Issue No.32 November 2013 Regeneration and engineers have successfully reprocessed used fertilizers. Survivors of catastrophes have regained their strength. Just as lost teeth and hair can grow again, trash and land can be recycled and reclaimed. Today, we have already genetically reproduced cows, sheep, and pigs, and perhaps we will even do so with humans in the near future. “Spring will come to the withered tree, and a dying flower will live to see another day.” Although death is inevitable, there is always rebirth after death. With the coming of winter, spring is just around the corner. As long as there is rebirth, there will be hope; as long as there is hope, there will be life after death. A capable Great strides have been made in society, not only in physician can work miracles to bring a dying patient the arts, sciences, and quality of life, but also in our back to life. A skillful sculptor can give life to the lifeless, relationships to nature and daily necessities. Of all the because he possesses the ability to work wonders with advancements in our lives, the concept of “regeneration” any material. Thus, regeneration is a very valuable is most valuable. For example, we now have recycled process. products, redeveloped land, reclamation projects, and filtrated recycled water. Even people “regenerate” Nowadays, people are often interested in the question themselves in many different ways. Couples renew their of living and dying. No matter how mysterious the love after a short time out following petty squabbles. subject seems to be, it is in fact very simple. Death and Life-and-death friends reunite to share stories of grief rebirth is an endless cycle. Although some people have and sorrow. Criminals repent their mistakes to start a new made many mistakes at a young age, they must not feel life. Juveniles who had gone astray and disappointed ashamed because a new lease on life is possible when their parents mend their ways and turn over a new they have the courage to face their mistakes and are leaf when given a second chance. In addition to these determined in their efforts to start anew. Is it not true examples of “regeneration” in human conduct, human that a criminal who has paid his debts to society can organs can also be healed and regenerated through make a significant contribution if he is willing to use his surgery and proper medication. mind and skills for the good of the people? Anything that can be recycled or regenerated, such as a Throughout history, we have seen examples of how human life or a human organ, is very valuable because a country can restore its prestige and glory after regeneration makes things stronger and life more unbearable hardships. After Japan was forced to precious. Hiroshima overcame its fate as the first city surrender unconditionally at the end of World War II, it demolished by an atomic bomb to become one of the worked relentlessly to rebuild itself as one of the world’s most beautiful and modern cities in the world. Tang superpowers fifty years later. Therefore, failure is the Shan, China, rose from the rubble of a deadly earthquake mother of all success, and we should not be deterred by to become a new city. When Taiwan was devastated by temporary setbacks. As long as we have confidence in a powerful earthquake in 1999, its citizens courageously ourselves to renew our lives, we need not worry about came together to rebuild their lives and make their our future. homeland stronger and more beautiful. Therefore, as long as we are confident in ourselves and have the right (adapted from Tending Life’s Garden, between Ignorance and conditions, regeneration is always possible. Farmers Enlightenment VI, published by Buddha’s Light Publishing) 1 PRAYER FOR NEW SOUTH WALES BUSHFIRE VICTIMS Great Compassionate Buddha! Permanence can only be found There are so many disasters in this world lately. in our true nature; The recent bush fires in New South Wales have all Please make them understand that, caused much suffering in the region. Our most beloved will leave us through You must have heard the cries of animals and people in sickness and death, and these bushfires. Ultimate sanctuary is only reached through You must have felt the pain of these people leaving enlightenment and liberation. their homes behind; You must have felt their pain of losing everything they Great Compassionate Buddha! have worked for. Please give them your blessings, So that they may recover quickly Great Compassionate Buddha! and stay away from harm; This is the wailing of hell on earth! Please give them fortitude, This is the sound of tragedy in this world! So that their grief and sorrow can be soothed. Everywhere is destruction and devastation. Please show them courage Hundreds of homes were burnt. to rebuild their homes and lives. People are panic stricken in the bushfire areas; Many have evacuated because their lives and properties Grant them the confidence to re-live their lives, are in danger; Let them know that there is always hope In a fraction of a second Grant them the courage to move forward, many lost their homes and wealth. Let them know that to continue living is strength. These people are in need of help This is the way to ensure success in their future. by emergency services, These people are in need of Great Compassionate Buddha! your support and protection! We pray for your support so that: They are like lost children Survivors can escape further disaster; seeking for a placeto rest their weary feet, We pray that bushfires will not further escalate. They are like frightened sheep, We should be alert and prepared at all times, looking for the safety of a refuge. We should always be cooperative and ready for the unexpected. Great Compassionate Buddha! Please make them realize that, Great Compassionate Buddha! We live in a cycle of formation, existence, Please accept our sincerest prayer. destruction and emptiness; and Na Mo Sakyamuni Buddha 2 Season of Change over time, new knowledge is discovered everyday, even technology improves every day. Sickness, old age, and death also brings changes in our lives. Impermanence teaches us a bad outcome can still turn out to be positive, as long as we have faith and hope. With the recent NSW Bushfires over 200 households were destroyed. Many people and animals lost their homes. Hearing the news, Venerable Master Hsing Yun wrote a prayer in dedicationto those affected by the fire, also all of Sydney branch temples and Nan Tien Temple also fundraised for the recent Bushfires. BLIA cleanup day at Nan Tien Temple May the Buddha “grant them the confidence to re- Spring is a season of growth. Beautiful flowers bloom, live their lives, let them know that there is always trees turn green, all showing off their colours and hope.” releasing their nature scents. A beautiful season it is. What has withered or buried has been given a chance The flowers of Spring, the moon in Autumn to regenerate into something great. To regenerate is The cool breeze in Summer, the snow in Winter important as Venerable Master Hsing Yun mentioned, When one’s mindis free from troubles “it makes things stronger and life more precious.” A great season is found whenever Buddha talked about impermanence. Change is ~ Wu-men Huai-kai (無門慧開), from the inevitable. Plants grow overnight, children mature Gateless Gate October Special Moments the graduation was the Launch of being in the moment: Art and Mindfulness Exhibition with a hundred artists, poets, and professors, and visitors in attendance. 2013 NTI 2nd Graduation Ceremony On October 19, a Guanyin Dharma Service was held in the Front Shrine to celebrate Guanyin Bodhisattava’s day of renunciation. Over 100 participated in the Dharma Service and received a blessing of Dharma water and bun to take home. A memorable Baby Blessing photo with all blessed children On October 26, a baby blessing was held for over 30 babies with a hundred family and friends witnessing the moment. After the blessing, Ven. Juewei shared with parents to cherish their child as they are special like the Prince Siddhartha (baby Buddha). Parents are important in the child’s growth process as they nourish and foster their child into someone great, just as the Prince Siddhartha became Buddha. On October 27, Nan Tien Institute held its 2nd Graduation with her first Masters graduate. Over 150 came to attend this memorable occasion. Following Prof. Korbes giving a speech in front of guests at the NTI Art Gallery Launch. 3 Living with less means appreciating more, writes Sarah Cooper ...... Lately, I’ve become increasingly uncomfortable with more. I was present. I wasn’t as worried or stressed. I the sheeramount of ‘stuff’ in my house, and have wasn’t constantly thinking, “Oh, I need to make sure I started to get rid of things I no longer want, need or remember to clean this or do x, y, z.” use. It feels amazing! This ‘minimalism’ is really growing on me, and I can see myself letting go of many of my Life is simpler with less. I can appreciate more possessions; even the copious amounts of clothes – when I’m not overcrowded, and my senses aren’t SHOCK! Who would’ve thought I would ever willingly overwhelmed by the proliferation of stuff around get rid of clothes… me.Our outside world has a huge impact on our internal world. I guess my conscientious journey to becoming a minimalist formally began some months ago, when I For me, there’s more value in the memories, lessons cleaned out and rearranged my wardrobe.