现今我们处在一个混乱的时代，天灾人祸、各种疾病、负面新闻层出不穷。目睹这些及周遭发生的事情，让我成为一个很悲观的人。我不信任别人，尤其是那些想帮助我、称赞我的人，总怀疑他们别有意图。若同事犯错或做得不好，我常失去耐性、暴跳如雷，甚至严重到影响了自己的健康。我常借酒浇愁，有时还陷入忧郁。幸运的是，我突然觉察到自己不可以再过这种生活，于是决定想办法改变生活。因为我对父母的养育之恩亏欠太多，而且我比其他人还有福报，不应该这样浪费自己的生命。

　　非常感恩遇到海天禅寺，不仅让我遇到佛法，人生也因此有所转变。在海天，不论是师父的开示、大众的分享或亲身的体会，都教会我许多宝贵的课题。然而佛法必须透过实践才能真正受益。我尽力观照自己的言行，提起正念以减少造作恶业。也以耐心、同理心包容别人的过失，同时思惟如何帮他们改善提升，如何让他们简易地完成目标。面对不好相处或恶言相向的人，不再立即以负面的情绪反击，而是提醒自己要同理他们的难处，同时反省自己是否先有过失，他们才会这样对待我。也因为这样，我改变了自己的言行。

　　实践佛法，就像服用良药治愈疾病，让我减轻大量的痛苦。不但在人际之间少了冲突对立，头痛生病的次数也少了许多，而且更能够保持平静的心。我知道修行成佛这条路要发长远心，必须更精进落实佛法。虽然有时还是会走入歧途、起退转心，但提醒自己，光阴飞逝，要把握当下修行的机会，尽全力将静坐、诵经、反省检讨做为每日定课。最重要的是，我要至诚竭力地奉行戒律及普贤十大愿，做为自己成佛之道的方针，同时也以此帮助一切众生走上觉悟之路。

The Buddha Way Starts within Us

　　We live in what may seem very troubled times. Calamities, different illnesses, and other negative issues are what we mostly see and hear in the news. Due to these and what I have often seen around me, I used to have a very pessimistic outlook in life. I distrusted people and were suspicious of their intents, especially those who offered help or would give me commendations. Moreover, I didn't have much patience dealing with my co-workers who made mistakes and could not do their work well. I would often get very angry easily with them to the point that it affected my health. I also used to drink a lot and occasionally, I would have some bouts of depression. I was fortunate enough to realize that I shouldn't continue living in that manner, so I decided to find a way how I could live my life better. Because, I owe my parents a lot for raising me and providing for my needs. Compared to others, I knew I was more blessed, so I didn't want to waste my life living meaninglessly.

　　I am very grateful to have found Ocean Sky Chan Monastery that introduced me to the way of Buddhism and helped turn my life around. The Dharma teachings imparted, the knowledge shared by others, and the experiences gained whenever I was at the monastery all taught me very invaluable lessons. However, as with all knowledge gained, we should put it to good use to be able to fully reap its benefits. I constantly try to be more mindful of my thoughts and actions to reduce my bad karmas. I endeavor to be more patient and understanding of others' faults or mistakes. Also, I see how I can either help them do better or make it easier for them to do what I need. Whenever I encounter difficult people or someone who says harsh words, I no longer immediately react negatively. Instead, I would try to keep in mind that maybe this person is going through difficulties. I would also try to look back and see if I may have wronged them to cause them to treat me that way. Consequently, I make sure to correct my actions.

　　Putting the Dharma teachings into practice is like applying good medicine to an illness; it has greatly reduced my sufferings. I have less conflicts with others, less headaches and illnesses, and more peace. However, I still have a long way to go with my Buddhist practice and need to further cultivate diligently. Every now and then, I still go astray and regress. Time is passing by and I should constantly remind myself to seize every moment to cultivate. I will strive to meditate regularly, recite sutras, and reflect on them daily. Most of all, I will do my utmost to uphold the precepts and follow the Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva so as to help me tread my journey towards Buddhahood and be of more help to other sentient beings on their path to enlightenment.