Following the meditation, Master Lian Chuan discussed the topic of people’s interactions with each other. She said it is important to forgive others’ bad conduct and also not to try to correct them. It is more important to correct one’s own bad conduct instead. Shi Zun further discussed the relationship between two people, as this is a very difficult thing. It is important to self-evaluate and correct one’s own habits; it is not important to try to correct others. This is the truth.
The relationship between husband and wife is one of the more difficult ones. To love each other forever is possible, which is why this relationship is precious. A husband and wife both understand that being together is not easy, so eventually, over time, even when one wants to be angry, there is often no more anger left.
After the ceremony, a news article was published that stated that Shi Zun gained money through “uncustomary” standards. Students said the article was not well-written, but Shi Zun disagreed, as he believed the reporting was actually very good. As Shi Zun further explained, if the money had been gained by customary traditions, then the Seattle Ling Shen Ching Tze Temple would not so small. It is because the money was gained by non-customary that the True Buddha School is often so poor. Seattle Ling Shen Ching Tze Temple has been like this from the beginning. Shi Zun stated that in this school, his Guru taught him to allow individuals to give on a voluntary basis. One may not ask for money, even for ceremonial occasions. **True Buddha School operates on a voluntary basis for registering for ceremonial events while other sects may designate specific amounts that must be paid.**
Following the teaching, twelve new students took refuge. Later that night, Shi Zun signed the newly published book #191 titled Staircases to Heaven and personally blessed everyone present individually. The students were standing in the misty rain with Shi Zun when finally Shi Zun said “good-bye” for the evening,