Dharma Realm Buddhist Young Adults

Daily Life in the Monastery

The clapping of boards at 3:30AM wakes everyone up for morning ceremony, which takes place from 4-5AM. At four in the morning, the stars are still out and the world is asleep. Since our thinking processes have not started full force yet, it is a little easier to concentrate. In fact, it is often quite insightful to see what is going on in our minds this early in the morning.

The ceremony begins with the recitation of the Shurangama Mantra, one of the longest and most powerful mantras in Buddhism. The effects of this mantra are many, such as protecting the world from disasters, eradicating past negative karma, and ultimately developing an unshakable concentration.

The ceremony continues with the Heart Sutra, which is considered as the essence of the Buddha’s wisdom that transcends all dualities. Since the Heart Sutra speaks on the emptiness of all phenomena, it serves as a reminder for the practitioner to not get attached to the merits and benefits accrued from participating in the ceremony.

Accessing this transcendent wisdom requires a concentrated and sincere mind; hence, in the monastery, memorizing and reciting Sutras is a way of focusing the mind. In Buddhism, wisdom does not come from gathering more information (which is endless), but rather by uncovering your inherent wisdom (which is complete already).

The morning ceremony ends with the Bowing to the Patriarchs. Each of the patriarchs has an inspiring story showing how they underwent considerable hardship and difficulty to keep the Dharma alive. Without their hard work and dedication, the teachings that lead us out of suffering would not be available to us now. And so mindful of their hard work, we bow in gratitude.

Later in the morning, people begin their work for the day. Working in the monastery is considered a blessing, because we can create stronger affinities with the Dharma. Also this is planting blessings for the future because good actions reap good results. By supporting the monastery and others cultivating a spiritual path now, we will be supported by others in the future.

The next major ceremony is the meal offering before the lunchtime meal. The food is offered to the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and all living beings wishing that they can also partake in what we have. In the monastery, the simple act of eating becomes a chance to practice the Dharma. During the meal, people are encouraged to be mindful of the five contemplations, which are given below in verse:

1. This offering of the faithful is the fruit of work and care.

2. I reflect upon my conduct; have I truly earned my share?

3. Of the poisons of the mind, the most destructive one is greed.

4. As medicine cures illness, I take only what I need

5. To sustain my cultivation and to realize the Way,

So we contemplate in silence on this offering today.

All the food that we eat in the monastery comes as offerings from the generosity of others. The food, then, is taken with a sense of gratitude and thankfulness. To cherish one’s blessings, no food is wasted. People are encouraged to take as much as they like (going back for seconds or thirds if need be), but make sure they finish all they take.