My Buddhist Journey
I began to be seriously interested in Buddhism after coming across an
English version of the Heart Sutra. I was intrigued by its profound
philosophical aspects, which somehow compelled me to want to know more
about the Buddha’s teachings. Little did I realise that the Buddha’s
teachings are so vast and complex. But as a Buddhist who has taken
refuge, I vowed to learn as much as I can and to use Dharma knowledge
to help as many sentient beings as possible.
Way back before, Buddhism wasn’t an alien religion to me. I was
exposed to it since young, be it in the media or by family influence.
But I was not exposed to the real essence of Buddhism till I had to
choose a religion to study. But due to my lack of wisdom, Buddhist
Studies during my secondary school days didn’t have much impact on me.
I was all gladness to ‘chance’ upon the sutra that changed my life.
Before learning Buddhism, I lived my life like driftwood lost out in
the open sea. Now, through better understanding of the Buddha’s
teachings, I came to realise the essence of universal compassion and
the importance of treating all beings as equal. Thus, my vegan journey
of minimalising harm to sentient beings began, but that’s just one
significant change in my life. I’m still learning and practising and
will continue to do so until full realisation of Buddhahood in
Amitabha Buddha’s Pureland.
(Veganism is not just about not eating animal products such as meat,
eggs and dairy stuff; it is also about mindful disconnection from
direct and indirect harm of sentient beings in all aspects of life -
such as not supporting the use of leather, wool, honey, which come
from animal exploitation.)
by Wei Ya, co-editor of Moonpointer and TDE.
