現今我們處在一個混亂的時代，天災人禍、各種疾病、負面新聞層出不窮。目睹這些及周遭發生的事情，讓我成為一個很悲觀的人。我不信任別人，尤其是那些想幫助我、稱讚我的人，總懷疑他們別有意圖。若同事犯錯或做得不好，我常失去耐性、暴跳如雷，甚至嚴重到影響了自己的健康。我常借酒澆愁，有時還陷入憂鬱。幸運的是，我突然覺察到自己不可以再過這種生活，於是決定想辦法改變生活。因為我對父母的養育之恩虧欠太多，而且我比其他人還有福報，不應該這樣浪費自己的生命。

　　非常感恩遇到海天禪寺，不僅讓我遇到佛法，人生也因此有所轉變。在海天，不論是師父的開示、大眾的分享或親身的體會，都教會我許多寶貴的課題。然而佛法必須透過實踐才能真正受益。我盡力觀照自己的言行，提起正念以減少造作惡業。也以耐心、同理心包容別人的過失，同時思惟如何幫他們改善提升，如何讓他們簡易地完成目標。面對不好相處或惡言相向的人，不再立即以負面的情緒反擊，而是提醒自己要同理他們的難處，同時反省自己是否先有過失，他們才會這樣對待我。也因為這樣，我改變了自己的言行。

　　實踐佛法，就像服用良藥治癒疾病，讓我減輕大量的痛苦。不但在人際之間少了衝突對立，頭痛生病的次數也少了許多，而且更能夠保持平靜的心。我知道修行成佛這條路要發長遠心，必須更精進落實佛法。雖然有時還是會走入歧途、起退轉心，但提醒自己，光陰飛逝，要把握當下修行的機會，盡全力將靜坐、誦經、反省檢討做為每日定課。最重要的是，我要至誠竭力地奉行戒律及普賢十大願，做為自己成佛之道的方針，同時也以此幫助一切眾生走上覺悟之路。

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.