A story of two young monk’s who where assigned to ring the bell
A story of two young monks
A young monk in a temple was assigned to ring the bell. According to temple rules, he was to ring the bell daily, once in the morning and once in the evening. At first he was quite serious. But six months later he felt his duty was too mechanical and boring. One day the temple abbot announced a change of duty for the young monk and had him carry water and cut wood in the forest. He no longer wanted him near the bell. The young monk felt strange and asked the abbot, “Was it because my ringing the bell was not on time, not resounding?” The abbot told him, “The bell sound was very loud, but the sound was hallow, worn out. Because your mind didn’t understand the significance of ringing the bell, also you didn’t do it truly attentively. The sound of the bell is not merely the temple clock, the more important part is to awaken the sinking, confused sentient beings. Therefore, the sound of the bell must not only be sonorous, but also be rounded, vigorous, deep and distant. If a person’s heart does not contain the deeper meaning of the bell, it is the same as not having reverence for a Buddha. If one is not sincere, how can he take on the duty of ringing the bell?” Hearing these words the monk felt ashamed. Thereafter, he cultivated with additional concentration and finally became an outstanding monk.
Hailibu, the kindhearted hunter
(photobucket.com)
Welcome again to Ancient Tales of Wisdom, my name is Grace Mann, today’s story is based on a traditional Mongolian tale and it is titled Hailibu, the kind hearted hunter.
On the Mongolian grassland there used to be a kindhearted hunter named Hailibu. After every hunt, he would divide the meat to other villagers and keep only a small portion for himself. His caring for others won him great respect in the village.
One day, while hunting in the woods, Hailibu heard urgent cries from the sky. Looking up, he saw a small creature captured by a voracious vulture. He quickly aimed his arrow at the predator. Hurt by the arrow, the vulture let go of the prey.
Hailibu looked at this strange-looking creature that had a snake-like body, and said, “Poor little thing, go home quickly.” Replied the creature, “Respectable hunter, you have saved my life, for which I am exceedingly grateful. I am a daughter of the dragon king, and I am sure my father will thank you with great reward. He has great many treasures you can take. If none of these treasures would please you, you may ask him for a precious stone he holds in his mouth. Whoever holds this stone in the mouth will be able to understand the languages of all animals.”
How can one achieve buddhahood…
How can one achieve Buddhahood with a human heart
Du from Fujian Province lived during the Qing Dynasty (1644 to 1912). He was a Buddhist devotee and appeared to be quite pious. He ate a simple vegetarian meal every day and did not drink alcohol. He often bragged about attaining the Dao and ascending to heaven very soon. He urged his family to purify their minds and bodies and to await the moment of departure. His family members did not laugh in front of him and agreed.One day when Du took a nap he had a dream he remembered clearly after he woke up. In the dream, he came to a place where deities appeared to live. There were several people, and upon seeing Du, they got up and welcomed him. They invited him to sit down and asked him to read a book.
Past deeds determine today’s experiences
Past deeds determine today's experiences
There was once a fabric store in Hangzhou. By the time the owner reached 50 years of age, he had had been running the store for several decades. Unfortunately, his greed did not decrease with age.One year, there was a fire in the neighborhood and it affected the fabric store. There was a destitute household of three people living behind the fabric store. They made their living by doing laundry for other people. The only way in and out of their house was the side door of the fabric store.
As the raging fire reached their home, the family of three shouted out loud for help. “Open the side door!” They hoped to escape through the side door, which was their only way out.
Food is to Assuage Hunger
Food is to Assuage Hunger
As the old saying goes, “When hunger strikes, anything will do to fill the stomach.” The following tale gives credence to this statement.
Liu Nanyuan was minister for public works during the Jiajing Era (1522-1566) at the time of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). He returned to his hometown following retirement. A provincial official who had jurisdiction over this retired minister’s hometown was picky and choosy when it came to food. Minor officials in the area felt intimidated when they expected one of this man’s visits. Retired Mr. Liu Nanyuan told them, “He was once my pupil. I will offer him my counsel.”
Liu visited this choosy provincial official at his home and commented, “I would have liked to organize a banquet for you, but this might in all likelihood take too much of your valuable time and interfere with your business affairs. To make things easy, why not come to my house for dinner? My wife is out of town and we have no one who could prepare anything special for you. What do you think of a simple meal?” Protocol prevented the provincial official from declining the invitation, because Liu had, after all, been his teacher.
A Story of Love and Time
A Story of Love and Time
A Story of Love and Time
Once upon a time, there was a small island where many beings lived. Happiness, Sorrow, Knowledge, and Love, along with other Emotions, lived on this island.
One day, the Emotions learned the island was about to sink. Everyone then prepared to leave the island, except Love.
Love insisted that she would stay until the very last minute.
A few days later, when the island was about to sink, Love thought of asking for help. At that time, she saw Wealth passing by in a big ship.
Continue reading »
The Justice of Moggallana (Mujianlian)
The final moments leading up to Moggallana's nirvana (sacca/Wikimedia).
According to Buddhism, the world and all its beings are connected and governed by the universal laws of karma. No matter how one lives their current life, any misdeed or virtue from a person’s past will come to greet them in the present. History is littered with such tales…this is one of them…
A long time ago in ancient India, there lived a young man who was the only child in his family. He was a devoted son who worked hard and looked after all the household duties. As his parents aged, his workload increased. His parents urged him to find a wife to help him with his duties, but he refused and insisted on doing the work himself. After much persistence from his mother he eventually married.
Teachings for enlightening children. Part III
'Student Rules' the edited version of 'Teachings for Enlightening Children.' (zhengjian.org)
Hello and welcome, my name is Grace Mann, today’s Ancient Tale of Wisdom, is the final of the 3 part series – ‘Teachings for Enlightening Children.‘
Teachings for Enlightening Children (Xun Meng Wen) was one of the Chinese classic texts for educating children on observing etiquette and rules and cultivating benevolence in society. It was originally written by an intellectual named Mr. Li Yuxiu (1662¡V1722) during Emperor Kang Xi’s (1654-1722) reign in the Qing Dynasty (1636-1912). It was then edited by Mr. Jia Cunren in the Qing Dynasty, who changed the title to Student Rules. Arranged in simple three-character verses, these teachings detail the rules in a variety of settings and is the second most influential text for children; with the most influential being Three Character Classic (1)) Teachings for Enlightening Children, which teaches filial piety, respect, cautiousness, honesty, forbearance, and tolerance, etc.
China was once called “The Nation of Etiquette and Morality.” Though, during the great Cultural Revolution, all spiritual and moral teachings were trampled and desecrated, thus, the beautiful Chinese traditional etiquette and morality has suffered tremendously. In today’s China, adults have little knowledge of the morals that even little children knew in ancient times.
Teachings for enlightening children. Part II
'Student Rules' the edited version of 'Teachings for Enlightening Children.' (zhengjian.org)
Welcome to Ancient Tales of Wisdom, my name is Grace Mann and today I bring you the second of the 3 part series from ‘Teachings for Enlightening Children.’
Teachings for Enlightening Children (Xun Meng Wen) was one of the Chinese classic texts for educating children on observing etiquette and rules and cultivating benevolence in society. It was originally written by an intellectual named Mr. Li Yuxiu (1662¡V1722) during Emperor Kang Xi’s (1654-1722) reign in the Qing Dynasty (1636-1912). It was then edited by Mr. Jia Cunren in the Qing Dynasty, who changed the title to Student Rules. Arranged in simple three-character verses, these teachings detail the rules in a variety of settings and is the second most influential text for children; with the most influential being Three Character Classic (1)) Teachings for Enlightening Children , which teaches filial piety and respect, cautiousness, honesty, forbearance, and tolerance, etc.
China was once called “The Nation of Etiquette and Morality.” Though, during the great Cultural Revolution, all spiritual and moral teachings were trampled and desecrated, thus, the beautiful Chinese traditional etiquette and morality has suffered tremendously. In today’s China, adults have little knowledge of the morals that even little children knew in ancient times.
Teachings for enlightening children. Part I
'Student Rules,' the edited version of 'Teachings for Enlightening Children.' (zhengjian.org)
Hello and welcome, my name is Grace Mann and today in Ancient Tales of Wisdom it is my privilege to share with you the first of a 3 part series – Teachings for Enlightening Children.
Teachings for Enlightening Children (Xun Meng Wen) was one of the Chinese classic texts for educating children on observing etiquette and rules and cultivating benevolence in society. It was originally written by an intellectual named Mr. Li Yuxiu (1662¡V1722) during Emperor Kang Xi’s (1654-1722) reign in the Qing Dynasty (1636-1912). It was then edited by Mr. Jia Cunren in the Qing Dynasty, who changed the title to Student Rules. Arranged in simple three-character verses, these teachings detail the rules in a variety of settings and is the second most influential text for children; with the most influential being Three Character Classic (1) Teachings for Enlightening Children , which teaches filial piety and respect, cautiousness, honesty, forbearance, and tolerance, etc.
