Bao Lin Chan Monastery in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | Religious centre

Bao Lin Chan Monastery

Locality: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Phone: +61 3 9813 8922

Address: 94A HIGH STREET, GLEN IRIS, VIC 3146 Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.chungtai.org.au

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25.01.2022 Words of Wisdom from Grand Master Wei Chueh. "A thousand mile journey begins with the first step". The first step is the present mind; apart from it there is no other mind. Deluded or awakened, it is just the mind.... Amituofo

24.01.2022 Amituofo . . Dreams, illusions, like flowers in the sky Why waste effort latching onto them?... Gain, loss, right and wrong Abandon them all at once. TRUST IN MIND . . #baolin #meditation #gleniris #melbourne #zen #chan #wisdomwords #mindfulness #community #awareness #buddhism #monastery #australia #amituofo See more

24.01.2022 On Saturday, Australia and New Zealand commemorated Anzac Day, a day of remembrance for all those who have served and died in war, conflict, and peacekeeping operations. In Buddhism, the principle of dependent arising states that events happen when the right causes and conditions come together. The principle teaches us that everything in existence exists because other things are in existence. As such, everything is interconnected, and everything affects everyone. Furtherm...ore, in the principle of conditionality, everything, whether mental or physical, exists and occurs because of the presence of certain conditions. In this way, everything is dependent on other things. If we have good conditions, we should be grateful towards all people, and all sentient beings, for without the assistance of the right, good conditions, we could not achieve success on individual effort alone. The Buddha said, When there is a cause but no condition, the effect will not arise. In Buddhism, fourfold kindness comes from: our parents and teachers; the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha); country; and sentient beings. Today, we live in a prosperous country, and we should appreciate all the people who have devoted themselves to maintaining the well-being of this country, and the world. The best way to repay such great kindness is to treat others in a positive way, as well as practice compassion and equality for all sentient beings, for contributing peace and loving kindness to the world. May Australia be prosperous, the world be at peace, and all beings increase in merits and wisdom. Lest we forget. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlHl9vJygCQ

23.01.2022 Spotted near Bao Lin after the strong winds . We hope everybody is staying safe. Amituofo ... #baolin #strongwinds #melbourne #becarefuloutthere

21.01.2022 The following is an excerpt from Chung Tai Chan Magazine NO.119. It is a Student's Reflection on seeing hope through adverse circumstances. During the extended lockdown in Melbourne, and the uncertainty around the world, we hope that everyone can find some wisdom in this reflection. Amituofo . . Before studying Buddhism, I spent a lifetime reacting out of fear and anxiety. My only hope was that adverse circumstances would change as quickly as possible so that the anxie...Continue reading

21.01.2022 Dreams, illusions, like flowers in the sky Why waste effort latching onto them? Gain, loss, right and wrong Abandon them all at once. "Trust in Mind"... #baolin #melbourne #gleniris

21.01.2022 Some views from around Bao Lin this week. #springiscoming #baolin #gleniris #melbourne #australia #cherryblossoms

19.01.2022 Chung Tai Chan Monastery by night. #chungtai #baolin #taiwan #melbourne #gleniris #buddhism

18.01.2022 This week's Sweet Dew of the Dharma relates to the Principle of Causality. "To change our fate, we should focus on the cause instead of the outcome. The Buddhist teaching of causality tells us that what happens in our lives comes from our own efforts. Understanding causality means we can create our own destiny." - Grand Master Wei Chueh... #baolin #meditation #gleniris #melbourne #zen #chan #wisdomwords #mindfulness #community #awareness #buddhism #monastery #australia #amituofo #causality #karma #causeandeffect

18.01.2022 Amituofo. Please enjoy the following reflection by a fellow meditation student from Ocean Sky Chan Monastery, a Chung Tai Branch in the Philippines, upon the positive changes in her life that have come from attending meditation class: . . All of us are Number One....Continue reading

18.01.2022 Be mindful each moment. Do not dwell in the past, present or future. The past is past, to linger on it is pointless. The future has yet to come, to speculate on it is wishful thinking. To worry about the present is to be trapped in fleeting, inconsequential thoughts. - Words of Wisdom by Grand Master Wei Chueh .... #baolin #meditation #gleniris #melbourne #zen #chan #grandmasterweichueh #mindfulness #community #awareness #buddhism #monastery #australia #amituofo #wisdomwords See more

17.01.2022 Amituofo , Here is a short story about waiting too long to seize moments and opportunities. #baolin #gleniris #melbourne #chungtai #nowisthetime

17.01.2022 Amituofo. We hope everyone is doing OK during Melbourne's extended lockdown period. It can be easy to feel frustrated by the many restrictions in our current lives. The following is a story about Tolerance from Chung Tai World about the Snakes Head and the Snakes Tail. In a certain place there was a snake. One day the snakes tail said to the snakes head, I should be the one to lead the way.... The snakes head replied, Ive always been the one to decide on the direction. Why do you suddenly want to do it? After speaking, the snakes head continued going forward, and completely ignored the tail. Seeing how things stood, the snakes tail deliberately wound itself round a tree and refused to wriggle another inch. The snakes head pulled with all its might to no avail, and they both became exhausted. Finally, the snakes head gave in and allowed the tail to set the course. Intensely excited, the snakes tail thought, At last I am the leader! At this moment of utter exhilaration, the snakes tail forgot that it did not have any eyes with which to see the road ahead, and with not an inkling of what lay ahead, slid into a roadside fire-pit, and was burned alive. Reflection: People might laugh at the foolishness of the snakes tail for making such a presumptuous demand. But during our daily lives, do we not also engage in arguments that gradually lead us into danger without our knowing it? #baolin #chungtai #melbourne #gleniris #snakesheadsnakestail #wisdomwords #tolerance

17.01.2022 The Fool Guards the Door One day, there was an elder who planned a journey. Before he left, he told his servant: You must take care of the house, watch the door, my donkey, rope, etc. and dont let someone steal them! The servant replied, No problem! Ill look after them! After the elder left, the servant felt bored. All of a sudden there were sounds of beating gongs and drums outside indicating that a show was about to start! While the servant excitedly rushed out to go... outside, he recalled what the elder said: You have to watch the door. The servant worried about how he could fulfill the elders instructions and still see the show! Ah! I will tear down the door and tie it onto the donkey with the rope! Then I wont lose any of the things that the elder asked me to guard. The servant then happily led the donkey, with the door tied to it, to watch the show. After the servant left, a thief passed by the elders house and finding the doorway wide open, he ran into the house and stole almost everything. When the elder returned from his journey and found the house empty, he was mad and asked the servant, Where are all the things that were in my house?. The servant said reasonably, You asked me to guard the door, the donkey and the rope. You see, all of them are still here! You didnt ask me to take care of other things, so how should I know why theyve gone! The elder shouted angrily, I told you to watch the door which means you need to look after everything in the house, the things I mentioned were examples! Now that I have lost all my treasures and furniture, whats the use of the door? -- paraphrasing from Hundred Parables Sutra Reflections: Sometimes, we are just like the servant and hold onto something inexplicably and not realize the true treasures that we should guard. As a cultivator, our true and pure mind which contains myriad treasured virtues is what we should protect. We should keep our awareness and be consistently kind to others rather than focus on what we desire. If we only hold onto our desires and act without wisdom, we are in danger of losing much more. #baolin #gleniris #melbourne #chungtai #chungtai #buddhism #amituofo

16.01.2022 Words of Wisdom from Grand Master Wei Chueh. "When the mind is master of itself, all the actions of our daily life will be perfectly appropriate". Amituofo ... #baolin #chungtai #grandmaster #taiwan #australia #gleniris #wisdomwords #melbourne

15.01.2022 Amituofo. We hope that everyone is keeping well during the COVID-19 lockdown period. The following is an excerpt from a talk given by Ven. Jian Hu on the Benefits of Meditation, during the Zen-seven Retreat at Buddha Gate Monastery on January 5, 2002. Four Benefits of Meditation....Continue reading

14.01.2022 The Meaning of Bathing the Buddha. The Buddhas Birthday Celebration Ceremony is an annual celebration held on the eighth of April in the Chinese lunar calendar to commemorate the birth of the Buddha. About 3000 years ago, Queen Maya had a dream in which she saw a six-tusked elephant entering her from her right side and she became pregnant. Ten months later, as dictated by Indian custom, she returned to her mothers house to wait for the birth of the baby. On her way, she sa...w some beautiful and fragrant Sala trees at Lumbini Garden where she stopped to rest. As she raised her right arm to take hold of a tree branch, the baby Buddha was born from her right side. When the baby Buddha landed on earth, he took seven steps in each of the four cardinal directions; with each step he took, huge lotus flowers arose from under his feet. Pointing one hand toward the sky, and one hand toward earth, he declared: In all of heaven and earth, I am the most venerated one.(I refers to the inherent Buddha nature in all beings.) At this point, the whole earth shook, celestial maidens sprinkled the earth with heavenly flowers, the four Heavenly Kings showered the golden body of the baby prince with 12 kinds of fragrant water made from the most precious flowers, and the nine celestial dragons spurted two streams of water from their mouths, one warm and one cold, to bathe the baby Buddha. Every being in the heavens and on earth danced in exultation at the arrival of the Buddha, who taught that anguished beings would find the real causes and solutions to their suffering, and lost beings would find the right path to liberation. Buddhist disciples celebrate the Buddhas birthday by holding the ceremony in which a statue of the baby Buddha is placed at the center of a water fountain decorated with fragrant flowers. Following a chanting and offering service, participants take turns ladling the fragrant water in the fountain and pouring it over the baby Buddha statue while chanting the Bathing the Buddha Gatha: We are now bathing all Buddhas Pure and grand, complete in wisdom and virtues May sentient beings be cleansed of the five impurities All attaining Tathagatas pure Dharmakaya. This ritual symbolizes the washing away of the greed, anger, ignorance and all the accumulated defilements in our minds. A pure mind brings wisdom and blessings. The beauty of the flowers, the sweet fragrance emanating from the water fountain, and the mindfulness and respect called forth by the bathing ritual serve to remind the participants to always avoid unwholesome thoughts and actions, and maintain the purity of body and mind at every moment. #bathingbuddha #baolin #melbourne #buddhasbirthday #gleniris #taiwan #chungtai

13.01.2022 #baolin #chungtai #grandmaster #melbourne #gleniris #taiwan #dedicatemerits

13.01.2022 TODAY IS THE 3047th ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTH OF BUDDHA. The Buddha came into this world for one express purpose: to challenge us to look directly at the meaning of life and death and show us the way to transcend the endless cycles of suffering caused by our ignorance of, or refusal to, face the truth. In Buddha's Birthday Celebration Ceremony, we are inspired and encouraged to reflect on the meaning of our own birth and death, and to truly get to know the Buddha waiting to b...e born in each of us. This year, due to COVID-19 we cannot attend the Buddha Bathing Ceremony, but we can purify our body, speech and mind to show our gratitude toward the Buddha. The following posts will explain the meaning of bathing the Buddha, and also a Dharma talk by Grand Master Wei Chueh, to teach us how to purify our body, speech and mind. Amituofo #buddha #baolin #chungtai #melbourne #gleniris #australia #taiwan

11.01.2022 There is a saying: If one cannot tolerate the small aggravations, one will upset the whole plan. Tolerance brings peace; it is a crucial Buddhist practice. In our everyday life, we may encounter positive or negative situations any time; face them with tolerance and patience, then we will progress in our cultivation. - Words of Wisdom from Grand Master Wei Chueh #baolin #meditation #gleniris #melbourne #zen #chan #grandmasterweichueh #mindfulness #community #awareness #buddhism #monastery #zenhall #australia #amituofo

11.01.2022 Amituofo. We hope everyone is keeping well this Monday . Here is a brief article from Chung Tai Chan Magazine on practicing compassion. #baolin #chungtai #compassion #buddhism #melbourne #gleniris #taiwan #amituofo

10.01.2022 Amituofo! Did you read our previous post on the reflection from two students of Buddha Mind Monastery in Oklahoma?! If you haven't, please read it before proceeding to this one... If you have read the previous post, here is Jayden's (age 7) reflection.... What made you decide to join the group dedication? I want to become a Buddha. And I also hope that the COVID-19 pandemic will end soon. What made you want to continue your practice every day in the past three months? I learned from the Di Zi Gui (Rules for Children ) that we need to have perseverance. Can you give me some examples that make you to continue your practice every day? I want to spend more time in daily practice than my sleep time. Whom do you dedicate your merits to? I dedicate my merits to all the sentient beings. And I pray that all the sentient beings will learn the Buddha Teachings, get enlightened and make vow(s). What vow(s) have you made? I want them to learn the Ten Great Vows of Bodhisattva Samantabhadra. Why the Ten Great Vows? Because I can remember these ten great vows very well and I like these ten great vows very much. Who are those sentient beings? (He always spends time dedicating his merits to with a serious looking face. But he is shy to share about it.) All the sentient beings related to me; all the sentient beings not related to me; ArhatAnagaminSakrdgaminand Srotaapanna. I learned this from the Diamond Sutra; all animals, I hope they can learn the Buddha Teachings and become Buddha themselves; all beings in the heaven and in the hell, I pray that they (beings in the heaven) wont indulge themselves too much in the happiness and forget to learn the Buddha Teachings; all the ghost beings, I pray they wont be ghost anymore and will learn the Buddha Teachings and become Buddha themselves. So, in conclusion, you want all the sentient beings to become Buddha themselves, and you want to become a Buddha yourself as well? Yes! Yes! Yes! What have you learned in the past three months? I learned to sit upright when I meditate. I also learned that I can meditate longer (from 15 minutes to 20, then 20 to 30, and then on the weekends for 40 minutes with my dad). I could memorize the Misfortune-Dispelling and Blessings Mantra. Will you continue to do what you are doing right now? Yes! I want to achieve the goals set by the Shifus. What if Shifus completed the group dedication and did not set up any goals, will you continue your daily practice? Yes, I will continue my practice. If your meditation practice has been struggling during lockdown, we hope that these two students can help inspire you! Amituofo

10.01.2022 Amituofo. The following is a reflection on meditation from a class member at Buddha Jewel Monastery in Washington state, USA. We hope you enjoy. In. Out. In. Out. For the past eight months, each observed in-breath and each observed out-breath has microscopically altered the trajectory of the consciousness I've called "I" for the past 55 years. Like many beginners, I sought something new. Instead, I've discovered the little-by-little losing of things old: old habits, old im...Continue reading

10.01.2022 "When this mind is master of itself, all the actions of our daily life will be perfectly appropriate." - Words of Wisdom by Grand Master Wei Chueh .... #baolin #meditation #gleniris #melbourne #zen #chan #grandmasterweichueh #mindfulness #community #awareness #buddhism #monastery #australia #amituofo #wisdomwords See more

08.01.2022 Blue skies above Chung Tai Chan Monastery #chungtai #taiwan #blueskies

08.01.2022 During COVID lockdown, many families have never had to co-exist under the same roof 24-7, for months at a time. Even if family relationships normally run smoothly, its fair to assume that lockdown has raised pressures that have lead to many tears of frustration. Certainly in homes where personalities clash, remaining calm can produce huge challenges. So whats the solution? Most of us know that practicing compassion is the most powerful way of dealing with unpleasant sit...uations. If we can keep an open mind, and an open heart, with compassion at the fore, then chances are most people, including the most difficult family members, can find a way of getting along. There is a saying, Benevolence and compassion make a beautiful world. Respect is the formula for peace and joy. Gratitude is the source of happiness and peace. Admiration is the secret to benefiting others. The Grand Master said, "The bodhisattva is not just a kind of form or appearance, but is the pure intention to benefit all sentient beings." and "By treating all people with a mind of compassion, equality, and respect, we can share the brightness and joy of the Dharma with everyone. That is the bodhisattva way. We hope everyone is keeping well during the extended lockdown in Melbourne. Amituofo. #baolin #chungtai #melbourne #gleniris #snakesheadsnakestail #wisdomwords #tolerance #compassion #respect #grandmaster #wordsofwisdom #covid #lockdown

08.01.2022 Seeing the Six-realms from the Buddha’s Eye . . Prince Siddhartha had attained enlightenment after 49 days of meditation under the bodhi tree. He used the Buddha-eye to observe the sentient beings’ karmic behaviors in the six realms of rebirth, in order to better facilitate the proper ways to guide them to liberation.... The heavenly beings lived in celestial palaces of gemstones and jewels; they had everything they wanted without ever worrying about a shortage of necessities (until they approach death). The human beings suffered from aging, illness and death. The hungry ghosts lived in filthy places (such as restrooms and forest edges.) They had narrow necks and large bellies from constantly enduring extreme hunger and thirst, unable to satisfy these needs. The animals had mental states dominated by stupidity and ignorance, and were constantly afraid of being caught and killed. The beings in hell suffered tremendously from burning flames, boiling pots and other punishments. All sentient beings were trapped in the system of rebirth, drifting throughout the six realms, unable to find an escape. The Buddha then meditated contemplating the cause for endless rebirth of all sentient begins. He realized the sentient beings’ thoughts were constantly changing and filled with three poisons: greed, anger, and ignorance, as well as good and bad karma. Buddha said, The sentient beings’ behavior determine who they are. The root of suffering is due to strong self-delusion and attachment. If they give up all their possessions and desires, and are willing to become monks or nuns to cultivate Buddhism then they can be set free. In knowing the truth and observing the four-stages of any event: birth, growth, deterioration, and end, they can eradicate and overcome afflictions and escape from rebirth. Under the request of Brahma King, the Buddha decided to teach the Dharma to the world. For 49 years, the Buddha applied his peerless wisdom to direct a path for all sentient beings so they could reach eternal happiness, forever free of darkness and suffering. . . REFLECTION: It is rare to be reborn as a human being. It is rarer still to get a chance to hear the Buddha’s teachings. Among the Six Realms of Ordinary Beings, the realm of human beings is the most ideal for practicing the Dharma and attaining Buddhahood. In the human realm, there are times of misery, but also interludes of calm when we can reflect on the roots of our misery. We must cherish our special opportunity for practice and seize our extraordinary encounter with the Buddha’s teachings. When we earnestly follow the teachings, we create a world for the Dharma to thrive in and a path to liberate ourselves and all living beings. . #baolin #meditation #gleniris #melbourne #zen #chan #wisdomwords #mindfulness #community #awareness #buddhism #monastery #australia #amituofo #buddhiststory

07.01.2022 The Day of Joy for the Buddha and the Story of the Ullambana Ceremony. The Day of Joy for the Buddha, also known as Ghost Day - is celebrated on the 15th day of the Seventh Lunar Month. This year it is on 2nd September. In Sanskrit, Ullambana means "deliverance from suffering," and refers to the salvation of anguished souls in Hell. This concept originates from the Buddhist legend of Maudgalyayana saving his mother from the hungry ghost realm. As such, the Ullambana Ceremony... reinforces the concept of filial piety, a virtue of respect for one's parents, elders, and ancestors. According to Buddhist legend, Maudgalyayana, one of Buddhas great disciples, discovered through his Dharma eye that his mother had committed severe bad karma of killing, and had been reborn in the realms of pain and suffering. When he learnt that her spirit was being subjected to hunger and misery, he went to the netherworld to relieve her of her suffering. Once there, Maudgalyayana found his mother in a starving and pitiful state. He offered her food, but when she tried to eat it, the food turned to burning charcoal. Distressed, Maudgalyayana sought advice from Buddha who told him that his mother's offences were deep-rooted and that he alone would not be able to ease her suffering. The Buddha advised Maudgalyayana to make offerings to the Sangha, and pray with them for the liberation of his mother's soul, and also for the souls of his ancestors. Supporting the Sangha is a very meaningful and meritorious act as it allows the Sangha to practice without obstructions and cultivate merits for ourselves and our ancestors. The sutra said: "Those disciples of the Buddha who cultivate filial conduct should in thought after thought, constantly recall their present parents when making offerings, as well as the parents of seven past lives. Every year, on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, they should, out of filial compassion, always recall their present parents and those from seven past lives, and for their sakes perform the offering of the Ullambana basin to the Buddha and the Sangha and thus repay the loving kindness of the parents who raised and nourished them. The Grand Master said: If we are content, our minds will be at peace. We will see our blessings, be filled with gratitude and have a willingness to help all. Our lives will be filled with hope and happiness. In this lockdown period, we could take this opportunity to practice the Buddhists spirit of respect, compassion, harmony, truth, gratitude and filial piety to our family and all people who had helped and supported us. Amituofo #baolin #gleniris #melbourne #dayofjoy #ghostday #chungtai #buddhism #amituofo #ullambana

05.01.2022 Spring has sprung in the gardens around Bao Lin! #baolin #springinmelbourne #gleniris #melbourne #amituofo #fullbloom #springflowers

05.01.2022 The following is an excerpt from Chung Tai Chan Magazine about the benefits of keeping a quiet mind during difficult times - something we can all relate to during the current extended lockdown period during COVID.

04.01.2022 When thoughts arise in our minds, we need to distinguish between the 'visitors' and the 'master'. The visitors are our delusive thoughts, coming and going endlessly, like dust in the air. The master is that which recognizes the delusive thoughts, like the empty space in which dust floats, boundless, always unmoving. - Words of Wisdom from Grand Master Wei Chueh #baolin #chungtai #grandmaster #gleniris #buddhism #wisdomwords #wordsofwisdom #taiwan #melbourne #sweetdewofdharma

04.01.2022 A rainbow near Bao Lin a few moments ago #baolin #gleniris #melbourne #rainbow #winterrainbow

04.01.2022 Amituofo We hope everyone is having a pleasant Friday. #baolin #chungtai #taiwan #chungtaiworldmuseum #buddha ... image taken from the main hall of the Chung Tai World Museum.

03.01.2022 In our daily life, our six senses come into contact with external objects every moment. When we encounter objects to our liking, greed and craving immediately arise. Therefore, we need to always reflect and examine our thoughts. When an affliction arises, detect it and turn it around the right way, so we can maintain this present mind in constant samadhi and wisdom. - Sweet Dew of Dharma #baolin #meditation #gleniris #melbourne #zen #chan #sweetdewofdharma #mindfulness #comm...unity #awareness #buddhism #monastery #australia #amituofo #wisdomwords See more

03.01.2022 Here is a true story: "A Bowl of Noodles" Once upon a time, there was a high school student named Annie, who lived with her mother. One thing she feared most coming home from school was her mothers non-stop gossiping and complaining. ...Continue reading

03.01.2022 Today is RU OK? Day Mental health is especially important during these uncertain times. By genuinely asking Are you OK? and being prepared to have regular meaningful conversations you can help someone who might be struggling to feel supported when confronted with challenges in life whether at home, work, school or in sport. If you have a feeling that someone you know or care about it isnt behaving as they normally would, or perhaps they seem out of sorts, more agitated or... withdrawn, or theyre just not themselves. Trust that gut instinct and act on it. By starting a conversation and commenting on the changes youve noticed, you could help that family member, friend or workmate open up. Even if you cant fully relate to what theyre going through, just listening might be a good place to start. If you know someone who is struggling or going through some big changes, check in often and ask, Are you OK? #baolin #melbourne #australia #gleniris #thinkingaboutyou #theresmoretosay #RUOK #RUOKDay

03.01.2022 Vexations and joy are only within one single thought. The key is when faced with the problems in life, can our minds maintain tranquillity, will we have the wisdom to understand and observe accurately? . - Words of Wisdom from Grand Master Wei Chueh . #baolin #melbourne #gleniris #chungtai #grandmaster #taiwan #wisdomwords #wordsofwisdom

02.01.2022 Some interesting sights around the neighbourhood near Bao Lin

02.01.2022 The following Dharma Talk by Grand Master Wei Chueh, teaches us how to purify our body, speech and mind. PURITY OF THE SIX ROOTS IS TRUE FREEDOM. When this mind that knows is neither defiled nor turned by external situations, when the six roots are not contaminated by the six dusts, when ones understanding is always clear, the mind of wisdom instantly manifests, and all our actionswalking, staying, sitting, or lying downwill be perfect. When this mind achieves no-thought a...Continue reading

02.01.2022 The following is an article from the Chung Tai Newsletter about the power of remaining adaptable yet unchanged in changing conditions. As COVID continues to challenge the world, the lessons within may help us all to better cope with the inconveniences that these times continue to bring. . . Remain adaptable, yet unchanged. ...Continue reading

01.01.2022 Amituofo , During lockdown, how has your meditation practice been going? Have you been managing to meditate daily, if not, then regularly?... For some inspiration, please read the following reflections from two students of the Buddha Mind Monastery in Oklahoma, USA. Samantha is 11 years old, and Jayden is 7 years old, they are brother and sister. For the last 3 months both kids have been practicing the following everyday: Sitting Meditation (1 hour); Chanting the Diamond Sutra; Chanting the Great Compassion Mantra x 3; Chanting the Dispelling Misfortunes and Blessings Mantra x 108; and Prostrating to the 88 Buddhas. They have kept it up for the entire three months! The reflections are an explanation of why they are willing to complete these practices everyday. First, here is Samantha's reflection. Hi! My name is Samantha and I will tell you why I even started chanting sutras and meditating in the first place! One word; quarantine. I started meditating and chanting sutras for those who were suffering because of the corona virus. Oh and by the way, 50% was also because my parents practically forced me to meditate. I never really liked meditation, but I really like it now because I used to never be one of those patient people. What kept me going these months was because of a simple circle. You might not think much of a circle, but the circle was a pie chart. My mom had me and my brother make a pie chart of how much time we spent each day sleeping, eating, etc I found out after making the pie chart that I only spent about one and a half hour each day out of the twenty-four hours of our everyday lives to do meditation and chanting! And I would spend almost ten of that to sleep! Then, my mom asked me and my brother to do some math. If we each lived from this day on and we only lived till 70, how many years would we spend sleeping to meditating? I did the math (I had help) and the results were shocking because that would mean I would sleep for about 24 years! And I would only be meditating for about 2 years in all of the 70 years of my life. And this is the reason I have been doing meditation for the past three months. I feel that I have more and more patience with things as I continue to meditate everyday. Thank you for reading! Jayden's relfection will feature in the next post.