The world of Tzu Chi September 2020 (Vol.126)

TZU CHI 126 49 * This article is extracted from the book “Reminders under the Sala Trees – A Commentary on the Sutra of the Buddha’s Bequeathed Teachings”. in through the mouth, and misfortune comes out of it.” Therefore, we should be disciplined in our speech. Karma of speech is here divided into two major parts: “Do not use witchcraft or magic potions, or associate with those in high position and thus become disrespectful and arrogant.” First, let us explain “witchcraft or magic potions”. Some people who have deviant understanding or yearnings may say, “Heaven gave me a mission; I’m the saviour of the world.” Or, they may claim that they can communicate with spirits, are possessed by a deity, and so on. In fact, these things only obscure the radiance of their own intrinsic nature. As Buddhist practitioners, we must learn to differentiate and contemplate these kinds of people with wisdom. We must not be led astray by those falsely claiming spiritual powers. Since we ourselves do not wish to be deceived, we must certainly not use these same tricks to deceive others. In our spiritual practice, we must absolutely stay on the right path. When we fall ill, we should go to a proper medical doctor to receive the appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Only then can our illness be cured. Consulting with fortune-tellers, burning offerings, or seeking divination are incorrect methods to use when we are ill. Some people tell the sick that it is good enough to drink water over which an incantation has been spoken. However, because of this, the patient might postpone receiving proper medical treatment. This must be avoided at all costs. When some people encounter difficulties, they immediately go to ask a fortune- teller. They may then hear things like, “You have angered a spirit; all you need to do is to make offerings to appease it.” These are all mistaken practices. All-in-all, teaching people mistaken methods is a transgression of speech, and personally performing incantations or administering folk remedies must certainly not be done. Next, we will address “associate with those in high positions and thus become disrespectful and arrogant”. These are examples of being influenced by the words of people with improper views. Such people have incorrect views and understanding, and their actions are not upright. For this reason, they are called “small-minded people”. Any speech that does not guide people in the correct direction is referred to as “the words of people with improper views”. Confucius admonished his disciples, saying, “Flattering words and ingratiating expressions are rarely associated with benevolence.” Speech should be kind and loving, but when we overdone, it becomes mere cleverness and flattery. When something clearly is wrong but one pretends that it is right for the sake of making people happy, these are the actions of small-minded people. (To be continued in the next issue) REMINDERS UNDER THE SALA TREES