The world of Tzu Chi June 2020 (Vol.123)

2020 • 06 52 our minds. A subtle deviation in our thinking can bring about greed and differentiation. Due to these, we give rise to afflictions. Ordinary people have two kinds of obstructions, and the purpose of spiritual practice is to transcend them. First, we must transcend the “obstruction of afflictions”, then we must transcend the “obstruction of lacking roots of goodness”. The meaning of “transcending” is “being liberated from”. Afflictions arise from the external Six Sense Objects, also called the Six Dusts: form, sound, smell, taste, touch and thought. When our Six Roots (our sense organs) come in contact with the Six Dusts, we attract afflictions into our minds; this is the obstruction of afflictions. However, in order to eliminate afflictions, the only way is to train our minds through worldly affairs. For example, while the Buddha was teaching and transforming sentient beings, after listening to his teachings, many practitioners of other religions decided to leave their old methods of practice to follow the Buddha’s teachings. At one time, seven elderly Brahmin practitioners wanted to follow the Buddha to become monastics after listening to his teachings. In his compassion, the Buddha accepted them into the Sangha. However, these people did not know self-discipline. They would often laugh loudly and were unable to calm their minds to learn and practise the Buddhadharma. After hearing about this, the Buddha went to their dormitory. Even before entering, he could hear their loud laughter. When they saw the Buddha coming in, they immediately became silent and adjusted their demeanour. The Buddha said to them, “What were you so happily laughing about? You should know that with each day that passes, our life continuously vanishes like a burning firewood that is gradually consumed by the fire. Why are you so foolish? Rather than pursuing a calm and quiet life, you are hiding your wisdom in the darkest of places.” In a monastic community, it is of utmost importance to abide by the rules. This starts from adjusting our tone of voice and facial expressions. Of course, it is my hope that not only will people in the Sangha follow the rules, but that the lay practitioners and members in Tzu Chi will adhere to the Buddha’s teachings as well. Therefore, I often tell Tzu Chi Commissioners and Tzu Cheng Faith Corps members, “You must carry the spirit of Buddhism on your right shoulder, the image of Tzu Chi on your left shoulder, and on your chest, your own character.” When we pay attention to our etiquette and demeanour, and constrain our speech and actions, we will not easily attract afflictions. Upholding the precepts will allow you to transcend the obstruction of afflictions. Therefore, this is likened to “a person in darkness who sees a light”. harma