Maitreya Bodhisattva Hall

        The first line of the couplet is “da du neng rong tian xia shi he lai bu rong zhi rong.” As self-cultivators, we should be like the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. We should have a broad mind, open heart, and great tolerance. If we are the victim of fabricated rumors, if we are maligned, insulted, or persecuted, or if any other bad thing may happen to us, we should remain completely unattached. We should treat such acts with tolerance. We should not become angry or hateful. We should completely eradicate attachment to the false notion of “self.” We must be able to accept calmly in our heart and mind any good thing or bad thing that happens to us.

        The second line of the couplet is “ren ru ke na fa jie jing qi shi you na zhong na.” The first priority for one who learns Buddhism and cultivates himself is to be patient and forbearing under insult. The thought of patience or tolerance does not arise from his mind. Everything in all of the dharma realms can change from ordinary to holy. Everything in all of the dharma realms is accepted and becomes what one uses. At such time, one’s mind can change one’s external environment. One will not be led around by one’s external environment. However, this type of acceptance of the dharma realms does not involve attachment to forms or distinctive characteristics. Rather, it is an acceptance that is unattached and free from distinguishing particular forms, characteristics, or attributes. From this type of acceptance, the cycle of birth and death is ended.