An Incense of the Heart, A Lifetime of Diligence
Disciple Si Li
Translated by Tony Qin
Venerable Master and Fellow Practitioners,
With boundless reverence, gratitude, and joy, I attended the precept-taking ceremony today at the International Buddhist Temple. Looking back, thirty years have already passed since I first stepped onto the Buddha’s path.
Over thirty years ago, newly arrived in Canada, I visited this temple for the first time to pay homage to the Buddha. In my heart was only a simple faith and a yearning for the Dharma. That was the day I met Venerable Master Guan Cheng. Over these three decades, through both smooth and turbulent times, through every confusion and doubt, the Master’s teachings have accompanied and guided me. His enduring compassion has kept me from faltering on this path. This grace is forever etched in my heart, and I am deeply grateful.
These thirty years have been a journey of continuous learning. Though I walk slowly, every step has been sustained by the temple and the Masters’ compassionate guidance. Along this long path, I wish to especially thank a few Venerables of the temple.
Thank you, Master Shan Le, for always patiently guiding and accompanying me, unraveling my doubts and illuminating profound Buddhist wisdom. Under your gentle care, I took refuge last year. Whenever I felt lost or entangled in worries, your compassionate words always awakened me, keeping me steady and true on the spiritual path. It was because of this that I resolved to take the precepts this year.
Thank you, Master Shan Hu, for your compassion in giving me the opportunity to volunteer at the temple and guiding me in organizing the children’s Dharma class. Preparing those lessons taught me so much and planted deep roots of wholesome goodness. This past year has been my most rewarding and transformative in thirty years of practice.
And thank you, fellow practitioners, for your kind greetings and words of care on the mornings of our Dharma assemblies which have brought me such profound warmth.
I used to think taking the precepts was an intimidating burden. I feared I would fail, break them, and bear greater faults. But now I understand: we do not take precepts because we are flawless. We take them because we are sincerely willing to repent and grow. The Buddhas and Bodhisattvas do not ask for a perfect person; they ask only for a sincere heart, ready to mend and reach upward.
It was through serving, dedicating, and learning that I realized the true meaning of the precepts. The Five Precepts are not chains, but shelter. They are not restrictions, but true freedom. To not kill is to nurture compassion; to not steal is to uphold integrity; to avoid sexual misconduct is to purify body and mind; to not lie is to live truthfully; to not drink intoxicants is to keep wisdom clear. These are the roots of our humanity and the very foundation of our practice.
Thirty years of practice was a long preparation—a quiet accumulation and settling. Taking the precepts today is a promise, a true beginning. I dare not say I will never falter in the days to come. But I am willing to watch my mind constantly and reflect on my deeds. When I err, I will repent; when old habits rise, I will correct them. I will take the precepts as my teacher and goodness as my path. I will continue to practice diligently, participate in our Dharma assemblies, and earnestly volunteer at the temple. Step by step, I will walk onward, striving to be a genuine disciple of the Buddha with a pure and tranquil heart.
I clearly remember a teaching Master Guan Cheng shared twenty years ago: “A single stick of heart-incense is what matters most. This incense of the heart outshines a thousand worldly offerings—it is more sincere, more diligent, and more enduring.” It is this unextinguished heart-incense that has lit my way for thirty years. For the rest of my days, I will carry it along this path. I will not forget my original aspiration, nor let my devotion wane, nor slacken in my practice. With a single stick of heart-incense, I will cultivate a good heart; and with a good heart, I will live this life well.
I dedicate the merit of taking these precepts to my parents, my family, and all sentient beings of the entire Dharma Realm. May everyone enjoy peace of body and mind, perfect their blessings and wisdom, progress together, and swiftly accomplish the Buddha’s path. Namo Amitabha Buddha.
A Single Thought of Refuge, a Resting Place for the Heart
Disciple Si Xing
Translated by: Tony Qin
On March 15, 2026, I had the privilege of attending the Refuge and Precepts Ceremony at the International Buddhist Temple. As my first formal experience with taking refuge, I arrived with a mix of anticipation and a touch of nervousness. Though I chose only to take refuge this time, without receiving the Five Precepts, the profound serenity and purity of the ceremony still deeply moved me.
During the ceremony, Venerable Master Guan Cheng’s teachings on the meaning of “refuge” resonated with me deeply. I used to think of taking refuge as merely a symbolic ritual, a formal entry. But the Venerable Master explained that it is not only an outward act, but also an inward shift. To take refuge in the Buddha is to embrace enlightenment and wisdom. To take refuge in the Dharma is to follow the right understanding and methods. To take refuge in the Sangha is to lean on a community of fellow practitioners and knowledgeable teachers. Far from abstract concepts, these are practical guides for everyday life.
The Venerable Master said: “Taking refuge is not about asking for protection, but learning how to face life.” These words made me reflect on my own mindset. When difficulties arise, it is natural to wish for an outside force to fix things. Yet, what truly matters is nurturing our own minds—learning to meet both favourable and adverse situations with clarity and steadiness. This explanation made the idea of refuge feel remarkably real and close to home.
Though I did not take the Five Precepts this time, I sat quietly and listened to the teachings surrounding them. The Venerable Master explained that precepts are not constraints, but rather a compass for true freedom. By guarding our actions, words, and thoughts, and choosing not to harm ourselves or others, we naturally avoid future suffering, steering our lives toward peace and light. This entirely shifted my perspective on the precepts. Instead of mistaking them for limitations, I saw the protection and ease that they offer.
The entire ceremony unfolded with a tranquil solemnity. The chanting and the rituals immersed everyone in a natural calmness. For a time, I felt myself letting go of the worries and stress of daily life, leaving my mind quiet and at ease. As the ceremony drew to a close and we each received our refuge certificates from the Master, the atmosphere became warm and heartfelt. Looking around, I saw faces lit with gentle, serene smiles in the shared joy of having taken a meaningful step together.
Ultimately, this experience was more than a ceremony; it was a new beginning. It is a reminder to move through life with a little more awareness, a little more kindness, and a slightly higher standard for myself. I hope to gradually apply the lessons I learned that day to my everyday life, allowing my mind to grow ever more steady and clear.
