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FACE TO FACE | EASTERN HORIZON 47

I know that my default state of mind should be one the First Noble Truth of universal suffering: we are all
of peace and I should be aware when that mood is equally vulnerable. And we are all equally fearful for our
disturbed. However, it is not enough that I alone am mortality. That thought makes me much less disturbed
the most peaceful and contented person in my family. by the selfish decisions of the corporate shareholders
If I live with a quarrelsome family, then my peace or national leaders turning a blind eye to climate
cannot last very long. The bodhisattva will find ways crises. We are all equal in suffering. So, I will still send
to bring peace to the people he or she lives with. This prayers to them when they fall sick and die. But I also
may be through skilful means, such as playing soft know that they will have to bear the karma of their
music, dedicating time to use NTI’s Mindful Check- deeds, and they are responsible for their own awakening.
In app together, or setting up a quiet corner in the family
room. Allow peace and happiness to permeate through From this equanimous position, what Japanese Zen
one corner at a time, one moment at a time, with lots of master Dogen calls “ceaseless practice” is possible.
patience, and supported by inner peace. This is what Venerable Master Hsing Yun calls daily life
Of course, during the day, we meet colleagues, practice. The practice is to maintain a certain attitude
classmates, friends, or even strangers through Zoom™ of equanimity guided by non-attachment to thoughts,
and perhaps, even on the streets. The goal is to let concerns, and desires. Beware that non-attachment
our inner peace and joy permeate our conversations does not mean absence of goals but rather not being
and respectfully engage with everyone. Perhaps send overly attached to those goals. One should still take
a birthday greeting or a care package to someone you the activity or assigned task seriously but not seek any
know or someone in need. praise for one’s acts when the goals are accomplished.

Recently, I was rather upset with the inequitable In a Chan Monastery, a cook is taught to “put your
access to vaccines causing so much suffering globally. awakened mind to work, making a constant effort to
Despite the rapid development and clinical success of serve meals full of variety that are appropriate to the
Covid-19 vaccines, patents and trade secrets prevent need and the occasion, and that will enable everyone
the widespread distribution of these vaccines to to practice with their bodies and minds with the least
poorer countries. There are now more than 4.5 million hindrance.” And so, in the “Pure Conduct” chapter of
deaths related to the Covid-19 pandemic and 120 the Avatamsaka Sūtra, a practitioner recites prayers to
million more people pushed into extreme poverty guide his or her thoughts in every action or encounter
while billionaires are growing richer. We know that from the moment of waking up to sleeping.
countries which have access to vaccines are likely
to recover more rapidly. But fretting about such social Another big lesson from Buddhism is our
turmoils will do little good. Instead, I can ensure to interconnectedness. Recognizing that my lack is
keep as many people as possible in my prayers, in my everybody’s lack, I empathize with every suffering
daily chanting, and support as many noteworthy causes being. Recognizing that my accomplishment comes
as possible. from the support of everyone else, I respect everyone.
This I believe can be practiced in everyday life: a
This is how I have tried to interpret and put into sense of humility, compassion, and respect. This
practice the Five Harmonies teachings of Venerable year, Hugh Mackay, Australia’s well-known
Master Hsing Yun. social psychologist and prolific author published The
Kindness Revolution. In it, he advocates wondrous
What are some examples of spiritual practice in forms of kindness and interconnectedness to spur
daily life as taught in Buddhism? our practice forward. Practice means we need to train
ourselves and build our mental muscles. Hence, the
The biggest lesson that Buddhism has taught me is Communities of Practice in Nan Tien Institute runs
our intrinsic equality. The pandemic has shown me weekly 30-minute Sunday Check-In sessions to help