真如老師文集
Illuminating the Ocean of My Heart|Lotus Recollections
Published on 19 Aug 2024

Illuminating the Ocean of My Heart

This moving ode is Zhen-Ru's earnest tribute to her teachers, the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, whose immense compassion never fails to bring warmth in times of sadness, and illumination in times of confusion. This song culminates in a wish from the bottom of Zhen-Ru's heart: that there will never be parting from them, whom we can always rely on as beacons and wellsprings of hope even in the darkest of despair.

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An Encounter, A Pilgrimage|Lotus Recollections
Published on 24 Jul 2024

An Encounter, A Pilgrimage

Emerging from the early days of the pandemic, this empowering melodic piece by Zhen-Ru captures the mesmerizing beauty and joy of the meditative pursuit of inner Serenity and Insight, almost like the lines of a romantic epic.

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The Sun Within|Lotus Recollections
Published on 27 Feb 2024

The Sun Within

In powerful verses, Zhen Ru marvels at the infinite potential within each of us, akin to a sun from within, which has the might to floodlight the coldest, scariest and loneliest shadows of samsara once empowered by the compassion of altruism and wisdom of emptiness. With nurture, our hearts will develop steadfast resilience that illuminates every dark corner of suffering and warms every chill of despair.

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Choices|Lotus Recollections
Published on 22 Jan 2024

Choices

In this reflective prose, Zhen-ru shares a lesson from a pruned pear tree: just as pruning sacrifices the enticing spectacle of flourishing pear blossoms for the promise of succulent fruit crops later, one must mindfully navigate between the tricky choices of instant enjoyment and the enduring sweetness of delayed rewards. What must be given up must be given up, or else time will pass and regret will remain.

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The Lotus|Lotus Recollections
Published on 23 Jan 2023

The Lotus

In this lyrical writing on the beauty of the lotus, Zhen Ru reminds us of the transformative power we have within, and the boundless possibilities it brings. Though its life begins in the mud, its destiny is not bound by the sludge around it. Instead, it rises and blossoms into splendid purity and sublimity. Just like the lotus, if we plant our roots in the words of the wise, and nourish our hearts with faith and cou rage, won't we flourish into a world of wonder, too?

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I Pray|Lotus Recollections
Published on 16 Oct 2022

I Pray

A short prayer sung by Zhen-Ru as she reflected on the numerous disturbing natural disasters and other mishaps around the world in 2017. She is used to praying for the happiness of all sentient beings every morning while making many kinds of offerings to the Buddhas and her venerable Masters. This short piece illuminates her unheard wishes during these prayers.

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Walking 2|Lotus Recollections
Published on 04 Jul 2022

Walking 2

Take a walk alongside Zhen-Ru in the ambience of mother nature. Embrace lovable discoveries as you observe and admire the world around us through her eyes. You’ll find this transcribed oral journal a source of joy, gratitude and affinity toward all the lives around us.

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A Moment of Serenity|Lotus Recollections
Published on 02 May 2022

A Moment of Serenity

Zhen-Ru invites the world to look out her window with hope and appreciation, to see the subtle beauty around that we tend to miss in the midst of life’s challenges. Let us take a moment of silence, see through the window of her soul and bring serenity into ours.

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The Sea and I
Published on 21 Feb 2022

The Sea and I

Walking along the shore, Zhen-Ru ponders the vastness of the sea and the smallness of self, and concludes that by being mindful, one can surpass all limitations to pursue true happiness.

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The Promise
Published on 25 Nov 2021

The Promise

A compassionate Teacher has promised to encourage and guard people along on the quest for true happiness. The journey is made so readily, that just one step forward, you will embark on the vessel of awakening wisdom, that will lead you to the land of hope.

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October: A Red Leaf for You
Published on 13 Nov 2020

October: A Red Leaf for You

Like the burgeoning leaves of maple in frigid winds, positive thoughts can transform adversities into learning opportunities. Follow the mind journey of a practitioner; find peace and wisdom from Buddhist teachings.

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Our World
Published on 03 Oct 2020

Our World

Zhen-Ru encourages us to discover the virtue of compassion, bravery and selflessness amid challenges. Life becomes so beautiful when we see the good deeds of others. Let’s paint the world with love.

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The Great Eagle's Dream
Published on 23 May 2020

The Great Eagle's Dream

The Great Eagle's Dream describes a compassionate determination to remove sufferings from all humanity. The mind soars like a giant eagle, which surmounts ordeals and death, and goes on a quest for serene happiness.

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