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

TZU CHI 123 53 * This article is extracted from the book “Reminders under the Sala Trees – A Commentary on the Sutra of the Buddha’s Bequeathed Teachings”. Secondly, diligently upholding the precepts will allow one to transcend the “obstruction of lacking roots of goodness”. We should earnestly nurture our roots of goodness. When we uphold the precepts, we will be able to practise Samadhi and give rise to wisdom. However, having wisdom is insufficient. Upholding the precepts can nurture our roots of goodness, and once our roots of goodness are deep and strong, we will naturally attain blessings. In their actions, spiritual practitioners must set an example for others to emulate. We need to use proper etiquette to nurture the roots of goodness in others. When other people want to join the Sangha for spiritual cultivation, if everyone in the group follows the rules, carefully controls his or her demeanour, and gets along harmoniously, then the newcomers will be moved and their roots of goodness will grow. Furthermore, if there are people who reject and even slander the Buddhist Sangha, by carefully maintaining our demeanour and strictly upholding the precepts, we can dispel their scepticism and inspire the kindness in their hearts. Then, these people will realize their wrongs and may even turn around to protect and support the Buddhadharma. Therefore, upholding precepts can also influence others and nurture their roots of goodness. In the beginning we know nothing, but after entering the door to the Buddhadharma, in order to transform others and ourselves, we will diligently listen to, accept and uphold the Dharma. What we attain from listening, accepting and upholding is virtue. In this way, we have attained great amounts of “Dharma- wealth” which enriches and nurtures our minds. Thus, this is compared to “a poor man who attains treasures”. When the Buddha was in this world, the disciples viewed him as their teacher; after he entered Parinirvana , they must take the precepts as their teacher. We must absolutely uphold the precepts. If we can uphold the precepts and follow the teachings, it is as if we are living in the Buddha’s time. If we cannot uphold the precepts, it is as if we are ten million miles away from the Buddha. Therefore, the saying goes, “For those who do not uphold the precepts, the Buddha is ten thousand miles away; for those who uphold the precepts, a distance of a hundred lifetimes is no different from living at the same time.” In conclusion, before we can attain Buddhahood, we must first uphold the basic principles of being a person. By following the rules for everyday living, we develop a refined human character. (To be continued in the next issue) REMINDERS UNDER THE SALA TREES