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On April 6, 2008, Venerable Jue Wei from California gave a memorable lecture. Below is a synopsis of what was discussed:

             For those mind gymnasts out there, Venerable Jue Wei, a holder of three master degrees, had given her time on April 12th to visit our temple and give a few lessons on how one can practice “Gymnastics with the Mind”.   Sound strenuous?  Actually it’s far from it but at the same time, requiring much practice and skill.  As physical as it sounds, the lecture was actually on how one can strengthen their mind and run a smooth life without being distracted by negative desires or influences.     

Venerable Jue Wei began her lecture in the main shrine in front of a full crowd of listeners eager to hear her words.   It was hard to lose attention as she presented her lesson in a very soft spoken and gentle manner.  She began by articulately explaining what makes up the mind and how it consists of different levels of consciousness including memory and desire as well as the senses.  Michael Zhang, a listener in the crowd remarked “She spoke clearly and covered everything from the mind and how to find the path to enlightenment.”

During the lecture, Venerable Jue Wei asked a member of her audience to juggle 3 balls.  By using the act of juggling as an example, she explained how our lives are likened to it and how they both require deep concentration to maintain.  Surprisingly, the balls she had given the guest all lit up as they were juggled.  This was to show that even though life required hard work and concentration, it could be beautiful too.  Another important point of her lesson was that we should watch our thoughts at all times as they could one day grow into actions.  If you fill your head with bad thoughts, you may commit bad actions. 

At her lecture’s end, she invited everyone for a final prayer for those that practice the Dharma.  With that, she got a standing applause from the crowd and everyone’s thanks.  It was an honor for Guang Ming Temple to have had Venerable Jue Wei propagate her wisdom to those willing to listen.  To thank her, we can put into practice her words and to “practice tolerance against all odds” no matter how difficult life may seem.