Constant Care by Venerable Bensi-19Z124E

On 16 Jan, instead of our usual Lamrim class, we had Venerable Bensi joining us to facilitate our dharma learning. It was a timely and auspicious session as this was our first official class for year 2022. The session served as a good reflection on the importance of proper reliance on the excellent Teacher with reference to “How to rely on the Teacher, the root of the path, - Lamrim Vol 1, page 69” as well as establishing, learning, and practising the dharma in a harmonious community.

We discussed specifically as to why the Teacher is the root of the path. Furthermore, the notion of how it is possible to develop the view of the excellent Teacher as the Buddha was also given more explanation by Venerable. As we develop strong faith, we also develop reliance on the Teacher, to whom we wish to follow life after life, to learn from until we reach enlightenment. Consequently, there would be other fellow practitioners who are also relying on this same Teacher for the same purpose. Hence, it is important to establish a harmonious community where we could learn together.

One interesting question that was put forward for discussion was- “Would it be easier to rely on the excellent Teacher or the community of fellow practitioners?”. There were different views amongst the classmates. Finally, through Shifu’s discourse, we learnt that relying on fellow practitioners is difficult. As we meet each other every day, there is a much higher chance of getting into conflicts.  But in reality, we may have more problems when we are with the Teacher directly.

Challenges arise due to this “me” (“mine” as the right view, “mine” as the correct thinking etc) that is within everyone. Hence, fellow practitioners and the dharma learning environment which Shifu and Teacher have setup for us, provide the conditions to apply the Dharma teaching to subdue this “me”. As one contemplates more on the dharma and improve the skills, eventually, one can then truly rely properly on the Teacher.

As such, to overcome the challenges that may arise as we interact with fellow students, we are reminded and encouraged to practise OMAK (observe merits appreciate kindness) on both the community and individual – appreciating the benefits of the community as the challenges are avenues to let us practise subduing the “me”. At the same time, reflect on the merits of the community, the discussion classes. These are avenues without which it would be difficult to learn the dharma together over an extended period of time.

Although these are foundation topics, discourses around it always bring about more insights and allow one to further develop faith and proper reliance in both the Teacher and community. Grateful to Venerable for joining us to kick-start the new year with this kind of sharing.  

May we continue to remember constantly the first three verses on the Relying on the Teacher in the Thirty-eight Lamrim Praises and be grateful to the excellent teachers who bestow the sublime teachings to benefit all sentient beings!

Relying on the Teacher

1.    The Teacher is the source of all virtues.

Generates benefits & happiness as in fertile land.

Relying on non-virtues severs all wholesome roots.

Ask for blessing with Dharma-based service to the service to the Teacher.

2. Protection is bestowed anytime, anywhere.              

                          All excellent teachers are Buddhas.               

                      Observe merits and not faults.                  

Ask for blessing, remembering Teacher's great kindness.

3.    Earnest, respectful faith as intention. 

              Meditate on body, life, possessions per instruction.    

              Make excellent offerings in action.     

              Ask for blessings in pleasing Teacher as sole intention.       

By Leow Pei Shan (19Z124E)