LLCC - Dharma Master Wei Chi Scholarship Program

10/04/2024

31/03/2024

— March 24, 2024

Karma is a concept originating from Hinduism and Buddhism that refers to the law of cause and effect, where one's actions have consequences, either in this life or in future lives. In a broader sense, it's often understood as the principle that good deeds lead to positive outcomes, while bad deeds lead to negative ones. However, interpretations can vary widely depending on cultural and religious beliefs. In essence, it's about the interconnectedness of actions and their repercussions.

Karma is frequently employed in common language that point to the concepts of cosmic justice and "what goes around comes around" in modern circumstances. People talk about "good karma" when they think doing good deeds will bring them good fortune, or "bad karma" when they think doing evil things will have negative consequences. Some people consider karma to be a deterministic force, while others see it as a moral principle for virtuous behaviour. Whatever its meaning, karma is a useful tool to remind us to think about the effects of our deeds and aim for ethics in our actions with others and our surroundings.

Words by Juliver Oliverio

31/03/2024

— March 24, 2024

During my recent visit to Dharma Wei Chi Temple, the Earth Store group shared to us the Hunter's Trap story.

The tale revolved around hunters from a village who scattered traps throughout the jungle, intending to ensnare various animals for their sustenance. It was revealed that the hunters' unchecked greed and selfishness blinded them to the consequences of their actions, ultimately leading to their tragic downfall.

As time passed, the hunters combed through the jungle to check the effectiveness of their traps. In a pivotal moment, drawn by the cries of a deer, the hunters rushed toward the source, only to fall victim to a hidden array of traps, suffering the same fate as the creatures they sought to capture.

The story conveyed a profound lesson about the inevitable repercussions of our actions. The hunters' greed and selfishness resulted in the karmic retribution they had unwittingly sowed. The narrative serves as a stark reminder that our present actions shape our future outcomes. It highlights the essence of karma, where the consequences of our deeds, whether virtuous or malevolent, hold significance.

Master's tale of the hunters' trap transcends a mere examination of moral conduct; it fosters an appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living beings and the sanctity of life. We inhabit the same planet and share its resources, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect for all forms of life. Through prosperity, we can aspire to achieve lasting peace and harmony.

In conclusion, the hunters' trap story underscores the intricate interplay between our actions and their outcomes. It underscores the value of mindfulness, compassion, and reverence for all living beings, recognizing that our choices reverberate beyond ourselves. By nurturing qualities such as empathy and altruism, we can strive towards fostering a world of unity and tranquility for ourselves and others.

Words by Danmar Calolot

23/03/2024

— March 10, 2024

According to Sri Chinmoy, "Peace does not mean the absence of war, peace means the presence of harmony, love, satisfaction, and oneness."

Indeed, harmony is a must. It is required amongst all living beings. This learning was emphasized in the story "The Animals and the Chestnut Tree" Stories told by Dharma Master Cheng Yen.

This story shows 3 important values individuals must practice to create a harmonious society.

1. Thoughtfulness

-After collecting enough chestnuts, the monkey said "Let's only take what we need and leave the rest for the others who will soon come. "This highlights how the monkey cares for others. The animal responds with greater understanding and sensitivity that contributes to a more inclusive environment.

2. Compassion
-In the story, the crow helps the ferret-badger collect chestnuts and the ferret-badger left with happiness.
The crow's small action brought relief and happiness to others and to itself. This shows that by extending kindness and care to others, we create a sense of connection and purpose that nourish others feeling and our own being.

3. Respect

-The action of all the animals in the story harbors respect towards one another. They treat each other with courtesy, empathy, fairness and considerations.

We must remember that the world requires peace, the society requires harmony, and the people require inner harmony. Only when we harbor harmony can there be peace in the world.

25/02/2024

— February 18, 2024

25/02/2024

— February 10, 2024

09/01/2024

— January 7, 2024

Life works like a boomerang, what you do, you earn— it's karma.

In our perception, karma often carries a negative connotation, yet there exist both positive (good) and negative (bad) karma. The principle is simple: good actions yield positive consequences while bad deeds bring forth negative repercussions. It's about how our actions shape what comes next, good leading to good, bad leading to bad.

One of the commonly overlooked aspects of karma is that it's not just about immediate consequences; it operates over a longer timeline. People often focus on instant results, but karma's effects can unfold gradually or even in future lifetimes in certain beliefs.

Understanding the concept of karma has been a significant aspect of my life as a student and as an individual. It prompts me to reflect on my behaviors, motivations, and intentions. Embracing karma has given me a lens through which to view my actions, reminding me that every choice I make has a ripple effect, shaping not only my own path but also the world around me.

Essentially, karma isn't merely a mystical belief; it's a pragmatic principle that shapes character, moral fiber, and societal conduct. It reminds us that the energy we project through our deeds shapes the energy we receive in return.

Actions echo; karma listens.

02/01/2024

Reflecting on the fulfilling experiences of 2023 with DMWCSP brings us deep gratitude.

We welcomed 14 new LLCC scholars into our family, learned new things, and made new friends along the way, making the year even more special.The program supported us financially and helped us grow holistically, making our gratitude overflow.

We want to thank the benefactors, teachers, kitchen personnel, and all those involved in the Dharma Master Wei Chi Scholarship Program for granting us this great opportunity and helping us in many aspects.

Our appreciation also goes to Ms. Carl Manila A. Pal, our COMEX Coordinator, and Dr. Maria Noeleen M. Borbajo, our College Administrator, for their continuous support.

We remain eternally thankful, dedicated LLCCIANs, and steadfast Dharma Master Wei Chi scholars. What an amazing year it was! Here we come, 2024.

— LLCC Scholars Batch 10 and 11 ✨

02/01/2024

— November 12, 2023

The Six Paramitas: A Path of Compassion

The Six Paramitas serve as a guiding light on the path of spiritual cultivation. The first three Paramitas, particularly, focus on outward-directed actions, guiding us in how we interact with others.

• Generosity: The essence of true generosity lies in the pure intention to give, without expecting anything in return. It's about radiating a genuine willingness to share what we have, be it tangible or intangible.

• Morality: These are the core principles that distinguish right from wrong, good from bad behavior. The Five Precepts offer a practical framework for enacting this virtue, encouraging respect for life, property, relationships, and the mental and physical well-being of everyone around us.

• Endurance: This Paramita cultivates the ability to gracefully navigate life's challenges. It encompasses three key dimensions: enduring personal hardships with resilience, practicing patience with others, and embracing the truth, however difficult it may be.

These first three Paramitas remind us that the path of spiritual growth is not solely about self-improvement; it's about extending compassion and understanding to others. They invite us to weave a tapestry of kindness and respect into the fabric of our interactions, ultimately contributing to a more harmonious and enlightened world.

02/01/2024

— December 10, 2023

The Kalama Sutta started in a small village in Kesaputta, the group of people living there was called the "kalamas". They were confused about the different teachings from various spiritual leaders. To find answers, they turned to Buddha. In response, the Buddha shared the Kalama Sutta, guiding the Kalamas on how to navigate the confusion by emphasizing personal inquiry and ethical conduct.

As a Social Studies major and future educator, this topic profoundly impacts my life and field. The sutta emphasizes the need for a discerning approach to understanding truth. I want to highlight some of the important facts that are cited during the discussion.

First, avoid blindly believing in traditions just because they have been passed down. Second, be cautious about believing in someone just because they seem believable. There are many victims of different kinds of "modus" or "scam" because some people believed in their bait and ended up losing their money or valuable things. Lastly, do not believe just because the preacher is our teacher. Not all things taught by our teacher are correct, we cannot avoid the fact that our teachers are human too and some of them rely on old books and can give false information about a certain topic.

Most importantly, it's okay to question things if you haven't verified it yet. In today's fast-paced world, where news spreads faster than thunder it is our responsibility to do research and fact-check before sharing especially on the internet.

17/11/2023

— November 12, 2023

Buddhism emphasizes the importance of diligence, meditation, and wisdom for spiritual growth and enlightenment. Diligence involves persistent effort and energy in spiritual practice, cultivating positive qualities like mindfulness and compassion while abandoning negative habits.

Meditation is a fundamental practice that trains the mind to develop concentration, mindfulness, and insight, aiming to calm the mind, cultivate awareness, and gain deeper insights into reality.

Wisdom, on the other hand, is the deep understanding of reality, transcending dualistic thinking and perceiving the interconnectedness and impermanence of all phenomena. Wisdom is considered the antidote to ignorance and the root cause of suffering, leading to liberation and enlightenment.

In Buddhism, diligence, meditation, and wisdom are interconnected and mutually supportive, with diligence providing energy and effort for meditation and wisdom guiding and deepening one's practice.

Words by Jancail Angel