Introduced to the public in 2012, “Positive Forecasts for Life” is a series of 108 Dharma Words narrated by Venerable Master Hsing Yun to help guide people in times of uncertainty and in daily life. Designed with widespread appeal in mind, “Positive Forecasts for Life” appears to be an imitation of current popular divinatory practices to predict the future, which are seemingly contrary to the Buddhist teachings on the surface.

However, the use of “forecasting” in “Positive Forecasts for Life” is not divinatory magic, but an upaya (skillful means) by Venerable Master Hsing Yun to teach Cause and Effect as well as how to transform one’s karma of body, speech, and mind. The way Venerable Master Hsing Yun addresses superstition and faith has many parallels with how the Buddha addressed Vedic rituals practiced during that time in ancient India.

“Positive Forecasts for Life” is used to guide people from having “faith” rooted in superstition, fear, and personal desire, to a “faith” of compassion, wisdom, and practice of the Bodhisattva path.

When we feel lost in life, and are unsure of what to do, we often try to look for an answer or advice. Venerable Master Hsing Yun is often being asked to give an advice or say some words of encouragement.

For this reason, he has narrated 108 words of wisdom based on his personal life experiences. He hopes that these will inspire right mindfulness, and help readers realize that you are your own master, that you must bear the consequences of your own doings, and that the future is in your own hands.