Level I Class 04 Four Tenets of Chung Tai

2009-02-02

Grand Master Wei Chueh, founder of Chung Tai Chan Monastery in Taiwan, has distilled the following practical guideline for applying Buddhist principles in our lives. They are called the Four Tenets of Chung Tai:

To our elders be respectful
To our juniors be kind
With all humanity be harmonious
In all endeavors be true

In the words of a Buddhist Master, "they are so simple that a 3-year-old can understand, but take a lifetime to practice."

1. In this class we covered the first three tenets, and Shifu gave examples. Can you provide some stories or examples of your own to illustrate the importance of respect, kindness, harmony, and truthfulness? You can write it, give a link or a reference. Maybe Shifu will use them next time in class!
2. Does it make sense to treat another with respect if the other person does not treat you with respect?
3. Similarly, what happens if others are unkind and we repay with cruelty? What happens if we repay with kindness instead?
4. How can harmony be achieved when there are strong conflicts of opinions? Think what would be the first step to take.