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2021.01.29
Dealing with Flu Outbreak
Master Hsin Tao’s teaching on the outbreak of bird flu in April 2013
Student: It seems that the flu is coming back again, what practices could we do to dedicate?
Master Hsin Tao: The bird flu (Avian Influenza) is the disease caused by infection with avian influenza viruses that occur among wild aquatic birds. Through transmissions, mankind comes into contact with the disease. How did this come about? In Buddhism, all dharmas are projected from the mind. The key determinant of the environment in our minds.
Human beings have done great damages that trigger the disease. Our minds are too corrupted with poisonous intents. That's why we are facing the disease now. While many factors are contributing to this, I believe that biotechnology being one of them. Keep in mind that when we observe kind intents, environmental challenges such as diseases would also lessen. On the contrary, there would be more diseases as a result of damages done by mankind. These negative effects of our karma would corrupt our lives little by little. Hence, we should create positive resonance in life instead of negative karma. Try to perform virtuous acts, pleasant speech, and generate kindness.
As of the disease outbreak, we could recite sutras and dedicate the merit. A few years ago, the SARS outbreak also affected Taiwan gravely. Ling Jiou Mountain (LJM) initiated the Water, Land, Air Dharma Assembly in mainland China and the Surangama Sutra Retreat in Taiwan. The Surangama Sutra talks about right mindfulness. This is vital to dispel hostile forces, such as diseases. The right mindfulness of the Surangama Sutra is powerful in eradicating the adverse influence.
Lastly, I’d like to ask you to practice the Great Compassion Mantra (Long Dharani) as much as possible. Recite sutras and be active in virtuous acts, the adverse energy can be transformed eventually through right mindfulness and virtues. As well, by holding the pujas, we’re helping the deceased to be free from suffering. The merits resulted from these rituals and sincerity should be much helpful in putting the disease outbreak to an end. Remember, the key to end disasters is none other than to “refrain from non-virtues, engage in all virtues, purify one's intention”.