Anifrid Espinola

After some months of practice now, I realize how much Buddhism has affected my life and made me a more peaceful, serene person much more capable of dealing with life and all its obstacles.

I managed to gain further insights on Buddhism and try new experiences. I learnt how to forgive and let go, to be mindful, how to clear the thoughts in my mind and how to make peace with everything. I also made a number of new friends here in the monastery. I am a much more kind, compassionate and happy person because of that! Not only my thoughts and ways have changed but also my lifestyle. I come to the monastery during weekends and to volunteer some works regardless of the difficulties on my way here.

I can’t imagine anything more rewarding or fulfilling. Our journey doesn’t end on this ceremony but it’s the beginning of our journey to enlightenment.

I would like to sincerely thank the Dharma Masters for their tireless effort in teaching us the Buddhist path, the method of cultivating our mind and the spiritual development leading to deep insight into the true nature of life.

Amitofo!

(TOP)

Celia Cacdac

Knowledge without practice is not enough for one to attain enlightenment. I realized that when I changed how I view things. Each situation became clearer in my mind. I could understand myself and everything around me better. Now, whenever an unfavourable situation comes my way, I accept it gladly, just as I do with a favourable situation. I look at these situations positively. Whenever I fall into delusions, I always remind myself to reflect inward, to look at my mind and find out where it’s coming from. It’s very important for me to always keep my awareness, to remind myself to accept my own mistakes instead of blaming others. I realized that there’s no one who could change me but myself.

To transcend any situation, we should use a compassionate heart instead of being judgemental. I learned that everything comes from our mind whether good or bad. Our actions are the manifestation of our thoughts. We need to use our mind for discernment. We have to think mindfully. With this practice of being mindful, we create good karma and prevent bad karma.

I see difficult situations as opportunities for me to practice what I’ve learned from the Buddha’s teachings taught by our Dharma Masters. When things come my way, I observe the principle of causality and follow the Eightfold Path.

My deepest gratitude to Ocean Sky Chan Monastery for giving us the lectures. I know everything has a purpose, nothing happens by accident. We can be the masters of our own minds. (TOP)

Christopher Val Vargas

I am 25 years old and have a great future as a violinist. I could have had anything I wanted; instead, I vowed to become a monk. Exposed to Buddhist practices since I was 17 due to influences from friends, I progressed to deeper forms of Buddhism in 2009. I once assisted a Thai Theravada monk who was assigned to the Philippines. With him, I felt a certain kind of peace. Eventually we parted ways, but I kept wondering what made me feel peaceful and focused at the time. It was in 2010 when I was invited by Celia Cacdac to visit and join Ocean Sky activities. I declined at first, because it was far from where I lived and would require long trips. The next year, she and her children went to Chung Tai Monastery in Taiwan. I was supposed to take a trip to another temple, but changed my mind because Celia invited me to join them for the trip. In Chung Tai, I accompanied Maybelle (Celia’s daughter) on the violin, when she sang during Chung Tai’s 10th anniversary celebration. After the trip, it dawned on me that I cannot be a violinist forever. Finally, I decided that I wanted to become a monk, and told Abbess Master Jianding that I wanted to leave home-life. She advised me to finish all the meditation classes first.

From then on, I was able to practice what I know better. With the permission of Abbess Master Jianshu, I reflected on how monastic life would be, and became more serious and sincere in my practice with her guidance. I hope to become a novice in Chung Tai Monastery.

The most important lesson from the Buddhist classes I took in Ocean Sky was how to empty myself. I learned detachment from worldly possessions. Now I understand the true meaning of life. I have found my true nature. I understand the law of causality and dependent origination. I learned how to appreciate and accept conditions as they come, and how to be a good person, practicing good thoughts and doing good deeds.

Ocean Sky is the best place to get to know oneself and realize one’s true nature. Despite having to let go of a chance to pursue a Master’s degree in Music in the U.S., I feel no regrets. (TOP)

Gina Quidlat

My first encounter with Ocean Sky was when my boss, Ms. Evelyn Chan, and I were visiting her daughter at the building across the monastery, which looked more like a restaurant than a temple. After that first meeting with the two Shifus, we started bringing food regularly to the monastery.

When the Shifus asked Ms. Evelyn to assist in preparing the food, I began to help out in the kitchen together with others, including Ms. Pin Pin, who also came over to help. I was asked to cook vegetarian food and I prepared simple vegetable dishes, because I was not yet used to cooking vegetarian. Now, I am no longer scared how my cooking would turn out, if it would turn out palatable or not!

I joined the Beginners’ Class which I completed with former Abbess Master Jianyong. As a volunteer, I would accompany Ms. Evelyn in bringing the Shifus where they wanted to go. Later, I was also assigned to buy fruits and flowers.

Through the years in the monastery, I learned tolerance and patience as I worked harmoniously with others. I also learned how to be a team player, with the intention of helping with my best efforts. Even during my vacation leave, I find myself always thinking how the monastery is being maintained. Because of this, there are less and less vacations and more of the monastery for me. THE MONASTERY IS NOW LIKE SECOND HOME!(TOP)

Jen Yamut

I read somewhere that there is an old man in each of us; that we tend to lose sight of our instincts but in each of us is an unforgotten wisdom stored up within. I wrote this bit in one of my reflections. Like a metaphor on how I see our true nature—obscured but always present.

My encounter with Buddhism began with a thought about wanting to become a Buddhist. How that thought crossed my mind I do not know but sometimes it’s the little twists in life that create the most impact.

I once asked a Master whether Buddhism was a religion or a philosophy. She said that to her, it is simply her way of life. I look back at the years past and realized she had driven her point succinctly. In principle, we learn from the Masters, then try to put into practice what we have learned; in reality though, it is easier said than done. I think what is important is that we persevere in our practice, because Buddhism, like the Dharma doors, presents itself to us in different ways with unlimited possibilities but the opportunity may not always be there. Like the Shifus always say: “cherish every moment!” Amitofo. (TOP)

Josephine Cortes

I came to Ocean Sky Chan Monastery on September 9, 2007, to fill in for a helper who took a two week vacation in her hometown. When the helper found out she was pregnant, Gina Quidlat presented me to Ms. Evelyn Chan and Abbess Jianyong as her regular replacement.

From the time I started working in the monastery, Master Jianyong also asked me to attend meditation classes in between my chores. In fact, during a Completion Ceremony, many people were surprised that I was able to complete at all.

I learned about Samsara, the causes of suffering, why life happens as it does. Once, I let Master Jianyong read a medical test result that showed a cyst in my ovary. The Abbess advised me to drink auspicious water before going to the doctor the next time. I prayed for positive results. At the clinic, the doctor examined me and told me that it was not a cyst; my ovary was alright and there was nothing to worry about. I shared this great news with the Shifu Jianyong and we were both overjoyed.

I find some time for meditation. I have visited Chung Tai Monastery twice. I was very happy to have joined the August celebration with the Tour of the Bodhi Mind. I also enjoyed the scenic places. There, in Taiwan, I could not recall even a single problem. I have been helping in the kitchen and have never gotten tired.

I would want newcomers to attend classes, to learn and maximize whatever the Shifus share. They have concern for every sentient being and look after every detail. They are good guides towards attainment of perfection. (TOP)