Buddhism and Emotional Management: Lecture by Vajra Master Lian-Yi

Following the enthusiastic response to the engaging lecture on the morning of April 9, 2026, Yen Ming Temple once again invited Vajra Master Lian-Yi to deliver a second lecture on the theme of “Buddhism and Emotional Management” that afternoon. The attendees, all with earnest desires for the Dharma, were filled with joy and Dharma happiness.

The Inspiration of the Time Bank: Sowing Good Causes Yields Good Results

The Master first used the “Time Bank” program promoted by the Swiss government as an example to illustrate the undeniable truth of the law of cause and effect. In this program, healthy volunteers dedicate time to caring for others, and these service hours are recorded in the “Time Bank.” When they themselves need care in the future, the government will send professionals to reciprocate. The Master explained that this is a concrete manifestation of “sowing good causes, reaping good results.”

Similarly, when we volunteer at Yen Ming Temple, seemingly serving the public, we are actually accumulating merit and blessings for ourselves. However, Master also compassionately reminded everyone that in the process of serving at the temple and interacting with fellow practitioners, friction and tests between people are inevitable. A slight misstep can lead to emotional outbursts.

The Essence of Emotions: The External World Has No Right or Wrong, It’s Our Perspectives That Define Good or Bad

What are emotions? The master clearly pointed out that emotions are an internal reaction to the external environment. In fact, external things themselves have no right or wrong; it is our perception of things that creates the so-called right and wrong. And this perception often stems from our own habits and preconceived notions.

Master Lian Yi earnestly said: People are defeated by their own emotions. A person controlled by emotions will make almost every wrong decision.

To help everyone understand this more deeply, Master shared a thought-provoking true story. A world-class champion golfer, in a crucial match, had to interrupt his shot three times in a row because a fly landed on the ball. He was furious, his emotions were severely disrupted, and he ultimately lost the match. The next day, the newspaper published: “The World Champion Lost to a Fly.” The master emphasised that what this champion truly lost to wasn’t the fly, but his own uncontrolled emotions.

The Serious Consequences of Uncontrolled Emotions

The master further pointed out that uncontrolled emotions can instantly magnify a trivial matter into a major, unmanageable disaster. He cited the tragic bus plunge into the river in Chongqing a couple of years ago, caused by a passenger who, in a fit of rage, assaulted the driver while the bus was in motion, leading to the bus crashing into the river and the deaths of all passengers. The devastating consequences of one person’s uncontrolled emotions are truly heartbreaking.

Therefore, not being controlled by emotions is a fundamental ability that spiritual practitioners must possess. To achieve this, sufficient “concentration” and “wisdom” are essential. Only spiritual practice can help us develop concentration and wisdom.

Reciting Buddha’s Name and Mantras: A Wonderful Method for Immediately Stopping Emotions

What should we do when we become aware of our emotions arising? The master taught an extremely simple yet powerful method—quickly use mantra recitation to stabilise our emotions and stop the outburst.

The Master shared a personal experience. A fellow disciple frequently argued with his wife, causing significant tension in their marriage. The Master instructed him that whenever his wife scolded him, he should not retaliate, but simply and sincerely reply with “Amitabha.” The disciple followed this advice, and after a period of time, the frequency of their arguments decreased significantly, and the atmosphere at home became much more harmonious.

The Master encouraged everyone to recite the Buddha’s name and mantras more often, because the power of reciting these mantras is inconceivable. He mentioned that a person had been adrift at sea for over twenty hours, surrounded by vast emptiness and helplessness. It was only through the unwavering power of reciting “Amitabha” that he survived until rescue arrived. This demonstrates the undeniable power of the Dharma, which can be our greatest reliance in times of life and death.

The Importance of Daily Practice

The Master particularly emphasised that daily practice should never be neglected. Solid daily practice is like pre-depositing merit in a bank, ensuring that one has sufficient merit to successfully overcome difficulties in times of crisis.

He quoted Grand Master’s recent teachings: “On the path ahead, do meaningful and virtuous things.” Time is extremely precious and limited for everyone. We should create real value for ourselves within our limited lives and help more people in need. The Master encouraged everyone to actively go out and guide those with affinity outside our sects into the True Buddha family.

Using True Buddha Tantra to Counteract Delusions

Regarding the problem of delusions, the Master instructed: “Delusional thoughts must be countered with True Buddha Tantra.” With persistent practice, delusive thoughts will gradually decrease; as delusive thoughts decrease, wisdom will naturally increase. Practice and understanding are complementary—the purpose of practice is to counteract habitual tendencies and increase wisdom; as wisdom increases, understanding will naturally improve.

The Master emphasised that Buddhism itself is a convenient means. When we know how to apply Buddhism, it can enable us to obtain the most precious thing in the world: “wisdom.”

The Meaning of Taking Refuge: Planting the Seed of Buddhahood

When discussing taking refuge, the Master used the analogy of planting: Taking refuge is planting a seed of Buddhahood; only with a seed can it blossom and bear fruit. Spiritual practice is the careful cultivation of this seed, allowing it to grow slowly and eventually blossom and bear fruit. Only those with wisdom can truly understand the importance of taking refuge.

Reverse Thinking: Change Direction, and You’ll Be Number One

The Master displayed a thought-provoking painting: many schools of fish swim uniformly in the same direction, except for one fish swimming against the current. The inscription reads: “Change direction, and you’ll be number one.”

This painting conveys the wisdom of “reverse thinking” and “empathy.” The Master explained that the vast majority of people in this world have not studied Buddhism. If you can sincerely take refuge and embark on the path of practice, you are that unique fish swimming against the current, different from ordinary people.

The same applies to how we perceive things. Most people view problems simply as right or wrong; however, reverse thinking has no absolute right or wrong. Instead, we should ask ourselves: “What can I learn from this problem? How can it help me?” The master points out that everything in our lives has merit, and the Buddha’s blessings are not entirely manifested in favourable circumstances. Everyone’s life has its ups and downs; the key is not whether difficulties arise, but whether we can transcend afflictions and not be affected by them when we encounter them. All adverse circumstances, viewed from another perspective, are actually good conditions for our development.

One can only save oneself

Master further explains using a painting by Grand Master: Ultimately, one can only save oneself. Grand Master bestowed upon us the True Buddha’s Teachings and gave us the wisdom to learn Buddhism, but we must use them wisely. Even the best Dharma must be practiced and verified by ourselves to realise its sublimity.

How to judge whether someone’s practice is good or not? Master Lian Yi gave a clear standard: look at whether this person’s outlook on life has changed positively, whether their afflictions are decreasing, and whether their heart is expanding. When a person truly generates compassion, the aspiration to help others naturally arises.

Practice should focus on quality, not quantity.

The master specifically instructed that practice should emphasise “quality,” not “quantity.” When practicing, we should constantly pay attention to our own minds, maintaining focus, rather than rushing to complete the required amount. For example, in practicing repentance, we shouldn’t just hastily complete the ritual, but rather ask ourselves, “Is my heart truly repenting?”

Heavenly Dew: The Purifying Blessings of Grand Master and Buddhas

As the lecture drew to a close, heavenly dew suddenly fell. Master compassionately explained that this was Grand Master and Buddhas purifying the karmic obstacles of everyone, an incomparably auspicious sign. All attendees were moved and joyful, each feeling the inconceivable power of the Dharma and the Grand Master’s compassionate blessings.

The entire lecture concluded in a warm and joyful atmosphere. All participants benefited greatly, embarking on their future spiritual journey with abundant wisdom and strength.