When seeing the happiness of other people, two types of emotions might occur: jealousy and rejoicing. Jealousy makes us unsatisfied, while rejoicing brings us happiness and allowing our merits to increase.

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES

For many practices, transmission is empathised, especially of the Vajrayana. What do we mean by transmission? It means since the first turning of wheel of dharma of the Buddha, the stream of dharma handed down from one generation to another is called lineage, or transmission, which is non-stop, if it’s broken, then the great blessing of the dharma will not continue. Thus, notwithstanding the existence of scriptures,without oral transmission and transmission of pith instruction, the dharma would be extinct.

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES

Buddhists never believe in destined fate; rather, we believe all phenomena is the product of causes and conditions and subject to change. If everything is destined and changeless, then why do we bother to undertake dharma study and practice? Is it the goal of studying dharma to change fate? Therefore, in order to dismantle these preconceptions and transcend these causes and conditions, we must practice dharma.

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES

Some people believe that Buddhism is a religion, which entails faith. Faith is necessary in Buddhism, however, the view of Buddhism as a religion is rather simplistic, because faith is just one element of Buddhism. The foundation and focal point are not faith, rather they are wisdom and compassion

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES

Manjushri is the embodiment of wisdom of buddhas and bodhisattvas. The sword he holds in his right hand doesn’t aim at any sentient beings, rather, it aims at sentient beings’ ignorance, which leads to endless suffering and ruining one’s own happiness.

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES

“Love” in Buddhist context entails loving kindness and compassion. “Loving kindness” refers to sincerely wishing all sentient beings having happiness and the cause of happiness; “Compassion” refers to sincerely wishing all sentient beings are free from all suffering.

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES

Arising in the morning is somewhat similar to the Buddha emanating Sambhogakaya and Nirmanakaya from Dharmakaya to benefit sentient beings. Thus we need to make an aspiration: “May all sentient beings attain dharmakaya, and emanate Sambhogakaya and Nirmanakaya from Dharmakaya to benefit sentient beings.”

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES

For a practitioner, having contemplated on the mind of rejoice and the immeasurable thought of joy, one can habituate oneself to be joyful and rejoice in other’s better attributes, instead of being jealous. This is the decency of a practitioner.

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES

We should not become senseless, unresponsive and act like zombie just because the world is illusory. Neither should we deem this world as perfect, because we will be unable to face it when unfavourable conditions arise. In fact, this illusion does not contradict with our daily life. We can carry out work and develop our career because we have to make ends meet, however we won’t be as attached as before towards this world. When attachment reduces and our mind is broadened, we can engage in any activity at ease.

~Depicted from LUMINOUS WISDOM BOOK SERIES