During the talk, Rev. Heng Sure shows us how the world is losing species rapidly. There is a slide show in the middle of the talk starting at 23 minutes to 36 minutes which you'll hear but not see... but can hear his comments and great music) in which he describes the many creatures that he lives with in Australia. Towards the end of the talk, it's about humans causing the greatest mass extinction of our species in 65 million years. See: http://www.mysterium.com/extinction.html

With Chants, Devotion & Praise

Moving reflections on the value of devotion as a path in daily life, focusing on Guan Yin Bodhisattva. Includes the singing of a song honoring Guan Yin, She Carries Me, by Jennifer Berezan.

Rev. Heng Sure uses his 12 string guitar and a beautiful singing voice reminiscent of Bill Monroe to interpret three songs from a variety of Buddhist traditions about the process of enlightenment. The first is called the "Ballad of Yashodhara;" and gives voice to Prince Siddhartha’s agonizing choices as he prepares to renounce the householder’s life. His resolve to defeat impermanence compels him to say goodbye to his beloved wife and venture into the unknown in search of awakening. The second song is the entire Mahamangala Sutta, "The Buddha’s Teachings on Blessings.” Rev. Heng Sure invites the assembly to sing along with the Buddha’s advice in response a deva who comes asking Buddha how to live correctly and wisely. The third is a selection of verses from Tang Dynasty Chan Master Master Yongjia's “Song of Enlightenment.” Rev. Heng Sure tells the interesting story of this monk's certification by the Sixth Chinese Patriarch. Heng Sure's tells the story in a down-to-earth fashion. The song itself expresses Yongjia's understanding of the Buddha Nature within. The first verse goes: "Don't seek for the true; don't cut off out the false. Know that false and true alike are gone without a trace. Now not a trace itself is gone; then empty emptiness: You've found the Thus Come One's true mark where nothing can't exist."

Rev. Heng Sure offers reflections on how to purify our minds. He gives methods of making the world a better place through skillful use of the mind. He shares his Dharmaradio.org website and the “Acts of Kindness” project. The songs from his “Paramita” CD of American Buddhist Folk Songs (www.dharmaradio.org/paramita/index.htm) invite us to do more good deeds in exchange for free music downloads. Rev. Sure also shares the “Daily Good” website that aggregates good news stories every day. Listen to his musical Dharma-teachings. (www.dailygood.org).