The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.109)

2019 • 04 46 * This article is extracted from the book “Three Ways to the Pure Land (Revised Edition)”. THREE WAYS TO THE PURE LAND can accomplish anything. The Buddha did not educate and guide countless living beings by himself after his Enlightenment. In fact, it was his disciples who helped him set up spiritual practice centres and form many good karmic affinities, thus enabling his wisdom to spread and benefit living beings around the world. In the same way, if we intend to exercise our courage and strength in ways useful to the world, we must also establish good karmic affinities with all living beings. The novice and the elder In teaching his disciples the importance of creating good affinities with others, the Buddha told a story about the relationship he had withAnanda, the disciple who was closest to him, in their past life. A long time ago, an old monk led a group of young novices in diligent spiritual practice. The old monk constantly admonished them to make efficient use of their time and to memorize the sutras. The novices kept their master’s instruction in mind and recited the sutras whenever they found the time. One day while out begging for alms, one of the novices recited the sutra text aloud as he walked along. He was concentrating so deeply on his recitation that he forgot to beg for food. An old man saw the novice pass his house without stopping. “Young novice, your bowl is still empty,” he called out after him. “Will you let me give you some food?” The young man stopped walking and accepted the elder’s offering. When the elder found out why the novice had not been begging for alms, he felt great admiration for the young monk’s diligence, so he told him, “From now on, you can focus on your studies and I will provide for your needs.” Grateful, the young novice became even more devoted to deepening his understanding of the sutras. After the Buddha had finished the story, he told his disciples, “I was the novice andAnanda was the elder. Ananda has supported me in every life and in return I guide Ananda to gain proper understanding and views each time. This is because we built a good relationship in the past.” All interpersonal relationships arise due to karmic causes and conditions we created previously. No one can live all alone; we all have to rely on other people in society for our survival. It is therefore necessary for every person to form good relationships with other people and become an integral part of society. After leaving his father’s palace, Prince Siddhartha visited many religious sects all over India looking for teachings, then he practised asceticism in a forest for six years. But after he attained Enlightenment and became Sakyamuni Buddha, he still returned to living among people to share his insights. We can see from this that spiritual cultivation is inseparable from interacting with people. If we have formed good relationships with people, then one day when we have attained insights that we wish to impart to others, we will be equipped with the ability and good affinities to instruct them. In short, it is very important to establish extensive good relationships with people. (To be continued in the next issue)