Because of our past karma, we can’t choose our parents, we can’t choose when we fall sick, we can’t choose when we die. But today, we chose to come here, we chose to come for pilgrimage. A lot of people want to come, but can’t come, because of many reasons. 

Then we reflect — why we are human? Is it only for enjoyment? 

So we made the decision to come, but then what do we see? So much spiritual materialism. We offer flower, incense, light, many things. Offering is good. But if mind is not controlled, then we are chasing after things again. Chasing after form. Just like we chase after branded clothes to look good. Then how do we know we look good? Only when we look into the mirror. 

You want to look good, so you rely on the mirror. Then you go and buy this branded thing, that beautiful thing. Then you wear, and you feel like you achieved something. Then you look into the mirror and feel satisfied. But is it real? 

Merit and Mindfulness 

We come here, we think we accumulate merit. Yes, because it’s our choice. But greater merit comes when we make Buddha’s teaching part of daily life. 

Look around — everyone’s karma is different. Everyone’s life is different. So, we must ask — what is the meaning of our life? Why are we here together? Because we made that decision. If we want to have a good next life, it starts from today. From today, generate bodhicitta. Practice loving-kindness. Forgive others. Forgive ourselves. This is the real practice. 

You made the decision to come here. With this same decision, you can make to become a Buddha. Practice no matter what happens. Don’t say, “I don’t like this, so I don’t practice.” That’s like looking in the mirror and not liking what you see.  Do you change yourself? Or you change the mirror? 

You want to look good, you change. Lose weight, gain weight, build muscle — your choice. Same thing.  

Are You Your Body? 

Some of us are standing under the sun — it’s hot. Some under shade — it’s cool. But are you your skin? Are you your eyes? Your nose? Your ears? 

No. Your mind is not your body. Your body is just a tool. A tool to feel, to see, to hear, to think. The human body allows thought — but it’s not you. 

So, is what you see in the mirror real? No. Mirror is just a reflection. The body is also an illusion. A tool. Mirror is a tool. Body is also a tool. 

You’re not your hearing, not your sight, not your mind. You are beyond that. You are awareness. 

You give your car a name. Give a name, then attachment comes in. First you have a car, then a name, then boom — samsara. Same thing with our body. 

Life is like a resort. You enjoy, but you don’t live there. If you try to bring the resort home, you will end up cleaning, organizing, and become exhausted. By the time the house is ready, you are tired. Can’t enjoy the house. Then what? Life passes by. 

So think — your chase for name, fame, success. Is it worth it? Unless you can see all this is like a rainbow, an illusion. Then you can enjoy. Rainbow — you see, it’s beautiful. But can you catch it? Can you bottle it? No. Just enjoy it. 

But we want to catch the rainbow and bottle it. We think, “Only this shade of pink I can wear.” This is suffering. 

Do everything you can to enjoy life, but don’t make it samsara. See a rainbow, enjoy it. Let the flower grow. Let it be. 

Did Buddha teach us to get a good business to have a good job? Then we think — maybe it’s all a bit ridiculous. So you made a decision to come for pilgrimage. Now, make the  decision to become a Buddha. Not to be perfect, but to start. 

In samsara, there is no perfect solution. In life, we search for solutions. But no solution. So, cherish people. Cherish each other. Don’t try to fix everything. 

Who is unhappy? Not the mountain, not the river. It’s the mind. Only mind. 

Don’t get angry when things don’t go your way. We can’t please everyone. But I tell you one way to please everybody — empower them. Teach them how to make decisions. Their happiness is their responsibility. Don’t rely on the Guru for everything. 

Karma is not bad. Karma means Buddha empowers you. You are not under a god. You are free. Karma means your choice matters. You are a free bird. But fly too far, too tired, then you rest. Otherwise you will fall down and get eaten. Still it is your choice. 

So study Dharma not just to learn big words. Learn how to live. What’s your motivation? 

The phone has many apps. But if there’s no motivation, apps are useless. So we set a motivation — from now, I want to become like a Buddha. Don’t know how to pray?  

You can say, “Bless me to become like you.” 

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