Three Links of Cultivation—A Principle for Complete Spiritual Practice
Integration of three disciplines—cultivation of merit, scriptural understanding, and meditation—is Chung Tai’s guiding principle for a well-rounded Buddhist practice, each being an inseparable link that complements and reinforces the other two. Cultivating merits involves performing good deeds and service to the monastery and to the public. Diligent study of the Dharma establishes right views and insight. Meditation calms, clears, and awakens the mind. Integration of these three disciplines ensures proper progress on the path to Buddhahood.
The Four Tenets of Chung Tai—Concrete Guidelines to Practice the Dharma
The Chan teachings, although profound, are intimately tied to daily living. The four tenets of Chung Tai are concrete guidelines for practicing mindfulness in daily life:
To our elders be respectful:
Respect subdues arrogance
To our juniors be kind:
Kindness dispels anger
With all humanity be harmonious:
Harmony overcomes rudeness and violence
In all endeavors be true:
Truthfulness eradicates deceit.
The Five Modern Approaches of Propagating Buddhism
Buddhism can adapt and respond well to the environment and modern societies while preserving its essence. The Grand Master advocates “The Five Modern Approaches of Propagating Buddhism—Buddhism in Academic Research, Buddhism in Education, Buddhism in Culture and the Arts, Buddhism in Science, and Buddhism in Daily Living.” The Five Approaches accommodate the needs and interests of different people and cultures, opening a multitude of doors for the discovery of the benefits of Buddhism and the attainment of true liberation.
