The Importance of Following Temple Rules

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded by Venerable HaiZe on January 22, 2023.

The Foundation of Shared Discipline

The rules of the temple are the foundation upon which our community stands. It is essential that every member of the fourfold assembly observes these guidelines together. When we act in unison, we achieve a profound sense of consensus and build a powerful, cohesive energy within the temple.

This collective discipline serves several vital purposes: it helps us to restore, maintain, and promote the health of our Body-Mind-Spirit; it provides the structure necessary to support our diligent practice; it guides us toward the early attainment of the Buddha's path; and it ensures that we can cultivate our practice to the point where we have full confidence in our rebirth in the Western Pure Land. Only by adhering to these standards can we truly honour the magnificent Dharma affinity that has brought us together in this life to encounter Namo Amituofo, our Teacher, and Practitioner Su.

Cultivating Mindfulness in Conduct

The requirement to follow rules applies to everyone, including the children within our community. For those children who are naturally energetic, it is even more important to reinforce these boundaries. A temple is not a secular home; it is a sacred space dedicated to the pursuit of the Buddha's path.

We must be mindful of the following: avoid running, jumping, or shouting within the temple grounds or in the living quarters. Be conscious of the noise we create, as it can easily disturb the quiet retreats and the rest of the fourfold assembly. Adults must lead by example, ensuring that they do not shout or engage in loud, disruptive behaviour. Please keep these points firmly in mind, as they are essential for maintaining the peace and sanctity of the temple.

Gratitude and Stewardship

Every meal we consume and every item we use in the temple is obtained through the hard work and dedication of others. It is not easily come by. Therefore, we must always maintain a heart of gratitude. We should cherish all resources and take great care to ensure that nothing is damaged or wasted. If the temple rules are updated, this content must also be revised to ensure it remains practical, relevant, and effectively implemented.

The Role of Oversight

There are those among us who serve as stewards and administrators. It is their responsibility to ensure that the temple rules are upheld and that the fourfold assembly remains in compliance. This oversight is not meant to be restrictive, but rather to prevent our minds from becoming scattered and our actions from becoming aimless. By providing clear guidance, these stewards help new lay practitioners and volunteers understand the direction of their practice and the importance of maintaining a disciplined, focused life.

Namo Amituofo