Recently, we have received generous and exquisite fruits, food, and other consumer items from our other Pure Land Associations, places of Nianfo practice, Sangha members, and fellow practitioners. However, Master Huìjìng advises us to categorically decline such offerings, as it is a serious violation of  the Buddha’s teaching.  

       Master Huìjìng reminds us that one of the key attributes of the Pure Land School governing our everyday lives is "to live simply and plainly." Monastics should embrace a frugal, minimalist, and unadorned lifestyle, relinquishing greed, personal preferences, attachments, worries, and mental distress associated with material possessions. Therefore, monastic practitioners should find contentment and satisfaction in having just enough food and drink to sustain themselves - without any excess or luxury.

       As the saying goes, "The best wealth is to be content with little," and the Buddha taught that "Contentment is the greatest wealth" and "Nirvana is the greatest joy." Nirvana signifies the cessation of greed. While we may not achieve Nirvana in this world, we should still aspire to it: "Aim high and persevere."

       For monastics, apart from having sufficient food, clothing, shelter, and basic necessities, all other possessions (including precious flowers and plants, antiques, decorations, artworks, etc.) should be given away with compassion, joy, and detachment. They should not be admired or cherished but rather regarded with indifference to avoid causing annoyance or suffering.

       Please inform all members of the other Pure Land associations, places of Nianfo practice, and fellow practitioners that monastics strictly adhere to Buddhist precepts and the teachings of the Buddha in their values of life. Expensive fruits, drinks, and other items should not be offered and, if offered, must not be accepted.  

(Translated by the Pure Land School Translatione Team;
edited by Householder Fojin)