The world of Tzu Chi January 2021 (Vol.130)

* Extracted from the book “Infinite Teachings, Infinite Meanings”. Is there anything “absolute” in the world?Are time and space absolute? Nothing in this world is absolute. Everything is impermanent and ever- changing. There is no such thing as absolute and unchanging time and space. For example, take the word “now”. Even as we say it, that moment has already passed. As the Earth keeps rotating, time passes by; not a single moment can be retained. However, in Buddhism, there is the concept “wondrous existence in true emptiness”. All things in the universe will eventually disappear and become non-existent. This is “true emptiness”. Yet, there is “wondrous existence” in true emptiness, which is the pure nature inherent in every person. This pure intrinsic nature is eternal and absolute. When our minds become polluted, our intrinsic nature is obscured. Then, our polluted minds give rise to discrimination, making the absolute relative and trapping us with attachments to concepts such as “this and that” and “me and you”. Our deeply rooted biases, attachments and habitual tendencies cause boundless suffering and distress. What is awakening? The Buddha came to this world to help sentient beings open, reveal, realize and enter his understanding and views. Open refers to opening up our minds. Because our minds have been covered in dust and darkness for a long time, we must open the door of our minds to let in the Buddha-dharma that the Buddha has revealed to us. When we do, it will be like a ray of light shining into a dark room, which will allow us to clearly see the principles taught by the Buddha. But opening and realizing are temporary. Only if we go amongst people, let the Dharma penetrate our hearts and minds, and actually apply it in our external actions will our thoughts and actions enter the Dharma. That is true awakening. Serene Reflection Question & Answer By Dharma Master Cheng Yen 2021 • 01 48