The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.110)

2019 • 05 50 V imalakirti was a very famous lay follower of Buddha. Although he was a householder and not a monk, he was said to have a Buddha’s wisdom and eloquence. In fact, many of Buddha’s disciples, and even some Bodhisattvas, could not debate with him. One day when Vimalakirti was sick, Buddha asked some of his disciples to visit him, but no one wanted to go. The reasons they gave were basically the same; Vimalakirti could really talk, and none of them dared to visit him, or they would be lectured. There was a zealous, devout lay follower named Shanhui. One day, he went to listen to Buddha preach. Buddha hoped he would go visit Vimalakirti, because he was young and wise. However, Shanhui did not want to go either, and Buddha asked him why. He told of his experience with Vimalakirti. One time, Shanhui held a feast. He gave food to all the monks, and he also gave alms to the poor, the handicapped, beggars and so forth. The feast went on for seven days. Vimalakirti passed by his house one day and said, “This is not almsgiving.” Shanhui asked, “Then what is real almsgiving?” “Just giving money is not enough – you should also offer the Dharma.” aster Cheng Yen Tells Stories Vimalakirti’s View on Almsgiving “How can I offer the Dharma?” “You must give rise to kindness by means of bodhi heart, compassion by means of saving all living beings, joy by means of supporting the true Dharma, and generosity by means of cultivating wisdom.” What did Vimalakirti mean? “Give rise to kindness by means of bodhi heart.” “Bodhi” means the Path or Way. We must be committed to the Buddhist Way and give rise to kindness by means of the Way in our hearts. Kindness is giving happiness. We should give happiness to all people without any distinction or prejudice. Making people happy shows our bodhi heart. “Give rise to compassion by means of saving all living beings.” Once you opened your bodhi heart, you will think about how to rescue all creatures from suffering. This is compassion. Whenever you see creatures in pain or discomfort, you will try to help them. Thus, saving all living beings gives rise to compassion. “Give rise to joy by means of supporting the true Dharma.” If you want to give joy to everyone, you cannot simply give them material things or try to make them feel good. You should also try to give them correct concepts and thoughts. This gives them something that they can keep forever. Shanhui asked, “What is real almsgiving?” Vimalakirti said, “By just giving money is not enough – you should also offer the Dharma. You must give rise to kindness by means of bodhi heart, compassion by means of saving all living beings, joy by means of supporting the true Dharma, and generosity by means of cultivating wisdom.”