When I see work, I do it. Sometimes even when I am very tired, I go on working, and only rest or do something else after it’s done. It should be like this. Our lives are short. If we put it off until tomorrow or the day after, then when can it be done? […] You would lose momentum. So, when there is work, it’s best to do it and just finish it. OK? Someone once said, “If there is food to eat, eat it tomorrow; if there is work to do, do it today.”
It was hard to change their habit of bringing food three or four times a day. They would feel strange if they didn’t bring food. They are used to being generous, understand? That’s why I don’t ask for anything now. I only pray that I get better soon. Or I won’t be able to go through that door. I am telling you. It’s like that every day. I don’t even know when I started gaining weight. And maybe many people will like me. It will be worse. Chinese people like round, full-figured people.
It’s troublesome if someone is disgusted with you. He sends an unpleasant energy to you. But it’s worse if he likes you. Then he sends a different energy to you. Your energy then gets pulled and disturbed. Understand? So sometimes because of this person nearby, you become disturbed. It’s better if he’s farther away. Therefore, when Shakyamuni Buddha was in the world, He told His disciples to leave home and become a renunciate. Better to leave the country – not only the family, but the country. They should stay far away. In this way, it’s easier to renounce the world and become a monk. If you are very close to your relatives and friends, they may tempt you. So, it’s necessary to leave the country. He was afraid He’d be tempted, so He even wanted to leave the country. It was better like that.
But at the time, the states in India were small. So, it was basically alright. A state was probably the size of a city in our time. There used to be many states in India, small ones, little ones. Everyone was a king. China used to be like that too. The states were unified later. Before, there were many small states and kingdoms. People rebelled and occupied some land, then became king. Nobody said anything. There was more freedom at that time. Now, if you want to become a king and establish a country, you have to register with the United Nations, to see if the world agrees to it. Things are different now. At that time, it was easier to become a king.
But as I said, being a king then was no better than being a civilian now. Right? At that time, horse riding caused the hips to hurt. A long ride caused much pain. Riding in a carriage was not easy either. At that time, not every road was smooth. Nowadays all roads are smooth and paved. It’s more convenient and smoother riding in a car. Yet we complain that our car is not good enough. We have a car and say it’s not that good. We want another one that is more expensive, brighter, and a better brand. Think about the ancient times. Horse riding was so hard. Or they had to walk to come and see me. It might take a few months, a few years, depending on where you lived and if you could swim. Because I am in Taiwan (Formosa) and it’s surrounded by sea. It’s not that convenient. Right? Of course, there were boats. But it was much later that there were ships. Most of the ships were for soldiers, for the troops, or the king. It was not easy to find a ship to come from mainland China to Taiwan (Formosa). It was not until much later that ships became more common. Now we...
Who? (It’s his first time.) I don’t understand. (He is outside.) Ah, ask him to come. Ask him to come in. Just call the Dharma guards and tell him the name. The guards will find the person for you. (He is outside.) Use that to talk. Can he hear you from outside? Where is he sitting? Outside? Are there still people sitting outside? (Yes.) Aiyo! Can’t come in. Oh, I’m sorry. I just saw you now. I was looking at the people in the front, I forgot about you. Hallo! Sorry, I am sorry. Aiya! Are there still so many people today? I thought many people come only on Sunday. And only you guys on short stay are here. But it’s still the same. It’s group meditation today. (Yes.) It’s group meditation for the local people today. But this place is occupied by you guys, so they sit outside. Poor people. Sorry about this, but you will earn a lot of merits. Everything for the guests. Right? They are willing, very willing, very, very willing. They work so fast.
When you first came, there were not many bathrooms and restrooms. Oh! Within three, four days, or a week, everything was ready. And there were a few trailers available as offices. Then, internet and phone connections were set up very quickly. Well done! (They are so efficient. They work so fast.) So fast? So many people? No! How could there be more people here than in mainland China? Our Taiwan (Formosa) is a small island. You come, that’s why there are so many people. Normally when they sit here, it’s not even full. When you come, they give you the space. (They do the work. They do Master’s work.) Yes. (They work so fast.) Work so fast! Cook so fast, and eat even faster. They are well-trained. But it’s also because they’re willing. Therefore, they can think fast.
In Hsihu, I bought a trailer as the office for the girls. Two weeks before I left, I told them that it’d been ordered. It had arrived. Now I’ve been in Kaohsiung a long time. I asked her, “How is your office? Is it comfortable?” She said, “I haven’t used it yet.” I said, “Why?” She said, “It hasn’t been set up.” It’s been at least four weeks. Here, in one week we can set up four. Over there, they couldn’t finish one in four weeks. Ah! So it is like this. Kaohsiung really has a different mentality.
Before I came, they said people in Kaohsiung were very laid back, so I was concerned. I didn’t know how laid back they would be. Then I asked you to come. And this place, this hall, is so small. We didn’t know if there’d be enough space to sit. So I asked them to set up more canopies, a few more, like the green one outside. That is legal. The temporary kind. I was afraid that they’d be too relaxed and could not finish. But they did it very quickly. No one got wet in the rain. No? (No.) No? (No.) If it rains, then sit here. If there is no space, sit under the canopies outside. (OK.) There is no need for tents, but you can use them to store and protect your things. And you sit here. You are here to meditate anyway. There is nothing to do for fun here. No choice. Where can we go to have fun? A few steps and you’re at the gate. Here you can only eat and then sit.
But I have asked them to buy more benches and place them around so that you can sit comfortably. (Yes.) How many are there? (A lot.) A lot? That’s good. A lot is good. Please give priority to the elders. (OK.) And those who can’t move around easily (OK.) and those who don’t feel well. Don’t put things on the benches and take up the space. Some people leave their things there while they go away to eat and have fun, or maybe go karaoke outside. They put stuff there to occupy the space. Other people think that somebody is sitting there. So they don’t dare to sit. Don’t be like that. OK? (OK.) Put your stuff in your tent. Keep those benches vacant, so the elders can sit. Respect the elderly and you will enjoy longevity. I bought these for them.
Let’s thank the Kaohsiung initiates once again. I like it this way. I also work very fast. If someone is slow, I can’t bear it sometimes. Understand? Incompatible. When I see work, I do it. Sometimes even when I am very tired, I go on working, and only rest or do something else after it’s done. It should be like this. Our lives are short. If we put it off until tomorrow or the day after, then when can it be done? When it is done, there will be other things to do. If there is nothing to do, we may rest or meditate. Why go so slow? I can also go slow. You would lose momentum. So, when there is work, it’s best to do it and just finish it. OK? Someone once said, “If there is food to eat, eat it tomorrow; if there is work to do, do it today.” Just be this way. You can eat anytime. I can also eat when I am working. Why set aside specific time for it? While reading documents, you can eat at the same time. Just be careful. Don’t put it in your nose. Don’t put the spoon in the wrong place, like in the ear. That’s it.
Sorry, my nose still doesn’t behave. I want it to stop, but it won’t. You newcomers. Any requests? (No.) Very good! Thanks. I asked just to hear that one sentence. “No.” “No need.” “No problem.” It’s good to not need anything.
Give the rest to the elders later. (OK.) In the back. Don’t be jealous of the elders. You guys don’t be jealous. Elders have less chance. (Yes.) First, they can’t walk easily or travel whenever they wish. My elder sister is old now. She doesn’t come to see me often. She used to come every time she had a chance. The last few times, she didn’t come. She’s old, and can’t move around easily. So, you guys, don’t be jealous, thinking I favor the elders. No. They just have less chance to see me. First, traveling is less easy. Second, they don’t know if they’ll still be around tomorrow. It’s the same for us. If you live until old age, you will be the same. Then I will treat you the same way. If you can’t wait, get old faster. How’s everybody? (Good.) OK. Let’s meditate. Turn off the lights and machines. Recite the Five Holy Names and meditate.
