The world of Tzu Chi February 2020 (Vol.119)

2020 • 02 48 harma Transform others without being defiled N ext is the “virtue of purity”. “Pure” means clear and undefiled. All sentient beings have afflictions and are further polluted by their environment. Therefore, all people have different habitual tendencies. These different habitual tendencies lead to different habits. If everyone can reflect on their own true nature and eliminate their mundane mindset, their original nature can manifest. This is the function of self-reflection. We all have mistaken perspectives. Therefore, we must constantly reflect on ourselves and remain vigilant. If we can do this, our minds will not be defiled by our environment, and we will be able to retain our pure intrinsic nature. If we can all manifest our intrinsic nature, then our world will become a pure Buddhaland. To accomplish the “virtue of purity”, we must begin with reflecting on and purifying ourselves. In order to reach the state of Nirvana, we must first tame our habitual tendencies. If we can train ourselves to develop a good disposition and eliminate our unenlightened mindsets, then we can return to our pure and bright intrinsic nature. Thus, “extricating oneself from all defilement is called ‘purification’”. “Transforming others without being defiled is also called ‘purification’”. The Buddha continues to return on the ship of compassion, manifesting in the Six Realms according to his affinities with sentient beings. Sentient beings in the hell realm suffer greatly, so he even went to hell in order to teach and transform them, following the causes and conditions of the sentient beings there. He also manifested in the animal realm, but without being defiled by the ignorance and habitual tendencies of sentient beings in those evil realms. Ordinary people are easily defiled by their social environment, but Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are able to retain their pure intrinsic nature and remain undefiled even in the most unwholesome of environments. Where can we find pure places in the Saha World ? People may think that the most beautiful tourist areas would also be the cleanest, but actually the most beautiful places are often the dirtiest. If you pay attention to news reports, you will notice that many tourist areas have issues with excessive garbage. Humans tend to pollute the air and the environment, and these originally pristine and beautiful places have now been defiled and polluted. On the other hand, places that people ordinarily think of as disease-ridden may be where we find the true Pure Land of this world. CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION