Fa Xing, Ocean Sky Chan Monastery
I found Ocean Sky Chan Monastery when my mind needed serenity and peace. After learning a lot from Abbess's Dharma talks, many things unexpectedly changed within me, such as my impatience while taking public transport. For example, while taking the beginners class, I had to leave home by 3:30 p.m. since classes started at 7:30 p.m. Classes ended at 9:30 p.m. and I would not reach home until 11:30 p.m. or even 12:30 a.m. when traffic was heavy. I did not care how hard the trip was because I kept my awareness the whole way. Besides, I always told myself that this is part of my practice. Through this mindset and method, I eventually got rid of my impatience.
Meditation became my daily activity in the morning and before bedtime. It helps me guard my mind and examine whether my thoughts are in accordance with the Buddhist teachings before doing or saying anything. In my opinion, it has greatly contributed to changing my personality and views on the matters around me. I quit smoking from three packs a day, became more patient, and developed respect towards all sentient beings. But most of all, I became vegetarian. I also observed how delusive thoughts mislead people and how people can lose their way or do evil deeds if they are not observant enough.
During the first two weeks of COVID-19 in the Philippines, my mind became muddled and full of worry about many things in life. While meditating, two teachings came to my mind: “letting go” and “impermanence.” I used these to lessen my worries and just focused on other things, such as ways to survive and how to help others as much as I can, even with the small things. I have deeply ingrained the Buddhist teachings in my mind to serve as my guide in daily life.
My Dharma name is Fa Xing (法性 fa-xing) or Dharma nature. The Dharma opened a path for me to understand myself more; that it is my true mind that is aware of my thoughts and actions. Fa Xing is much like a sprout who has a long way to go to discover his true nature. But Fa Xing will eventually bloom, thanks to the guidance of the precepts. Even if this might not be accomplished in this life, perhaps it will in the lives to come. I am grateful to Ocean Sky for sharing Buddhism, which changed my life, and for making me a part of the Dharma Support Association. I promise that I will not let them down and will take care of the trust they have given me by continuing to diligently practice and protect the Dharma.