當初來到佛心寺上禪修班，只是想要學習靜坐，以及對於佛教有更多的了解，結果我卻在禪修課程中認識了自己，並且明白如何面對真相。

　　靜坐對我來說曾經非常困難，即便是現在有時仍然如此。我有一顆躁動不安的心，要降伏脫韁野馬般的心念實在是種挑戰。經過禪修的練習之後，我已經能夠讓散亂的念頭來來去去而不理會它；如今只要我感到不愉快，就會從靜坐當中尋求內心的寧靜。

　　而禪修課程中的佛法開示也非常有益處，我總是可以學到一些對自己有幫助的道理；每個人都要為自己的苦痛負責，這是很難接受的真相，因為埋怨他人總是比較容易，可是儘管我們想把這一切歸咎於他人，但終究並非事實。

心定柔和自家齊

　　以前，我有時會在很短的時間之內，就突然大發雷霆。現在我會先深呼吸，不讓憤怒停留在心中，因此能夠控制自己的脾氣，我會讓自己平靜下來，以沒有執著的心來審視處境，試著去了解為何對方會認為他們的選擇是正確的，有時候對方的思維，的確是錯誤的，可是我會嘗試讓他們了解自己的錯謬思維，而非一味地向他們發怒，因為生氣對彼此都沒有好處。禪修讓我成為一個較少發脾氣、慈悲心也增長的人。

　　由於自己在情緒處理方式上的轉變，讓大家注意到我學佛後顯著的不同，也驅使他們開始詢問有關佛法的問題，並且來到佛心寺，想要了解我在這裡做什麼？學習些什麼？我的父母來寺院上課並且受了三皈依，這對他們來說是莫大的榮耀；我的兩個女兒也來上禪修班，而我的外孫女長大之後也會來學佛；同修很支持我們全家人的修行，也很歡喜地與我們討論在精舍所學到的點點滴滴。我們家曾經充滿了暴力和混亂，家人必須共同對抗紊亂以維繫整個家庭；現在我們卻能夠團結一心，家中充滿著寧靜與和諧的氛圍，因為禪修是我們共同認可的事。

　　修行學佛是我今生做過最簡單，同時也是最困難的事。修行很簡單，因為就只是追尋真理而已；但是它又很艱難，因為真相令人難以接受。人生的苦痛與解脫、天堂和地獄，都操之在己！

　　(I came to the monastery to meditate and to learn more about Buddhism. I ended up learning about myself and how to face the truth.

　　The meditation was and is hard sometimes for me. I have a monkey mind and calming monkeys is a challenge. After practicing I am able to let the random thoughts pass out of my mind. Now when I become upset I search for the calm mind I have during meditation.

　　The Dharma talks are beneficial. I always take away something that will help me. It is hard facing the responsibility for your suffering is on you. It is easier to blame others but that is not the truth even if you want it to be.

　　I have been known to get very angry very fast. Now I take a breath, let the anger pass over me, I then put the anger on hold. I calm my mind and try to look at the situation without attachments. I try to understand why the person would think their choice was correct. Sometimes they have just had faulty thinking, so instead of using the anger that doesn't help either of us, I try to help them understand the faulty thinking. My anger is on me, their choices are on them. My practice has helped me become a less angry and more compassionate person.

　　The change in the way that I handle my temper is what people notice the most about my practice. It has caused people to ask questions about Buddhism. It has caused people to come to the monastery to see what they are doing to me or teaching me there. My Father and Mother go to the monastery and to take the three refuges with them was an honor. My two daughters come with me and my granddaughter would be raised going to the monastery. My husband supports us all in our practice and enjoys talking with us on things that we have learned. With all the chaos and violence we have fought off together as a family to all come together in peace. It is the one thing we all agree on.

　　The practice of Buddhism is the easiest and the hardest thing I have ever done. It is simple, seek the truth. But the truth is hard. My salvation, damnation, heaven or hell rest only with me.)