Among the things I learned from the classes was non-attachment. It was emphasized throughout the teachings as a basic cause of suffering. Another is to be compassionate to all beings. In the cycle of Samsara, it is important for us to help others alleviate suffering through this simple practice. Great changes occurred to me through my involvement, and I am able to practice in real life what was taught by the Abbess. I now deal with others by reflecting and contemplating on the teachings. There are a lot more things which were taught to us, but the biggest transformation in me was that I became more compassionate towards beings. In understanding that we all suffer, and that we cannot be complacent watching others suffer more, compassion with genuine intention is essential and should be practiced at all times. This is one of the greatest things that I learned in Buddhism. I also learned that external objects are also impermanent, thus they cannot provide us true happiness. Since we are so used to finding our source of happiness in external objects, we forget to watch our actions and thoughts. True happiness can be realized through non-attachment and mastery of the mind by practicing meditation and study of Buddhism. We must continue to practice, as we go forth on our way to liberation.

It may be difficult at first to accept the teachings of Buddha, but my advice to newcomers would be for them to always keep an open mind, and to always reflect and apply the teachings in one’s life.

We all have our reasons for attending the beginners’ meditation classes here in Ocean Sky Chan Monastery. I geared myself not to expect anything and wholeheartedly immersed myself in understanding what Chan meditation is all about.

What have I learned and gained from Chan (Zen) meditation? I have yet to start regularly practicing meditation and yet, I have already felt that one, my concentration and reasoning have improved a little; and two, I sleep more soundly now and my blood pressure is lower. But this is not the main reason why we do Chan meditation. We meditate to see things as they really are. My meditation experience is very personal and what I can share is indescribable in words. I would say that the path to awakening and enlightenment is both easy and hard depending on one’s frame of mind, determination and persistence to learn. At the end of the day, meditation helps us to become more compassionate and wiser.

The Four Noble Truths to me is a very profound teaching and not easy to comprehend. The first one is the hardest to accept and realize but once accepted, you’d be on the road to enlightenment. Understanding the First Noble Truth may take a lifetime of examination and an attitude of awareness and alertness over a long period of time. I may say truthfully and frankly that I have yet to digest the First Noble Truth, to absorb it in my mind and heart. Chan meditation is a way of understanding this Noble Truth.

The Eightfold Path to me is a way of life. Intellectual understanding of the Eightfold Path is inadequate. Reflection is a must on these teachings. We have to consider what they really mean. Reflective understanding and acting should be a way of life.

Over the course of 12 weeks, there was a gradual change of attitude and outlook in my view towards life in general and people in particular. I have learned to accept things as they are, to be careful with my words and actions, to realize the cause and effect of words and actions upon others and its consequences, to be more compassionate towards others and to be a little bit more patient with people and situations. The change is neither transformational nor sudden but gradual. Contentment is my objective and enlightenment in any degree is the final goal.

With the adept assistance of Ocean Sky Chan Monastery’s Abbess, Shifus and Dharma brothers, we all hope to learn and understand, and be on the right path to enlightenment.

Buddhist ceremonies affect all our senses: smell— incense is burnt as an offering to the Buddha; hearing—chanting goes on the whole time; sight— candles on small goblets are lit as offerings; touch—the blankets, mats and cushion for sitting down during meditation are soft to the skin; and taste—vegetarian food is served after the ceremony.

Every encounter of mine at Ocean Sky is a lesson on being and becoming. My being is strengthened as I learn to focus on the more important matters that I have to attend to, instead of running helter-skelter, trying to search which activity or which item is more important to be confronted for the day. Because of the presence of very helpful Shifus, and volunteers, my being is now undergoing a healthy development.

In particular, my artistic bent was given a healthy outlet when I volunteered to facilitate drama classes for the Bodhi youth. The youths were so eager to learn about expressing themselves through acting. At the same time, they also learn meditation and Buddhist etiquette from Shifu Jianqiang

Now, “becoming” is the regeneration of hope in myself, and in communities—the meditation group in the Monastery, as well as in the place where I live —where now I feel relaxed and related in a humane, not obligatory, way of being a citizen of this country (a highly political view of issues of relationships), and of the world. As a human being, I hope that everyone can make a difference in this planet, so that it can be a peaceful and harmonious place for everyone, all sentient beings, including animals and plants.

Whenever I tell people I’m having meditation classes here in Ocean Sky, the usual response I get is “Why?” I give out many reasons such as to be able to have a clear mind without attachments, but many of them don’t understand. It is really hard to answer this question because a person needs to actually be here to hear and understand the lessons to feel that the real question is not why, but why not.

Before coming to the temple, I cannot say that my attitude had been very pleasant. I was moody and easily got stressed. I was not mindful of other sentient beings, either I ignored their suffering and sometimes I even added to their suffering. I was aware that my attitude was bad, but I found no reason to change it. When my friends asked me to come to Ocean Sky, I realized the need to change my life for the better.

After two semesters here in Ocean Sky, I have learned many things: the purpose of being mindful and how it can help everyone to escape the cycle of rebirth. It has changed my outlook in life. I have learned to take care and tolerate other sentient beings. I don’t look down on others but help them improve their lives. Helping others attain our common goal is satisfying not because this might attain some good karma in the future but because it is heartwarming to see their smiles. These are just some of the things I was missing out by acting selfishly in the past.

I have also learned that everything happens due to karma. All bad things are caused by my bad actions and all good things are due to my good actions. So whatever happens in my life, I just accept it because all of it was due to my past deeds. Accepting everything and thinking that they are impermanent prevents me from doing further harm to others and to myself as well. Still sometimes, I forget and return to my old ways, but I try to do everything one step at a time. I cannot change overnight, but with practice, I can slowly be a person that might someday be able to do what I have not yet done in my past life and be enlightened.

I am so thankful that I had the chance to be here and had finished two classes in Ocean Sky. The first step to be a better person is to realize one’s wrongdoings. The lessons in Ocean Sky can help in realizing them. After realizing them, one should make sure not to repeat them. The practice does not end today with this completion exercise but must continue onwards and must be applied in my life. I also hope that we could all stay here and learn more because there is no end in learning. Even if we think we have known everything, there are still many things out there that we are not aware of. Let’s all help each other in attaining our common goal. Amitofo!

I came to know about Ocean Sky Chan Monastery because of an ad in a newspaper. I was clueless of its existence. I only wanted to learn Zen meditation, a fascination that I had as a Catholic novice long ago.

As a mature adult, I continue to nourish my spiritual life. This is why meditation has become a need for me. It is my vehicle for the journey into my inner life. This inward quest is life-changing; it is a day-to-day commitment, a responsibility that only I can do. It is an awareness, a conscious nurturing of the mind. I yearn for a world that considers the need for an inner change. For me, it is necessary and urgent.

The changes in my inner life were indeed radical. Being radical made the changes thorough and complete. If I have a healthy, authentic inner life, then I would know how to serve others with compassion. It is a clear path and I choose to walk on this path.

Being in Ocean Sky Chan Monastery is like coming home to continue the life I had started long ago. I would like to express my profound gratitude to the Abbess for enlightening me. “Why did it take me so long?” was my question to her. “It’s your karma.” she replied.

I have been here in Ocean Sky Chan Monastery for more than 2 years now.

The first Sunday that I saw my mom all dressed up going somewhere without us, I asked her if I could come. She told me that she would still have to find out if I could be allowed. Upon coming home, she gave me the good news that kids like me are most welcome, so I looked forward to my first visit and experience the place she visited. The truth was I didn’t have the slightest idea where I would be going.

When I arrived at Ocean Sky, I was overwhelmed and very shy and didn’t want my mom to be out of my sight, so I told her “I am never coming back. Period!”

Every Saturday morning, I would pretend to be asleep. My mom didn’t buy all my tricks and whining. She had her way and forced me to attend the Bodhi Star classes, even if it meant carrying me to the van. According to my mom, she strongly and faithfully believed that Buddhism would be very good for my life. The truth was I didn’t know what she was talking about at that time.

As a compromise, I asked her to become an AT, so that I could see and be with her every time, to which she obliged. I was surprised that she was good at inventing games for children.

I became more relaxed as I personally experienced the warmth, sincerity and kindness of all the Shifus and the sweetness of Teacher Marita and Teacher Lolita in particular, most especially the compassionate and subtle mentoring of the former Abbess Jianding, as Bodhi Star Adviser then. With her most warm and reassuring smile, I felt very secure; but of course I love all the ATs and all the volunteers.

After more than 2 years, I truly and really do understand what my mom meant. Now, at age 10, I feel that I totally understand what Buddhism is all about. I realize that we have to take care of our thoughts because everything starts with our thoughts.

As I attended the beginners’ and intermediate classes, I learned the deeper reason why we have to calm our minds and the importance of meditation which we routinely do in the Bodhi Star classes.

I have observed that there are many similarities between the Catholic and Buddhist teachings and that makes me even happier, because I am not torn apart. They complement each other.

Whenever there are activities and ceremonies at the monastery, I always happily volunteer to come along. Although this time around, if we came in late, it’s because I really overslept. It’s not intentional anymore. When I would surprisedly tell her “Mom, we’re late!”. She would calmly say “I know…”

Having said so many things, it’s just the tip of the iceberg or a drop in the vast ocean, because I know that many beautiful things are still bound to unfold with the passing of time in our study here in Ocean Sky.

To our elders here, we know that what matters to you, the most, is that, your love, dedication and sacrifices do bear beautiful fruits in the Bodhi Stars’ lives.