Robot Monk Xian'er

Never mock others’ shortcomings. 【Xian'er says so: Don’t laugh at others】Xiaowu said to Xian’er: Hey, Er, why are your eyes so small?Were they not fully opened when you were born? And your ears ! The smog is so heavy here. I wonder why they have not asked you to blow if away with your giant ears. And look at your tummy, your little legs, and your eyebrows… You really are something! I heard you’re in a new cartoon when is it going to be released .Xian’er, the best actor…Xian’er: Stop talking! I am embarrassed by you. Xiaowu: Why are you embarrassed by me?Below are quoted from my Shifu’s new book, Say Good Things—Master Xuecheng’s insight on the path to speaking like a Buddha.  Those who mock others’ shortcomings are mean-hearted.They don’t treat others with loving kindness and compassion. One must be aware that by treating others badly when they are suffering, one is due to have a sad ending. This is not a curse for personality determines destiny. 永远也不要挖苦和嘲笑别人的短处贤二如是说：不要嘲笑别人王小五对贤二说，喂，二啊，你的眼睛怎么这么

Understanding how to listen is more valuable than how to talk【Xian'er says so: Don’t be like me.】Xian’er got severe hemorrhoids Xianyi went to visit him and brought him some special medicine.He told Xian’er how to use the medicine because it was made using his family’s recipe . Xian’er took a look at the medicine Xianyi brought him and thought to himself, what special medicine could he have. So he chatted with Xianyi for a bit and saw him off. Later, Xian’er forgot about the medicine Xianyi brought, and the hemorrhoids got worse. He couldn’t stand, couldn’t sit and couldn’t lay on his back. He could only lay on his stomach. Actually, Xianyi had the right medicine for his hemorrhoids. Why is it that Xian’er did not use it?Below are quoted from my Shifu’s new book, Say Good Things—Master Xuecheng’s insight on the path to speaking like a Buddha.  We don’t believe what others say may benefit us. We don’t respect others, are critical of others’ mistakes, and look down upon others. We are so self-con

Often what we see are others’ problems. Xian'er says so: It is much easier to laugh at others than to reflect upon self. Wang Xiaowu ran into Xian’er and said: You Buddhists practice being honest with your heart, right? Xian’er said yes. Wang Xiaowu said, I am going to be honest today. Xian’er, you are greedy when it comes to food and you are often envious of Xianyi.  Shifu does not take you abroad and you are bitter about it.And Shifu took your cellphone away, which you are not happy about, right? Xian’er said, all right. Wang Xiaowu said: you are too sensitive and narrow minded.Once in a while I joke with you, but you have been thinking about beating me all day long. Am I right?Xian’er said, that is right.Wang Xiaowu said, you see I was right. Why do you stare at me like that?I did not say anything wrong.I was just being honest.Xian’er asked Xiaowu to look down below. Wang Xiaowu said: Below are my feet. What is it? Xian’er said: Read on. Below are quoted from my Shifu’s new book, Say Good Things—Mas

What to do when confronted with difficulties and setbacks?Xian'er says so: Three sentences of great value. Xian’er was  scolded by Shifu once againHe was also hit by Wang Xiaowu’s   slingshot againHis freshly made ice cream was taken by Xianwu to serve guests. Xian’er complained to Xianyi, my fragile  heart has been taking  heavy hits lately and I cannot bear it anymore.I think I am stuck. I have so many issues and I doubt whether I am even qualified to be a monk.I just want to escape and run away……Xianyi said, I will give you a few sentences.You should take them and recite each of them  a thousand times. After finishing reciting, Xian’er’s confidence was completely restored. He is now fully confident and continues to bedevoted  to his practice and his Buddhist undertakings. Below are quoted from my Shifu’s new book, Say Good Things—Master Xuecheng’s insight on the path to speaking like a Buddha.  When confronted with difficulties and setbacks, one shall always say: Okay! No problem! There must be a w

How to maintain compassion when dealing with situations?Xian'er says so: What is compassion?Wang Xiaowu bullied Xian’er yet again.Xian’er went to complain to Shifu, asking Shifu to teach him a lesson.Xian’er thought about it and decided against it.Shifu will say that we ought to be compassionate and tolerant. We must have mercy and learn to forgive other. Feeling helpless, Xian’er hid behind the corner and cried for a while. Soon after, Xianyi came looking for Xian’er and told him that Shifu scolded Wang Xiaowu pretty seriously. Xian’er couldn’t believe it and he was in ecstasies. But he was confused，so he went to ask Shifu why not so compassionate this time. Shifu then told Xian’er the secret.Below are quoted from my Shifu’s new book, Say Good Things—Master Xuecheng’s insight on the path to speaking like a Buddha.  Compassion is a state of mind, while behaviors are means to an end. Although compassion may appear as various phenomena, the mind remains the same. Compassion is to care for the weak and unde

Must one experience a lot before coming to realize what he truly wants? Xian'er says so: How am I wrong?Xian’er asked Shifu, Why is it that having scrubbed so many toilet bowls I still don’t have much wisdom? Shifu answered, It is because you have not done much thinking. So Xian’er stopped scrubbing toilet bowls for a long time. Shifu found Xian’er and asked, The toilet bowls are filthy. Why haven’t you done any cleaning? Xian’er replied， It is because I am doing my thinking.Shifu said: Why are you being so dogmatic? Xian’er said, I am sorry that I am wrong. But Shifu, how am I wrong this time?Below are quoted from my Shifu’s new book, Say Good Things—Master Xuecheng’s insight on the path to speaking like a Buddha.  Thinking and experiencing cannot be separated. One must learn to think after some experience. It is as the old saying goes, “A fall in pit, a gain in wisdom.”But thinking is not necessarily limited to one’s own experience. Those who are good at thinking gain insights from listening and/or obse

If you are optimistic,  the body's suffering will naturally be alleviated. Xian'er says so: how to face despair.Xian’er was sick and he could not get out of bed. He was scared and asked Shifu:Shifu, why is it that I am sick. And it has been a few days, why am I not better? I saw Xianyi getting flowers. He is not preparing for my funeral, is he?And Xiansan has been chanting the Rebirth in Pure Land Mantra.Is he getting ready for the ritual of my salvation?Shifu, I don’t want to die. I am still young! Shifu, there are many flavors of ice-cream that I want to try.And there are so much more… Shifu told Xianyi to get Xian’er out of bed and get him to work in the kitchen. Below are quoted from my Shifu’s new book, Say Good Things—Master Xuecheng’s insight on the path to speaking like a Buddha.  When in agony, there are two different mindsets. One is to become scared, worried, anxious, and focus only on the pain, therefore finding no way out.The other is to plead for and earnestly seek help to get out of th

Favorable situations are like water irrigating our mind; Unfavorable situations are like fire burning off our afflictions. Xian'er says so: Shifu help us continuously grow.Xian’er asked Shifu:Shifu, why is it that you are sometimes super nice to me, making me feel like I am being embraced by a spring breeze.While other times you are so cruel, making me feel like I am being frozen by ice. Sometimes you praised me on my progress, while other times you seem so critical of me.Sometimes you flatter me, while other times belittle me, disfavoring me there.On one hand praising me and on the other hand hurting me with your words.Shifu, why do you do that? After asking this question, Xian’er said to himself: It is OK. I am just wondering. I know you are not going to answer me.Actually, I do understand. It is just that I have to get it off my chest. Below are quoted from my Shifu’s new book, Say Good Things—Master Xuecheng’s insight on the path to speaking like a Buddha.  All situations in life are meant to help

If you know where you are going, you will not be distracted by billboards along the road. Xian'er says so: Don’t forget your goal in life. Xian’er drove Shifu and Xianyi to the airport. During the drive, Xian’er asked Shifu:Shifu, why is it that once Wang Xiaowu complains about my ice cream,I don’t want to make it anymore. Why is it once Zhao Xiaocui complains about my chanting, I don’t want to chant any more. Why is it once Zhang Xiaosi talks about you never taking me abroad,I don’t want to go abroad any more.Why is it once Boss Qian says that I will never be a great monk,I don’t work hard anymore. Why?Shifu asked: What have you seen along the road? Xian’er answered: I see many billboards.But Shifu, you didn’t answer my question but you asked me what I saw? Below are quoted from my Shifu’s new book, Say Good Things—Master Xuecheng’s insight on the path to speaking like a Buddha.  In life we are often influenced by others’ attitude and actions such that we change our mind and our deeds. This is just lik

Look inward under favorable conditions; Let it go under unfavorable conditions. Concentrate on Your Work in Good Times and Rest Assured in Adversity Xian’er says so: “Who took my toilet?”Xian’er, who has been ignored by Shifu, was finally reassigned with great responsibility.  Shifu asked Xian’er to look after all toilet in the monastery.   Xian’er felt awesome and he has been walking in air with great spirit ever since. A little while later, Shifu suddenly asked Xiansan to take over from Xian’er. Xian’er was very upset and depressed. His steps were heavy and spirit low.Below are quoted from my Shifu’s new book, Say Good Things—Master Xuecheng’s insight on the path to speaking like a Buddha. Look inward under favorable conditions; try not to become arrogant. Let it go under unfavorable conditions; try to be positive and open-minded.Think more of the bright side.Those who are optimistic always see the positive,While those who are pessimistic see only the negative. As a matter of fact,All that is external

How to face illnessWhen facing illness, we shall not take it lightly, escape, nor worry too much about the body.Half of what causes sickness is our afflictions and fear.At such, we should rather be relaxed and accept what it is, and often recall virtuous Dharma.What can we do otherwise?Suffering of the body, plus suffering of the mind, it is just going to get worse.面对病苦面对疾病，既不能轻忽逃避、讳疾忌医，又不能过分担忧执著，整天牵挂着身体。病魔的力量，有一半是来自于我们的烦恼与忧惧。既然已经如此，不如坦然面对，放松心情，常念善法。否则，不接受又能怎么样呢？肉体上的痛苦加上精神上的折磨，只是苦上加苦。

Seeking dignity from withinSelf-respect is to respect oneself.However, people often identify "self-respect" when in conflict with others.Such "self-respect" does not gain respect from others.Dignity is not to be sought.It is to be had when one respects oneself.How to respect oneself?To take responsibility in everything you do, to adhere to your code of conduct, to follow those who are virtuous, and to avoid those who are not.尊严要向自身求自尊，就是自己尊重自己。可是世人往往都是与人针锋相对时，在对方的刺激下才发现“自尊”，其时之“自尊”已不足以唤起别人尊重了。不是求别人尊重，自己有了尊严，别人才会尊重你。如何自尊呢？就是任何事要尽自己的责任，坚守自己做人做事的标准，多学好样子，不学坏样子。

Say good thingsWhen hearing something abusive, how do we feel?When hearing something warm and caring, how do we feel then?We speak for a purpose which is to help others and solve problems, and not to show off ourselves.Care more for others and think less of ourselves.When the mind is immersed in arrogance and vanity, there is no place for wisdom.好好说话听到一句骂人的话，自己心里是什么感受？听到一句温暖的问候，又是什么感受？说话要有正确的目的，就是为了帮助别人、解决问题，而不是为了表现自己。多关心别人，少关注自己。浸泡在傲慢心和名利心中时，智慧就很乏少了。

How to cultivate blessingsOur blessings are like a bowl which is very small and can hardly hold any water.Therefore, we ought to endeavor to cultivate blessings.Such cultivation means opening up one's heart, not being critical of others, and not blaming others for everything.Shrewdness destroys blessings, whereas generosity accumulates blessings.  Think more for others, take a loss willingly, respect your mentors, parents, and the elderly,  and be of service to those who are poor and/or suffer.如何培植福报人的福报就如同一个碗，碗很小，即使有水也盛不住，所以要努力培福。培植福报，就要扩大心量，对人不要斤斤计较，遇事不要怨天尤人。精明刻薄损福，宽厚慷慨积福。凡事多代人着想，甘愿吃亏，孝顺老人，恭敬师长，布施贫苦。

Principle of getting along with othersWe should be of more positive energy, put ourselves in others' shoes, and learn to emphasize.We ought to forgive others for their minor mistakes and treat others with kindness, rather than being self-centered and demanding service from others to our satisfaction.  Interpersonal relationship should not merely be business that emphasizes rights and responsibilities.It should be of more kindness and good spirits.与人相处的法则我们应该多去散发正能量，换位思考、将心比心，体谅、包容他人的小小过失，多用一点善意去面对他人，而不是时时处处以我为中心，要求别人服务到位，让自己满意。人与人之间不应仅仅是甲方与乙方的关系，仅仅强调权利和责任，还应有更多灵性和温暖。

Benefiting oneself·benefiting othersThe nature of interpersonal relationship is not merely business.When dealing with others, think less of how to protect ourselves but more of how to care for and help others.Benefiting others is to benefit self.The more you help others, the bigger capacity your mind has.It is not that others need our help.It is that we cultivate our compassion and wisdom through helping others.Do more that is of benefit to others.The more you give, the happier you are. 自利•利他人与人之间不止是甲方和乙方的关系与人相处的过程中，少想着如何保护自己，多想想如何关心、帮助他人。为别人就是为自己。当你帮助的人越多，你的心量就越大。不是他人需要我们的帮助，而是我们在帮助他人的过程中成就自己的慈悲和智慧。多做利他的事情，付出越多，快乐越多。

Are you a sensible person?A sensible person is not obsessed with nor indulged in short-term pleasure, but working hard to manage his body and mind.In other words, only when the body and mind is fulfilled with what is truly beneficial, one has the strength to resist the overarching flow of desire and to obtain long-lasting joy.One ought to put himself in others’ shoes,  think more of others, and be of service to others more.These are things that can be done in daily life.One shall be mindful, diligent, and active in such undertakings.你是理智的人吗？理智的人，不能只贪图和沉迷眼前的快乐，而要努力管理自己的身心。反过来说，身心要多填充真正有益的东西，才能有力量抵制欲望的泛滥，得到更深层更持久的喜悦。凡事多代人着想，多为大众服务。这些都是日常生活中能够做到的，要留心去做，认真去做，主动去做。

How to recharge the spirit?Human beings need high quality rest, otherwise called "recharge".Our daily diet and sleeping recharge the body.Whereas participating activities at a monastery such as chanting sutras, listening to the Dharma, and labor work recharge the spirit.Why not taking a trip to a monastery during holidays?Just let go of trivials in life and seek a peaceful mind.Those who practice with great zeal will also need to take a pause once in a while.This is to adjust and relax the body and mind by either reading or appropriate exercise. 怎样为精神充电？人需要高质量的休息，或叫“充电”，每日的饮食、睡眠都是在为身体充电；去寺庙参加一些活动，出坡、诵经、听闻等，是在为精神充电。到了节假日，不妨放下琐事，去寺庙走一走，静静心。修行的人在精进的过程中，也需要暂止息，每隔一段时间短暂地停下来，精神上略略放松，或静阅书籍，或适当运动，调整身心。

Make the best of illness to focus on practice Although we might be sick, we still are living this life which is the most precious thing.Make every minute count and make the best of your life in undertakings that are of benefit to self and others.Do not immerse yourself in comparisons and regrets.Let suffering be your teacher and you can learn a lot.  For instance, one tends to be more compassionate and less proud when in suffering.One tends to aspire to spiritual cultivation rather than being attached to worldly pleasure.  One becomes more grateful when often taken care of by family. Do not complain nor give up.Keep making right causes, the future will be better.善用病苦好修行虽然生病了，可是仍然拥有生命，这就是最可贵的。抓紧时间，善用生命，去做一些对自他的未来,都有利益的事，不要沉浸在比较与懊恼中。以苦为师，可以学到很多东西。譬如人在苦中比较不会有骄慢心，而容易生起同情心；不会贪恋享乐，容易发起道心；常常受到家人的照顾，多生起感恩心。不要哀怨、放弃，不断种正确的因，未来会越来越好。

Taking a loss can be a blessingTaking a loss can be a blessing.This means when dealing with others, one shall put aside short-term gains or emotions and step back willingly to yield to others, rather than being aggressive and having to win everything.Those who choose to do so understand the importance of leaving room for self and others, therefore having a broader mind and long-term vision.Naturally they who don't emphasize too much of themselves accumulate more virtue and blessings.  This is not a superficial and forced action of letting go.It is a reflection of one's mind culture.  If we are fooled, we ought to first draw lessons from the experience in order to avoid such situation in the future.We ought to secondly think along the lines of the karmic law and be free of anger.Lastly, we ought to make great efforts to aspire to become a honest person.吃亏是福吃亏是福，是指在人与人的相处中，肯放得下一时的利益或意气纷争，不咄咄逼人，事事占先，而甘心后退一步，让人几分。能真心这样做的人，心中不把自己放得太重，凡事懂得为自他留出空间，目光更长远，心胸更宽广，自然福德愈厚。这是一个人心上的功夫，而不是表面的被迫放下。若被人坑蒙拐骗，一方面要总结经