s mistake or wrongdoing, and I realised my answer was “No!” Now I strive to say good things at all times, to only talk about work or school and not about people, to refrain from gossiping about people, and to focus on carrying out my duties well.

One particular Teaching of ‘Do not be too attached to one’s ego and outlook or appearance’ has the most effect on me. I used to spend lots of time on my personal appearance in the past. Ever since I understood that our bodies are simply empty shells, I no longer regard looks as much as I did before. I stopped spending money on facials, styling my hair and buying expensive clothes and cosmetics. I know all these are just an illusion and unnecessary as long as we dress neatly and appropriately. What’s most important is to make good use of our body given to us by our parents to do many things that benefit others, to follow the Buddha’s Teachings in our daily lives and never do evil things. We need to purify our minds and increase our blessings and wisdom so as not to waste the opportunity as a human in this lifetime.

I would self-reflect on my actions everyday. I pledge to follow the Buddhadharma to cultivate in every way so as not do injustice to our gracious Master.