All Things But None

Yeah, me mentioning about Success again... D'oh! You guys are like: "Oh enough already!" hehe! I can't help it! [Wait, isn't that a song? :-)] While I was visiting my folks this past weekend, I stopped by the Hsi Lai Temple to browse for books and music. I've been there a good few times and lately I just drive in and out to visit their bookstore/gift shop. Not too much of a book selection but enough for me to visit.

I've been going to Borders quite a bit these days, and everytime I'm there, I frequent the subject on Eastern Thoughts. Although I've bought many, there are only a good few books that I have which I truly enjoyed reading. This weekend at the temple I came across a series of books by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. I know very little about him since I never did any research, but what I'm reading now and experiencing has been such a delight. He came out with a series of books based on these articles which he has written a few years ago. Here's a brief description on where these articles came about:

Since the inauguration of the daily paper, The Merit Times, in Taiwan on April 1, 2001, I have been writing an article each day for the column "Between Ignorance and Enlightenment." It is now nearly two years and I am still writing.

In the beginning, I was only trying it out, thinking I would finish in a couple of months. However, response from readers has been very enthusiastic, and I just could not stop writing.

Among the feedback from our readers, the staff at The Merit Times reported that many people subscribed to the paper because they wanted to read "Between Ignorance and Enlightenment." Some readers also indicated that after reading the column, their interests and skills in writing had improved. They were even able to gain acceptance to a university with their polished writing skills. Other readers made scrapbooks of the articles and used them as bedtime reading.

In addition, after reading the column some people who previously had numerous unwholesome habits have changed for the better. For instance, they have quit smoking, drinking, and gambling. There were also cases where family members had problems getting along with each other and they were inspired by the articles. Their families have become harmonious and joyful, filled with laughter and warmth. Some students wrote reports based on the articles and obtained high grades and commendation from their teachers.

These responses from different walks of life greatly reinforced my sense of duty for the column. Because of this mission, which I feel I must should myself, I am motivated to write each and every day. Regardless of how busy my schedule in propagating the Dharma may be, I can always find time during the day to make connections with the readers through my writing.

Text: Between Ignorance and Enlightenment I: All in a Thought

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I've read books that went over my head many a times. Whatever the cause, there are just certain books that are simply difficult for me to read and absorb [Is it me or the books? It's probably me!]! The articles from Between Ignorance and Enlightenment is different. Since they were written to be read by the general public, they're like little life snippets. One can spend a few minutes reading and from that you get something genuine out of it. Like from the previous Success story:

To me, simple yet poignant. Sure he could use fancier words, but here, there isn't really the need. At any rate, I'll be posting more of his articles up. Again, here I'm not trying to instruct or give lessons from someone else's teaching, but I'm just fascinated by his views and simple observations that I hope you'll enjoy the articles as much as I am now.