The world of Tzu Chi June 2021 (Vol.135)

2021 • 06 52 * This article is extracted from the book “Reminders under the Sala Trees – A Commentary on the Sutra of the Buddha’s Bequeathed Teachings”. harma vigilance regarding the impermanence of life and our inability to advance forward with perseverance and courage . Let us ask ourselves: We have lived for many years, but in the end, how much time did we spend sleeping? We should awaken as soon as possible! Afflictions entangle our hearts and hurt our wisdom-life “Afflictions are like thieves, awaiting the chance to kill; they are more dangerous than people who hold a grudge, so how can you sleep instead of being vigilantly awake?” In the minds of ordinary people, there are many thieves of afflictions, always waiting for an opportunity to wreak havoc. In today’s society, many people feel terrified and agitated. In the morning when they open the newspaper, they will oftentimes see murders being reported. In truth, in this world, we are surrounded by danger on all sides, and peace and safety seem to be found nowhere. Yet, even the most horrific event is no more dangerous than the afflictions in our own hearts. The thieves of afflictions in our hearts are extremely vicious, more deadly than people who hold grudges against us. People who resent us only do things against our interest because of some conflicts. However, the afflictions in our hearts often bring devastation onto us as well as others for no reason at all. So, “ with goodness we can save ourselves, with evil we destroy ourselves ”. A good thought that arises will not only save us but others, while one evil thought that arises will destroy us as well as others. Whenever evil thoughts arise, we are overrun by our thieves of afflictions, which easily destroy our roots of goodness and harm our wisdom-life. A reason why many people have a difficult life is that those who hold resentment are also resented by others. Those who feel unwelcome are people who never give of their love. We often hear people complain, “Other people bully me, resent me and do harm to me...” In fact, this usually happens because we have first resented others, disliked others, or perhaps have negative affinities with them from our former existences. If our life is filled with interpersonal disputes and thoughts of greed, anger and ignorance, then we will ourselves give rise to resentment and will in turn be resented. People like this are the most pitiable. (To be continued in the next issue)