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  • Changing Destiny - A Commentary On Liaofan's Four Lessons

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    Amitabha
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    A commentary on Liaofan's Four Lessons, this book tells how Yuan Liaofan, destined to be heirless and to die young, learned from a Zen master how to change destiny. Following the master’s advice, Mr. Yuan attained all that he sought, and more. The life-changing principles in his book are as important today as they were 500 years ago.

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    Changing Destiny_A Commentary on Liaofan's Four Lessons

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    A commentary on Liaofan's Four Lessons, this book tells how Yuan Liaofan, destined to be heirless and to die young, learned from a Zen master how to change destiny. Following the master’s advice, Mr. Yuan attained all that he sought, and more. The life-changing principles in his book are as important today as they were 500 years ago.

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    Download as PDF or read online from Scribd
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    488 views478 pages

    Changing Destiny - A Commentary On Liaofan's Four Lessons

    Uploaded by

    Amitabha
    A commentary on Liaofan's Four Lessons, this book tells how Yuan Liaofan, destined to be heirless and to die young, learned from a Zen master how to change destiny. Following the master’s advice, Mr. Yuan attained all that he sought, and more. The life-changing principles in his book are as important today as they were 500 years ago.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as PDF or read online from Scribd
    Flag for inappropriate content
    of 478

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    ZVnbkp

    NAMOAMITABHA

    PrintedanddonatedfbrfTeedistributionby

    TheC00rati0Repblic0fHwaDzaS0ciety
    2F,No333-l,Sec4,HsinYiRoad,Taipei,Taiwan,R.OC
    Tel:886-2-2754-7l78Fax:886-2-2754-7262

    Website:www.hwadzan.org.tw

    E-mail:hwadzan@hwadzan.tw
    Thisb00kisf0rfIeedistribti0nItis0trsale
    PrintedinTaiwan

    2000Copies;20l2October
    HZ50-07-0l

    Contents
    l

    Introduction

    FirstLesson:LearningtoCreateDestiny
    5

    Mr.KongIsAccuratePredictions
    MasterYunguIsAdviceonChangingDestiny

    ThePrincipleofChangingDestiny

    I5

    TheWaysofChangingDestiny

    26

    ToSurpassDestiny

    69

    SecondLesson:TheWaystoRefOrm
    TheReasonstoRefOrm
    l29

    ASignfOrGoodFortuneandMisfOrtune
    TheWaystoRefOrm
    AShamefUlHeart

    I35

    AFearfulHeart

    l50

    ADeterminedCourageousHeart

    l67

    TbreeMethodsofPracticeinRefOrming
    CbangingthroughBe}Iavior

    l73

    CbangingthroughReasoning

    l75

    ChangingffomtheHeartandMind

    200

    TheDesiredResultofRefOrm

    223

    TbirdLesson:TheWaystoCultivateGoodness

    APamilyThatAccumulatesGoodDeedsWill

    Have

    AbundantProsperity

    TenAccountsofVirtuousPeople

    234

    UnderstandingGoodness
    HowtoRecognizeGoodness

    263

    TheDefinitionofGoodness

    266

    PracticingtheTenGoodDeedsWhenConditions

    305

    Arise

    FourtbLesson:BenefitsoftheVirtueofHumility
    ArroganceInvitesAdversityWhileHumilityGains

    36

    Benefit

    HumilityandModestyAretheFoundationfbr

    377

    GoodFortune

    Appendix:Liaofan>sFourLessons

    382

    TheTen-recitationMethod

    447

    Notes

    448

    Glossary

    459

    Translator)sNotes

    InCaI1gmgDesKm;VenerableMasterChinKung
    speaksofrecitingMrXiaLianjuscompilationofthe
    hirLibStJrMasterCbinKunghassaidtlIat
    recitingtl1eAmiaaSmrHofwhichseveraltransla
    tionsareavailableontbeInternet,isanexcellent
    alternative.

    WeareusingtlIeC}Iineseconventionofplacingthe
    familynamefirst,tobefOllowedbythegivenname
    courtesyname,orsobriquet.Thesetermsareexplainedonpage86.
    WeapologizefOranyerrorsandwouldbemostappreciativeifyouwouldbringthemtoourattention.
    PleaseemailusatsilentvoicesOO@lIotmail.comorfax
    usatl-8l5-927-O359

    Respectfully>
    SilentVoices

    l5February2OO2

    Introduction
    Tl1ebookLonfbJrLessoIswaswritteninthe

    sixteentlIcenturyinChinabyYuanLiaofanwithtbe
    hopethatitwouldteachhisson,YuanTianqi,about
    destiny,howtodifferentiategoodfrombad,howto
    correcthisfaults>andhowtopracticegooddeedsto
    cultivatebothvirtueandhumilityAsanembodiment
    ofhisteacl1ings)Liaofanwaslivingproofoftheir
    benefits)fOrhehadchangedhisdestiny.
    Learningtore-createdestinyhaslongbeenofinteresttothosewhobelievethatwealthorpoverty)long
    lifeorshortlife-everytbingisdestinedPeoplewlIo
    accomplishedgooddeedsintheirpastliveswillnaturallyen]oywealthyandlonglivesnow,whilethose
    whocommittedbaddeedsintbeirpastliveswillundergodeprivationsandshortlives.Howeverthereare
    exceptionsDestinycanbechanged
    Ifwewereoriginallysupposedtoen}oywealtl1and
    longevityinthislifetime,buthavecommittedexcessivebaddeedsthenwithoutwaitinguntilthenextlife
    wewillbecomepoorandhaveshortenedlives.Ifwe
    wereoriginallysupposedtoundergopovertyandhave
    sl1ortlives,buthaveaccomplishedexemplarydeeds
    wewillbecomewealthyandhavelonglives.History
    providesmanyexamplesoftlIis.
    AltlIougbeverytbingtlIatwehavetogotlIroughin
    thislifeistlIeresultofourthoughtsandbehaviorin
    ourpastlivesandhasbeenpredetermined,itisnot
    l

    rigidWecanstillmodifyitwithourcuITentthouglIts
    andbehavior

    AsBuddhistswearetauglIttorefrainfromevil,to
    dogood,andtopuriourminds.TlIisistbeDlarma
    Seal>ourcriteriatodeterminethegenuinenessof
    Buddhistteachingsortruths.Buddhistsutrasaddress

    principlesandlogicandarespokenbyfivetypesof
    peopleTlIeyarel)BuddhasinourcaseBuddha
    ShalWamuni,2hisstudents,3heavenlybeings
    immortalsand5)manifestedbeings

    AslongaswhathasbeensaidconfOrmstotheBuddlIasteachingsanddoesnotcontradictthem,the
    Buddl1aswiththeirgreatbroad-mindednesswillrecognizetbemassutras.Tlms,weslIouldregardand
    respectasasutra,anyworktl1atconfOrmstoBuddl1ist
    principles

    Tl1isappliestoLjonFbzrLessonsfOraltl1ough
    itisnotaBuddhistsutra)weneedtorespectand
    praiseitasoneTl>isisespeciallysofOrtl1isbookfOrit
    wascertifiedandadvocatedbyMasterYinGuangthe
    thirteenthPatriarchoftlIePureLandscl1oolInthe

    earlypartofthetwentiethcenturyhededicatedhis
    lifetoitspropagationandwasresponsiblefOrprinting
    millionsofcopiesasweIasstudying)practicing>and
    lecturingonit.NotonlycanithelptoserveasafOundationinourlearning,butmoreimportantlyitcan
    alsoserveasafOundationfOrnon-Buddbistsinhelp-

    ingtlIemlearnhowtocbangetheirdestinies
    Tl1ereismuchtolearn,includingprinciplesand
    2

    metl1ods)allofwhicharecoveredinthisbookAl-

    thoughitisrelativelyshort)itsimpactcanbesignificant.Tl1erefOreifwewishtochangeourdestiniesor

    totrulyachieveattainmentthrouglIthepracticeof
    Buddbism,wewoulddowelltoaccordwithitsguidanCeo

    Tl1erearefourchaptersorlessonsinthisbookTlIe
    firstlessonof<<LearningtoCreateDestinyisabout
    thelawofcauseandeffectThesecondlesson,<The

    WaystoRefOrmisdevelopedfromunderstanding
    causalityTbisthirdlessonofTheWaystoCultivate
    Goodness),istheprimarylessontlIatofcultivating
    andaccumulatinggoodness.Itisbasedonfeeling
    regretandrefOrmingourfaults.TbefOurtlIlesson
    TlIeBenefitsoftlIeVirtueofHumility,)istlIeconclusionforthebook

    TheFirstLesson:

    LearningtoCbangeDestiny
    Inthislesson)Liaofantoldbisson)Tianqi,aboutlIis
    personalexperiencesandthoseofotl1ers.Wanting
    TianqitodohisbestinpracticinggoodnessandendinglIisincorrectbehavior,tore-createandcontroll1is

    destinyandnolongerbeboundbyit,LiaofantauglIt
    himtheprinciplesofwhythingslIappenandhowto
    clIangethem.Forexample,asPureLandpractitioners,
    ifweareabletofOllowtlIismethod,weareassuredof

    attaininghappy)fUlfillinglivesandofbeingreborn
    intotheWesternPureLand

    Mr.Kong>sAccuratePredictions

    MyfatherpassedawaywhenIwasyoung.
    Mymotherpersuadedmetolearnmedicine
    insteadofstudyingandpassingtbeimperial
    examinationsbecauseitwouldbeagoodway
    tosupportmyselfwlIilehelpingothers.Per-

    haps,Icouldevenbecomefamoustl>rough
    mymedicalskills;tlIusfulIingmyfather)s
    aspirationfOrme

    InancientChinathepurposeofstudyingandpassing
    theimperialexaminationswastobecomeagovernmentofficial.Thus,tostopstudyingfbrtheexaminationswastogiveupanychancetoworkinthegovernment.Acareerinmedicinewouldenableoneto
    5

    lIaveaskillthatwouldprovideagoodlivinginadditiontolIelpingotlIers
    AtthattimeteachersdidnotchargeafeebutacceptedwhateverwasofferedWealtlWfamiliesgave
    more;poorfamiliesgaveless.Aslongastl1estudent
    wassincereinl1onoringtheteacherandrespectingthe
    teachingstheamountgivenwasunimportant.Tbe
    sameappliedtophysicians.Theirgoalwastosave
    lives)todotl1eirverybesttomakeotl1erswellTl1e

    paymentfOrtheserVcesrenderedwasatthediscretionoftl1epatient.Bothteachersandphysicianswere
    dedicatedtolIelpingothersandwerel1iglIlyrespected.
    Oneday>Imetanelderlybutdistinguished
    lookinggentlemanattheCompassionate
    CloudTemple.Hehadalongbeardandthe
    lookofasage.Iimmediatelypaidmyrespectstol1imHetoldme:<Youaredestined
    tobeagovernmentofficialNextyear,you
    willattaintherankofLearnedFirstLevel

    SclIolarWlIyareyounotstudyingfOrthe
    examination?))Itoldhimthereason

    Thissegmentisaboutaturningpoint:Liaofans
    opportunitytolearnhowtochangehisdestinyIt
    describedhismeetinganelderlygentlemanwhohada
    handsomecountenanceandwastallwithanelegant
    celestialair,andwhodidnotlooklikeanaverage

    person.Liaofannaturallypaidhisrespectstohim.
    BecausetheelderlygentlemancouldfOretelltl1efu6

    turehelmewthatLiaofanshouldhavebeenstudying
    andneededtodosoassoonaspossible.l
    IaskedtheelderlygentlemanfOrhisname
    andwlIerehewasom.Hereplied:My
    familynameisKongandIamfTomYunnan
    prov1nce.Ihaveinl1eritedaverysacredand
    accuratetextonastrologyandprediction.
    Tbetext,writtenbySlIaoziiscalledtlIehpeIr5ramGIymgebIKBy
    mycalculations)Iamsupposedtopassiton
    toyouandteachyouhowtouseit>)

    ShaoziwasasclIolaromtheSongdynasty2He
    wasawell-knownandhig}Ily-respectedintellectualof
    histimeTlIesacredtextonastrologyisanin-deptl1
    booktl1atbasbeencompiledwitl1othersintotl1e
    CbmpbIFeraSIIs.3
    ThecontentofShaozi)sbookiscompletelyinaccordancewiththeprinciplesinJCmaeBDoAof

    CaJ1gandpredictstlIefuturethrougl1mathemati-

    calcalculations.Thepredictionsintl1ebookcover
    numeroussubjectsincludingchangesincountries

    andtlIeworldTheprosperityordeclineofadynasty,
    thegoodfOrtuneormisfOrtuneofanindividualcould
    allbecompletelyextrapolatedommathematical

    calculations.ThisbookofprofOundknowledgeis
    basedonaprecisescienceandisbothlogicaland
    credible.

    EverybodyandeverythinghasasetdestinyBuddlIa
    7

    Shalq/amunitauglltusthattl1isisduetotl1elawof
    causalityAslongaswegiverisetoacause,beita
    thought,word,oract,aresulttbatisasetdestinywill
    fOllow.OnlywlIenthemindisdevoidofthoughtcan
    wetranscendtl1epredeterminationoftbemathematics.Whyarepractitionerswitl1highlevelsofacl1ievementoftenabletotranscend?Havingattainedthe
    levelofOneMindUndisturbed>theirmindsdonot

    giverisetoanythoughts.Aslongaswehavethoughts)
    ourfateswillremainboundbythemathematics.A
    higl1lysldlledpersonisabletoaccuratelypredictour
    futurestl1rougbcalculations.
    OurlivesaredestinedArhatsorotlIersageswitl1a

    higherlevelofspiritualenlightenment,wholIave
    alreadytranscendedsamsam>thesixpathsofexistence)areabletotranscendtheirdestiny
    Arethel1eavenlybeingsintheRealmofFormand
    RealmofFormlessnessabletotranscendtheirfate?

    Yes>fOrintlIeirstateofdeepconcentration,the
    mathematicscannotaffecttl1em.But)tbistranscen-

    denceisonlytemporary.OncetheylosetlIeirstateof
    deepconcentrationandgiverisetothoughts)theyare
    againboundbymatl1ematics.TlIisiswhytheyhave
    neverbeenabletotranscendsamsara.

    Iftl1estrengthoftl1eirconcentrationenabledtlIem
    totranscendsamsaraandadvancetotbeninthcon-

    centrationleveltobecomenon-regressiveArl1ats,then

    tl1eywouldnolongerbeboundbytbematl1ematics.
    OnceweunderstandtlIeseprinciplesandlmowtl1at
    8

    everythingisfated)wewilllookattlIisworldwitha
    non-discriminatorymind.Wewillnotfeell1appyin
    favorablecircumstancesorunl1appyinunfavorable
    circumstances

    IinvitedMr.Kongtomyl1omeandtoldmy
    motheraboutl1im.ShesaidtotreatlIim

    wellAswetestedMr.KongIsabilityatprediction,wefOundthathewasalwayscorrect
    wbetheritwasfOrbigeventsorfOrminor

    everydaymatters.Ibecameconvincedof
    wl1athehadsaidandagainbegantothinkof
    studyingfOrtheexaminationsIconsulted
    mycousinwhorecommendedMr.YuHaigu,

    wlIowasteachingatthehoIeofafriend5
    andbecameMrYu)sstudent.

    LiaofaninvitedMr.Kongtohishouseandbeinga
    filialsontoldlIismotlIeraboutlIimShesaidtotake
    goodcareofMr.Kongandrecommendedthatthey
    testhim.Whensomeonetellsussomething,wewould
    usuallywanttochecldtsvaliditybefOrebelievingit.
    WhenLiaofandidsoandfOundMrKong)spredictionstobeaccurate,hebecamenaturallyconvinced
    andheededhisadvice.

    Mr.Kongthendidsomemorecalculations
    fOrme.Hetoldmethatasascholar)Iwould

    beplacedfOurteenthinthecountyexamination,seventy-firstintheregionalexamina9

    tion,andnintl1intheprovincialexamina-

    tion.TlIefOllowingyear,Iplacedexactly
    whereMr.KonghadsaidfOrallthreeexaminations

    MrKongtoldLiaofanthathewouldrisethrough
    severalstagesofexaminationstobecomeascl1olar.In
    thesecondyear,theresultsoftheexaminationswere
    exactlyasexpected
    FromMr.KongIspredictionsfOrMr.Liaofan,we
    canseetbateverythingisdestined.Everyday,every
    monthwhenandhowwewilllive,wl1enandhowwe
    willdie.Regardlessofhowwetrytoplanoreven
    scheme,ordinarypeoplecannotescapeomthis
    reality.

    Itl1enaskedlIimtomakepredictionsfOrtlIe
    restofmylifeMr.Kongscalculations
    sl1owedthatIwouldpasssuchandsucha
    testinsucl>andsuchayear,theyearthatI
    wouldbecomeacivilscholar,andtheyear
    thatIwouldreceiveapromotiontobecome
    anImperialScholar6Andlastly,Iwouldbe
    appointedasamagistrateinSichuanprovInce

    AfterholdingthatpositionfOrthreeanda
    halfyears,Iwouldthenretireandreturn
    home.Iwoulddieattheageoffifty-three
    onthelthdayoftlIeeighthmonthbe
    l0

    tweenonetothreeo)clockinthemorning.
    UnfOrtunately>Iwouldnothaveason.I
    carefUllyrecordedandrememberedeverytbingtbatbeSaid
    Theoutcomeofeveryexaminationturned
    outexactlyaspredictedMrKonghadalso
    predictedthatIwouldonlybepromotedaf
    terreceivingarationoftwohundredfiftyninebuslIelsofrice.7However)IlIadreceivedonlytwentybushelsofricewlIenthe
    CommissionerofEducation,MrTu,rec-

    ommendedmefOrapromotion.Isecretly
    begantodouI)tthepredictionNevertl1eless
    itturnedouttobecorrectafterall,because

    Mr.Tu>sreplacementturneddownthepromotion

    Itwasnotuntilsomeyearslaterthatanew
    EducationCommissionerMr.YinreVewed
    myoldexaminationpapersandexclaimed,
    <ThesefiveessaysareaswellwrittenasreportstotlIeemperor.Howcanweburythe
    talentsofsuchagreatsclIolar?

    Wl1enLiaofan>ssalaryreac}1edalmosttwentybusl1ofrice.Mr.TuaDDrovedisDromotionaon
    elsofrice>MrTuapprovedlIispromotion.Liaofan
    begantodoubtthepredictions.Howevereitherdueto
    apromotionoratransfer,Mr.Tuwasreplacedby
    anotl1erpersonwhodisagreedwitbLiaofan>spromoll

    tionandoverruledit.

    ItwasafewyearslatertbatanotherofficialMr.
    Yin,wentthrougl1thepapersofthosewholIadfailed
    tlIeexamination.Thesepaperswerekeptandre-read
    occasionallywiththel1opeoffindingtalentedindividualswhol1adbeenoverlookedHereadLiaofan)s

    papersandwasveryimpressedwithtbem,sayingtbey
    wereaswellwrittenasofficialrecommendationsfrom

    governmentofficialstotheemperor.ObviouslyLiaofanwasverylmowledgeableandhispaperswereextremelywellwritten.
    Tl1enewcommissionerwantedtl1emagistratetoissueanorderfOrmetobecomea

    candidatefOrImperialScholar8underhis
    authority.Afterundergoingthiseventful
    promotion,mycalculationssbowedtl1atI
    hadreceivedexactlytwobundredfifty-nine
    bushelsofrice.Fromtl1enon)Ideeplybelievedtl1atpromotionordemotionwealtl1or

    povertyallcameaboutinduetimeandthat
    eventl1elengthofone)slifeispre-aITanged
    Ibegantovieweverythinginadetacl1ed
    mannerandceasedtoseekgainorprofit
    Wecanseetl1atMr.Tuwasanexceptionalperson
    fOrhel1adwantedtopromoteLiaofanassoonashe
    readtheexaminationpapers.However,l1isreplace-

    mentoveITuledthepromotion.Itwasbecausetl1ese
    twopeoplehaddifferentopinions
    l2

    Liaofanwasobviouslyveryta>entedFromthiswe
    learnthatevenatalentedpersonisstillboundby
    destinyWhetherdestiny>time,orcauseandcondition,everythingispredeterminedLiaofan}Iadtowait
    untilanothergovernmentofficialreadhispapersfor
    theproperconditionstomatureinordertoreceivehis
    promotion

    Fromt}]enon,Liaofanwasawakenedandhetruly
    understoodAllofourencountersinlifC)whetber

    goodfortuneorbadfOrtune>goodluckorbadluck,
    wealthorpovertyallaredestinedOrdinarypeople
    cannotchangetbis.Ifwearenotsupposedtohave
    something,noamountoftryingtoholdontoitwill
    succeedfOrlongConversely,wewillnaturallyreceive
    whatwearesupposedtoItisnotworththeeffOrtto
    dow}Iatiswrongandtoriskallinthehopeofattainingself-satisfaction
    UnderstandingthisLiaofannoIongerhadany

    thoughtsofdemandorofgainandloss.Hewastruly
    atpeace.Wecansaythatatthispointhewasa<perfectordinaryperson.Today)peoplecannotevenmeet
    thisstandardfOrordinaryperson.Why?Ourmindsare
    impureandfilledwithwanderingthouglIts.Liaofan
    didnothavewishfillwanderingthoughtssincehe
    alreadylmeweverythingthatwasgoingtohappenin
    hislife.AncientsagessaidthatawIseandvirtuous
    personlmowsthateverytlIingincluding<{onesipand
    onebite))isdestinedHoweverfOolishpeoplerelentlesslypursuethingsthatarealreadydestinedtobe
    l3

    tbeirs.

    OrdinarypeopleareboundbytheirfateAttbis
    timeLiaofanonlyknewthatlifewasdestined.Hedid
    notyetknowthattherewasavariableandtlIatby
    practicinginaccordancewithtrueprinciplesand
    methodshecouldchangel1isdestiny.Inthisway>l1e
    couldattainwhateverhewishedfOr,ashebecamethe
    masterofhisfuture.

    Forexample,ifwewisbtoattainwealth,wepracticethegivingofwealthToattainintelligenceand
    wisdomwepracticetlIegivingofteaching.Toattain
    lIealthandlongevity,wepracticetlIegivingoffearlessness.Tl1isisthecorrectwaytochangeourdestinies.ByfOllowingtherig}1tprinciplesandmetlIods
    wecanevenattainSupremeEnlightenmentmucl1less
    worldlyenjoymentandbappiness.

    AfterbeingselectedasanImperialScbolarI
    wastoattendtheUniversityatBeijing.Dur-

    ingmyyearlongstayintlIecapitalmyinterestinmeditationgrewandIoftensatinsilence,withoutgivingrisetoasinglethought
    Ilostinterestinbooksandstoppedstudying.

    Liaofanwasnowmeditatingdaily.Fromtbiswe
    canseel]owpeacefulandquietl1ismindlIadbecome.
    Wbenthemindistranquil,wisdomwillnaturally
    ariseTl1ewisdomofmostpeopleisnon-functional
    becausetheirmindsarenotpure.Liaofanwasableto
    remaincalmbecauseheknewlIisentirefutureHe
    l

    lmewthatitwasuselessevento thinkaboutitWitb

    outwis}1fUlthouglIts)}1ismind naturallybecamesettled.

    De

    St

    Cha

    rI

    Pl e

    n c

    T he Pr

    ThefO<lowingyearIwenttoNanjing.BefOre
    IwastoentertlIeNationalUniversitytbere)
    IpaidavisittoMasterYungu,avenerable
    ZenmasteratQixiaMountain.Wesatin

    meditationfacetofaceintheZenhallfOr

    tbreedaysandnightswithoutsleep
    MasterYungusaid;(<Thereasonwhyordinarypeoplecannotbecomesagesisbecause
    ofwanderingthoughts.Inourthree-day
    meditationIbavenotobservedasingle
    tl1oughtariseinyou.WbyP>

    IrepliedthatMr.Konghadclearlypredicted
    theentireoutcomeofmylife.Ihadseen
    thattlIetimeoflife,death,promotionand
    failurearedestinedT}IerewasnoneedfOr

    metotbinkofanything.Themastersmiled
    andreplied:<<ItlIoughtyouweresomeoneof
    remarkablecapabilities!NowIrealizeyou
    areanordinaryperson!)>
    l5

    LiaofanandMasterYungusatfacetofaceintbe
    meditationl1allfOrtlIreedayswithoutfatigueorsleep.
    How?Becausetheydidnotbaveanywandering
    tboughts,theywereabletoconservealloftlIeirenergyMasterYunguthoughtLiaofantobeextremely
    youngtohaveacl1ievedthisdifficultandrarelevelof
    cultivation.

    OrdinarypeopleareunabletobecomeArhatsorattainbig}Ierlevelsofachievementbecausetl1eyhave
    toomanywanderingt1oughts.TheAmsa5mrH
    tellsus:Allsentientbeingshavethesamewisdom
    andvirtuousabilitiesastheBuddha;but,becauseof

    wanderingt}IoughtsandattaclIments,sentientbeings
    areunabletouncovertheseabilities.>)Sothecauseof

    notbeingabletobecomeasageisourwandering
    thoughts

    Feelingconfi1sedbywhatMasterYunguhad
    said,Iaskedl1imtoelain.Hetoldmethat
    anordinarypersonsmindisfOreveroccupiedbywanderingandimaginarytlIoughts
    sonaturallylIisorherlifeisboundbythe
    matl1ematicsofdestiny.WecannotdenytlIe
    facttl1atdestinyexists,butonlyordinary
    peopleareboundbyit.

    Destinycannotbindthosewhocultivate
    greatldndnessorthosewhohavecommitted
    flagrantwrongdoingsSinceIbadlivedmy
    lifejustasMrKonghadpredictedanddone
    l6

    nothingtochangeit>Ihadbeenboundby
    destiny.Thus,Iwasatypicalordinaryperson

    Takenaback,IaskedMasterYunguifwe
    couldchangeourdestinies.Heanswered:
    Wecanre-createourowndestinyandseek
    goodfOrtune.Itisthetrueteachingandis
    fOundintlIeBSmgBandtheBooA
    SmU9
    MasterYunguexplainedthatifonehasnotyetattainedthestatewitlIoutwanderingthoughts,tlIenone
    isstillatthemercyoffateWhy?IfapersonlIad
    reachedthestateofnowanderingthoughtheorsbe
    wouldbavetranscendedtbecontroloffateDidLiao-

    fanreac}IthisstateofnowanderingtlIought?No.He
    simplydidnotwishtotbinkaboutanythingbecause
    l1erealizedthefUtilityofdoingso!Buthestilll1ad
    wanderingthoughts.Hestillthought:((Idonotneed
    tothinkaboutanything.MydestinyhasbeenfOretold;
    thus)Iclearlyknowmywl1olelife.Havingyetto
    reac}Itl1estateofnowanderingtboughtwearestill
    boundbyourfates.

    ProfOundlydeepconcentrationisnotachievableby
    ordinarypeopleinourworldW}IentheZenPatriarcl1
    MasterHuangBiwasinthisstateofdeepconcentra-

    tion,hewasabletobreakthrought}Iedimensionsof
    timeandspace.Atthispoint,thepastpresent,and

    fi1tureallbecomeone;thus>everytlIingisperfectly
    l7

    visible.UsingmatlIematicstodeducethefl1tureis
    achievablebyordinarypeopleinthisworldHowever>
    theyareunabletoactuallyseethepast,present,and
    fUture.ItrequiresdeepconcentrationtoreaclIthe
    stateofbeingabletoseetlIefuture.Thisisonly
    achievablebybeingswithdeepconcentrationbeyond
    thethirdstageofsagehoodinTlIeravadaBuddlIism.
    MasterYungutoldLiaofanthatalthoughordinary
    peopleareboundbydestiny>itcannotcontroltlIose
    w}1ohaveaccomplislIednumerousexemplarydeeds.
    Neithercanitcontrolthosewhohavecommitted

    manyflagrantoffenses.Liaofanhadbeenboundby
    Mr.Kong,spredictionsfOrtwentyyears.Hel1addone
    notlIingtocbangethemandsohewasindeedan
    ordinarypersonApersonofgreatvirtuealsohadaset
    destinybutlIeorshehaschangedit.T}1esameapplies
    tothosewbohavecommittedexcessiveoffenses,fOr

    theytoohavecl1angedtheirdestinies.Wecanseethat
    Liaofandidnotcultivateeitherextremelygoodorbad
    deedssincehislifeaccordedsocompletelywitlIwhat
    lIadbeenpredicted
    Canfatebechanged?Canweescapeit?Yes.ToescapeistotranscendAltlIoughtherearevariablesin
    thesetnumbersMr.Kong,eitliernotlmowingabout
    thevariablesornotknowinghowtocalculatetl1em
    hadpredictedjustt}IesetnumbersSincetl>evariables
    arewithinourcontrol,wecanre-createourowndes-

    tinies.WecanseekourgoodfOrtune.
    BefOremeetingwitlIthemaster,Liaofandidnot
    l8

    lmowabouttlIesevariables.DidtlIemasterbelieve

    thattlIesetnumbersensfed,thatthefuturecouldbe

    calculated?Yes.Befbreapersonachievesthestateof
    nowanderingthoughtheorslIeisboundbydestiny/)
    MasterYungucompletelyacknowledgedtherealityof
    predestination.However,Buddhismisnotaboutpredestination;itisaboutre-creatingdestinyWecan
    onlydependonourselvestodotlIis>tobecomeawakened;nooneelsecandothisfOrus.

    (Were-createourowndestiniesandseekourgood
    fOrtune.),SinceLiaofanwasascholarhelmewtlIe

    teacl1ingsofConfuciusandsotl1emastercitedprinciplesfromtheBofSmg3andtheBooksmIy
    toawakenhimMasterYunguunderstoodtheseteaclIings,andconfirmedtlIattlIeywereimportantand
    true

    IntheBuddhistteachingsitiswrittenthat
    ifwewishfOrandseekwealth,ahighpositionasonadaughterorlonglifewecan
    attainitSincetheBuddhatoldusthatlying
    isoneofthegreatesttransgressionswecan
    beassuredtlIatBuddhasandBodlIisattvas
    wouldnotdeceiveus.

    AsBuddl1ists,welearnthatinseekingwealthone
    willattainwealthandinseekingclIildrenonewill
    attainchildren.Evenifwewerenotmeantto}Iave

    childrenintl1islife)uponpracticinggoodnesswecan
    haveaclIildWelearnedomthetextthatLiaofan
    l9

    wasnotmeanttohavealonglife;lIewassupposedto

    dieatfifty-three<butlIeliveduntiltheageofseventyfOur>Bycultivatingaccordingtotheteachings,we
    willattainwl1ateverweseekBuddhismencouragesus
    tore-createourdestiniesratherthanbeconstrained

    bytlIem.

    ZhangjiaLivingBuddhal0said,(<InBuddhism,allof
    oursincerepleaswillbeanswered)}Heexplainedthat
    mostpeopleareunabletoattainwlIattheywantbecausetheydonotaccordwiththeteachings.Ifwe
    understandtheprinciplesandmetl1ods,andhave
    soughtsomethinginaccordancewitl1tl1em,tl1enwe
    areassuredofreceivingaresponsetooursincere

    requests.Ifwedonotreceivethedesiredresponse
    afterhavingaccordedwiththeteachings,itisdueto
    ourkarmicobstaclesOncewelIavesuccessfUlly
    eradicatedtl1eseobstacles,wewillgainthedesired
    results.AsZ}langjiaLivingBuddhasaidwithproper
    seeMng,wecanreceiveeverytlIing.
    Onceweunderstandthefimdamentalprinciples,
    wewillunderstandthateverythingintl1iswor!dand
    beyondarisesfromtbemindandclIangesaccordingto
    ourperceptions.IfweseektobecomeBuddhas,we
    willbecomeBuddhas.IfweseektobecomelIeavenly
    beings,wewillbecomeheavenlybeings.Everything
    accordswiththemindTbedpamsaaStJZrtellsus:

    WeslIouldobservethenatureoftheDharmaRealm

    aseverytlIingiscreatedbytbemind)>TherefOre,the
    wayofseeldngistoaccordwitlItlIeprinciplethat
    20

    everytlIingarisesomthemindandiscbangedbyour
    perceptions

    Tbeteac}Iingsoftl1eBuddhaareappropriateand
    perfect.Tl]enifweseekyoutlI,health,eternallifein
    accordancewitl1theseteachings,canweattainthem?
    Certain>y!Intl>iscase,MasterYunguonlytaught
    Liaofansomeoftherelatedprinciplesandmethods
    becauseLiaofanwasnotveryambitiousandonly
    soughtfame,wealth,andprestige.
    MasterYungutoldlIimtlIatlyingisoneofthe
    worsttransgressionsinBuddlIism.TlIerearefOur
    fUndamentalprecepts:nokilling)nostealing,nolying,
    andnosexualmisconduct.Since,nolyingisoneof
    tlIeseprecepts,bowcouldtlIeBudd}Iaeverdeceive
    us?T}Ius,themasterspokethetrutbwhen}Iesaid
    tl1atwlIetherapersonsoughtchildrenwealth,orlong
    lifeallcouldbeobtainedWewillseethatasLiaofan

    lIadstrictlypracticedaccordingtothemaster>sguidanceheobtainedwhathesought.
    ItoldMasterYunguthatIl1adlIeardthat
    Menciusoncesaid:(<Whateverissougl1tcan
    beattainedTl1eseekingiswithinourselves.))
    Thisreferstoinnerqualitiessuc}Iasvirtue
    integrity)andkindness.Theseareallvalues
    wecanworktowardHoweverwhenit
    comestooutsidefactorssuchaswealtlI
    fame,andprestige>howcanweseektoattainthem?Tl1emasterrepliedtlIatMencius
    2l

    wasright>buttl1atIhadmisunderstoodlIis

    meanmg

    Enhancingourintrinsicqualitiestobecomesages
    andvirtuouspeopleiswithinourcontrol.Buthowdo

    weseelKfame)wealthandprestige?AlthouglItl1ese
    areexternalbenefits>theyarealsoattainablethrough
    seeking.ItwouldseemtlIattheyweredestinedbecauseifwearenotsupposedtolIavesometlIing,how
    couldweseekit.Thisistbegeneralunderstandingof
    destiny,aconstantinpredestination.TlIeconstantis
    thecausethatwehavecreatedinourpastlivesand
    tberesulttlIatweshouldreceiveintbislife.Most

    peopledonotknowtlIattherearevariableswitlIinthe

    constantsandtbattheresultswillchangewitl>the
    additionofvariables.Fame,wealth,andprestigeare
    indeedattainable.

    MasterYungusaidthatMasterHuineng)ll
    thesixthPatriarchoftlIeZenschooltaught:
    AlltlIefieldsofmeritarewithinonesown
    lIeart.IfoneseeksfiFomthetruemind

    withinonecanbeintouchwithallthatone

    wishesfOr/>Byseekingwithinourselves,we
    willnotonlyattaintheinnerqualitiesofvirtue,integrity,andkindness;wewillalsoattain<externalbenefitssuchas>wealthfame

    andprestige.Tobeabletoattainbothinner
    qualitiesandexternalbenefitsisinvaluable.

    22

    Whetberattainingsomethingoutsideofourselves
    sucbasmaterialobjectsorinsideourselvessuchas
    virtues,westillneedtoseekfromwithin,omthe

    mindSeekingfTomtbeoutsidewouldbefUtile.Why?
    Tbeoutsidefactorisaconstant;itcannotchange.The
    mindisavariable;itchangesFortwentyyearswhen
    comparedtoordinarypeopleLiaofan)smindwaspure.
    Notlmowingofthevariables,}IismindaccordedcompletelywithtbeconstantsandhislifelIadunfOlded
    exactlyaspredicted>withouttheslightestdeviation.
    MasterYunguelainedthattheseekingisinourselvesVirtue,morality,kindness)andintegrityareon
    tl1einsideandarethecultivationofvirtuousconduct.

    Pame,wealt}I,andprestigeareontbeoutsideandare
    tlIeenjoymentsinlife.TobeabletoreceivebotlIkinds
    ofbenefitsisofgreatvalue.AsissaidintheApaZamsaaStJZrHnottobehinderedintlIematterofplIe
    nomenaorprinciples)istl1eultimateandperfect
    en>oymentTlIisisthegreatperfectionofeverytlIing
    goingaswewish,whenwearesatisfiedwitlIeverything.Thisistobeliberated;itistodoallt}IatisbenevolentandnobleaswewishIfwecannotattain

    suchwonderfUlresults,tlIerewouldbenopointinour
    practicing

    BuddhismisneitlIernegativenorpassive;itiseminentlyrealisticandpracticalToday)manypeopletalk
    aboutpracticality.Well,tlIereisnothingmoresotlIan
    Buddl1ismfOritaddressesreality)sometl1ingtruly
    attainableItiscrucialthatweunderstanditsimpor23

    tancesoastoderiveitsbenefits.Thetruthisthat

    peoplelIavemisunderstoodBuddhism,andthuspeoplehavemisseditsbenefitsIfweareabletopersonallyeenencetbebenefitswewilllmowthatofall

    teachings,Buddhismisanunsurpassed)profOund,and
    completeeducation.ItisdefinitelynotoutdatedItis
    asappropriatenowasitwasthreethousandyearsago
    anditisfittingfOrallpeoplewlIetherintlIeeastorin
    thewest.

    MasterYunguthentoldmethatifonedoes
    notrefIectinsideonesownheart;but,in-

    steadblindlyseeksfame>fOrtune)andlong
    lifeomoutsidesources,nomatterl1owone

    scl1emestopursuethem,onecanonlyattainatmost)whatbadbeendestinedSeek-

    ingfTomtheoutside,onemightlosebotl1
    innerpurityandwhatonewasdestinedto
    have;thus)theseekingwouldl1avebeenin
    vaIn

    As<<ordinarypeople,))canweattaineverythingwe
    want?No.Whenweobtainsomething,itisbecause
    wearedestinedtobaveit.Onlywhenwereceivewhat
    wearenotdestinedtohavecanitbesaidthatwe

    bavegainedwlIatwesouglItItdoesnotcountwlIen
    wereceivewhatwearesupposedtol1avefOrwewould
    havegaineditregardless.
    Wel1aveallheardofthosewlIomademillionsof

    dollarsinthestockmarket.But,tlIesepeoplesimply
    24

    receivedwlIattlIeyweresupposedtohave.OtherswlIo
    arenotdestinedtomakemoneywilleventuallyloseit
    intbestockmarket.Noteveryoneprofitsfromit.
    Likewise,moneywonomgamblingissometlIingthe
    gamblerwasmeanttohave.EventlIethiefwasmeant
    tohavewhatwasstolen.Ifhewasnotsupposedto
    haveit,bewouldhavefailedinbisattempttostealit.
    <Ifhedidnotstealtl1eitemswouldhavecomeffom
    anotbersource.>

    TlIeancientssaidthatapersonofnoblecharacter
    andintegrityisbappytobesucl1,butitisnotworth
    tl1eeffortfOrafOoltobeso.Why?Becauseeachwill
    notbeabletoescapetl1eirowndestiny,tl1econstant.
    Ifwecouldjustunderstandtheprinciples,wewould
    allbecontentwitlIwlIatwel1aveInthisway>we
    wouldenjoyfulfillinglives,societywouldbestable
    theworldwouldbepeaceful,andtherewouldbeno
    moreconHictsorwars

    BuddhismteachesustoseeksomethingnotdestinedinourlivesnotwithintlIeconstant.Wl1atwe

    attainfromseekingcomesfromtlIevariable.Howdo
    weseek?FromwitlIin!Wehavenotbeenabletoseek

    awakeningandtodevelopgreatvirtuefromwithin
    becausewedonotyetunderstandtheprinciple.We
    havebeenseekingfTomwitl1out:worldngandeven

    schemingeveryday.Butinseeking,weneedtofOllow
    therigl1tpatb,fOrevenifwel1avetlIemetlIod)t}Ie
    plan,andtl]emeans,wewillmerelyattainw}1atweare
    destinedto.Ifwearenotsupposedtohaveit)wewill
    25

    notgetit
    Allthatweattainedwasdestined,ourconstants

    Liaofanunderstoodthattberewereconstants;so,he

    didnotworryorseeldnanimproperway.He>mewl1is
    destinyHelmewthattogiverisetowandering
    thoughtsortousewhatevermeanspossiblewas
    doomedtofailureifitwasnotsupposedtobe.Seeking
    omwithout,wewillbetotallyatalossbecauseour
    mindswillbeimpureandwewillonlyobtainwhatis
    destinedHowcouldwenotgiverisetoafflictions
    whensucl1seekingisfrustrated?Fortwentyyears,
    LiaofanconfOrmedtoMr.KongIspredictions.He
    maintainedastateofcontentmentandamindof

    purity.HelIadnowishtoseekanytl1ingfOrhefeltthat
    everythingwasdestined
    Ordinarypeoplewl1odoeverythingpossibleinseelKingthingsfTomwithoutwillfindtbattheirlmowledge

    andeenencesareincomparabletotl1oseofLiaofan
    becausehehadacl1ievedpeaceofmindOrdinary
    peoplewillenduplivingwithafflictionsandunsettled
    minds.Wl>atevertl1eyattainissometlIingtheyare
    supposedtohave;thus,theysadlylosefrombotlI
    witl1inandwithout.
    f Cha

    De St

    Wa

    The

    ToAcknowledgeourFaults

    MasterYungunextaskedaboutMr.Kong)s
    26

    predictionsfOrtlIerestofmylife.IlIonestly
    told}IimeverythingHeaskedifIfeltthatI
    deservedimperialappointmentsorason.Reflectingonmypastdeedsandattitudes,IanswerednoIdidnot.TlIosewhoreceivedim-

    perialappointmentsal>badtheappearance
    ofgoodfOrtunebutIdidnot.
    IalsodidnotworktowardsaccumulatingvIrtuestobuildupmygoodfOrtune.Iwasvery
    impatientandnarrow-minded,andwould
    showoffmyintelligenceandabilitiesbyputtingothersdown.IbehavedasIpleasedand
    spokewithoutrestraintThesewereallsigns
    ofscantgoodfortuneandvirtue.Howcould
    Ipossiblyreceiveanimperialappointment?

    MasterYungudidnotdirectlyanswerthequestion.
    Ratber,heaskedLiaofanaquestiontoteachhimto
    reHectandtofindthecauseofhisfaultsandsuffer-

    ings;todeterminewhetherl1edeservedanimperial
    appointmentornot,andwlIetlIerlIedeservedtohave
    asonOfcourse)thediscussionbetweenMaster

    YunguandLiaofandidnotonlyincludethesetwo
    questions,buttoLiaofanthesetwowerethemost
    important.T}1erewasnoneedtomentiont}1erest.

    Liaofantl1oughtfOralongtimeaboutwhatthemaster
    hadaskedHethenhonestlyansweredthatnolIe
    deservedneitberanimperialappointmentnorason.

    Onl1ishonesty,Mr.YouXiyininhiscommentary
    27

    onDonfbJrLessoIsstated:Honestyisthe

    fOundationindevelopingvirtueIfapersonlIidesor
    glossesoverlIisorl1erfaults,orcoversupmistakes
    howcanhisorberfUturebepromising?))Whenweare
    honestandencounterbenevolentteachers,tl1eywill

    takecareinguidingus.Ifwearedishonestandarrogant,tl1eywillsmilebutwillnotseriouslyteachus.
    Liaofandeeplyregrettedhisfaultsandt}Iisbecame
    t}Iekeytochanginghisdestiny.HetoldMasterYungu
    that}Iedidnotdeserveanimperialappointmentbecausehedidnothavetl1eappearanceofgoodfOrtune
    thatwasveryimportantfOrgovernmentofficials.Citizenswillsufferunderthereinofanofficialthatlacks

    goodfOrtune,butbenefitwl>entl1eofficiall1asit.
    Uponexaminationofancientsocialsystems,wesee
    tbateducatedandlogicalpeopledidnotquarrel.We
    canalsoseetl1atsomeemperorswereverywise.For

    exampleEmperorTaizongoftl1eTangdynastyl2was
    extremelylearned,broadminded,andadmiredbythe
    people.Heasked:Whatissogoodaboutbeingan
    emperor?TobeoneisagraveresponsibilityIfyou
    wisl1,youcantakemyplace))Astheemperor,l1edid
    notenjoyorusel1ispositiontointimidateotl1ersbut
    servedthepeopleandenabledthemtoenioyl1appiness.Alsotobetterservetl1epeople,hefOundcapablescl1olarstoworkonbel1alfoftlIeempire.

    Al>cannggovernmentofficialsl1avetl1eappearance,orsigns,ofgoodfbrtune.Liaofanatthistimein
    hislifehadverylittlegoodfortuneandwasunableor
    28

    unwillingtocultivateanyThus,bedidnotevenhave
    theappearanceofagovernmentofficialandconsequentlywasinadequatetoserveortolead
    Next,Liaofanexplainedthatbewasveryimpatient,
    intolerant,andundisciplined-threeseriousfaults
    Beingimpatientandbad-temperedgivesustheappearanceoflittlegoodfortune.Beingnarrow-minded
    rendersusunabletotolerateothers.ThesebadqualitieswouldcauseapersontoimproperlysuperVse,
    lead,orjustlyserveothers.
    Also,heanMyadmittedthathewasselfindulgent
    andlikedtoshowoffhisintelligence.Hedidwhatever
    l]ewishedtoThisisalsosometbingnotreadilyenduredbyothersHewasindiscreetandirresponsible
    inhisspeechandlackedconsiderationfOrothers.All
    thesefaultsbringmisfOrtuneratherthangoodfOrtune.
    Peoplewhotrulyhavegoodfortunearekind
    lIeartedl1onest)andtolerant.TheirspeeclIandmannerarecalmanddignifiedConfUciussaid:$<Wit}Iout

    dignity,oneisunabletoinspireothers.)>OnlywitlI
    dignityandtheabilitytoinspirerespectareweableto
    effectivelyinteractwit}Iothers.Liaofanadmittedthat

    wlIenlIewasyoung,}IesimplywasnotcalmordignifiedandcitedthisasoneofthereasonsthatlIelacked

    goodfOrtuneandwasthusundeservIngofanimperial
    appointment.

    TlIereisanoldsayingtbatLifespringsom
    thedirtoftheearthwlIileclearwateroften

    29

    harborsnofishTlIefirstreasonwhyIfelt
    thatIdidnotdeserveasonwasthatIwas

    obsessiveaboutcleanliness.Thesecondrea-

    sonwastl1atwhileharmonyisthecultivator
    oflifeIwasquick-temperedTlIird)altlIougbloving-kindnessisthecauseoffertilityandharshnesstlIecauseofsterility,Iwas
    selfishlyconcernedaboutmyreputationand
    wouldnotsacrificeanythingfOrotbers
    ThefOurthreasonwasthatItalkedtoo

    muchandthiswastedalotofenergyFifth,I
    dranktoomuchAndsixth)Ididnothavea

    sonbecauseIoftenstayedupallniglItand
    wastedmyenergyAsidefTomtl1eseIhad
    manyotherfaultsthatweretoonumerousto
    mention

    Fisl1aregenera>lynotfOundinclearwater.Why?
    Tl1eyknowthatwhentheyareseentl1eyareeasierto
    catchThesaymgalsopointedouttlIatnothingwould
    growwitboutdirt.Liaofanhadanexaggeratedfearof
    thingsnotbeingclean.Beingcleanandneatisagood
    quality;}]owevertobeoverlysocanbecomeanobsession.Itisnotgoodwhenonecannottolerateeventhe
    slightestbitofdirt.ThiswasonereasonwhylIedid
    notdeserveason.

    HarmonycanhelpafamilytoprosperandfriendlinessisconducivetowealthLiaofan>sbadtemperwas
    oneoftl1ereasonshewasnotwealtlIyandthisplaced
    30

    hisfamilyinaprecariousfinancialsituation.Also)he
    waseasilyangeredbytheleastprovocationandcould
    nottolerateanytlIingdispleasing.Tobehaveintbis
    mannerresultedinalackofgoodfOrtuneandtl1iswas
    anotlIerreasonhedidnotdeserveason.

    Loving-kindnessiscaringfOrothers.LiaofanunderstoodtlIeprinciples)butwasunabletoactonthem.
    W}Iy?Hewasaveryunkindperson!Heovervaluedbis
    ownreputationandwasunwillingtohelpothers.This
    wasanotl1erreasonwbyhedidnotdeserveason.Also
    hetalkedtoomuch,wbichwastedalotofenergy.

    Liaofancameupwithsixmainreasonswhyhedidnot
    bavechildren.Thefirstthreewerebeingobsessive
    overcleanliness>beingquick-tempered)andlacking
    lovingkindnessThesewereomtbeaspectofinten
    tion,ortbemind

    TlIenextthreeweretalkingtoomuch,drinkingand
    stayingupallnightTbeywerefTomtheaspectof
    behaviorortbebody.Helikedtotalkandcriticize
    others.HeindulgedingossipingaboutotlIer)sfaults
    andwasargumentativeTheseharmthebodyand
    exhaustonesenergy.Healsolikedtodrinkexcessively
    andtl1isharmst}1emindandtirestl1espirit.Finally,
    besaidhedidnotdeserveasonbecausehespentl1is
    nightstalkingwithfriendsdrinking,l1avingagood
    time,andnotbotheringtolookafterhislIealth
    Byrealizingthathehadsomanybadhabitsand
    faultsLiaofanbonestlyadmittedandregrettedallhis
    flawedbehavior.Toaclmowledgeallofone)soffenses
    3l

    withouthidinganythingistoregretanderadicate
    one>skarmicobstacles.Thismustbedonesincerelyto
    beeffective.Awakeningisachievedwbenweareable
    toidentifyourfaults.Cu>tivationisaccompIisbed
    wbenwehaverealizedthesefaultsandcorrected

    themSincemostpeopleareunawareoftbeirmistakestheyarenottrulycultivating.TherefOre,the
    firststepistorecognizeourbadhabitsLiaofanwasso
    unusua>becauseonceMasterYunguquestionedhim;
    hewasabletocarefUI>yreflectandtodiscoveral>his
    faultsThisishowhewasabIetochangehisfUture
    fromthenon.

    Howwasheabletodothis>Andwhyareweunable
    todoso?CompIetelyunawareofourbadhabits,we
    areofcourseunabletocorrecttI]emLiaofanwasable

    toreflect,uncover)andchangeallofhisimproper
    behavior.Inthisway,heattainedwhatbesought.On
    theinside,heattainedvirtuousandcaringconduct,
    andontheoutsidewealthandchildrenHedidnot

    seekfromwithoutWedidnotseehimbowingand

    burningincenseinfrontofAvalokiteshvaraBod}Iisattvatoseekchildren,fame,andwealthButtoday,

    peop>eseekwhattheywantbymerelygoingthrough
    thefOrmalitiesofblindlywors}Iiping.Theydonot
    understandtbeprinciples.Theyseekwhattheydesire,
    butjustgoingthroughthefOrmalitiesisthewrongway
    todosoandwilIleadtofailure.

    Dayandnight,weseecountlesspeoplegoingto
    temples,burningcandlesandincensewhileaskingfor
    32

    wealthandchildrenbasicallytoattainwhattheir
    destinyl1adalreadyensuredthemofreceiving.Intl1eir
    ignorance,theywouldthinkwhattlIeyreceivedwas
    grantedbytlIegraceofbeaven.Practitionersneedto
    understandtherealityandtoseekinaccordancewith
    tlIeteaclIings.AsMasterYungusaid,itistogainfiFom
    bothwitbinandwitlIout.Intbisway,wecanattain
    wbateverweseek

    MasterYungusaid:(Accordingtoyouthen)
    therearemanyothert}Iingsinlifeyoudo
    notdeserve,notonlyfameandason!Those
    whohavemillionsofdollarsinthislifeculti-

    vatedthegoodfOrtunewortbyofthat
    amountinthepast.ThosewbohavethousandsofdollarsmustalsolIavetbegoodfOrtunewortlIyofthatsum.Those,wbodieof
    starvation,wereinfactmeanttodieinthat

    manner.Thekarmicresulttodayissimply
    thefTuitoftlIeirowndeedsandbasnothing
    todowithexternalpowers.

    ThisadvicefromtlIemasterismostimportantand
    mustnotberegardedasmeresuperstition.Ifwedoso,
    itisduetoourdelusionandinabilitytobelievewl1at
    thesagesbavetoldus.MasterYungutaughtLiaofan
    tohonestlyreflectwithinanddoingtl>isenabledhim
    torecognizebismanyfaults.Tl>egreatestvirtuous
    deedisthatwerecognizeandchangeourmistaken
    behavior.
    33

    MaldngofferingstoinfinitesagesisalsoagreatvirtuousdeedButwelearnfromtheirBLbStJnH
    thatitisevenbettertoturnbackfromdelusionandto

    conscientiouslycultivate.Cultivationistocbange
    ourselves.Theancientsagesregardeditastl1egreat
    virtueofregrettingandrefOrming
    MasterYungutoldLiaofanthatapparentlyhefelt
    thereweremanytlIingsinlifethathedidnotdeserve
    notonlyasonoranimperialappointment.Attaininga
    higlIgradeintheexaminationsandtberesultantimperialappointmentbothreliedontlIecultivationand
    accumulationofmeritfromonespastlives.Weneed
    therightconditionstobavemillionsofdollarsor
    socialpositionThesearenotrandomlyattained
    InBuddl1ism,itissaidt}1atfOrustopossesswealt}1
    inthislifeweneededtohaveextensivelypracticedthe
    givingofwealtlIinourpastlives.CanwefOrcenature

    togiveuswealth?Impossible!Totrytodosowillbring
    disasterandmisfOrtune.<NeithermisfOrtunenorgood
    fOrtunecomewitlIoutreasonsandconditions;we
    incurthem.)l3
    Tl1eancientswhocreatedCl1inesecharactershad

    greatwisdom.TbetwocharactersfOrgoodfOrtune),
    andmisfOrtunedifferonlybyalittle.This
    illustratesthatasmalldiscrepancyleadstoaserious

    error.Alltl1isl1elpsustounderstandcauseandeffCct.
    Whenweseekfame,wealtb>andprestigeinaccor-

    dancewithtbeteachings,wewillfindthateverytlIing
    isattainable.
    34

    <<MillionsofdollarsrepresentswealtlIoftheupper
    class.$(Thousandsofdollars))representswealthofthe
    middleclass.Becauseofthegoodcausesplantedin

    pastlives,somepeoplewillpossessgreatormoderate
    wealthThosewhostarvetodeathcommittednumer-

    ousoffensesintheirpastlivesBeingmiserlytheydid
    notpracticegiving.TodayunfOrtunately,manysucl>
    peopleareunwillingtodotheslightestofgooddeeds
    ortogiveevenalittle.W}Iileencouragingothersto
    givetlIeydonotfOllowtheirownadviceTheywill
    undergopovertyinfuturelifetimes.Wereapwhatwe
    SOw

    Ourlivesarenotcontrolledbyexternalpowers.The
    mastersaidthattheheavensdonothingmoretlIan

    punislItlIosewhoarebadwithtlIesufferingthey
    deserveandrewardthosewhoarekindwiththegood
    fOrtunetheyhaveearnedSomepeopleassumethat

    everytlIingisarrangedbythewillofheaven;but,tlIis
    isnotso.Thetruecauseofeverytl1ingtlIatl1appensto
    usisourthoughtsandbehavior.Heavendoesnothave
    anyplansfOrus.Withtruewisdom,wewil>clearlysee
    thetruthTobewealthywithagoodsocialpositionor
    tobepoorwitlInonealllieswithinus.
    orexampleifapersonbasaccumulated
    enoughmeritsandvirtuestolastal1undred
    generationstlIenheorslIewillhaveahundredgenerationsofdescendants.Onewho
    accumulatesenoughmeritsandvirtuesto
    35

    lasttengenerationswillhavetengenerations
    ofdescendantstoliveoutthatgoodfOrtune.
    TlIesameappliestothreeortwogenerations.Tl1osewhohavenodescendantshad
    toolittlemeritsandvirtues.

    TlIistalksaboutt}Iedestinyofhavingornothaving
    children.IfwelIaveaccumulatedenoughmeritsand
    virtuesfOralIundredgenerations,thenwewillhavea
    hundredgenerationsofdescendants.MasterYin-

    GuangoftenpraisedConfUcius,wbocultivatedthe
    virtueofalIundredgenerations.ConfUciusconstantlythoughtofbenefitingthecountryanditspeople,withoutthesliglItestthoughtofhimself.Hededicatedhislifetoeducationandpassedonhisidealsand
    bopestohisstudents.Hewasthegreatesteducatorin
    Chinesehistory.
    Tberehavenowbeenoverseventygenerationsof
    Confucius)descendantsandbiscurrentdescendant,

    Mr.KongDecbeng,isstillrespectedbypeopleall
    aroundt}IeworldNotonlytheChinesebutot}Iers
    arealsocourteousandrespectfulwarmlywelcoming
    himuponhearingtbatlIeisthedescendantofConfUciusFromthis)itbecomesevidentthatbyplanting

    goodseedsorcauses,wereapgoodharvestsorresults.
    InLiaonbfbJrLessonswereadthatwlIenwe

    accumulateenoughmeritsandvirtuesfOrtengenerations)wewillhavetengenerationsofdescendantsto
    enjoythatgoodfOrtuneThroughoutClIinesebistory,
    36

    emperorstriedtoestablishdynastiesthatwereableto
    reignfOrmanygenerationssuchastheQingdynasty
    thatlastedfOrtengenerations.But,iftheirancestors
    hadnotaccumulatedenoughmeritsandvirtuesthen

    itwouldhavebeenimpossible
    Todaypeopledonotlmoworbelievethis.TlIey
    tbinkalltl1eyneedisabiligoodpoliticaltactics,and
    lmowledge.Buttheyarewrong.Virtuesaccumulated
    byourancestorsplusourvirtuousconductfTomour
    pastliveswillresultinlIavingadditionalvirtuous
    peoplebeingrebornintoourfamilies,assuringits
    continuation

    Similarlyhowmanygenerationswillafamilybusinesslast?InTaiwan,thereisachainofmedicalstores

    called<<UniversalCompassionHall))tlIatoriginatedin
    BeijingBytheaccumulationofvirtuesandmeritsit

    hasbeeninbusinessfOroverahundredyearsandl1as
    beenpasseddownthroughsucceedinggenerations
    Compassionateancestorswl]osedrivingambitionwas
    tosavelivesfOundedit.Unconcernedaboutprofits,
    tl1eyonlywantedtomakeenoughtoliveverysimply.
    Tl1eirgoalwasnottoenjoyacomfOrtablelife,butto

    benefitsocietyandtohelpthosewhoweresuffering.
    WitlIthisobjective,tlIeywereabletofOundabusinessthatlIaslastedoverahundredyears.Ifthedescendantsdonotdeviate{Tomtheirancestorsobjectives,tl1ischainwillcontinuefOreverTheywillnotbe
    liketlIosewholackmeritsandvirtues,andfindtlIeir

    businessesgoingbankruptafteronlyafewyears.
    37

    SomepeoplemayonlylIaveenouglImeritsandvirtuestolastfOrtwoortlIreegenerationsofdescendants.Tl1eClIinesesaythatofthethreeseriousof
    fensesofbeingunfilialhavingnodescendantsisthe
    mostcritical.l4Tl1islackofmeritsandvirtuesresults

    innothavinganydescendants
    Intbepast,peoplewereextremelyconcernedabout
    this,buttodaytl1ingsareverydifferent.Manycouples
    donotevenwanttohavechildren,t}Iinkingtheywill
    betoomuchtrouble.Also,wenowbavesocialwelfare.
    Whotakescareoftheelderly?Countriesdo!Withno
    needtorelyontheirchildrentoprovidefOrtbem
    whentheybecomeolder,manycouplesl1avedecided
    thattl1eyneednothavechildren.Theycanretirein
    tlIeirsixtiesandcollectsocialsecurityeverymonth
    fromthegovernment.
    Tbisispossiblebecausetoday)ssocialwelfaresystemismucl1bettertl1anwhattranspiredinthepast,
    whentheelderlylIadtodependontheirchildrenfOr
    support.Now,moregovernmentsarelIelpingtocare
    fOrtbeelderly.Thissystemismorefilialtllanmany
    childrenare!However<clIildrenneedtoremember
    that>tbelawofcausalityremainsunclIanged
    lTustasonestoresupgrainagainstleanyears,one
    raiseschildrenagainstoldage))hasbeenacommonly
    heldideaInhiscommentary,MrYousaid:(Sages
    transcendingthisworldconsiderthecultivationof
    endingdesiresandattachments,eradicatingdelusion
    toattainwisdom>andtranscendingtheordinaryto
    38

    reachsagehoodtobetheutmostvirtueandmerit.
    UnfOrtunately,thislevelofattainmentisnotunderstoodbyordinarypeople/)

    ThisideaofraisingclIildrenagainstoldagestillexiststoday.Usuallywhenyoungpeoplegiverisetothe
    compassionatehearttobecomemonksornuns)their
    familyandfTiendstrytbeirbesttostopthem.Not
    understanding,tlIeythinktlIattheirbiggestconcernis
    notbavingdescendants.Buddhismlooksintothepast,
    present,andfUture,andunderstandsthetruthoflife

    andtheuniverse.Ordinarypeopleseeonlyatiny
    portionoftheuniverse.Ofthisportion,theyhaveonly
    witnessedthehumanrealmOftl1isrealmtl1eyonly
    seethepresent.Tl1eydonotseethepastortl1efuture;
    tberefOre,theyareunabletoperceiveasclearlyas
    BuddhasandBodhisattvasdo.

    Whensomeoneinafamilybecomesamonkornun
    itistrulythemostjoyousoccasionfOrthisisanoutstandingpursuit.Howevermonksandnunsmust
    sincerelypracticeinrenouncingworldlylifefOrifwe
    donotachieve)wewillfalIintotheTlIreeBadPaths.

    InBuddl1ism)itisoftensaidthatanofferingofone
    grainofriceisasgreatasMtSumeruandnottranscendingthecycleofbirthanddeathinthislifetime,

    consignsmonksandnunstorepaythedebtasan
    animal<inthenextorfOllowinglives>.
    AsPureLandpractitioners,wehavetoachievea
    certainlevelofattainmentandtotranscendsamsara

    toberebornintotbeWesternPureLandTberavada
    39

    practitionersneedtoreaclI,attheleast,tbelevelof
    Stream-enterer,whichisachievedbyseveringvarious

    wrongVews.ItisthelowestofthefOurstagesofsagelIoodinTl1eravadaBuddhism.Attbispointofattainmentpractitionerswillcontinuetoberebornintotbe
    l1eavenandl1umanrealmsfOrsevenmoretimes.In

    thisway>theyareassuredofattainingthestateof
    Arhatalthougl1itmaytakethemalongtimetodoso
    ButbynotfallingintotheThreeBadRealms,theyare
    consideredtohaveachievedattainment.

    AccordingtotlIiscriteriontheminimumstandard
    toaclIieveattainmentinMabayanaBuddhismistorid
    ourselvesofaportionofourattachmentstoseverthe
    eighty-eigl1tkindsofdeviatedtboughtsandviewsIf
    wecannotseverthese,wehavenotyetacbievedattainment.Mahayanapractitioners)whosuccessfUlly
    severthemreacbtlIeInitialBeliefStage.Theravada
    practitionerswl1osevervariouswrongv1ewsreacl1tl1e
    stageofStream-enterer.
    Withouttheseaccomplisl1ments)wewillstillbere-

    incarnatingwithinsamsara,stillrepayIngourdebts.
    Formonksandnuns,thismeanswewillhavetorepay

    everysingleofferingfromtlIrouglIouttheuniversetl1at
    wasenjoyedduringthetimeweweremonksandnuns
    TlIeseofferingsgivenbypractitionerstomonksand
    nunsweregivenineectationofrewards.
    IfTl1eravadapractitionersareabletoacl1ievethe
    levelsofStream-entererorifMal1ayanapractitioners
    areabletosevertheeigl1ty-eigbtkindsofimproper
    40

    thouglItsandviews,tlIosewl]ohavemadetheofferingswillreceivegoodfortuneThen,thereisnoneed
    fOrustorepaythembecausetheylIavebarvestedfTom
    thefieldsofmerit.UsingtheserequirementsastlIe
    standard,suchattainmentisnotattainablebymonks
    andnunsofthisgeneration.
    However)thereisstiIlanotlIerway:toseekrebirth
    intotheWesternPureLandOtherwise>attainmentis
    notpossible.IfwecannotgotothePureLandwewill
    haveaclIievednothing.SeekingrebirthintothePure
    LandisactuallymucbsimplerthanseveringtlIe
    eiglIty-eightkindsofimproperthoug}Itsandviews
    becausewedonotneedtoseverthemall,butcan

    carryourremainingkarmawithus.Aslongaswel1ave
    faitb)vows,andpractice<morallivingandconstant
    mindfulnessofBuddhaAmitabha>>l5wewillachieve
    attainment.TheBuddhaelainedthistousinthe
    DHjrBLbStJbHandtheAmraaSthaTberefOre
    whenwerenounceworldlylifetobecomemonksor
    nunswemustacbieveattainment.

    ToRefOrmFaultsThorouglIly

    <(Nowtl1atyourecognizeyoursl1ortcomings
    youneedtodoallt}Iatyoucantochange
    andcorrectyourmisdeedsthatcausedyou
    nottol1aveachildornottobecomeanim-

    perialofficial.
    4l

    MasterYungutaughtLiaofanlIowtocorrectl1is
    badhabitsandslIortcomings.Sincehelmewwbat
    t}1esewere,themastertoldllimtodoeverythinghe
    couldtoimproveMrYousaidinhiscommentary,
    (<Eachofushasourfaultsandweaknesses,butifwe

    areabletocalmlythinkandfindeveryoneofthem,
    wewilllmowwheretobegin.
    Changingourconductandimprovmgourselvesis
    truecultivationItisbynomeansjustafOrmalityof
    recitingsutras,prostratingbeforetheBuddha,or
    chantingmantras.Tohavecultivatedanentirelifetime
    andstillbemiredinsamsaraistol1avesimplygone
    througlItlIeformalities.Porotbers,fOrmalitiesexemplifytheteachingssotbattheymightseethemand
    begintoawaken.Forus,theyserveasremindersof
    theteachings.
    Forselfcultivationhowever,importanceisnot

    placedonthefOrmalitiesbutratlIerondiscoveringour
    faults.Tl]isisawakeningTocorrectourfaultsisto
    improveinourcultivation.TherefOre,themostimportantpointisfOrustobecalmintrospective,andbe
    watchfUlofourconductaswelookfOrourbadhabits

    andfaultsWhenwelmowtlIese)wewillknowwhere

    tobegin,whattocorrect,andlIowtoproceedWecan
    tlIenconcentrateanduseallofourenergytorefOrm.
    In}IiscommentaryMr.YoulIasprovideduswith
    someexamples<(Wecanchangefromamiserlyand
    greedypersontobecomeonewboisgeneroustot}1ose
    inneed)wasoneoftl1em.Whenwearemiserly)we
    2

    areunwillingtogivetoothersWhengreedy,weare
    alwaystryingtogainwlIatwedonotlIaveIfwefind
    thatwearehabituallydoingthis,wecanbecome
    generousthroughthepracticeofgiving.WhatI}Iave
    andothersdonotIcanunreservedlygivetothem
    uponrequest.Orbetteryet,wbenIseeotherswho
    haveanurgentneed,Icantaketheinitiativeand
    simplyprovidethemwithwhattbeyneedTlIisistlIe
    cultivationofgoodfOrtunethrouglItbefirstoftbree
    kindsofgiving)thatofgivingwealth
    ThissecondldndofgivingisteachingandispracticedwhenwebelpothersbysharingourskillSor
    wisdomIfwearegoodatwhatothersarenot>wecan
    enthusiasticallyteachtothemsotheywilIIavethe
    skilloruncovertlIeirwisdom.Thethirdkindofgiving>
    thegivingoffearlessnessishelpingotherstobecalm
    andsecureinbothbodyandmind.Itistol1elprelieve
    theiruneasinessandtheirfears.Forexample,ifsomeoneisafiFaidtowalkhomealoneatnight,wecan

    accompanyhimorhersoheorshewillnolongerbe
    apprel1ensive
    Today,manyyoungpeopleserveinthearmed
    fOrcestoprotecttheircountriesfrominvasionThisis
    anotherformofthegivingoffearlessnessbecause
    soldiersprotectacountryanditspeopleandmaintain
    thepeacebynotallowingharmfTomforeignfOrcesto
    befallitspeople.WecanseethatthescopeoftlIese
    t}Ireeldndsofgivingisextensive.WitlIthegivingof
    wealthwegainwealthWiththegivingofteaching,
    43

    wegainintelligenceandwisdomWithtl1egivingof
    fearlessnesswegainhealthandlongevity.
    Inmanycountries,fTeeingcapturedanimalsisanotherfOrmofthegivingoffearlessness.However

    manyimproperpracticeslIavearisenbecauseofthis.
    Sincemanypeoplewishtofreecapturedanimals
    othersl1avegoneintothebusinessofcapturingthem.
    Freeinganimalsinthiswayisnottbegivingoffearlessnessbutsubjectsthemtoharm.IfwedidnotlIave
    theintentionofeeinganimals,otherswouldnot
    capturethem.WewoulddowelltothorougMyunderstandthesituationsotlIatinourattemptstobekind>
    wedonotinadvertentlycausel1arminstead
    Insomecountries,wecanproPerlypracticetl1is
    givingbyfreeinganimalsthatwefindwhenshopping
    inthefoodmarket.WedOsointl1eknowledgetl1at

    tbeywillbeabletosurvIveoncetheyareeedTl1isis
    genuinecompassionandkindnessfOritissavingthose
    insuffering.Howeverweneedtobeawaretl1atmany
    petsbopssellanimalsthataredomesticallyraisedand
    tberefOrewouldbeunabletosurvIveontl1eirown.If

    theywerefreedtheywoulddieandourgoodintentionswouldbecometransgressions.
    TherefOreweneedtoconsidertheconsequencesto

    everythingtbatwedoWhenwedooccasionallyfind
    animalsinafOodmarketandbuyt}Iemtosetfree,tlIe

    properwaytodosoistochanttbeTbreeRefUgesof
    theBuddha,theDharma,andtheSangba,andtl1en
    cl1antaBuddl1a)sname.Inthisway,wearesav1ng
    44

    theirliVeS.l6

    ThecommentarynexttalksaboutclIangingfroman
    angryandagitatedpersontoonewhoiscalmEasily
    givingintoangerorbecomingirritatedisamajorfault
    andwasonethatLiaofanhadThemasterencouraged
    himtoremaincalminsteadWbenweareableto

    accomplis}Itbis,wewillnaturallybegentleBoth
    BuddhaShakyamuniandConfuciusstressedtbis
    importantqualityofourvirtuesThestudentsofConfUciuspraisedhisfivevirtuesofgentiliI,kindness,
    respectfi1lness,tbriftinessandhumilitythatheexlIibitedtowardseveryoneandeverything.ConfUciusdid
    notliveanextravagantlifebutoneofsimplicity.Being
    courteousandhumble>beneverargued>alwaysaccordedwitlIothers,andwasamodelofmoralexcellence.

    TlIecommentarycontinueswith,Tocl1angefTom
    apersonwl1oexaggeratesandisboastfUltoonewhois
    modest.Whenpeopleexaggerate,weautomatically
    doubtwl1atevertlIeysay.Asaresult,itisdifficultfOr
    themtowinourconfidencebecausebasically,theyare
    dislIonest.Therefore,weneedtobemodestandhon-

    estinalltl1atwesayanddo
    <Tochangefromapersonwhoisflightyandimpatienttoonewhoissettled.>Ifwecanremaincalm>we

    willattainpurityofmindTochangefTomaperson
    whoisarrogantandinsolenttoonewhoiscourteous.

    Therereallyisnothingtobearrogantabout.Ifwe
    accomplishedsomethingsuccessfUlly,itwasourre45

    sponsibilitytodosoIfwedidnot,wes}Iouldbecorrectedandtoldhowtoimprove.Buddl1asandBodl>isattvas,w}Ioareenlightenedbeings,respecteveryone
    andeverything)asdidConfUciusandMenciusGiven
    tbatwearefarbehindtheminattainmentorunder-

    standing,weneedtoregardotberswithrespectand
    courtesyfOrthesearenaturalvirtues.
    TocIangeomapersonwhoislazytoonewlIois
    diligent.>)BeinglazyisaseriousafflictionfOrthepersonwillnotsucceedinanything.Insteadwewoulddo
    welltobepurposefUlandenergetic.OneofBuddha
    Shakyamuni>sstudents)Anurudd}IawaslmownfOrbis
    laziness.Afterbeingreproachedbytl1eBuddba,he
    resolvedtogowithoutrestfOrsevendaysandnigl1ts.
    Duetohisent}Iusiasm)}Iedamagedhisvision.The
    Buddhacompassionatelytaugbthimt}Ie<<Illuminating
    theDiamondofDelightfulObservationSamadbi,))a
    fOrmofdeepconcentrationthatenabledl1imtoseefar
    betterthanbefOre.Consequentlyl1ewasabletosee
    oneBuddhaland,anareatbatiscomprisedofone
    billiongalaxies.
    Wealsoneedtobeinspiredwithenthusiasmand
    determination.Notbingisaccomplisl1edtl1rougl1laziness.NotonlyareweunabletosucceedinourpracticeandlearningofBuddhismbutwewillalsofailto
    accomplishanytlIinginourdailylives.Inancient
    timesortoday,intbeeastorintlIewestnoonehas
    becomesuccessfultl1roughlaziness.Diligenceisthe

    goodcausefOrMahayanapractitionersandBodlIisatt46

    vas

    (<Tochangefromapersonwboiscrueltoonewho
    iscompassionateTochange{Tomapersonwhois
    cowardlytoonewboiscourageous,AsbeingoverIy
    fearfUlisanotberseriousfault,wecaninsteadendeavortobeconscientiousandresoluteLiaofanad-

    mittedtohavingallofthesefauIts.Wewoulddowell
    tobemorelikehimanddoeverythingwecantoim-

    proveourselves
    Next)themastertaug}ItLiaofanseveralessential
    pointsfOrhiscultivation.
    Youneedtocultivatevirtueandtolerance,

    andtoregardot}Ierswithgoodwillandcompassion.YoualsoneedtocarefOryour
    lIeaIthandconserveyourenergyandspirit.

    First,MasterYunguencouragedLiaofantoaccumulatemeritsbyavoidingallthatwasbadandembracingallthatwasgoodThisisourfOundationfOr
    improvementinBuddhismandinworldlyteachings.If
    wedonotearnestlyaccumulatemeritsandvirtuesby
    avoidingevilandpracticinggoodnesshowcanwe
    lIopetobe<<tlIosewhohavethousandsofdollarsor
    tl1osewhohaveaccumulatedenougbmeritsand
    virtuesfOrahundredgenerations?)Anentirecountry
    respectedConfUcius.TheentireworldrespectedBuddhaShakyamuni.ThefOrmeraccumulatedgreatmeritsoftheworldThelatteraccumulatedgreatmeritsof
    theuniverse.
    47

    Second,wecanstrivetobetolerantofotbersaswe
    broadenourmindsandhearts.Ifwedonot,wewill

    encountermoreafflictionsandthiswillpresentfUrtherobstaclestoourcultivationWecultivateawaken-

    ing,propertboughts,andpureminds.Ifwecannot
    attainpurityofmind,tbenwewillnotbeawakened
    ThiswillresultindeviatedthoughtsProperandgreat
    enlightenedthoughtsrelyonthefOundationofpurity
    ofmindWeaccomplishthisthroughtolerance.
    Thereisnoneedtobeoverlyseriousortocriticize
    everytbing.AswelearnintheD/amondStJZm><All
    phenomenaareillusorylikedreams,mirages,bubbles
    andshadows),Nothingisreal.AstlIeancientssaidall
    phenomenaareasfleetingasclouds.Tbereisnothing
    worthyofangerordispute.Thereisnopointindwellingont}IingsfOrthiswillbinderourcultivationof
    purityofmind
    Thereiseverypointinbeinggentleloving,and
    peacefi1l.FailingtobesowasLiaofansbiggestproblem.Wecanstrivetopracticeloving-kindnessand
    compassionforeveryoneandeverything.TheBuddha
    taughtthatthesearenon-discriminatoryandaretobe
    heldequallyforall.ConfUciusalsotaugl1toflovingkindness,explaining,(Thebenevolentpersonhasno
    enemies.IfwecannotacceptanythingtlIatiscontrarytowl1atwethink)t}Ienweareneitherkindnor
    compassionate.Conflictsimplydoesnotexistwitl1in
    tIeheartoflovingkindnessThisisalsowl1atismeant
    inBuddhismasgreatcompassionandiswhatweneed
    48

    tolearnandpracticetotrulybenefitourselves.
    Int}IePureLandsutras,wereadabout(<OneMind

    UndisturbedThisstateisunattainableifanything

    existsinoppositionTo}Iaveoppositionistohavea
    mindofdifferentiation.MasterHuinengsaid,<<Originally,ourtruemindcontainednothing>Ifthemind
    stillclingstoevenonewanderingthought,thenitis
    nott}IetruebutanillusorymindThepureanduncontaminatedmindwillnothaveopposingt}Iougbts
    WhentherearenomoreopposingtlIoughts,thetrue
    mindcanbeuncovered>purityofmindcanarise,and
    wewillattainOneMindUndisturbed

    TbestatesofOneMindUndisturbedandConstant

    MindfUlnessofBudd}IaAmitaMIabeginfromhere.In
    ConstantMindfnlnessofBuddl1aAmitabhainitially
    t}IemindrememberstheBuddhaanddoesnotfOrget
    Afterprolongedcultivation,weceaseIesslycontemplatetheBuddhaIfwehavebeenchanting(<AmituofOfOrmanyyearsandhavenotyetreac}Iedthe
    stateofConstantMindfUlness,weneedtodetermine
    wheretlIeproblemIiesandcorrectit.
    Wbenwel1aveeliminatedourobstacleswewillbe
    abletoacl1ievethisstateandbeassuredofrebirtbinto

    thePureLandRegardlessofourstateofcultivation,
    wewilllmowwlIenwebaveachievedit.Thereisno
    needtoaskotlIers.

    Wl1enwearerebornintotbePureLandthrough
    thestateofConstantMindfulness,wewillbereborn

    intotheLandwhereBotlISagesandOrdinaryBeings
    9

    DwellTogether.Withtl1estateofOneMindUndisturbedinMindfilness,wewillberebornintothe

    LandWl1ereEverytbingisTemporary.Withthestate
    ofOneMindUndisturbedinEnlightenment,wewill
    berebornintotheLandofTrueRewardThelevelof
    attainmentweacl1ievedetermineswlIichlandwewill
    bereborninto.

    TherearealsodifferentlevelsintlIestateofCon-

    stantMindfUlness;thus>tbereareninelevelsofbirth

    PeoplewlIoarerebornintothehighertbreelevelsof
    birtlIareabletopassawaywbenevertl1eywishAtthat
    time,theycangowitboutanyillnessandmaybe
    standingorseatedIftheydonotfeellikeleavingtl1is
    worldyet,theycanstaylonger.Everythingcanbe
    acbievedatwill.Peoplewboarerebornintotl1emiddlethreelevelsofbirthareabletolmowafewmonths

    inadvancewhentheyaregoingtopassaway.Again,
    theymayleavetlIisworldstandingorseatedIntlIe
    lowerlevel,peoplewillknowseveraldaysinadvance
    oftheirdeatb,buttl1eymaybecomeillbefOretl1eir
    timeofdeath

    PeoplereachingthestateofOneMindUndisturbed
    haveevenhigherabilitiesTherearetwolevelsofOne
    MindUndisturbed:MindfiIlnessandEnligl1tenment.
    Theselevelsarenotachievablebyordinarypeoplelike
    usinonelifetime,whereas,ConstantMindfulnessis.
    TberefOre,inthislifetimewecanattaintl1estateof
    ConstantMindfulnessinwl1icbwewillhavetlIeabil-

    itytopassawayatease,toleavewheneverwewish
    50

    T}Iisistoberebornintothehigherthreelevelsof
    birtlI,intotheLandWhereBothSagesandOrdinary
    BeingsDwellTogetherandtocarryourremaining
    Mrmaalongwithus.
    ThemastertoldLiaofantbatheshouldcarefOrhis

    healthandconservehisenergyandspirit.Because
    Liaofanlikedtositupallnightanddidnotlmowhow
    totakecareofhimself)lIeneededtopayspecialattentiontocaringfOrlIishealthandenergy.
    <<Liveasifeverytbinginthepastdissolved
    yesterdayandabrand-newfUturebeginstoday.Ifyoucanaccomplisl1this,thenyouare
    apersonbornanewapersonofvirtueand
    sincerity

    EverythingtlIathappenedyesterdayisinthepast.
    Donotdwellonit.Ifwedo,itisasifwehavecommit-

    tedorundergonetlIemagain.TodosowillleaveadditionalimpressionsintheAlayaConsciousnessTherefOre,letbygonesbebygonesandfOrgetthem.TlIe
    importantthingistocorrectwhatisinthepresentand

    wlIatwillbeinthefutureDoubtsandregretsare
    afflictionsthatareconditionsorcausesofgriefand
    distressthatdisturbthebodyandmind
    TheBuddhatauglItusnottodwellonthepast.We
    readinMrYouIscommentarythattl1isisthekeyto
    changingdestinyforthePerfectPeopleThePerfect
    PeoplearetlIosewitlIlIigherlevelsofwisdomandwbo
    areawakenedTlIerearesixstepstoaccomplis}Ithis,
    5l

    beginningomtheneedtocultivateandaccumulate
    meritsandvirtuesandculminatinginbecoming<a
    personbornanew,apersonofvirtueandsincerity.>
    Thesearethekeystochangingdestiny.
    Mr.Yousaidinhiscommentary,Thefirststepin
    changingdestinyistocorrectourfaults.Tobrush
    awayalltheaccumu>atedbad}Iabitsonebyoneandto
    pullouttlIerootsofourproblemsonebyoneAtall
    timesandinallplaces,tobeconstantlyvigilantofour
    everythought,word,andactWerestrainanddisciplineourselves.Weprotectourinnocentandthe
    virtuousaswewouldanewbornbaby,)Tl1efUllresponsibilityfOrchangingdestinyisinourhandsnot
    inthebandsofheavenlyorenlightenedbeings.People
    ofutmostvirtuearenolongerboundbydestiny.
    Weneedtobestrictwithourselves.Ifwecon-

    stantlyfOrgiveourselveswewilllimitourfUtures.
    However)whileweareexactingandsternwithourselves,weouglIttobegenerousandlenientwitlIothers.WeneedtoprotecttlIosewhoarepure,virtuous,
    andinnocent.Whatisinnocence?Itistonothaveany
    selfisbthougbts.IfweconstantlylIavewandering
    thouglIts,thenweloseourinnocent,true,andpure
    minds.

    Tl1eresponsibilityfOrc}Iangingwl1atispredeterminedisentirelyuptous.Onceweunderstandthe
    truthaboutre-creatingourfiItures,wewillnolonger
    needtoaskfOrtunetellerswhatthefUtureholdsWe

    cancarefUllyreflecttoknowwhatitissupposedtobe
    52

    andhowtoclIangeitKnowingtbis>otherswouldno
    longerbeabletodeceiveus.
    PreviouslyMasterYunguto>dLiaofanaboutpeople
    whowereoftheutmostvirtue.InthePureLandsu-

    tras,welearnthattheyliveinthePureLandPeople
    ofutmostvirtueareabletofeelregretandrefOrm.In
    theWesternPureLand)tlIeydosodaiIy,untilthereis
    nothingleftthatrequirescorrectionThentheybecomeBuddhas.

    Eventhehig}Iest-leveIBodhisattvasstiIIavefaults.
    Whatldnd?Theystillhaveonedegreeofignoranceyet
    tobebrokenthroughIfEqual-enlightenmentBodhisattvasstillneedtoregretandrefOrmwecanimagine
    howmuchweneedtodo!Fromnowon>weneedto

    lIavethecompassionatehearttofeelremorseand
    changefOrthebetter.Evenuponreachingthelevelof
    Equal-enlightenmentBodhisattvas,wewillstillneed
    todotlIis.OnlywhentlIereisnothinglefttocorrect
    willwebecomeBuddhas.Wecannotattainsupreme
    enlightenmentifwesti>lbaveoneremainingfault.
    Enlightenmentistoknowandcorrectourfaults

    BodbisattvasareenligbtenedsentientbeingsWeare
    alsosentientbeings,butareunenlig}Itenedsincewe
    donotknowourfaultsandtbusdonotknowtocor-

    rectthem.Webelievethatwearealreadycorrect.We
    question,(DoIhaveanyfaults?))andt}IinkfOralong
    timewithoutHndinganyThus,itissaidthatordinary
    peopledonothavefaultsw}IileBodhisattvas}Iave
    many.Theyconstant>ywatchovert}Ieireveryt}Iought,
    53

    wordanddeedImowingthattbeyhavemanyshortcomingscontinuouslycorrectingthemanddoingso
    fOrtbreegreateons.WlIenwethinkaboutlIowmany
    faultstherecanbe,howcanwepossiblythinkthatas
    ordinarypeoplewedonotbaveany!
    Whatisthedifferencebetween(enlightened),and
    unenlightened),?OnewhoknowstlIattbeyhavemany
    faultsisanenligbtenedbeing-aBodbisattvaOne
    whodoesnotlmowtheypossessnumerousfaultsis
    unenlightened-anordinaryperson.Bodhisattvasare
    notdeities,butarebeingswhoknowtheirfaultsand
    constantlystrivetocoITectthem.Ifweweretoimprove,notonlywouldwecorrectourfaults,butwe
    wouldalsogiverisetothevowsofBuddhaAmitabha
    andthiswouldbethemostremarkablewayofclIangingourdestinies.
    WerecitetheirLkbStJnHdailytobevery
    familiarwithitbutt}Iisisonlytheinitialstep.The
    secondstepistousetbesutraasamirror,reflecting
    oncewitheachrecitationtomakeacomparisonandto
    findourfaults.Bylookingatreflectionsinamirror)
    wecanseewlIatpartsaresoiledandimmediately
    ((

    cleanthem.TocleanistocorrectWerecitethesutra

    tofindthepollutioninourmindtlIatwearenotyet
    awareof.Thesutraislikeamirrorthatseesandre-

    flectswbatpartsofourmindslIavefaultssothatwe
    mayimmediatelycorrectthem.T}1erefOreweinitially
    becomefamiliarwithtlIesutraandthenweaccord

    withitsteachings.
    5

    Incultivation>firstwegiverisetovows.Weneedto
    thinkcarefUllyifwehavegivenrisetotl1efOrty-eight
    vowsofBuddhaAmitabha>toadoptthesevowsasour
    own,andtobeofoneheartandvowwithbim.Tl>en,
    wewillbetl1esameasl1imandbecomehismanifesta-

    tion.HeisourrolemodeItohelpustomoldand
    transfOrmourselvestobetl]esameashim.T}1isisto

    beofonemind,oneheart>andonevow.Howcould
    wenotberebornintothePureLandwhenourlIearts

    andvowsaretl1esameashis?Wl1entbishappens,we
    willtl1ink,speak)andacttbesameasBuddhaAmitabhaaswerelatetootlIerpeopleandcircumstances
    becomeconstantlymindfulofBuddhaAmitabl1aand
    alwaysremembertoencourageotherstocl1antAmituofO.

    Wl1enourthreekarmasofbody,speech,andmind
    arethesameasBuddhaAmitabhawebecomehis
    manifestation.WereturntothisworldtofUlfillhis

    originalvowsThisisevenmoreremarkablethan

    beingapersonofVrtueandsincerityOriginally,we
    reincarnatedintotlIisworldtorepayourkarmicdebts,
    butnoweaclIofusisBuddhaAmitabhacomingto
    thisworldthrouglIthestrengthofourvows!Tbisis
    tl1emostremarkableandunsurpassablemetlIodin
    clIangingourdestinies.

    Ifevenourbodyisgovernedbydestiny,
    thenhowcanabodyofvirtueandsincerity
    notevokearesponsefromheaven?
    55

    HereMasterYunguwastalkingofwandering
    thougl1tsandattac}1ments.Ourbodiesreallybave
    nothingtodowithdestiny.Whatmattersistl1emind
    fOritinfluencesthebodyTobelIonesttlIemindsof
    mostpeopleareselfishandtl1us,theyaregovernedby
    destinyWealsofallunderthecontrolofdestinywben
    weusetlIeconsciousmindorourEightConsciousneSSeSo

    Enlightenedbeingsareabletotranscendbecause
    theyhaveturnedtheirEightConsciousnessesintothe
    FourWisdoms.NotusingtheEiglItConsciousnesses,
    enligbtenedbeingsarenotcontrolledbydestinyAfter
    wehavereachedacertainlevelofenlightenment,we
    toowilluseourenlightenedmindCurrently,weare
    usingdeludedfeelings.Ifweusedourenlightened
    wisdom,howcouldwenot<<evokearesponsefrom
    beaven)?

    Intl1ecommentary,welearn:<Utmostsinceritycan
    splitastoneofdiamond,canevokearesponsefrom
    heaven,andcanchangedestiny>)ConsiderthewelllmownaccountofwhathappenedtothefamousGen-

    eralLiGuangwholivedduringtheHandynasty.l7
    OnetimelIeandhissoldierswereonamarchOnone

    sideoftheroadthegrasswasverylong.TlIerewasa
    largestonepartiallylIiddenintlIegrassandlIemistakenlytlIoughtitwasatiger.Heimmediatelyshotan
    arrowanditwentdeepintoitstarget.
    Aftergettingoffhishorseandgoingtosurveyhis
    marksmanshiphewasamazedtoseethatitwasa
    56

    stone!HethoughtImustbeverystrongtolIaveslIot
    anarrowsodeepintoastone!Hetriedagainand
    again,butfailedtorepeathisaccomplishment.From
    tl1is,wecanseetlIattlIefirstshotresultedfTomtbe

    utmostsincerityofhavingnowanderingtboughts.
    Similarly,w}1engreatMasterKumarajivawasabout
    sevenyearsold,heliftedupagreatironbowlwitl1out
    somuchasathought.Butthenhethougbt,<(Iamso
    smallHowcouldIhaveliftedit?>)Hetriedtodoso

    again,butfailedGeneralLiGuanglIadmistakenthe
    stonefOratigerandwasabletoslIootanarrowintoit
    MasterKumaraiivathoughtnotl]ingoftheweightofa
    greatironbowlandwasabletoliftit
    OnceGeneralLiGuangrealizedtlIattlIetigerwas
    actuallyastoneandMasterKumarajivarealizedtbat
    theironbowlwasextraordinarilybeavytbeywere
    unabletorepeatt}1eirpreVousaccomplis}1ments.Both
    initiallyactedfTomthemindofsinceritythatlIadno

    wanderingtlIoughtsThus,tl]estonewassplitopen
    andtbeironbowlwasliftedup.
    Fromthesetwoexampleswecanconfirmwhatis
    saidintl1eAmmsaShnHTherearenoobstacles

    amongpbenomenaorprinciples.>)Thisisac}Iieved
    whenthemindattainsacertaindegreeofpurityaswe
    severourwanderingdiscriminatorythouglItsand
    attachments.Ifthemindisnotpure,thenallp}Ienomenapresentobstacles.Butwhentl1emindis
    pure,therearenoobstacles.

    Utmostsinceritythusevokesaresponsefrom
    57

    heaven.>)ConfUcianismspeaksofwrestlingwithmaterialisticdesires)teachingustoletgoofandnolonger
    beinfluencedbydesire.Utmostsinceritycanchange

    destiny.ItistbetruemindasexplainedintlIesa
    zak/DI>StJnH.ItistheBodhimind:l8tlIemindofut-

    mostsincerity,profUndity,meritdedicationandvow
    generation

    AsissaidintheTai]iaChapter}intlIe

    BooAfsrol9OnemayrunawayfTom
    theretributionofheaven,butonecannever

    escapetl1eretributionfOrone)smisdeeds.>
    TosaytbatwemayrunfromtlIeretributionof
    heavenmeanstlIatalthoughwehadcommittedof
    fensesinformerlifetimes)tberetributionfOrt}Iemis

    changeablebyourcurrentcultivation,andtl1eaccumulationofmeritsandvirtuesinthislifetime.The

    retributionsofheavenaredestinedandchangeable.
    <(ButonecanneverescapetheretributionfOrones
    misdeeds,)isabouttheoffensesoftbislifetime.TlIe

    retributionsofheavenaremetedoutfOroffensesof

    pastlivesbuttheyarecbangeable,asareourdestinies.
    However,nothingcanbedoneregardingtberetributionfOrthemisdeedstl1atwecommitinourpresent
    lifetimes.Andifwecontinuetocommitthese,tl]enwe

    willbeunabletoregretandrefOrm,unabletochange
    ourdestinies.

    Whenbadcausescreatedint}Iepast,encounter

    presentadverseconditionstlIeretributionsfOrthese
    58

    wrongdoingsmature.Howeverifwerefrainfrom
    committingfUrthermisdeedswecansuppressthe
    adverseconditions.Thebadcausesstillexistbutwith-

    outtberigbtconditions,theywillnotmature.T}1e
    principleinclIangingdestinyisbasedontl1isconditionalaspectofthelawofcausality.CauseiswlIatwas
    createdinthepastandisunchangeable;butcondition
    iscl1angeableandcontrollable.
    Wereapwhatwesow.Wecanplantmelonand
    beanseedsthatarecauses.Whenwedosowewill

    growthemelonsandbeanstlIatarefTuits.However,
    wecannotgrowbeansfrommelonseedsormelons
    ombeanseedsCauseisaconstantbere.Whatwe

    willharvestdependsontheconditionsIfwewould
    liketoharvestbeans,weplanttheseedsfOrthemand
    putawaytlIemelonseeds.Foracausetocomeinto
    effect)appropriateconditionsarerequired
    Forexample,seedsneedt}Ierightconditions>which
    aregoodsoil)fertilizer,sun,andwatertogrowwell.
    Evenaftertheseedsareplantedandthecauseiscreated,wecanpreventthemfTommaturing.Wesimply
    withlIoldthewaterandsunIightTheseedswillnot
    grow.Theywillnotmatureintouitsbecausetheydo
    nothavetherigbtconditions.
    TherefOre)altbougbwehavecreatedbadcausesin
    ourpastlives,ifwerefrainfromwrongdoingsintlIis
    lifeendourerroneousbebaviorandcultivatekind

    deeds,wewiInotprovidet}IebadconditionsfOrtl1ese
    causestomature.Surely,wealsocreatedsomegood
    59

    causesinourpastlivesHowcouldapersonhaveonly
    committedbaddeedsoronlyperfOrmedgooddeeds?
    Suchapersonsimplydoesnotexist.Tl1erefOre,life
    afterlifeallofourdeedshavebeenamixtureofgood
    andbad.Sometimesmoregood;sometimesmorebad
    Wedonotneedtobeaaidthatwehavecommit

    tedtransgressionsaslongaswerefTainfTomcommittinganymore.Ifwecanblockthebadconditions,
    althoughwemayonlyhaveasmallamountofgood
    deedstbesewillblossomandmature.

    ItissaidintheBokSmg3Toperma
    nentlyaccordwiththemindofbeavenand
    toseekourowngreatgoodfOrtune.>
    ThisrevealstlIerealpurposeofourmorningand

    eveningclasses.Themorningclassservestoremindus
    ofBuddlIaAmitabha>svows.ThepurposeoftlIeeveningclassistolookbackontbedaytoseeifwel1ad
    fOllowedtlIesutra>sguidanceandwhetherwel1ad
    beenwatclIfuloverourthoughts)words,anddeeds.
    ThusitismeaningfUltoparticipateinbothInBuddhaShalqamunistime,thecontentfOrbothmorning
    andeveningclasseswastheThreeRefi1gesfromthe
    hapterofPurificationofConduct,intlIedpam
    saaStJZr:TotheBuddhaIreturnandrely,vowmg
    thatalllivingbeingswillprofOundlyunderstandtl1e
    greatWayandbringfOrththelIeartofgreatunderstanding>}
    Ancientvirtuouspeoplecompiledourcurrentreci60

    tationlIandbooksandthecontentwassuitablefOrthe

    peoplepracticingtogetlIerattbattimeButisthis
    recitationsuitablefOrourcurrentpractice?Ifnot)tlIe
    handbooksneedtobemodifiedsotlIattheywillallow
    ustocontinuetobenefitfromthembycoITectingour
    faults.Tl1esameappliestorepentanceceremonies.If
    weparticipateintl1eseanddothemanyprostrations
    witl1animpuremind,notonlywillwenoteradicate
    ourkarmicobstacles,wewillincreasetl1em.

    Thisissimilartotakingmedicinewhenwebecome
    ill.Ifthemedicationprovesineffectivewehaveto
    cbangeprescriptions.Thepurposeofsutrarecitation
    andrepentanceprostrationsistotreattheillnessin
    ourmindstocureourafflictionsIftl1eyareineffective,weneedtofindabetterprescription.Tl1isiswhy
    tbengmaiRenceCzmocom
    piledbyMrXiaLianiuismoresuitabletlIanother
    similarbooksintreatingourcurrentproblems.Upon
    carefUlreading,wewillunderstandthatmanyofits
    phrasesareappropriatetoday.Hence,weneedto
    choosetlIemorningandeveningrecitationsbasedon
    ourillnessesandproblems.
    Fortbemorningandeveningclasses,manyPure
    LandpractitionersnowrecitetheHirELZbStJZmto

    cultivateconcentration.Ifwedonotl1aveenouglItime
    torecitetheentiresutra)tlIenwecanreciteclIapter
    sixthatcomprisesthefOrty-eightvowsfOrthemorning>andcbaptersthirty-twototlIirty-sevenfOrthe
    evening<tl1irty-onetofOrtyinsometranslationsthe
    6l

    sectioninwl1ichAmitabhaBuddhaistalldngtoMai-

    treyaBodhisattva).ThesesixclIapterstalkofcausality
    andoflearninglIowtochangeourselves.Doingthis,
    wewillpermanentlyaccordwithtl1emindsoflIeaven
    andseekourowngreatgoodfOrtune.
    <<Themindsofl1eaven>meanstheoriginaltruenature;itdoesnotliterallymean}1eaveneartlI,and
    celestialbeings.Ifwecanaccordwiththisnaturewe
    willachievethebasicvirtueandreturntoit.

    TlIemasterthentoldme:Mr.KonglIad

    predictedthatyouwouldnotreceiveanimperialappointmentorhaveason.Tl1eseare
    theretributionsofheavenbuteventheycan
    bechangedYouonlyneedtodevelopyour
    virtue,diligentlystrivetopracticegoodness,
    andworMoaccumulatemanyl1iddenmerits
    andvirtues.

    MasterYungutoldLiaofanthatnotreceivingan

    imperialappointmentornothavingasonwerethe
    consequencesof}1isaccumulatednegativekarmafrom
    prev1ouslifetimes.However,tl1esewereclIangeable
    fOrwhiledestinyexists,itisnotfixedWhatisfTom
    thepastisaconstant:whatisdoneinthepresentisa
    variable.

    MasterYunguexplainedthattoclIangewlIatissupposedtolIappenwebeginfromourheartsanddevelop
    ourvirtues.Fromthis,wecanseethatifweareto

    seekandcbangeonlyfTomwitlIoutwewillbe(<ata
    62

    loss,witl1inandwithout/WelIaveseenpeoplewho
    trytoimprovetheirenvIronmentbychangingtl1e
    placementofdoors,windows>andsoon,alltobeata
    loss,withinandwitbout.Onappearance,theyseemed
    togainbutactuallywhattheygainedwaswhattlIey
    weredestinedtohaveItwasstillwit}Iint}Ieirdes-

    tiny-aconstant,notavariable.
    Weneedtochangefromourmindsandl1eartsto

    refrainomwrongdoingsandtocultivategoodness
    Tl]emasteralsosaid(<worktoaccumulatemany}1iddenmeritsandvirtues.)>Thesearegooddeedst}Iat
    otbersdonotknowaboutIfwedidsomethingthat
    wasgoodandthenmadeitwidelylmown,sothat
    otherspraisedus,wewouldloseourmeritsandvirtues
    astlIesehavenowturnedintopraise.TodowlIatis
    goodbuttocancelitsbenefitsattlIesametimewill
    preventusomaccumulatingmeritsandvirtues.
    Itismuchbettertopracticegoodnesswitl1outlettinganybodylmowandevenbetterifsomepeople
    reproacbedus,forthiswillhelptoreduceournegative
    karmaItwouldbebestifournegativekarmaand
    retributionswerereducedandeveneradicatedwhile
    ourmeritsandvirtuesremainedhidden.

    Today,wl1enwedogoodandarecriticizedoreven

    slandered,wefeelitisundeservedWlIydowebave
    badconsequenceswhenwedogood?Actuallyt}Iese
    aregoodconsequences.Ifweareimmediatelycomplimentedupondoinggooddeeds)wewillloseour
    meritsandvirtues.TlIerefOre,wecanstrivetoaccu63

    mulatemeritsandvirtueswl>ilehidingthemfiFom
    otlIers)fOronlytbenistlIistrulyagooddeed
    <<Theseareyourwaystore-creategoodfOrtune.Howthenisitpossiblethatyouwill
    notgettoenjoyitP

    WewillbeabletoenjoyallthegoodfOrtunetlIat
    welIavecreatedintlIislife.Thesutrastellus:ause

    andeffectarelinkedthrouglIthepast,presentand
    future.Whatweundergointbislifetimearetl>e
    consequencesofwhatwebaddoneinourprevIous
    lifetimes,wl1ilewlIatwedonowwilldeterminewhat

    weundergoinourfuturelifetimes.Ifwecultivatevery
    diligently>weneednotwaituntilfUturelifetimesto
    reapourrewards;insteadwemayseeourdeedsbear
    fTuitinthislifetime!DuetothisprincipleLiaofan
    completelychangedlIisdestiny.Hehadaccumulated
    somanygooddeedsthatlIedidnotbavetowaituntil
    hisnextlifetoenjoytheresults

    JCmeBooAangs,waswritten
    tolIelppeopleaccruegoodfOrtuneandto
    avoidadversityIfeverytlIingisdestinedwitlI
    noroomfOrcbange,lIowcanwehopetodo
    tbiS?

    TbeJCmgisconsideredbymanytobetleearli
    estphilosoplIybookinancientClIinaandteaches
    peopletobecomesagesandvirtuouspeopleItac

    complislIestlIisthroughmathematicsandtbeuseof
    sixty-fOurhexagramsofwboleandbrokenlinesrepresentingallpossiblecombinationsofbrokenandunbrokenlines.Therearethree}Iundredandeighty-fOur
    possiblepredictionsCbangesassmallastl1osethat
    affectindividuaIstothosethataffectcountriesand

    eventbeworldcanbededucedomtl1esefigures.TIe
    bookusesmathematicstodeterminethenatural
    courseofcauseandeffect.

    WhatMasterYungusaidregardingtlIesurpassing
    ofmathematicsiswherethetechniquesoftlIeICmg
    fail.TlIeJCmgworkswellwitIconstants,butal
    thoughitunderstandstbattherearevariables,itfails
    toworkwitl1them.Thisteachesustoaccumulate

    meritsandtoavoidbaddeedS.Onevirtuousthoughtis
    aplusandonenegativethoughtisaminus.So,every
    dayissimplyamatterofadditionandsubtraction,
    multiplicationanddivision.IfthemarginofclIangeis
    nottoomuch,otlIerscanfOretellourdestinieswitl1a

    reasonabledegreeofaccuracy.ThisishowMr.Kong
    fOretoldLiaofansdestiny
    Portwentyyears)Liaofanneitherincreasednorde-

    creasedhisbadorgoodthoughtsanddeeds)butcompletelyaccordedwithhisdestiny.Formostpeople
    thereareusuallysomevariances-onevirtuous
    tbought,oneunkinddeed.Liaofan,whohadnointerestindoingeithergooddeedsorbaddeeds)main-

    tainedconstancyfOrtwentyyears;thus>l1isdestiny
    wasremarkablyaccurate.Ifthevarianceislargewe
    65

    willsurpasstheconstanttoaccruegoodfOrtuneand
    avoidadversity
    Wereadint}Iecommentary:BecauseallthouglIts
    andbel1aviorareclIangeable,soalltheconsequences
    ofgainandloss,joyandpainseemflexibleand
    clIangeable.Theseconsequencescanbeaddedsubtracted,multipliedanddivided:gainedandlostin
    accordancewitl1thebehavioroftl1eindividual.
    Aconstantisthecause.Avariableistbecondition.

    Tl1ekeytocl1angingdestinyisdeterminedbythe
    conditionandtl1isiswl1atBudd}1ismstresses.Allt}1e
    infinitecreationsinheavenandoneartl1arisefrom

    conditions.>)AllenstingthingsarisefiFomtl1econdition,wl1iclIisavariable.Bycontrollingthisvariable,
    wecanchangedestiny.Then,wecanpursueour
    wisl1esandgoalstogainremarkable,perfectresults
    T}1eBuddl1aalsotoldusintbesutra,Impermanence,
    noego,Nirvana.>)Understandingtl1isprinciplewecan
    becomevirtuouspeopleandsages,ArhatsBodhisattvas,andBuddlIas.

    Tl1efirstchapteroftheJCmgsaysami
    lieswhooftenperfOrmgooddeedswillhave
    anexcessofgoodfOrtunetopassontothe
    fOllowinggenerations.)Doyoubelievethis?
    Ireplied,<Yes.))
    Fromthisweknowthatthosew}1owrotetl1eJ

    Cmgunderstoodtheconstantthatisthecausein
    thisworldandtlIroughouttheuniverse.Tl1eyalso
    66

    lmewthatthereisavariablethatisthecondition.By
    controllingtlIisvariableonasmallscale)wecan
    changeourowndestinyandonalargerscale,wecan

    pursuelastingstabilityandpeacefOrourworld
    TheJChngistrulyextraordinary;howeveritisa
    pitytl1atnowitlIasvirtuallybecomeafOrtune-telling
    bookAsMrMeiGuansaidintheprefaceofthe
    DHniLZbSmrH:OriginallytheAmiraaStJrH
    wasateacl1ingtl1athelpedustotranscendthecycleof
    birthanddeatbtobecomeaBuddhaButnowitl1as

    becomesometl1ingfOrpeopletoreciteatmemorial
    servicestosendoffthedeceased!),ThattheAmjraDAa

    StJ<rHhasbeenreducedtotbissadstateisjustlikethe

    JCmgbeingreducedtoabookfOrtellingfortunes!It
    isasadreflectionofourtimes.

    TheJCmgwasintendedtoteachushowtoobtain
    bappiness,worldpeace)andstability;tochangeour
    destiniesbyaccumulatingmeritandvirtue.Todothis
    wefirstneedtoregretandrefOrm.Themasterasked
    Liaofanifhebelievedthatafamily,whiclIpracticed
    gooddeedscouldhavesomuclIgoodfOrtunethatit
    wouldbepassedontothefOllowinggenerations.LiaofanrepliedtlIathedid
    ThereasonwhyLiaofanwasabletochangehisdestinywasduetol1isgoodrootsandgoodfOrtune,thus
    enablinghimtobelieveingoodadvice.Hismeeting
    withMasterYunguwastheripeningoftheappropriate
    conditions.AstheBuddhatoldus:Whenourgood
    roots,goodfOrtunesandrigbtconditionsmature,how
    67

    canwenotclIangeourdestinies?
    Mr.Youtoldusinhiscommentary:Onewhobears

    goodadvicefromsagesandslandersthemhascommittedabaddeed;doubtisoneofthefundamental

    afflictionsGoodadviceistheteachingsoftlIesages
    oftl1isworldandbeyondLatergenerationscalled
    theseteacbingssutrasThesutrasspeakoftrutbstbat
    donotchangewithtime.Tbetrutht}Iatsurpasses
    timeisthesamenowasitwastl1ousandsofyearsago;
    itneverchangeswhetherintheeastorinthewest.
    ThewritingsandteaclIingsofsagesdidnotcome
    {Tomtl1eirpersonalexperiencesandopinions,fOrif
    theydidtheywouldbebiasedorinappropriate.History
    isnotmadeupofopinionsbutofaccumulatedexperienceswlIereassutrascontainthetruththatarises

    fromtlIeoriginaltruenature.Thustheteachingsin
    thesutrasaretheabsolutetruththatsurpassestime
    andspace.
    WewillbenefitandimproveifwebelieveintlIe

    teacl1ingsbutifwedonot)thenwewillmisstl1ese
    remarkablebenefits.Tl1isiswhywesaytbatdoubtis
    oneoftl1esixfundamentalafflictionsofgreed,anger,
    ignorancearrogance,doubt>anddeviatedviews.
    Thecommentaryalsostated:(OnewlIol1earsMnd
    wordsofadviceandgivesrisetobeliefwillnurturethe
    appearanceofgoodfOrtuneandmerit.Thisbeliefis
    themotherofgoodfOrtune.Mother))meanstogive
    rise)togrow.AllgoodfOrtuneandmeritarisefrom
    beliefintheteachingsofthesages.Ifweareableto
    68

    believeinthewordsandteachingsofthesageswe
    willfindt}1atinfinitegoodfOrtuneandmeritaregeneratedfromthisLiaofanwasindeedarareperson:to

    deeplybelieveuponhearingthemastersadvice.
    ToSurpassDestinybyCultivating
    GoodFortuneandAccumulatingVirtues

    IgratefUllyacceptedhisadviceandpaidmy
    respectstohimbyprostrating.ThenIbegan
    toregretallmypastwrongdoings,largeand
    smallinfrontoftheBuddl1asimage.I

    wrotedownmywisbtopasstlIeimperialexaminationsandvowedtocompletetl1ree
    tbousandmeritoriousdeedstosl1owmy

    gratitudetowardsmyancestors,eartl1,and
    beaven

    HereweseeLiaofanssincerityinhononngthe
    teacherandreveringhisorlIerteachings.Hedidnot
    casuallysay,<(IbelieveandwillfOllowyouinstructions)andthenfOrgetallaboutitafterawl1ile.He
    earnestlycompliedwiththemafterhelIadunreservedlyregrettedeacl1oflIiswrongdoingsinfrontoftl1e
    Buddha.HeeressedlIissincererepentanceand
    askedt}IeenlightenedbeingstobelIiswitnesses
    WenextreadintlIecommentary:<Itisaserious
    mistaketofearthatotherswilllmowourmisdeeds.))If

    weconcealourfaultstlIeywillincreaseatanalarming
    rate.IfwearesmartwewiIetthembelmown.TlIen
    69

    wbenwearecriticizedandcorrected,ourkarmic

    obstacleswillbegraduallyeradicated.IfothersspealK
    outaboutourmistakes)begratefulevenifwehavenot
    donewbattl1eysaidwedid,fortobewronglyaccused
    byot}1erswillalsoeradicateourkarmicobstacles.
    Tbereisnoneedtorefuteordefendourselvesintbe

    faceofundeservedaccusations.Wbenwearedefen-

    sive,otherswillnotwanttohelpuscorrectourfaults.
    Tbentheoffensewillbecomeevenmoreserious

    Taizong,agreatemperorwholivedoveratl1ousand
    yearsagoduringtlIeTangdynastyisrememberedfOr
    beingwIseandaccomplishedWhy?Sincehedidnot
    coverupl1iss}1ortcomings,anyonecouldtalktol1im
    aboutthem.Evenasemperor,bedidnotl1ingtoretaliateknowingthathestillhadfaultstocorrect.<Also,if
    heretaliatednoonewoulddaretoadvisehimagain
    Liaofansoughttopasstheimperialexaminations
    altl1oughMr.KonghadnotdestinedtMsfOrhim.He
    vowedtocompletethreethousandmeritoriousdeeds
    toshowhisgratitudeTogainwhatwewishfOrwhen
    ithasnotbeendestinedistrulytohavesoughtand
    gained

    Uponhearingmyvow,MasterYungu
    sl1owedmeamerit-faultchartandtaught
    me}IowtokeepadailyrecordofalltlIegood
    andbaddeedsIbaddone.Hewarnedme

    thatbaddeedswouldneutralizetlIegood
    OneSo

    70

    Tl1emerit-faultchartprovidedfOrtheentryofbot}l
    meritsandfaultsandwasverypopularduringthe

    latteryearsoftheMingdynasty20SclIolarsaswellas
    Buddl1istsusedthechartintheircultivationofmoral-

    ity.MasterLianchi2ldrewupamerit-faultchartcalled
    theSelf-reHectionRecord))tlIattotallyderivedits

    standardsforgoodandbadbehaviorfromBudd}1ism.
    ItwasthusespeciallyhelpfulfOrBuddhiststousefOr
    endingfaultybehaviorandcultivatingkindnessThere
    areseveralversionsofmerit-faultclIartstbatlIave

    beenpasseddownovertheyearsthatcanbeusedfOr
    ourreference.

    Liaofanlivedfivebundredyearsago.HisbackgroundandmanneroflivingwereverydifferentfTom
    ours.However,wecanstillabidebytbeprinciples,
    usingourwisdomtodeterminehowwecanadaptthe
    clIartsfOrmodernusage.Altl1ougbnoonel1ascome
    upwitlIamorecurrentclIartitsprinciplesremain
    valid

    TlIemasteralsotaug}Itmetorecitethe
    ZhuentiMantraOnlywithamindofpurity
    andconcentrationcouldIattainwhatI

    sought
    InEsotericBuddl1ism,ZhuentiBodhisattvaisa

    manifestationofAvalokiteshvaraBodhisattva.Whydid
    tlIemasterteacl1LiaofantoclIantamantrainsteadof

    recitingasutra?Thepurposeofthechantingisto
    uncoverourpuremindstoeradicatewandering
    7l

    tlIougbts.SincemantrasaretransliteratedfTomSanskritweonlyrepeattheirsounds>notanalyzethem.
    Aswecontinuetochantoveralongtime,ourminds
    willbecomepure,oratleastourwanderingthoughts
    willbesuppressed
    TlIegoalremainsthesamewbetherwearereciting
    sutras,clIantingmantras,orchantingaBuddha>s
    name.ItisimportanttlIatweteacl1otherstlIemetllod
    thatismostsuitabIefOrthem.Forexampleift}1e
    masterlIadtaughtLiaofantorecitesutras,hewould
    havebeentemptedtoanalyzetlIeirmeaning<and
    thinkingwhilecbantingobstructsourcultivationof
    purityofmind>.Thushewastaughtthemantra.
    Tl1ereisaBuddhistsaying:<Recitingasutraisnotas
    goodaschantingamantraandchantingamantrais
    notasgoodascbantingaBuddha>sname.))Alltbese
    emphasizeactualcultivation.
    Today,welackthefUndamentaleducationthatour
    ancestorsreceived,soitwillbehelpfUlfOrustofOllow
    thisadviceofancientpeople:Itisnottoolateto
    mendthefOldevenaftertl1esheeparelost/)Tomake
    upfOrourlostfundamentaleducation,fOrthefirstfew
    yearsofourpracticewecanconcentrateonmemorizingtheHircLZbStJrB.Thisisespeciallypractical
    fOryoungpeopleasthebesttimetolearnisbefOretlIe
    ageoftwenty.Ifweareabletomemorizethesutraand
    reciteitbyheart,wewillbenefitfromitfOrtherestof
    OUrliVeS.22

    Budd}Iismistheultimateperfectwisdom;tlIus,re72

    citingsutrasbybeartisaveryimportantfOundation.If
    weareabletoendourerroneousways,practicegoodness,andcultivatepurityofmindtheninduetime
    whateverweseekwillbeattained

    MasterYunguelainedthatitl1adbeen
    saidbyspecialistsindrawingtalismanicfigures:Thosewboareconsideredexpertsin
    theartofdrawingcharmsbutdonotlmow
    therightwaytodosowillbelaugl1edatby
    spirits.)}Thekeytodrawingcharmsishaving
    nothoughtsombeginningtoendUnder
    standingthisbegintl1efirststrokewitha
    stillmindaftertlIeprimaldarlmess.Inthe
    processofdrawing,onemustletgoofall
    wanderingthoughts.Onlyinthiswaycana
    charmbeeffective

    DrawingtalismanicfiguresisafOrmofancientskill
    inTaoismsimilartochantingmantrasinBuddhism.
    TlIesecrettodrawingtalismanicfiguresistol>avea
    mindthatisdevoidofthoughts.WecanusetheGreat
    CompassionMantratoillustratethis.TheGreatCompassionwaterwhichisconsecratedbychantingtlIe
    mantracanbeveryeffectivefOrsome,butnotatall
    effectivefOrotl1ers.WlIy?Inchantingthemantra,tlIe

    fOrmerdidnotl]aveasinglewanderingthoughtfTom
    starttofinishIfduringtlIechantingawandering
    t}1ougbtarises,thentl1emantrawillbeineffective.
    TherefOretlIelongerthemantra,themoredifHcultit
    73

    istosuccessflIllychantit.

    TbeSurangamaMantracanbeveryeffective)howeverfewpeopletodayareabletobenefitfromit.
    Why?Thevastmajorityofpeoplehavemanywanderingthoughtswl1ilechantinganditonlytakesone
    suchthouglIttorendertlIeireffOrtsineffective.
    Thesameappliestosutrarecitation.IfasPure
    Landpractitioners,wereciteoneroundoftheire
    LK/bStJnHwithouthavinganywanderingthoughts,it
    wouldbewonderful!Ourmindswouldbeinaccor-

    dancewiththemindoftl1eBuddlIasthroughouttlIe
    universeinthepastpresent,andfUtUre.TherefOre,
    weneedtorecitethesutrawithamindofpurity)

    equality)sincerityandrespect.But,ifwerecitethe
    sutrawlIilehavingwanderingthoughts,ourmindswill
    notbethemindofaBuddha.

    Fromthis,wecanseethattheshorterthemantra
    theeasieritwillbefOrustoreciteandtoconcentrate

    on.Andchanting<NamoAmituofO23isevensl1orter.
    Ifwethinkthattbisistoolong,MasterLianchtaugbt
    ustocbantjust<AmituofO/)Ifwechantthiswithout
    onesinglethoughtitwillbeeffective.Itwouldbejust
    likesendingafaxtoBuddhaAmitabhaandhavingl1im
    receiveit.But,ifweaddonewanderingthougbt,tlIen
    tl1emessagewillnotgotl1rough
    <WhenonepraysfOrandseeksforsomethingortriestochangeonesfate)itisimportantthatonedoessowithoutgivingrise
    74

    toasingletboughtIntbisway,onewi>leasilyreceivearesponse.
    WbenweseeksomethinghomtbeBuddhas,Bodbisattvas)orthebeingsoflIeavenorearth,weneed

    todosowithoutlIavinganyt}IoughtsfOrourseeking
    tobeeffective.Toacbievet}Iis,ourmindsneedtobe

    trulypurewithoutanywanderingthoughts.Thisisto
    havethemindofsincerity,purity,andrespect.Only
    wlIenweappealtotheenlightenedonesusingthe
    mindofutmostsinceritywillweattainwhatwewish
    fOr

    Thesameprincipleapplieswhensomepeoplemake
    offeringstotheirancestorsastheyappealinontof
    theancestralplaque.Itwouldbeuselesstodosowith
    animpuremindTherefOre,inthepast,makingofferingstoancestorswasaveryspecialoccasion.For
    example,thosewhoofficiatedattheceremonyfasted
    andbatl]edfOrthreedaysbefOreTheycultivated
    purityofmindbyshuttingthemselvesinasmallroom
    totrytoletgoofattachments.Theyconductedthe
    ceremonyasifthespiritsoftheirancestorswerepre-

    sent.Buddl1istswouldcalltlIis<Visualization.>)By
    sincerelyhonoringthematthetimeoftheceremony
    tlIespiritswillappear

    Wl1enwepayrespecttot}IeenliglItenedbeingsat
    cultivationcentersaretheypresent?Notnecessarily.
    Thepresenceoftheirimagesdoesnotmeanthey
    tlIemselvesarethereIfthepractitioners>whetlIer
    75

    monks,nunsorlaypeoplearesincereandpurein
    mind,thenenlightenedbeingswillbepresentOtlIerwIse,moreoftenthannottherewillbesomedemons

    impersonatingenlightenedbeingsThisiselainedin
    theSiJIHI1gamaStJkm.
    (<Menciuswrote:<Tl1ereisnodifferencebe-

    tweenlonglifeandshortlife.,Atfirstglance,
    onewouldfinditlIardtounderstandlIow

    theycanbethesame;however,wbentl1ere
    isnothought,thereisnodualityinshortor
    longlife.

    Sbortlifeandlonglifearecompletelydifferent,
    wlIyregardthemasthesame?Dualityonlyexists
    whentherearewanderingdiscriminatorytlIougbtsand
    attachments.Onlywhenthemindispuredowesee
    non-duality

    ShortlifeandlonglifearethesamebecauseeverythingintlIeuniverseisone.InBuddhism,thisis

    called<(enteringthestateofnon-duality.)Thestateof
    nondualityismentionedintheeecAoF
    StJZr.InPureLandsclIooltlIisisknownasOne

    MindUndisturbedIntheAmmsaa5tJZrHthisis
    knownast}IeOneTrueDharmaRealmthestate
    whereallBuddhasdwellThisistl1estateofmindof

    Bodhisattvasabovethelevelofgroundstates.
    <UponcarefUlanalysisthereisalsonodualitybetweenagoodorabadharvest.Under76

    standingthis)wewillbecontentwithour
    presentsituation)beitoneofweaIthorpoverty

    !fwearccontentwithtbingsastheyare,wecan

    settlcdownandgcionwithourwork}iissaid:Ifthe
    richwerecontenttoberichandthepoorwerecjI!

    tobepoor,))thensocietywouldbestabletheworld
    wouldbepeacefi1l)andeveryonewouldbehappy.
    Whatisbeingbappy?Nothavinganywandering
    thoughts,worries,orafflictionslfapersoninpoverty
    wasabletounderstandtbat}Iisorhercurrentcondi-

    tionwasamatterofdestiny,thenheorshewouldalso
    becontented

    Agoodexampleoftl1isoccurredintheearlypartof
    thetwentietbcenturyAmaninavillageinJiangsu
    provIncebeggedfOrfOodduringthedayandsleptin
    olddesertedtemplesatnight.Inthisway>l1ewas
    contented

    Hissonaftereeriencingbusinesssuccess,be
    camerichandinHuentialbutthenfoundhimself

    beingadmonished:(Howcanyoubesuchanunfilial
    son?YouhavesuchgreatwealtlIbutyouletyour
    fathercontinuetobegfOrhisfOod?>,TlIesonfelt
    ashamedafterhearingthisandsentpeopletosearclI
    everywlIerefOrhisfatlIerandbrouglItl]iml1ometo
    carefOrhim.But,afteramonthoflivinginbissons
    l]ome,tl]efatherslippedouttoresumehislifeasa
    beggar.
    77

    Peopleaskedthefather:<WouldnItitbetterfOryou
    toenjoygoodfOrtuneatyoursonshome?)Hereplied:
    <<IwasveryuncomfOrtabletbere!Nowintl1edaytime
    IcantravelanywhereIwantandenjoyvisitingbeautifulscenery.AtniglIt)Icanmakeanyplacemyl1ome.
    ThereisnothingmorejoyfUltbantoliveasfreelyas
    t}IisTohavetoremainathomeissufferingfOrme!}
    HewascontentedwithlIisconditionsol1ecouldlet

    goandattaintrueliberation.Hewasnotatallaffected
    bythefivedesiresofwealtb,lust,fame,fOod,and
    sleepRather,hewashappyandhadpurityofmind
    Hepreferredtobeonthesidelines,regardingthis
    worldasaplay,whileeverybodyelsewasbusypursuingprestigeandwealth
    Thiswasnoordinaryperson,butamodelofwisdomandcontentment.Mostpeoplepursueal]appy
    andfUlfillinglife,notrealizingthatthesearenotnecessarilysynonymouswithwealthorsocialposition.
    TherefOre,weneedtounderstanddestiny)needtobe
    abletoadjusttoaccordwiththewislIesofsentient
    beingsandbejoyfUloverotlIersmeritoriousdeeds.
    OnlyintlIiswaywillourlivesbehappyandfUlIing

    (<Andwithunderstandingt}IattlIereisno
    dualitybetweenpovertyandwealth,our
    mindswillbecontentwithourpresentstatus
    insociety>beithiglIorlow.Also,tl1ereisno
    dualitybetweenlongandshortlives.Understandingthis,wewillbecontentwithourex78

    istinglifespanbeitlongorshort.Themost
    importantconcernfOrbumansisthatoflife

    anddeathTlIus,earlydeathandlongevity
    subsumeallconditions,whethertheyarefavorableorunfavorable,andwhetherofgain
    orloss

    Thisspeaksofaccordingwithconditions.RegardlessoffavorableorunfavorabIeconditions,wewillbe

    completelyateaseaseverythingbecomesclearand
    logical.WecanhavegoodfOrtuneandattainthegreat
    liberation.ThisistruelivingTruebappinessisnot
    achievablewithoutgreatknowledgeandeffOrtinpracticeWecannowclearlyseethatonlyawakenedpeoplecansettletbeirmindsandre-createtl]eirdestinies.
    Itispointlesstobehaveimmorallyandtobecome
    increasinglydeludedTlIus>theBudd}Iaoftenreferred
    tothosewhoweredeludedas(pitiablebeings.
    ,)

    Wehavetowaituntilourcultivaiion

    reachesacertainlevel,thenourdestinywill
    change.TlIischangedependsontheaccumulationofmerits)onseekingaresponse
    fTomtheheavens.Whencultivating,we
    needtobeawareofourfaultsandresolveto

    correctthemasifwewerecuringasick))

    neSSo

    WecultivatewbilewaitingfOrdestinytobere-

    created;however>thisisnotaccomplishedovernight.
    79

    Ittakesalongtime.Weneedtoceaseourlaziness,
    andconfidentlyanddiligentlystrivetoimprove.We
    needtobeawakenedandnotdeluded,todowhatis

    properandnotdeviatedIntime,wewillattainthe
    desiredresult.Cultivationiscorrectingourfaultsin
    thethreekarmasofimproperthoughts,wordsand
    deedsandadoptingwhateverwaysarenecessaryto
    remedytl1esefaults
    <<WhilewaitingletgooftbethoughtofdesiringsometlIingtlIatwearenotsupposedto
    lIaveandthethoughtofwishingfOrareward

    ItisawanderingthoughttohopefOranearlyharvestofrewardsfOrourgoodness,fOrsuchthinkingcan
    createobstacles.WeareonlytoaskabouttlIecultivation)nottlIeharvest.Aslongaswediligentlycultivate,
    thelIarvestwillnaturallyfOllow,whybotlIertoconstantlyseekit?Thisisthetruewayofcultivation:to
    notseekanytbing.}ustconcentrateonendingimproperbehaviorandcultivatinggoodness;eventually)
    wewillobtainwhateverwedesire.

    Whenweseek,ourgainsarelimited,fOrmostlikely
    wewillonlyreceivewhatwerequestasourcultivationofvirtuesisnotinaccordancewitl1ourvirtuous

    natures.Withoutseeking,everythingisamanifestationofandinaccordancewithourvirtuousnatures.

    Actually,wl1atLiaofanachievedwascultivatedvirtues.Itwasnotyetvirtuousnature,becausehestill
    80

    souglIt.InitiallybesougbtsclIolarlyhonorandoHicial
    rank,tben,hesoughtchildrenWhateverhesought
    wasaccomplisbedIfhehadnothadonetlIouglItofa
    request)ifhelIadsolelycultivatedandaccumulated
    virtues,everythingwouldhaveturnedoutperfectly.
    Hedidnotseeklongevityandyethelivedlongerthan
    destinedHewassupposedtodieattheageoffiftythree,butlivedtoseventy-fOur!
    Wewillbenefitifweceaseourrequestsandaffinity
    seeking,andonlyhavesensiblewis}Iesliketbosein
    whichweaskthatourlivesbesmootb,thatwehave

    enoughtoeat,asafeplacetolive,andadequateclothing.Itisenougl]tolivesimplyandcomfOrtablywith
    minimalexpensesinasmallhouse.Butmostpeople
    wanttopossessluxuriesandtoimpressothers>not
    lmowingthepricetheyhavetopayfOrt}Ieseextravagances.Theylosemorethantheygain.Ifinstead)we
    sl1areourgoodfOrtunewit}Iothersthenourgood
    fOrtuneistlIeaccumulationofmerits.

    Ifwecultivateandaccumulateenoughvirtuetolast
    fOralmndredgenerationsthenourdescendants
    wouldhavegoodfOrtuneIfwearetrulyintelligent
    andwise,wewillsurelywanttoshareourgoodfOrtunewithothers.TherefOre,bepatientWhyseekfOr
    theearlyarrivalofgoodfOrtunewhenitwillcomein
    goodtime?

    <<AttlIislevelitwouldbeastateofreacbing
    the<innatenatureofnothought)thatisthe
    8l

    ),

    actuallearningandpracticeofwisdom
    MasterYunguto>dme:llllmowthatyouare
    stiIlunabletoaccomplishthestateofno
    tought,butyoucanpracticerecitingthe
    ZhuentiMantracontinuouslywithoutcountingthenumberofrecitationsandwithout
    interruption

    Whenyoureac}Iahigherlevelofconstant
    mindfUlness,youwil>beab>etoachievethe
    Ievelof<Tonotrecitewhenrecitingandto
    recitewhennotreciting>Whenyouno
    longerbavewanderingthoughts,tbemantra
    willbecomeeffective)>

    Learningandpracticeofwisdomaretruelmowledge.Innatenatureis((returningtotheoriginalstate>
    Thisrevelationofouroriginaltruenatureisnotthe
    stateofanordinarybeingTheoriginaIstateistrue
    happinessfOritistobeIedwiththeD}Iarmabliss
    andtotrulyabandonsufferingforhappiness.Tbisis
    whatawakenedpeopleseek
    Tbismethodcal>edperfectpracticewithperfect
    attainment)wastaughtbyMasterYunguanditenablesustopracticeconcurrentlytheThreeLearnings
    ofabidingbytheprecepts,deepconcentration,and
    wisdomIntheAZamsaAaStIna,itisexplainedas,
    oneisall,allisone.Tocu>tivateonemethodisto
    ((

    cultivateallmet}]ods.))Theessenceoft}]epracticeis
    todosowithoutinterruption,andwithoutintermin82

    glingwithothertboughtsorothermethods
    Doweneedtocounttherecitations?MasterYungu
    didnottellLiaofantodoso,butrathertorecitecon-

    tinuously.Manyancientsagesrequiredpractitioners
    tobegintheirclIantingpracticebycountingtl1enumberofrecitations.Why?Likeus,theywerelazy.So,it
    washelpfUlforthemtobaveadailygoal,suchas
    chantingaBuddha>snametenthousandtimesaday.
    Meetingthisgoalhelpedtocounteractthebadhabit
    oflaziness,fOriftheydidnotcounttbeymight}Iave
    fOrgottentopractice
    However,fOrsomeoneashonestandearnestas

    Liaofantherewasnoneedtokeeptrackoftherecitations.Forhim,thatwouldhavebeeninterminglingof
    thoughtsHiscultivationwastrulylearnedanddiligent;thus,}Iepracticedwitboutinterruptionand
    withoutinterminglingwitlIotherthoughtsandmethods.

    AllmetlIodsareequal:nooneisdifferentfiFomtlIe
    others.Attainmentliesindelvingdeeplyintoonlyone

    methodfOraprolongedtimeIntbepast)peoplegenerallypracticedsutrarecitation.Butwhet}Ierreciting
    sutras,cl1antingmantrasoraBuddhaIsname,wedo
    sowithtbemindofpurity,equalityandrespect
    Whenwepracticecontinuously,wewiIltrulybenefit
    ffomit.

    ThestateofNoThought)isessentialItistonot

    haveanywanderingtbougbts,discriminatorytlIouglIts>
    orattachments.AlthoughLiaofanlIadnotgivenriseto
    83

    anywanderingtbougbtsfOrthreedayswhilehewas
    meditatingwithMasterYungu,behadnotyetreached
    thestateofNoThougItHebadusedbelief,not
    concentration,tosuppressbisafflictions.Hebelieved
    thatallwasdestinedHebelievedincausality.
    TherefOre,themastertaughthimawaytomoveon
    tothenextlevel,tocultivateconcentration.Torecite

    theZhuentiMantraistocontinuouslycultivateconcentration.Byriddingourselvesofwanderingthoughts
    andattachments)ourtruenaturewillbeuncovered
    TheBuddlIaoftenspokeof<theoriginalnatureasit
    is>>PureLandpractitionerscalltlIistl]etrueand
    perfectachievementof<OneMindUndisturbed>,Itis
    thegoalofourpractice.Itistoreachtbeattainment
    of<tonotrecitewhenrecitingandtorecitewl1ennot
    reciting>)Thisisoftenexplainedas<TonotbeattaclIedtotheactofcbanting;thustonotchantwhen
    chantingandtocbantwhennotclIanting.>)
    WedosowhetherwearechantingtheBuddha)s
    nameorrecitingthesutra.WbenwerecitethehDi
    LZ/bStJIrHwithoutattachment,wewillfirstachieve
    ConstantMindfUlnessofBuddhaAmitabhatlIenOne

    MindUndisturbedAlthoughtl1emetl1odsmaydiffer
    theprinciplesandthegoalarethesame.Wbenwe
    reachthestateofNoThoughtandtl1erecitingbecomessecondnature,itwillnaturallybecomeeffective

    Therearethreelevelsofacbievement.Tbeupper
    levelisOneMindUndisturbedinEnliglItenment,the
    84

    middlelevelisOneMindUndisturbedinMindfUlness,
    andthelowestandinitiallevelisConstantMindfUl-

    nessofBuddlIaAmitabha.WecannotbeproudwlIen
    ourattainmentreachesacertainlevelfOrdoingsowill

    prol1ibitusfromfUrtheradvancement
    Reacl>ingt}IeupperlevelinConstantMindfulness,
    wemayhavetl1eabilitytotranscendtlIisworldatwill,
    toleaveanytimewewishWheneverwewanttogo,
    BuddhaAmitabhawillcometoescortustotbeWest-

    ernPureLandAlthougbwehavereac}Iedthis>evelof
    attainmentandareabletopassawaywitlIease,itis
    besttostaylongerinthisworldWhy?Wereadintl]e
    irLbStJnHthattopracticeinourworldof
    sufferingfOronedayisthesameaspracticinginthe
    PureLandfOronebundredyearsWestaybereto
    trainourendurance

    Evenmoreimportantly>westaytoencouragemore
    peopletogotothePureLandItisremarkablethatwe
    ourselvesareabletogo,butitwillbeevenbetterifwe
    canhelpotherstoberebornthereaswell!Thus,we
    canconcentrateonhelping,educating>andencouragingothers.Wl1enweourselvescultivateandinspire
    otherstodolikewise)ourmeritsareperfect.Inso
    doingweareabletopaybacktbegreatkindnesstbat
    enligl1tenedbeingshavesIownus
    MynameusedtobeXuehai,wl1ichmeans
    broadlearningButafterreceivingtlIese
    teacl1ingsfTomMasterYungu,IclIangedit
    85

    toLiaofanwlIicbmeans<transcendingtbe
    ordinary.
    ))

    IntlIepast,Chinesepeoplemighthavethreesetsof
    names<inadditiontotheirsurname>:agivenname>
    courtesynameandsobriquet.Tbeirgivennamethat
    wasgiventothembytleirparentseressedtheparentsaspirationsfortheirchildren.Changingthis
    namewastantamounttoignoringthisaspiration,truly
    anunfilialact

    Uponreachingadultl1ood,agetwentyformalesand
    sixteenfOrfemales,peoplewerenolongeraddressed
    bytl1egivennamefOrtodosowasdisrespectfi1l.At
    thistime,tl1eyunderwentaceremonytobeinitiated
    intoadulthoodDuringtbisceremony,peopleoftbe
    samegenerationorolderlikesiblings)schoolmates>
    andfTiends,wouldprovidetbecourtesynametlIat
    wouldbeusedfOrtherestoftheirlives.

    IfinthefUtureapersonbecameagovernmentofficial,event}Ieemperor,peopleaddressedl1imbyl1is
    courtesyname.Ifanadultwasaddressedbyhisgiven
    name,thenmostlikelyhehadcommittedacrime,and
    wastobesentencedandpunislIed
    Tobeevenmorerespectfillpeoplewouldaddress
    anindividualbytheirsobriquetorbylIisorlIerbirtl1place.Thisindicatedthathewasahighlyrespected

    importantpersonomaparticularplace.24
    LiaofanandXuehaiwereLiaofan)ssobriquets.Only
    onesparentsandteacherwoulduseapersonIsgiven
    86

    nameaftertheyreachedadulthood;evengrandparents,uncles,andemperorsusedthecourtesyname
    Thus,societyaccordedtl]esamegratitudeandrespect
    toteacbersasitdidtoparents

    ItsignifiedmyunderstandingoftlIefacttbat
    wecouldre-createourdestiniesandthatI

    didnotwishtobelikeordinarypeoplewho
    werecontrolledbydestinyFromthenon,I
    begantobeverycautiousinwhateverI
    tl1ougbtordid.Soon,Ifeltquitedifferent
    fTombefOre.InthepastIhadbeencareless
    andwitlIoutselfdiscipline.Now,IHndmyselfbeingnaturallywatchfUlandconscientiOuS

    TlIissegmenttalksofLiaofan,sdeterminationand

    cultivationincorrecting}IiserrorsandmakingafiFeslI
    start.FirstheclIangedhissobriquetomXuelIaito
    Liaofan.Liao>)meansunderstandingandawakening
    anmeanstobeanordinaryperson.Liaofanmeans
    tounderstandworldlyphenomenaandthatwecanrecreateourowndestinies.

    Attl1atpoint,heunderstoodeverythinginregards
    toworldlymattersandwasawakenedHetrulylmew
    thatonlytlIeindividualcouldchangeandre-create}Iis
    orherowndestiny.Heunderstoodtheprinciplesand
    methods,andlmewthatfromtlIenonhedidnothave

    topassivelyacceptlIisdestinybecauseitwasnotfixed

    AfterhisresolutiontorefOrm,bisfeelingtowards
    87

    everythingcl1angedFromthatpointonuntiltlIeend
    ofhislife,hewasconstantlyawareoflIisthougbtsand
    behavior,alwaysalert,andnolongerdeluded
    IntlIepast,lIehadbeenunrestrained,doingthings
    aslIepleased,driftingaimlesslythrougl1eachday.
    Howdidl1elivelIislifC?HelIadnoideafOrhehadno

    directionorgoalTolivethiswayistobeboundby
    fate,unabletore-createabrightfuture
    AfterrefOrmingl1efOund}1imselfbeingnaturally
    cautiousandcarefulinthought,speech,andbehavior.
    Inotherwords,afterturningoveranewleaf,bisbeliefSandviewsregardinglifeandtheuniversechanged
    dramaticallyPreviously,hehadthoug}Itthateverythingwasboundbyfate.But,nowlIelmewt}Iathe
    couldre-createdestinyandthus,hebecamedeterminedandoptimistic
    ImaintaintlIisattitudeevenwhenalone,fOr

    Ilmowtl>attherearespiritsandheavenlybeingseverywherewbocanknowmyevery
    thougbtanddeedIamcautiousnottoof
    fendthemwithmythoughts.EvenwlIenI
    encounterpeoplewl1odislikeorslanderme,
    IbeartlIeirinsultswit}Iapatientandpeacefulmind,anddonotfeelcompelledtoquarrelwitl1them25

    ThereasonwlIyordinarypeoplecannotrefOrmis
    thattlIeydonotunderstandthis.TlIosewhoaremore
    familiarwithtlIehHniLbSMrHareabletounder88

    standandtobeevenmorecarefUlwiththeirthoughts)
    speech,andbehaVorthanLiaofan.
    ThepopulationoftbePureLandisbeyondcalculationEvenifweusedeverycomputerintheworldwe
    cannotcalculatethenumberofbeingsthere.Eachof
    thempossessesthesameabilitiesasBuddhaAmitabbaEaclIbasheavenlyeyestoseeall,heavenlyears
    tolIearall)andtheabilitytoknoweverythoughtof
    everybeingthroughouttbeuniverseint}Iepast,present>andfUture.So>BuddhaAmitabha>Avalokitesvara

    Bodhisattva,MahasthamapraptaBodhisattva,andall
    thebeingsintbePureLandknowoureverythougbt
    andwrongdoing.
    Evenwhenwearealone,wherenooneelsecansee

    us,westillneedtorestrainourselvesandnotgiverise
    toasingleimpropertbougbtlnsodoingwewilltruly
    acl1ieveself-disciplineandcontrol.AsPureLand
    practitioners,weseekrebirthintothePureLandand
    toachieveinourvirtuousconduct.But,ifwecontinue

    todeceiveourselves)wewillnotachieveanythingAs
    Confuciussaid>adecentpersoniscautiousevenwhen
    alone.Livingbyourselves,wecanstillbedisciplined
    andnotself-indulgent.Inthisway,wewilltrulybe
    cultivating.Ordinarypeopleconstantlyindulgethemselveswitl1outanyrealrestraint.Wheninpublic,tlIey
    mayappearcarefUlandseIfrestrained,butwhen
    alonetheyagaindoastheyplease
    Thisisoneofthereasonswhymonasteriesofthe
    pastbadmanypractitionerssharingoneroom.Ifthere
    89

    wasonlyonepersoninaroom,heorshewouldbe
    unabletoachieveincultivation.Withmoret}Ianten

    peopleinaroomeveryonewillbehavewellatall
    times.ThepurposeofthiswastofOrcepeopletodisciplinethemselves.
    Today>veryfewpeoplearewillingtorestrainthemselves,butareintentonen>oymgcomfOrtFine!We
    canen}oyourselvesinthislifeandthenwecanalso
    leisurelyen}oyourselvesintheThreeBadPatlIsintlIe
    upcominglife,bavingnotsucceededontbepatl1to
    enlightenment!
    Whenlivingwithinalargegroup,everyoneneedsto
    worktogether.T}Ierearesomesingleroomsatmonasteries,buttheyareespeciallyforthosecultivatorsof
    advancedyears.Also,thosewboholdhighpositions
    andwl1ol1avemanyresponsibilities,likeabbotsortl1e
    leadingmonkornunneedtohavearoomoftl1eir
    own.Thiswillallowthentheconvenienceofoversee-

    ingmattersatalllIourswitlIoutdisturbingotlIers.
    TlIerefore,truecultivatorspracticelivingtogether
    harmoniously>>oneoftheSixHarmonies.
    ItisinappropriatefOranindividualtohaveasingle
    room.IfapersontbinksitisuncomfOrtabletobave
    twoorthreepeoplelivingtogetherinaroom,itthen
    becomeseasyfOrtl1emtothink(Idonotwanttolive
    witbthatperson.Thenheorshewillbeunableto
    achievetlIestateofConstantMindfulnessofBuddha

    Amitabha.Wby?Tbeybavediscriminatoryandimpure
    minds;themindthatstillbasdislikesandevades
    90

    unpleasantnessHowcanthatpersonachieveanytlIing?WlIerethenandl1owdowecultivate?Weculti-

    vatepurityandthenon-discriminatorymindinthe
    placewedisliketbemost
    ItiswrongfOrustobeunwillingtolivewitlIorget
    alongwitlIsomeone.LiaofanhaddiscoveredlIisown

    faultsandsincerelycorrectedtlIem.But,indealing
    withourownfaults)wecontinuouslyexcuseourselves
    insteadofcorrectingtbem.WhenwedotlIis,howcan
    we}Iopetosucceedinourcultivation>
    WitlIinaSanglIa,astartingpointfOrourcultivation
    istlIeSixHarmonies,whicharethebasicguidelinesto
    fOllowwhenlivingtogetherinagroup.AlltheindividualscanabidebytheFivePreceptsandTenVirtuousConductsInthepasttemplesusedtlIeNovice
    PreceptsandtheGuidelinesfOrDignifiedBehavioras

    tbestandardThisincludedtbetenpreceptsand
    twenty-fOurkindsofdignifiedmanners.Todaywedo
    notneedtobethatstrictItisenoughfOrustousetl1e
    FivePreceptsandtheTenVirtuousConductsasthe

    standardsfOrboth>aypeopleaswellasfOrmonksand
    nuns.HoweverthestandardscannotbelowertlIan
    these

    Toliveharmoniouslyinagroupitisnecessaryto
    abidebytheSixHarmoniestocorrectourfaultsand
    badhabits,andtolearntogetalongwithothersLiaofanfOundthatbenolongermindedwhenheencounteredthosewhodislikedorevenslanderedlIim.He

    couldpatientlybeartheirinsultswithapeacefUlmind
    9l

    andnolongerfeltcompelledtoquaITelwitbthem.His
    mindhadbecomecalm,unlikebefOre,whenl1ewas
    flightyandimpatient,unabletoenduretl1esligl1test
    1nconvenIenceorwrong

    Herewecanseel1isimprovementfromcultivation
    TherefOre)atrueBuddlIistpractitionerneedstolearn
    howtogetalongwitlIeverybodyregardlessofwhether
    theyareenlightenedbeingsordemonsandghosts.We
    needtofindourinnerpeaceandtoholdontoit,
    regardlessoftheenvIronmentorcircumstances
    Aftertl1esixtlIPatriarchofZen,MasterHuineng,
    becameenligl1tenedcircumstancesfOundl1imacting
    asanattendanttoagroupoflmnters.Dailyhewitnessedtheirhuntingandkilling.Heservedmeatand
    caredfOrtl1em.ThelIunterswerehismasters;hewas

    theirservantHedidthisfOrnotjustaslIorttimebut
    fOrfifteenyears.
    CouldwelIaveenduredthis?Henotonlyendured
    butwascontentedanddidnotlIaveanywandering

    discriminatorythouglItsandattachments.Thesewere
    fifteenyearsoftruecultivation.Hereachedenligl1tenmentwhenhewasinHuangmei,inthesoutlIern
    partofChina.Whetherunderfavorableoradverse
    circumstances,hecultivatedhismindofpurity,equalitygreatcompassion,andloving-kindness.Thereis
    nothingmoreimportanttoourcultivationtl1antl1ese
    fOurvirtues,andthesewerewlIathepracticed
    Todaywhenweinteractwitl1otl1ersandwithcircumstances,arewecultivatingpurityofmindunder
    92

    favorableoradverseconditions?Ifwearenotcultivat-

    ingpurityofmindthenwearenotproperlypracticing
    Buddbismandwillnotbenefit,fOritlIasbecome

    merelyanacademicpursuit.EvenifwespendeverydayreadingtlIesutrasandbecomeextremelyarticulateinexplainingthemourafflictionswillstillincrease.Inthisway,wewillendupintheThreeBad
    PathsThisisobviouslywrong!
    Truepractitionersdonotattachtowords,towl1at
    hasbeensaid,specified)ortlIought.Theyusetbeir
    intuition.T}Ieyseekpurityofmindtl1enondiscriminatorytruemindthatisouroriginaltruenature.T}1eyseekSupremePerfectEnlig}1tenment.
    ForPureLandpractitionersitisalsoourgoalto
    attainConstantMindfUlnessofBuddhaAmitabba:t}Ie

    mindofpurityandequalityTohaveconstantmindfi1lnessistobaveanuncontaminatedandnon-

    discriminatorymind.Thereisnobarrierwitl1int}1e
    truemind

    Ifwestillhavediscriminatorytboughtsandattachments,thenweareunabletoaclIieveconstantmind-

    fUlness.Severthesediscriminatorythoughtsandattachmentsandwewillbeabletoachieveconstant
    mindfUlnessTlIisistruecultivation.

    TheyearafterImetMasterYunguItook
    tl1epreliminaryimperialexaminationin
    wl1iclIMrKonghadpredictedthatIwould
    comeintl1irdplaceAmazingly,Iwasfirst!
    g3

    Mr.Kong>spredictionswerebeginningto
    losetbeiraccuracy.Hehadnotpredicted
    thatIwouldpasstheimperialexaminationat
    all,butthatautumn,Idid!
    Liaofanwasdestinedtoplacethirdintheexamination.Butbycultivatingkinddeedsandaccumulating
    meritsandvirtues,hewasabletoimprovel1isplacementfromthirdtofirst.AsMr.Kong)spredictions

    begantolosetheiraccuracy)Liaofansawfirsthand
    thathewasabletoclIangedestinyHesawfirsthand
    thattherewerevariablesandnotjustconstants

    Next,hemadethewislItopassanevenlIigherlevel
    ofexaminationandagainl1iswisl1cametrue.Togain
    somethingwewerenotdestinedtol1aveistotruly
    }Iavesoughtandgained.

    AltlIougl1Ihadcorrectedmanyfaults,I
    fbundthatIcouldnotwholelIeartedlydotl1e
    tl1ingsIoughtto.EvenifIdiddothem,it
    wasfrcedandunnaturalIreflectedwit}Iin

    andfOundtlIatIstillhadmanyshortcomings,suchasseeinganopportunitytopracticekindnessbutnotbeingeagerenoughto
    doitorhavingdoubtswhenhelpingotl1ers.
    SometimesIfOrcedmyselftoactkindly,but

    myspeechwasstilluncontrolledandoffensive.IfOundIcouldcontainmyselfwhen
    sober,butafterafewdrinks,Iwouldact
    9

    withoutrestraintAlthougbIoftenpracticed
    kinddeedsandaccumulatedmerits)my
    faultsandoffensesweresonumerousthat

    tlIeyseemedtooutweighthegoodthatIdid
    Alotofmytimewasspentvainlyandwithoutvalue.

    WeshouldnotexpectanyrewardwlIenwehelp
    others,fOritisourresponsibilitytodosoConfucius
    andothersagestaugbtusthefivehumanrelationships
    andtenmoralresponsibilities.ThefivehumanrelationslIips,whicbarefoundedontraditionalmoral
    principles)includethosebetweenhusbandsandwives,
    parentsandcbildren,siblings,fTiendsandpolitical
    leadersandthepublic.
    PracticingwhatweoughttoisavirtueofournaturesItisnaturallywithinourresponsibilityasparentstobeprotective,tocareforandguideourchildrenItisnatural>ywithinourresponsibilityascl1ildrentobefilial,tohonorandrespectourparents
    WhetherassiblingsoriendsallshouldberespectfUl
    towardsoneanotherFriendsshouldbetrustwortby,
    honestandreliablefOrwearenaturallyobligatedto
    beso.Andallofusshouldbemutuallycaring,respectfUl,andhelpfUltoeaclIother.
    Liaofanunderstood,althoug}IhedidnotyetpracticeperfectlyandpurelyfOrtl>eseactionswerestill
    intermingledwithpersonaladvantagesanddisadvantages.Ifwequestionwhetherhelpinganotherwill
    95

    adverselyaffectus,thenourtl1oughtsandactionsare
    impure,andwewillbeunabletowholel1eartedlyassist
    othersFromthis,welmowthatalthoughwemaydo
    kinddeedswestillhavenotdoneenough
    Confuciustaughtofthevirtueinassistingot}Iers
    inacl1ievinggoodness)}andthatgoodnessisavirtue.
    Wl1enwefindotberspracticinggoodness,weneedto

    belpthemtoaccomplishtheirgoalWlIy?Agooddeed
    canbenefitalocalcommunityandeventhewhole
    society.

    Forexample,w}1enaroadneedstobefixedanda
    personvolunteerstorepairit,wecanenthusiastically
    assistthatpersontocompletetheworkTlIiskindof
    gooddeedtlIatbenefitssocietyneedssupportfTomall
    ofus.LiaofanwasabletogoalonginlIelpingotl1ers
    butlIedidnotdosowboleheartedly.Hewasonlya
    littlebitwilling.Hestill}Iaddoubtswhenhelping
    otl1ersinneed

    Itisgoodtohelppeopleintrouble)butmanyofus
    questionwhetlIerweshoulddoso.Intoday,ssociety
    wefrequentlyencounterpeopleaskingfOrl>elp.Some
    ofthemarefraudsaskingfOrmoneythattheywill
    squanderonselfindulgenceWhentl1ishappens,our
    kinddeedsbecometransgressions.T}Ius,itisvery
    difficulttodogood,fOrdoingsorequiresbotl1compassionandwisdom.CompassionistlIegenuinedrivingfOrcebehindourassistingothersbutwisdomwi
    helpustoexamineandjudgewhetherweshouldlIelp
    ornot.Ifyes,thenwecandoso.IHIowever,theyare
    96

    tryingtocheatusandweknowwbattlIeyaredoing
    weneedtoguidetbem.Iftbeyarenotoldorill,but
    arehealthyandable,thenwecanencouragetlIemto
    engageinproperworkinsteadofusingdeviousmeans
    tomakealiving.

    TherefOre,correctingourfaultstobeginanewis
    notsomethingreadilyaccomplislIed,butrequirestime
    andcontinuouseffort.Inthebeginningstages,difficultiesareunavoidable.Tobehaveinacourteous

    mannerwl]ilebeingcarelessandthoughtlessinspeech
    isabadl1abit.Sinceancienttimes,speeclIhasbeen
    consideredthesourceofbotlIgoodfOrtuneandmisfOrtune)soweneedtobeconstantlyawareofour
    speech
    ConfuciustauglItusfOurstudies,thefirstofwl1ich
    isvirtuousconductthatisbasictobeingadecent

    person.Today,wewouldcalltlIismoraleducation
    Howeverthiskindofeducationrarelyestsinour

    society,aspeopletodayarelessconcernedaboutit.
    Thesecondstudyisspeech26Confuciusstressedthe
    importanceofourspeakingproperlyandrespectfully
    sot}Iatwewouldnotharmotherswithourlackof
    consideration.

    Weoftenburtotherswithourcarelessspeech

    Thosewehurtmaytakeoffenseandbeargrudges,and
    inthefuturewillseekrevenge.Thus)manyproblems
    arecreatedoutofmisunderstandingsandresentments
    arisebecauseofwhatwehavesaid<TlIespealKerhad
    nosuchintention,thelistenerinterpretedittobeso.
    ,,

    97

    Weneedtobecarefulandrestrainedinourspeech
    Andankly,tbereisnoneedtotalkalot.Intalldng
    lesswewillcommitfewermistakes.

    Forourselfattainment,cl1antingAmituofois
    enoughWesl1ouldalsoencourageotherPureLand
    practitionerscultivatingpurityofmindtochantAmituofOaswellInthisway,whenwefindourselves
    subjectedtohearinggossip,wewouldjustrespond
    withAmituofO.Iftheygossipmore,thenagainsay,
    <<AmituofO/LettlIemhearthisseveraltimesAfter

    theyarefinisbedtalking,wewillhavelistenedbut
    disregardedwl>attheysaidWewi>lonlyhavesaid
    AmituofO))totl1em.ThisisgoodfOritisbestnotto
    saymuchWehaveseenthatLiaofanhadthebad
    l1abitoftalkingtoomuch
    Therestrictiononintoxicantsisoneoftl1efivema-

    jorpreceptsinBuddhismTheBuddl1aprolIibited
    alcoholbecausemanypeoplebehavefOolishlywhen
    intocatedTl1erefOre,thepreceptclearlystatesthat
    wearenotevensupposedtotakeonedrop.Why?
    TherewastlIefeartl1atwewouldlosecontrolandtl1is

    leadstoproblemssuchasbrealdngadditionalprecepts.Ifwecandrinkamoderateamountofalcol1ol
    andnotbecomeintoxicated,tlIentl1ereisanexception
    totlIisprecept.
    Intl>epastwhenIwasstudyinginTaizhong,Taiwan,mylateteacherMr.LiBingnanlecturedonthe

    BokRBs.27Mr.ZhengKangcl1engalearned
    scholarwholivedduringtheEastHandynastywrote
    98

    acommentaryontheBooARSthatcombined
    insigbtwithvirtue.Mr.ZhengwasastudentofMr.
    MaRongwhoinlIisowntimewasalsoanexceptional
    scbolarHowever,beingnarrow-minded)Mr.Ma
    wouldbecomeextremelydispleasedwlIeneveroneof
    hisstudent)sacl1ievementssurpassedhisandMr
    Zl1eng,sachievementsdidpreciselytl1at.Unableto
    resignhimselftothesituation,Mr.Mahiredsomeone
    tokillhisoutstandingstudent!
    WhenMr.ZlIengtookleave{TomlIisteacl1er,Mr.
    Matookallhisstudentstoapavilionseveralmilesout
    oftownfOrafarewellgatheringandencouragedeveryonetostarttoasting.Eventually)Mr.Zl1engdrank
    threelIundredtoasts!Mr.MahadplannedtogetMr.
    ZlIengdrunk,tomakeitmuclIeasierfOrtbekillerto
    carryouttlIeplan.Hehadnoideathatalcoholwould
    l1avenoeffectonMr.Zheng,wboremainedcourteous
    andproper.Mr.Lisaidthatifeveryonewasableto
    drinkthismuchwithoutbeingaffectedthenBuddl1a
    Shalqamuniwouldneverhaveneededtoestablishthis
    precept!
    WeneedtounderstandwhyBuddhaShabamuni
    gaveustlIisaswellasotherpreceptsWhenlayBuddl1istpractitionerscook,itisallrighttousecooldng
    winefOrflavoringbecausetheywillnotbecomeintoxicatedAlso,asalcoholcanimprovepoorblood
    circulation,itispermissiblefOrt}1eelderlytodrinka
    glassatmealtimesThesearesimplyexceptions,not
    violationsoftl>eprecepts
    99

    Similarly)tl1erearefivepungentvegetablesthat
    BuddIistsarediscouragedomeating:oniongarlic
    chives,greenonions,andleeks.GarIicespecially.Why
    didtheBuddhaprohibittlIese?TbeStJmI>gamaStJ[rH
    explainstlIatpurityofmindismostimportantinour
    cultivation.However,ifwehavenotreaclIedacertain

    levelofattainment)ourintakeoffOodanddrinkcan

    adverselyaffectourjudgmentOncewebaveachieved
    acertainlevelandaremasterofourminds,wewillbe

    abletoaffecttheenVronmentinsteadofbeingaf
    fectedbyit.T}Ientherewillbenoobstacles.
    Tl1eBuddhatoldustlIatwhenweeattl]esefive

    vegetablesraw,itincreasesourirritabilityEating
    tlIemcookedcanincreaseourhormoneproduction
    andsexualurgesSo,therearereasonswhytheBuddhasetuptheseprecepts.WlIetlIereatenrawor
    cooked,thefivevegetablesarefOrbiddenbecausethey
    increaseafflictions.

    Somelaypeoplehavesaidthatiftl1eycannoteat
    tbesefivevegetables,tlIentheyarenotinterestedin
    becomingvegetarians.Weneedtounderstandthe
    purposebelIindthisprohiI)ition.Ifthesevegetables
    areusedasseasoningslikewhenweuseoneortwo
    clovesofgarlictoflavorourcooking)tlIenitwillnot
    causeanyharm.Thus,wlIenweunderstandtlIereasoning,wewillseethatBuddlIismisverylogical,
    flexible,andsensible.

    Thereareexceptionstostrictlyobservingthepreceptsevenafterwehavereceivedthem.Theseexcepl00

    tionsenableustointroduceBuddhismtoothersand

    togetalonghappilywitheveryone.TberefOre,atcertainfimctions,weneedtobehavewisely)toadapt
    ourselvestothecircumstances.Becauseitisanuni-

    maginablyrareopportunityfOronetoencounterthe
    teachings>weshouldmakeuseofanyandallopportunitiestointroducetheteachingstoothersEvenover
    drinksandduringmealtime,wecanexplainBuddl>ism
    tothemtoplanttherootofgoodness.Thesearerare
    educationalopportunitiesnottobewasted.
    Ittookmemorethantenyearstocomplete
    tlIetl1reetl1ousandmeritoriousdeedsIl1ad
    vowedtodoIwasunabletodedicatetl1e

    meritsfromthesethreet}Iousandgooddeeds
    atatempleuntilIreturnedtomyhometown
    inthesoutb,afewyearslater.AttlIattimeI
    hadtlIeopportunitytoasktwomonksto
    dedicatetl1emfOrme.

    BecauseLiaofanhadapostwithtl1earmytl1atrequiredconstanttraveling,hedidnothaveacl1anceto
    dedicatetlIemerits.Itwasnotuntiltheyearafterbe
    hadfulfilledhispledgeofthreethousandgooddeeds
    thatl1ehadthechancetodoso.Heengagedtl1eserv1cesofsomemonksatatempletodedicatetl1emerits
    onbisbelIalf.Whenhehadmadel1ispledge,heexpressedhissincerityandearnestnessinturningovera
    newleafandinaccumulatingmeritsandvirtues.
    Uponcompletionofhisthreethousandvirtuous
    l0l

    deeds,hededicatedthemtorepayhisgratitudeand
    fOrthefUlfillmentofhiswish

    Tl1en,Imademysecondwishandtl1atwas
    fOrason.IvowedtocompleteanotlIerthree
    thousandgooddeeds.Afewyearslater,your
    mot}1ergavebirthtoyouandnamedyou
    Tianqi

    Liaofanwasnotdestinedtohaveason,buthaving
    madetlIewishfOrone,fOunditwasfulfilled<Proper

    seekingwillenhancethegain/)HeattainedlIiswislI
    duetocorrectseekingandcultivation.BefOrehehad
    completedtl1esecondthreetbousandgooddeeds,his
    wifegavebirthtotheirfirstson>Tian[liFromtlIis,we
    canseethatifwesincerelyandproperlymakeawish,
    itwillcometrue.AlthougbhehadgainedasonbefOre
    completingl1ispledgeofthetbreethousandgood
    deeds>lIestillhonoreditItwasthesameaswlIatbad

    previouslytranspiredHetooktheimperialexamination,butbefOrelIecouldfUlfiIIispledgehecamein
    firstinsteadofthedestinedthirdplaceThisistobein
    accordanceandtlIeresultsomsuchaccordanceare

    trulyinconceivable

    EverytimeIperfOrmedagooddeed,Iwould
    recorditinabookYourmotberwbocould

    notreadorwritewoulduseagoosefeather

    dippedininkShemadearedcircleontlIe
    calendarfOreverygooddeeds}1edidSomel02

    timesshegavefOodtotlIepoororbouglIt
    livingcreaturesinthemarketplaceandfiFeed
    tl1eminthewildSherecordedallofthese

    witlIhercirclesonthecalendar.Attimes,
    sl1ecouldaccumulatemoretbantencircles

    inoneday!

    Ifwel1avethebearttofreecaptiveanimals,we
    needtobecarefillnottobedeceivedManypeoplego
    topetstorestobuytheanimalsjusttoreleasethem
    However,tl1eseanimalswerespecificallycapturedfOr
    thispurpose.IfwedidnotcreatetlIedemand)the
    storeswouldnottrytofillitbycapturingmore!Tl1is
    putsincreasednumbersofanimalsatriskandcauses
    moreharmthangoodAsaresult,weaccumulate
    offensesratberthanmeritsandvirtues.

    TberefOrewhenwewanttoeeanimalsweneed

    todosoonlywithtl]osetlIatweinadvertentlycome
    uponwhenwegogroceryshopping.Donotseektl1em
    deliberatelyfOrtodosoistohaveanintentioninstead

    ofdoingitnaturally.Aswehappentocomeuponone,
    weneedtodetermineifitwillbeabletosurvIveonits

    own.Ifnot)itwouldbebestnottobuyitbutinstead
    usethemoneytoaccomplishsomeothermeritsand
    virtues.Weneedtoactwisely,notimpulsivelyor
    emotionally.
    ThemeaningoffTeeingcapturedcreaturesdoesnot
    justincludesettinganimalsorbirdsfTeeItalsoin-

    cludesbecomingavegetarianandencouragingothers
    l03

    nottokilllivingbeingsbuttocarefOrthem.Forexamplewecanprintandfreelydistributecopiesofthe
    bookcalledtlIeLonb.Tl1isbookcanl1elpmore
    childrennurturetlIeirlovefOrlivingcreatures.Doing
    this,wewilltrulyachievetheessenceofeeingliving
    creatures

    WeneedtounderstandthespiritandtheprofOund
    meaningbehindwhatwearetaught,notjustdosometl1ingfOrthesakeofdoingit.AsfOrthepracticeof
    giving)tl1erearemanykinds>includingthegivingof
    wealth)teaching,andfearlessness.Eachhasitsown
    inconceivablyvastandprofOundmeanings.
    BothLiaofanandbiswifehadreainedfTom

    wrongdoingandpracticedgooddeeds.Obviously,they
    wereaccomplishingtheirgoalsmuchfasterthanbefOrewhentl1eyweresometimesunabletoaccomplish
    onegooddeedadaybuttookseveraldaystodoso.
    Thisiswhyittooktenyearstocompletetl1efirst
    pledgeoftl1reethousandvirtuousdeedsButnowtl1ey
    wereabletoaccomplishmorethantenaday,which
    wasavastimprovement.ItisverydifficulttorefOrm
    buttheybotl1hadtheperseveranceandthepatience
    todoso.Withoutthewillpowerandtl1edetermination,itisnoteasytoeradicateourbadhabitsand
    faults,andthisiswl1ymanyofusregressmorethan
    weprogressonthepathtoenlightenment.

    EverydaywepracticedlikethisandinfOur
    years,tbethreethousanddeedswerecoml04

    pletedAgain>Iinvitedthesametwomasters
    tomaketbededications,tlIistimeatour

    homeOnthel3thdayoftl1enintlImontlIof
    thatsameyear>Imademyt}1irdwislIand
    thatwastopassthehighestleveloftheimperialexamination.Ialsovowedtocomplete
    tent}1ousandmeritoriousdeeds.Aftert}1ree

    years,IattainedmywishandpassedtlIeexamination.Iwasalsomadethemayorof
    Baodicounty.
    ItonlytookfOuryears)froml58Otol583)tocompletethesecondpledgeofthreethousandgooddeeds,
    whereasithadtakenovertenyearstoaccomplishtlIe
    firstsimilarpledge.
    Liaofanwasnotdestinedtopassthisparticularexamination.HisdestinyalsodidnotincludelIavinga
    sonbutheattainedonethroughhisseeMngandpractice.Itwouldalsobeavariableif}Iiswishtopassthe
    examinationweretocometruealtl1ougl1hewasnot
    destinedtopassitEverytlIingthatMasterYungul1ad
    taughtl1improvedtobetrue.Nowhepledgedtocompletetent}Iousandgooddeeds.Inl586,onlytl1ree
    yearsafterhispledgeaseected,heattainedl1is
    wisl1inpassingtheexamination.

    Afterthis,hewasassignedbytheimperialgovernmenttobetl1emayorofBaodicounty,wl1ichwas
    closetoBeijing.Tl1ispositionlIadnotbeeninlIis
    originaldestinyPreviously>l1ehadbeendestinedto
    l05

    beamagistrateinacountyinSichuancounty,in
    SoutbwestChinafarfTomBeijing

    Ipreparedasmallbooktorecordmymerits
    andfaultsandcalledittheBooACiJAr-

    iJgelEverymorning,whenIbegan
    workintheofficemyservantwouldbring
    thebookand}1avet}Ieguardplaceitonmy
    deskIwouldrecordmyeverydeed-goodor
    bad-nomatterhowsmallAtnight,Isetup

    analtarinthecourtyardandputonmyofficialuniformtoemulatetl1ewayofMr.Zhao,
    anofficerintheSongdynasty.Iburnedincenseandreportedallmydeedstothel1eavenSo

    Thisl1elpsustounderstandhowhefeltaboutmanagingpublicaffairsafterhecameintoofficeandofhis
    wis}1tocreategoodfOrtuneforothers.Atthetime
    cityorcountymayorswerenotelectedbutwerechosenbytheimperialgovernment.Liaofanwasavery
    goodcountymayor.28Herefrainedfromwrongdoing
    cultivatedgooddeeds,andaccumulatedmeritsand
    virtues

    Atthebeginningofhistermofoffice,l1eprepareda
    blankbookandnamedittlIeBokofOIiZmge
    InZHeusediteverydaytorecordbisgoodorbad

    thoughtsanddeeds,sothatl1ecouldbewatchfulover
    themtoseewhenhewouldbeabletofulfilll1ispledge
    oftentl1ousandgooddeeds.
    l06

    Atnightheopenlyreportedtothegodsandspirits
    everytbinghelIaddonethroughouttbeday,apractice
    fOllowedbymanypeopleTobepureinbodyand
    mind,theywouldhonestlyadmittoeverything.Buddhistscallthis<confessingandapologizingtothe
    public.))
    Once,yourmotherwasconcernedwhenshe
    sawt}IatIhadnotaccumulatedmuchmerit

    Inthepast>shehadbeenableto}Ielpmein
    ouraccumulationofgooddeedsandwewere
    abletocompletethethreethousandmeritoriousdeeds.Now,Ihadmadeavowtocom-

    pletetenthousandmoredeedsbutthere
    werefeweropportunitiestopracticethemat
    thegovernmentresidenceSbeworried
    abouthowlongitwouldbebefOremyvow
    couldbefUlfilled

    BefOre}Iebecameagovernmentofficial,Liaofan
    wasnotasbusywithworkItwasalsoeasyforlIiswife
    toassisthimindoinggoodacts.Butasanofficial,he
    andhiswife>ivedinagovernmentresidence.Atthe
    time,tlIerewaslittlecontactbetweenthoseintlIe

    officialresidence,especiallytheirfamilymembersand
    thepublicTherefOre,hiswifewasnolongerableto
    helpbiminhiscultivationandaccumulation.She

    worriedwbentheywouldbeabletofUlfilltbepledge.
    ThatnightIdreamedofaheavenlybeing
    l07

    andtoldhimofmydifficultyincompleting
    thetenthousandgooddeeds.ThelIeavenly
    beingremindedmethatuponbecoming
    mayor,Ihadreducedtbetaxesontbefarmlands.Thatonegooddeedwaswortbten
    tl1ousandmeritsMyvowwasalreadyful
    filled!

    Wl1enIbecamemayor,thefarmersinBaodi
    countywerelIighlytaxedsoIreducedthetax
    bynearlybalf.But)Ifeltbewilderedandstill
    }IaddoubtsHowcouldjustonedeedbe
    worthtenthousandmerits?

    TlIetaxreductionwassubstantialandlIadbene-

    fitedalltlIefarmersintbecountyActuallyfarmore
    tbantentl1ousandfarmersintl1ecountylIadbenefited;thus,tlIishadeasilyfUlfilledtlIepledge.However,hewasuncomfOrtablefortworeasonsHowhad
    theheavenlybeingknownwhathehaddoneandhow
    couldtbisoneacthavebeenworthsomanymerits
    andvirtues?

    Fromthis,wecanseewhyitissaidtl1ataposition

    inthegovernmentisagoodplacetoaccumulatemeritsandvirtues.Averagepeopleusuallydonothavethis
    kindofopportunitytocultivatesucl1goodfOrtuneand
    merit.IfLiaofan}1adnotbecomeacountymayor,l1ow
    manyyearswouldithavetakenlIimtocompletel1is
    pledge?Atthattime,hehadtheopportunitytobenefit
    tl1ousandsoffarmerswitl1onedeedbecausehel1elda
    l08

    governmentoffice.Tbus}Iisonegooddeedwas
    equivalenttotenthousand
    Itiseasytoaccumulatemeritsandjustaseasyto
    commitwrongdoings.Ifapublicpolicydoesnotbenefitpeople,butprovesbarmful,thisactwillbecometen
    thousandoffenses.GoodfortuneormisfOrtunede-

    pendsonourthougbts.Thehigherourposition>tlIe
    greaterarethepossibilitiesforcreatinggoodfOrtune
    ormisfOrtune.Porexamplealeaderofacountrycan
    implementonepolicy,whichifitprovesbeneficialto
    allthecitizenswillactuallyaccomplishthousands,
    evenmillionsofgooddeedsOntheotlIerhand,ifthe
    leaderimplementsapolicythatprovesharmfUlt}Ien
    heorshewill}Iavecommittedthousands,evenmillions,ofbaddeeds.

    Asmostpeople>sopportunitiesaremorelimited)
    theyarerestrictedinthegoodorbadtheycandoIfa
    personhasstatus,andthushastheopportunity)heor
    sheneedstobecautiousinhisorhereveryaction.By
    cultivatinggooddeeds,beorshewillhaveabright
    future.Todootherwisewillensurethatheorsl1ewill

    fallintotheThreeBadPathstosuffert}Iere.WlIy?
    Duetohisorherhighstatus,dIeresultsfromthat
    personsactionsaremorefar-reaclIingtlIanthoseof
    averagecitizens.

    CoincidentallytheZenMasterHuanyuwas
    travelingfromWutaiMountainandstopped
    inBaodi.Iinvitedhimtothegovernment
    >09

    residence,toldl1imofmydream,andasked
    w}Ietheritwasbelievable.MasterHuanyu
    said:(Ifonedoesagooddeedwithsucba
    trueandsincereheartwitbouteectationof
    reward,tlIenonedeedcanindeedbeworth

    themeritsoftentlIousandBesides,youract
    ofreducingthetaxesintlIiscountybenefits
    morethantentlIousandpeople!))
    NotlongafterhelIadhisdream,hehappenedto
    meetaZenmasterandaskedbimiftlIefulfillmentof

    thepledgewaspossible.ItwouldhavebeenwonderfUl
    iflIispledgewasindeedcompleted!Ifitwasnottrue,
    thenhewouldgraduallyworktoaccomplishtl1ese
    deeds.MasterHuanyutold}]imyes,onedeedsincerelydonecanbeworththemeritsoftentl]ousand
    gooddeeds.
    Tbisprinciple,(tocultivateoneistocultivateall>)
    waselainedintheAJaZamsaAaStJKIaItisthelearningandcultivationofnon-hindrance.Everything
    arisesfTomourtruenature.Ifthecultivationisin

    accordancewiththetruenature>tbenitcanbere-

    gardedascultivatingallIfwedogooddeedsthatare
    notomourtruenatureandbecauseweareseeldng

    wewillonlyreceivewbatweseeknotl1ingmore.If
    weseekfromthetruenature,thennotonlywillwe
    attainwhatweseek,butalsowewillgaininfinite
    benefits.

    Whatisthenatureofthemind?Anexample,whicl1
    ll0

    iseasytounderstand,iscalledpurityofmindinthe
    PureLandschoolW}Ienourmindsarepure,allof
    ourdeedswillbegoodThus,wewillaccumulatefar
    morethanjusttentbousandgooddeeds.Buddha
    AmitablIaisanameofmillionsofvirtues.Aswe

    graduallycometounderstandthetruereality,wewill
    realizethatwlIatMasterOu-Yisaidwaslogical,that
    BuddbaAmitabhaencompassesalltheinfinitewaysof
    practiceHesaid:<Ifweareabletobemindfulof
    BuddlIaAmitab}Ia,tbenwewillunderstandallt}Ie
    wisdomoftheBuddhistCanonWecanalsoattain

    awakeningwiththeguidanceoftheseventeen}IundredstoriesoftheZenschool)

    ThepracticeofZenBuddbismandtheother
    schoolsallareencompassedwithinAmituofOMaster
    Ou-Yialsosaidthatthreetbousandkindsofdignified
    manners,eightythousandminutecourtesies,and
    threedivisionsofpreceptsareallwitbinAmituofoAl!
    tlIeprecepts,alltheBuddhistteachings,andail
    worldlyteacbingsarealsoincludedwit}IinAmituofO
    Allmetbodsandwaysofpracticearewithintbisname
    fOr(oneisalI,allisone)>Whenwe}Iaveachieved

    purityofmind)thenwewillhaveperfectlyaclIieved
    innumerablemethodsTherearestillmanyw}Iodonot
    yetlmowtheinfiniteadvantagesfoundinthename
    AmituofO

    Whenwegiverisetothougbts,alltheBuddbas,
    Bodhisattvas,andspiritsof}Ieavenandearthlmow
    tbem.SincetlIetruemindbasnolimitorboundary,
    lll

    whenwedoeventheslightestgooddeediftbisone
    tlIoughtarisesfromourtruenatureitwillaccordwith
    thetruemindThen)nomatterlIowsmalltbedeed,
    tberesultwillbenefittheentireuniverse.Liaofanhad

    yettoreaclIthisstateofmindHebadonlybenefited
    thepublicintheplIenomenalaspect.
    Wl1enwedoagooddeedwitbasincereheart,this
    deedcanindeedbeworththemeritsoftentbousand

    gooddeedsMasterHuanyutoldLiaofanthatl]isact
    ofreducingthetaxesinthecountylIadrelievedtl1e
    sufferingofheavytaxesonalltlIefarmersandl1ad
    benefitedmorethantenthousandpeople.However,
    Liaofanhadyettounderstandthis,ashiscompletion
    ofthetenthousandgooddeedswasdonefromthe
    pbenomenalaspectIflIebaddoneso{Tomhistrue
    nature,thatisifhehadcultivatedfromlIistruemind,

    thenthatonegooddeedwouldnotl1avebeenworth
    justtl1emeritsoftenthousandbutofinnumerable
    gooddeeds!
    Ifweseesomeoneinneedandunreservedlygive
    himonedollar,thenthemeritoftlIisaccordswithour
    truenaturebecauseatthattimewedidnothavedif

    ferentiatingthoughtsofothersandus.Wedidnot
    distinguisbbetweenreceiveranddonor.Wewerenot
    attachedInthiswaythemeritsfromgivingonedollar
    areinfinitefOrtheyaretheuncoveringofourvirtuous
    natures

    Themeritfromgivingmillionsofdollarsmaybe
    lessthanthatofonedollarsincerelygiven.Why?We
    llZ

    mayIavegiventhismoneyomourEightConscious
    nessesTismindofdiscriminatorythoughtsand
    attachmentsislimitedandt}Ius,weareunableto

    breaktbroughtbisobstacleofdiscrimination
    ThereasonwlIyourmeritscannotcomparewith
    thoseofBuddhasandBodbisattvasisthedifferences

    inourmindsinourintentionsT}IeenVronment

    cl1angesaccordingtothemindAsordinarypeople,we
    areverynarrow-minded;t}Ius,nomatterbowmuch
    goodfOrtuneor}Iowmanymeritswecultivate,weare
    boundbyourdiscriminatorythoughtsandattachments.ButtbesenolongerbindBod}Iisattvasand
    Arhats.EvenwbentbeyperfOrmasmalldeed,their
    meritsareinfiniteInunderstandingt}Iisprinciple,our
    everytboughtwillbeperfect,andourmeritsand
    virtueswillbeinfinite.Liaofancouldnotyeteven
    imaginethisstateofmindSo,hepracticedfiFomtbe
    aspectofphenomena,andtbus,hebenefitedonlyten
    tbousandpeople.
    Uponbearingthis,Iimmediatelygaveallmy
    savIngsfOrhimtotakebacktoWutaiMountain.IaskedhimtousethemoneyfOrafOod
    offeringfOrtenthousandmonksandtodedicatethemeritsfOrme

    ItwasraretoseeapersonlikeLiaofan>whowitlIouthavingtothinkgavelIissavIngstoprovidemeals

    fOrtenthousandmonks.Usually,wbenlaypeople
    wishedtobegeneroustheywouldprovidemealsfr
    ll3

    onetl1ousandmonksornuns29butLiaofanwantedto

    dosofortenthousand,tofUlfillhisgreatvowoften
    tbousandgooddeeds.
    MrYouexplainedinhiscommentary:(<Someone
    whomakessuchaquickdecisiontogivegenerously,
    witlIouttheslightestreluctantormiserlytl1ought,will
    gaininfinitegoodfOrtuneinreturn.>)SuchspontaneousgenerosityshowedthatLiaofanwasanhonest

    officialandnotatallcorruptforhegaveallofhis
    saVngstoprovidefOodfOrtenthousandpeopleHow
    muclImoneycouldhe}Iavel1ad?Hecamefromapoor
    buthonestfamily.Andhewassounusualinthatl1e
    deeplyunderstoodandbelievedinthelawofcausality
    Hewouldneverl1avetakenanythingthatwasnothis,
    somet}1ingnotreadilyacl1ievedbymostpeopleWl1en
    wedoactsofgoodnessmostofusdoverylittle.For
    example,wemigl1tgiveonelIundreddollarstoagood
    causeandfeelverypleasedwithourselves.Liaofan
    gaveeverythinghehadHewasaveryrareperson
    indeed

    Mr.KonghadpredictedthatIwoulddieat
    theageoffifty-tlIree.HoweverIsurvived
    tl1atyearwitl1outillnessalthougbIdidnot
    asktheheavensforalongerlife.NowIam
    sixty-nine.

    Liaofanwasdestinedtodieattheageoffifty-tlIree.
    Itwasanextremelyaccurateprediction.AfterencounteringaseveremisfOrtunebewoulddieinhishome
    ll4

    ontlIethdayoftheeighthmonthbetweenoneand
    tlIreeoclocldnthemorning.Liaofanwrotehisbook
    att}Ieageofsixty-nineHehadnotsougbttolive
    beyondfifty-threebuthepassedthatyearingood
    healthwitl1outencounteringanyseveremisfOrtune.
    ObviouslytlIeissuesofbirthanddeath,andof
    longlife)areoftheutmostimportanceinourlives.If
    longlifecanbesoughtwhatistherethatcannotbe
    sougbt?Wit}Ioutlonglife)itwouldbedifficulttoseek
    theattainmentandenjoymentoffame,wealth,prestigeandchildren.Thisseekingbastobedoneproperly,inaccordancewiththeteachings>fromtl]emind
    andl1eartofutmostsincerityIntl1isway,everytlIing
    canbeattained.

    Ifweweretoseekfromoutsideofourselvesthen

    asMasterYungusaid,wewouldloseombotIwitbin
    andwitl1out.Everythingthatisproperlyandsincerely
    soughtisattainable>whetherweareBuddbistsseeking
    goodfOrtune,wisdom,andrebirthintothePureLand
    orotbersseekinggoodfOrtune,longlives,andrebirth
    intolIeavenlndeed,wecanseektoattainmoregood
    fOrtune,anevenlongerlifeandgrandclIildren.Nothingisunattainable.WelIaveseenthatLiaofangained
    goodfOrtune)longlifeandchildrentototallysurpass
    theconstantinhisdestiny.Tbesewerewhathegained
    throughcultivationnotbecausetheyweredestined.

    TheBooAsmIyelainsDestinyexists
    butitischangeable.
    ll5

    Tl1eBosmU0isChinasoldestIistorical
    recordofthesystemsofdecreesandregulationsin
    ancienttimes.OurdestiniescanbeaccuratelyfOretold,bythecalculationoftbenumbers.Tl1econstant,
    predestination)doesexist)butitisverydifficultto
    believetlIatitwillstaythatwaybecausethereare
    variablesduetoadditionsubtraction,multiplication
    anddivision

    Liaofanl1adrefrainedfromcommittingwrongdoingsandbegantocultivategooddeeds,therebygraduallydecreasinghisbaddeedsandincreasinghisgood
    ones.Hisactofreducingtaxesbecameoneofmultiplicationnotaddition.Thus,tentlIousandgooddeeds
    wereperfectlycompletedinamatterofdays.
    Ifbowever,hehaddonemucl1evil,theninaninstant,itwouldhavebecomeanactofdivisionnot

    subtractionTherefOre,thereareindeedactionsresult

    inginadditionandsubtractionaswellasthoseresultinginmultiplicationanddivisiontl1atresultomour
    thoughtsandactionsThesearewbatcreateconsiderablevariancesThereareconstantsbuttheyarenot
    fixed;tlIeychange.
    TheBDOAsDyelainsthatdestinyexistsbut
    isdifficulttobebelievedbymostpeoplebecauseitis
    clIangeable.dccomReqesrandReonsefur
    tlIerelains:NeithermisfOrtunenorgoodfOrtune
    willcomewithoutreasonsandconditions;weincur

    them.))Inotherwords,tlIeyaretheretributionsfrom
    ourpastactions.
    ll6

    <Destinyisnotset,butiscreatedanddeterminedbyourselves.)>Allthisistrue.
    Tl1isisalsoomtheBooAfsmIyandstresses
    theimportanceofvirtuouscultivationandofhow

    variablescansurpassconstants.Theteachingsof
    ancientsagesandvirtuousonesarethetruthand
    tl1erefOreareunchangeableThenasnow)wecall
    tl1emsutras.,Wbenweapplytheteachingstoday
    tl1eyarestilltrue.
    Ifwedonotbelieveinthemandcl]ooseinsteadto

    f0llowouropinionsandtbuscommitwrongdoings,we
    willonlyincreaseouroffenses.Evenifweweretogain
    somesmallbenefit,wewouldonlygainsometl1ingtl1at
    weweredestinedtohave.IfwedonotlmowlIowto

    cultivatevirtuesthenwewillnotbeabletokeepwlIat
    weattain.NotonlycanwenotlIoldontoourwealtl1
    wecannotevenholdontoourlives!Andifwecannot

    holdontoourlives,tbenwhatistlIeuseofhaving
    greatwealtl1?
    T}IisworldmaybebesetwithdisastersanytimeWe
    mayloseourlivesanymoment.Thinkaboutitwl1atis
    thepointofhavinganythingelse?Itwouldallbeuseless,evenifweownedeverything.Itisclearlyexpressedin(SamantabbadraBodhisattva)sConductand
    VowsfTomtheAmmsaAaStJn.Aswebreatl1eour

    lastbreath,weareunabIetotakeanythingwit}Iusto
    thenextlife,whetheritisfamilymembers,friends
    prestige,orwealth;wetakenoneofthese!Whatwe
    l>7

    areabletotakewithusaretheTenGreatVowsof

    SamantabbadraBodhisattva,toconstantlykeepthem
    witlIusandtoguideustotbePureLand
    ItissaidinBuddhismthat(NothingcanbecaITied
    overtothenextlifeexceptourkarma.),Tl1eseare
    criticalwordsofcaution.Knowingtl1atourkarmawill
    followuslikeashadow>weneedtobediligentin
    cultivatinggooddeedsandnottocarryournegative
    karmawithus,fOrtodosowillleadusintotheThree
    BadPatbs.Coodkarmawillleadustobereborninto

    theTl1reeGoodPaths.AndpureMrmafiFomConstant
    MindfUlnessofBuddbaAmitabhawillleadustobe

    rebornintotheWesternPureLandPromthis,itis
    clearwhatweneedtodoint}Iislife.Weneedto

    broadenourperceptionsandeandourthinking
    insteadofbeingconcernedwithtrivialitiesorcalculatingourgainsandlossesLifeisverys}Iort.Itwouldbe
    oftremendousmerit,ifinthislifeweweretodomore

    goodness)tobenefitmorepeople.
    Ifafterreadingt}Ieteachingsofancientsagesand
    virtuouspeople,weareabletobelieve)acceptand
    abidebythemthenwewillreceiveinexhaustible
    meritsandbenefits.IfweareunabletobelieveintlIe

    teachingsthinkingtbattheyareunreliablefairytales
    tbentl1isisduetoourkarmicobstacles.Becauseof

    this,wewillmissthisunsurpassableandoutstanding
    opportunity

    IcametounderstandthatbothgoodfOrtune
    ll8

    andmisfOrtunearetheresultsofourownac-

    tions.Thesearetrulythewordsofsagesand
    virtuouspeoplelIfsomeonesaidthatgood
    fOrtuneandadversityaredeterminedbytlIe
    heavensIwouldconsiderthatpersonordinary

    ThesewereLiaofanswordsofawakening.Great
    sagesandvirtuouspeoplehavetruewisdomandare
    abletoclearlyseethetruerealityBuddhasandBodhisattvasareunsurpassedsages
    Tl1isstatementtalksaboutaconstant.WlIatMr.

    KonghadfOretoldofLiaofanIsdestinywasbasedon
    commontheoriesWl1atMasterYungutaugl1tl1imfOr
    changingl]isdestinyweretbeteachingsofsagesand
    virtuouspeopleKnowingthiswhywouldweneedto
    haveourfOrtunestold?Doweneedtoseekadvice

    omfengsl1uimasters?Ofcoursenot!Weneedto
    believeintheteachingsofsagesandvirtuouspeople,
    tolmowthatourdestiniesarewithinourcontroland

    tl1atwecanre-createourfUturestobebriglItand
    splendid
    Tianqi,myson,Iwonderwhatyourlifewill
    belike?WeshouldalwayspreparefOrthe
    worst.TlIerefOre,evenintimesofprosperity,

    actasifyouwerenot.Wbenthingsaregoing
    yourwaybemindfulofadversityWlIenyou
    l1aveenoughfOodandclothing,bemindfUl
    ofpoverty.
    ll9

    LiaofansdestinyhadbeenaccuratelyfOretoldbut
    hissonswasnot;thus,hedidnotImowwhatwould

    happentohimInactuality)t}Ierewasnoneedto
    lmow.Liaofantaughthimtbatitwasimportantto
    rememberthatevenintimesofprosperity,hewasto
    actasiflIewasnot.Evenifheobtainedgreatwealth
    andsocialposition)andbecameahiglI-rankingofficial
    witlIpowerandinfluence>heneededtorememberthe
    timeswhenhe}IadnoneW}Iy?BecauseinthefUture
    evenifwebecomeprosperous,wewillbeabletoremainhumbleandcourteousandnotarrogantlythink
    tbatwelIavewealthandprestigewhileotbersdonot.
    IfwecanremainmodesttlIenwewillnurturetrue

    virtueandgoodfOrtune
    Evenwheneverythingisgoingverysmoot}Ilywe
    needtorememberthedifficulttimes.Inthisway
    whenthingsaregoingourwaywewillremaincautiousToday>evenwlIenwel1avemorethanenough
    fOodandclotlIingweneedtobetbriftylfweconstantlydotl1iswhenwehavewealthandprestige,then
    wewillbeabletoimprovebothourmoralandcaring
    conduct.

    AgoodexampleisMrFanZhongyanwbowasfTom
    averypoorfamily.Wllenhewasyoungandstudying
    attempleshehadlittletoeat.Livinginastateof
    impoverislIment,hecookedapotofporridgeevery
    day,divideditintofOurportions)andateoneportiona
    mealWhenlIeprosperedlaterinlifeandbecame
    primeminister,hewasunderthedirectsupervisionof
    l20

    t}Ieemperorandwasinahigherpositionthaneveryoneelse.Buthestillmaintainedhissimplemannerof
    livingandcbangedverylittleWhenheearnedmore,
    hethoughtoft}Iosew}Iowerepoverty-striCkenand
    helpedthem.Fromhisbiography,welmowthatbe
    supportedovert}IreelIundredfamilies!WitbhisincomehelpingtoprovidefOrsomany,welmowtl]atlIe
    musthavelivedinimpoverishedconditions.
    HewastrulyoneofCbina,Sgreatsages.Theesteem
    thatMasterYinGuang}IadfOrhimwassecondonlyto
    ConfUciusMrFan,sdescendantscontinuedtopros-

    peruntiltlIeearlypartoftbe2Otbcenturybecausehe
    lIadfOsteredmeritsandvirtuestolastoveronehun-

    dredgenerations.TbefamilyofConfi1ciusisfOremost
    asanoldandwell-lmownfamily,followedbythatof
    Mr.FanwlIosefamilylineageremainedstrongfOr
    eigbthundredyearsduetohisexceptionalcultivation
    andaccumulationJfmeritsHisdescendantscontin-

    uedtl]efamilytraditionofbelpingothers.Throughout
    Cl]inesebistory>fewfamilieshaveaccumulatedtlIis
    mucbgreatvirtue
    WeneedtounderstandtlIatgreatgoodfortuneis

    thatwhichwesharewithothersfOrintbiswayour
    ensuinggoodfOrtunewillbecomeinexhaustible.

    WlIenlovedandrespectedbyall,remainapprel1ensiveandconservative.W}Ienthefam-

    ilyisgreatlyrespected,carryyourselfhumbly.AndwlIenyourlearningisextensiveand
    l2l

    profOund,alwaysfeelthatthemoreyou
    learnthelessyoulmow.

    ThereisanoldsayinginCbinaaboutbeingoverwl1elmedbyanuneectedfavor.ItisgoodfOrotlIers
    toloveandprotectus.However)weneedtothinkAre
    wewortlIyofthiscareandrespect?Weneedtobe
    constantlyapprehensiveaboutourdeficienciesto
    constantlyreHect,toprogressinourcultivationof
    virtuesandnotdisappointother)sexpectationsofus.
    Beingl1umbleandfeelingtbatwearenotknowledgeableenoughwillhelptoeradicateourarrogance
    ArroganceisoneofthefivemaJorafflictionsandis
    relatedtotheotherfOurofgreedangerignorance,
    anddoubtWecanpractice}IumilitytobegineradicatingafflictionsIfwedosocompletely,wewillbeable
    touncoverourvirtuousnaturesandtotrulyachievein
    ourcultivationofmerits.

    Forthepastwecanthinkofhowtoadvocatethevirtuesofourancestors.Forthe

    present)wecanthinkofhowtoconcealthe
    faultsofourparents.Forthecountry,we
    canthinlKofhowwecanrepayitskindness
    tousandfOrthefamilywecanthinkofhow
    tobringaboutitsgoodfortune.Forother

    peoplethinlKofhowtobelpthoseinneed
    aroundusandfOrwithinourselvesthinkof

    }Iowtopreventimproperthoughtsandactionsomarising
    l2Z

    Here,LiaofangivesusanimportantkeytorecreatingdestinyOurthoughtswillprovidetheguidelinesforincreasingourvirtuesandmorality,andfOr
    developinggooddeeds.Inthepast,Chineseeducation
    tauglItoftherelationshipsbetweenhumans,between
    humansandspirits,andbetweenhumansandnature.
    Ittaughtustoconstantlythinkfarintothepastto
    bonorandmakeknowntbevirtuesofourancestors.If

    wearerespectedbysocietyfOrourmoralprinciples,
    lmowledgeandwork,thenwearebonoringourancestors

    Intoday)ssocieI,whatisthedrivingfOrcebel1ind
    bardwork?Wealtb,fame,andprestigeMostpeople
    willdowbateverisnecessarytoacquiretheseIfthere
    werenowealthtogain,howmanywouldbewillingto
    worksohard?Veryfew!Intbepast,thedrivingfOrce
    behindpeople>shardworkwasfilia>pietyIntbeir
    mindfUlnessofancestorsandparents,theydidtlIeir
    besttoaccumulatemeritsandvirtuesontheirbehalf,
    andto}Ionort}]em.ThisdrivingfOrceismuchwort}Iierandnoblerthanthatofwealt}I,fameandprestige!ThishasbeenthetraditionofChineseculture
    andConfucianteac}IingfOrseveraIthousandsofyears.
    Buddhismisalsobasedonthefoundationoffilial

    pietyThus)theritualofmakingofferingstoancestors
    andtheestablis}Imentofancestralmemorial}Iallsare

    highlyregarded,asfilialpietyistbeultimaterootand
    fOundationofC}Iineseculture.Ifweareabletobe

    filialtowardsparentsandancestors,abletoremember
    >23

    ourroots,thenwewillnaturallybeabletothinkand

    conductourselvesproperlyandtorefTainfTomwrongdoings
    orthepresent,wecanthinklIowtoconcealthe

    faultsofourparents.Thisreferstothosewhoare
    closetous.Whenthechildrenarefilialandl1ave

    contributedtosocietytheneveniftl1eparentsbad
    committedminoroffensespeoplewilloverlookthese
    andpraisetl1eparentsfOrlIavingraisedsuchfilial
    clIildren.

    <Forthecountry)wecanthinkofhowwecanrepay
    itsldndnesstous.))Aboveusisthecountryorgovernment,whichhastlIemissionofbeingaresponsible
    leader,parentandteachertoitscitizens;ofproviding
    aplacewberepeoplecanliveandworkinpeaceand
    contentment.Inreturn,tl>ecitizenscanbeloyaland
    dedicatetl1emselvestotheircountry.
    orthefamily,wecantl1inkofhowtobringabout
    itsgoodfOrtune>)Belowusisthefamily.Beingmindfuloftl]efamilydoesnotjustmeantl1enuclearfamily,butthewlIolefamilyasitwasthoughtofinthe
    pastAsamemberweneedtobemindfi1lincreating
    familygoodfrtunefOrthewl1olenotjustfOrtbe
    immediatepart.TherefOre,whenonepersonachieves
    goodfrtunetheextendedfamilycanalsobenefit
    fTomit

    orotlIerpeople,thinkofhowtobelpthosein
    needaroundus.>Alwaysbearinmindtheinterestsof
    society.Weneedtodoallwecantoservesocietyand
    l21

    tocreategoodfOrtuneforallothersToday,themost
    urgentneedisrevIvInganddevelopingtbeeducation
    ofmorality
    orwithinourseIves,thinkofhowtopreventim-

    properthoughtsandactionsomarising.Weneedto
    suppresswanderinganddeviatedthougl1tsbemindfi1l
    ofwbatwearesupposedtodo,andletgoofexcessive
    ambitions.Ifallofuscandosoandfulfillourresponsibilities,societywouldbefortunateandharmonious,

    andtheworldwillbeatpeace.Menciusexplained:(If
    peopleofnobleclIaracterandintegritycanmeettheir
    responsibilities,thenthetrut}Icanberevealed)
    InConfucianteaching,thisaccountabilityrefersto
    thefivehumanrelationshipsincludingthosebetween
    husbandsandwives,parentsandchildren>siblings,
    iends,andpoliticalleadersandtbepublic.Weneed
    tofulfillourresponsibilitiestowardssocietyandothers
    earnestlyanddiligentlyinordertocreategoodfOrtune
    forourfamilyandsociety.
    Weneedtofindourfaultsdailyandtocorrectthemimmediately.Ifweareunableto
    detectourfaults,wewillthinkthateverythingwedoisrightWhenweareunableto
    correctourfauIts,improvementwillbeimpossible.
    Awakening-tlIebeginningofenlightenment-is
    beingabletodetectourfaultsdaily.Webeginthis
    processwhenwefirstbringfOrthourvowtobecome
    >25

    anequal-enlightenmentBodlIisattva.Aswediscover
    ourfaultsdaily,weneedtocorrectthem.Thisiscultivation.Itisthetrueachievementinthecultivationof

    greatsagesandvirtuouspeople>andisthekeyto
    changingourdestinies,toleavingsufferingbehind,
    andtoattainingl1appiness.Wl1enmostpeopleare
    unabletobecomevirtuouspeopleandsagesinone
    lifetimeandareunabletoachieveintheircultivation,

    theywillfindthattheproblemliesbere.
    Tolmowourfaultsdailyistoawakendaily.Once
    wediscoverafault)wesincerelycorrectit;tl1isishow
    wewillbuildourstrengthofcultivation.Weneednot
    domuchIfweweretofindandcorrectonefaulta

    daytbenwewouldbecomeasageorvirtuousperson
    inthreeyearS.
    AspractitionerswhochanttheBuddl1a)sname,if
    weareabletocorrectonefaultdailyandbemindfulof
    BuddhaAmitab}Iatheninthreeyear>stimewewillbe
    rebornintoeitherthehigbormiddlelevelsofthePure
    LandTbisisthewaytocultivatetobecomeaBud-

    d}Ia.Thequestionisw}IetlIerwearewillingtodoso
    earnestly.WearefOolingourselvesifweareunableto
    findonefaultdaily.InfailingtoknowtlIemwewill
    failtocorrectthem.Howcanwehopetoimprovein

    thisway?Whentbereisnoimprovement,t}Iereis
    regressionToregardourselvesasinfallibleandthat
    everythingwedoiscorrectist}Iemosthorriblewayto
    live

    l26

    TlIerearemanyintelligentpeopleinthe
    worIdwhocannotimproveineitbertheir
    cultivationofmoralityandvirtuesorintheir
    workTlIeirfailuresinthislifeareowedtoa

    singleword:laziness

    IfwelivefOrtlIepresentandarelazy>wewillremainboundbyourfatesHowwearebornanddie,
    wherewewilIgoafterwedieallaccordswithour
    destiniesMasterYungucalledpeoplelikethisordinary,p}Iilistineswhoblindlyfolloww}Iathasbeen
    destinedTheyarew}IattheBudd}Iacalled(pitiable
    beings.)>TheseprinciplesthatLiaofantaugbthisson
    aretheprinciplesfOrworldlyeducationaswellas
    Budd}Iismandmustnotbeignored
    Tianqi,theteachingsofMasterYunguare
    mostwortby,profound,real,andproper.I
    }IopethatyouwiIearntbemwellandpracticethemdiligentlyUseyourtimewisely
    anddonotletitslipbyinvain
    Liaofancarefi1llywrotedowntbeprinciplesand
    methodsthatthemasterbadtaughthiminchanging
    hisdestinyandpassedthemontohisson,hopingtbat
    hetoowouldcultivatefOllowingthismetl1odLiaofan
    hadreceivedremarkableresultsomtIispracticeand
    thusfirmlybelievedinalltheprinciplesandmethods
    tbatthemasterhadtaught.
    WeneedtobeveryfamiliarwithMasterYungus
    l27

    teachings,toponderandappreciatethemWl1enwe
    areconstantlymindfUloftheteachingswewillsavor
    tl1em,usethemastl1ebasisforourbel1avior>and
    practicethemdiligently.DonotwastetlIislifetime

    l28

    TbeSecondLesson:

    WaystoRefrrn
    eReaSOIMOReImAmt

    sbITmesanddccJmGodbITme

    ASignforGoodFortuneandMisfortune
    Thefirstlesson,wbichisaboutcauseandeffect,
    concentratesonbuildinguptheconfidenceinan
    individualsabilitytoalterdestinyandthewaysin
    wbichtodoso.ThesecondandthirdlessonsemplIasizethemethodstoaccomplishtlIis;tbus,tl1eyare
    concernedmainlywitlIthewaystorefiBainfrom
    wrongdoingsandthewaystoaccumulatevirtues.

    DuringtlIeSpring-AutumnPeriod3lChina
    wasdividedintoseveralsmallnations.Many

    prestigiousadvisersofthesenationswere
    abletoaccuratelypredictwhetherapersons
    futurewouldbefOrtunateorunfOrtunate

    basedontbeirobservationoftlIatpersons

    speec}IandbehaviorManyofthesearerecordedinz1gaddnJmnAnaA32
    LiaofantoldTianqitbatthereweremanyadvisers
    duringthisperiodwhocouldaccuratelypredict
    whetheraperson,sfUturewouldbegoodorbad,or
    fOrtunateorunfOrtunatebasedontlIeirobservations

    oftl1epersonsspeechandbehavior.Onanindividual
    l29

    basistbeycouldpredictaperson)ssuccessorfailure.
    Onamuchlargerscale,theycouldpredictacountry)s
    riseandfall.

    Theseindividualsintbisperiodl1adsuchexceptionalabilitiesinobservingothersbecausetlIeyundersoodtlIelawofcausalityWhenourspeechandactionsaregood,andwearedignifiedandconsiderate)it
    issafetosaytlIatwewillpossessgoodfOrtuneanda

    promisingfuture.OntlIeotherhand)ifourspeechis
    harsbandouractionsivolousthenourfUturewillbe

    dismal.Evenifweseemtobedoingwellnow,tbis
    periodofsuccesswillbeshort-lived,likeabrieHy
    bloomingflower.Sinceourspeechandactionsdetermineourfuture,weneedtobecautiousineverything
    wesayanddo.

    Asarule,therearesignsthatsignalimpendingdangerorthecomingofgoodfOrtune.
    Thesesignsrisingomwithinaredueto
    one,stlIoughtsandfeelingsbeingrevealedin
    }Iisorherbebavior.

    Thisappliestoindividualsaswellastocountries.

    Precedingeveryoccurrenceisasignthatoriginates
    fTomtlIeinitialintentionandisseeninthougl>tsand
    belIavior.Tl1isiswlWcalmandlogicalpeopleareable
    toobserveandthenpredictfuturechanges.Theycan
    seeanation}sriseandfallthroughitspeople>sdesires
    andactionsJustbyobservingwhatpeopleofalllevels
    ofsocietytbinkanddo,wecanoftenfOreseeacoun>30

    try>sfUture,whetheritisgoingtoprosperordecline.
    Tl1esameappliestofamilies.Tl1emannerinwhich
    tlIememberst}Iinkandbebavewillgreatlyaffectits
    successorfailureAndthisistruefOrindividualsas

    wellTl1ereisasignfOreverythinganditisusually
    obvioustowiseandknowledgeablepeople.
    UsuallyapersonismorefOrtunatewhen
    tendingtowardkindnessbutinvitestrouble
    w}IentendingtowardcrueltyOrdinarypeopleoftendonotknowwhatisreallyhappening.ItisasiftheirvisionwereblurredSince
    theycannotseethetruth,theyclaimtlIat
    goodfOrtuneandmisfortunesareunpredictable.

    (<Kindnessreferstoourbeartsandbehavior.Truly
    kindpeoplewillhelpothersevenwhentheytlIemselvesarelIarmedintbeprocess.Thosewhoarestrict
    withthemselvesbutlenientwithothersareboundto

    l1aveanabundanceofgoodfortunelaterintheirlives.
    OntbeotlIerhand,apersoninvitestroublewlIenhe
    orsheiscruel.Thosewhoareself-indulgentanddisdainfUlofothersareplantingtheseedsfOrfuture
    misfOrtunebuttheycannotseethesigns.
    Forordinarypeople,itwouldseemthattbeirvision
    isblurredortheireyeslIavebeenblindfOldedItseems
    thatthereisnowaytofOretelldestinywlIenactually,
    alltl1esignsarerightbefOretheireyes.Wboseeks
    advicefromfOrtune-tellers>T}Ieseordinarypeople.
    l3l

    WhatLiaofantoldhissonnextisveryimportant

    andweneedtopaycloseattentionandlearnomit.
    Whenwearesincereandhonest,ourhearts
    willaccordwitbthewillofheaven.

    ThisisthemainprincipleWemustbesincerein
    allouractions,neitlIercheatingothersnorfOoling
    ourselves.Tbewillofheaven>)iswhatBuddbismcalls

    t}Ietruenature.Itisthestateofbavingnowandering

    tboughts,onlythosethatarevirtuousWhenweare
    absolutelylIonestandtruthfUl,ourheartswillagree
    withthewillofheaven.Evenifwearepresentlyundergoinghardships)theywillsoonbeoverandtlIenwe
    willenjoyabundantgoodfortune.TberefOreeverythingwethink,say,anddoneedstoarisefromsincerity.
    <<TlIesincereandhonestheart>>istheessenceoftbe

    eightguidelinestaughtbyConfUcius.Weaccomplish
    thisbyseveringourdesiresanduncoveringourtrue
    nature.Failingtodothis,wewillbeunabletoaccomplisbultimatesincerityWbenseveringdesires)wl1at
    arewecuttingofRTl1eSixDustsorpollutingfactors
    ofsight,hearing)smell)taste)touchandthoughtand
    theFiveDesiresfOrwealth,lustfame)fOod,and

    sleepIftbesedesirescannotbereducedourbearts
    willbeconstantlyaffectedbyoursurroundings.How
    cansuchaheartremainsincere?

    Evenifwecannotcompletelydiscardthesedesires,
    wecanworktograduallylessenthem.Mostofusare
    l32

    immersedinwanderingthoughtsthataccomplish
    notbing.Itwouldbebestifwecanabandonthese
    thougl1tsandsomeoftheenjoymentst}IatweexperiencethroughoursIxsenses,andbemoreconsiderate
    ofotlIers.Ifwewelcomeotherstoshareinourgood
    fOrtune,thenitwillbecomeevengreatergoodfOrtune
    Onceweunderstandthis,weneedtoactonit.

    WlIenIbeganstudyingandpracticingBuddhism,a
    dedicatedBuddhist)MrZhu>ingzhougavemeacopy
    ofLjobfbIrLessons.Afterreadingit,IreHected
    onmylifeandrealizedthatIhadtbesamefaultsand
    destinyasLiaofanlIadItoowassupposedtohavea
    veryshortlife.Manypeople>whowereabletolmow
    thefUture,includingCanzhuLivingBuddl1a,33toldme
    tlIatIwoulddieyoung.IbelievedthemandwasconvincedthatIwasnotgoingtolivepasttheageoffOrtyfive.TlIerefOre,whenIbecameamonk,Ibasedmy
    studyingonmypresumedearlydeathbecausethatwas
    alltl1etimeIlIadIdidnotaskfOralongerlifeAs
    expected)atfOrty-fiveIfellseriouslyill
    AttbattimeMasterLingyuanfromGilong)sDajue
    Templewas}Ioldingasummerretreatandinvitedme
    tolectureontheStIIHIJgamaStJm.IbadonlyreaclIed
    tbethirdchapterwhenIbecameillIdidnotgotosee
    adoctorortalKeanymedicationbecauseIrealizedtl1at
    mytimewasup.Isimplystayedhomeeverydayrecited<<AmituofO>andquietlywaitedfOrmydeatlIand
    subsequentrebirtlIintotlIePureLandHowever,after
    amontlI,notonlydidInotdiebutIalsoregainedmy
    l33

    lIealth!Inalltl1eseyears,asIpracticedaccordingto
    thismethodandbegantoseetheresults,Il1avefelt
    increasinglyconfidentintheprincipleofchanging

    destiny.Now,IhaveletgoofeverythingandIfeel
    evenmoreliberated

    Tl1erefOre,inordertogain)wemustfirstletgo.If
    wearereluctanttoletgo,thenwewillnotbeableto
    gainInthesutras,wereadthattogiveistogain.We
    firstgiveupsomethinginordertogainsomethingin
    returnWithoutgiving,wewillreceivenothing.So,
    thislessononrefOrmingourdestiniesisallabout
    lettinggo.Wl1atifweseeksometl1ing?Toseekalso
    helpsustoreceive.Buthowdoweaccomplishtbis?
    ]ustletgoandwewillreceiveeverytl]ingweareseekIng

    First,wemustletgoofallourdesiresandwanderingthoughts.Liaofansaid,Wbenweareabsolutely
    honestourlIeartswillaccordwiththewillofbeaven.
    ))

    Wediscardfromtheroot:toeradicateourselfislmess,

    wecompletelyextinguishthouglItsofbenefitingourselves.Instead,allourthouglItssbouldbeofhowto
    benefitalllivingbeings.Oncet}Iisisachieved,wewill
    gaininfinitegoodfOrtune
    ByobservIngourgoodness,otherswillbe
    abletofOreseethecomingofgoodfortune;
    andbyobservIngourimmorality,theywill
    fOreseeapproaclIingmisfortune.
    Tl1usbotlIgoodfOrtuneandadversitieshave
    l34

    signsOthersknowthatgoodfOrtuneisabouttobe
    ourswhentheyseetbatourheartsandbelIaviorare
    good,fOrweinviteotherstosbareinourgoodfOrtune.
    Butifweareunkindandselfish,robbingotlIersof
    theirbenefitsandneverrelinquishingourown,then
    ourbenefitsandgoodfOrtunewilleventuallybeused
    upOncetlIishappens,wewillencountermisfOrtune
    So)aslongaswecontinuewithourrecklessbehavior)
    otherswilllmowt}Iatwewillsoonmeetwit}Iadversities.

    Thisprincipleofobservationisapplicabletoan
    individual,afamily)asociety,anation,andevento
    tlIeworldAslongasweremaincalmandalert,we
    willbeabletoseeeverythingclearlyTherefOreitis
    possibletopredictgoodfOrtuneandmisfOrtune)happinessandsuffering,theriseandfallofacountry)and
    thestabilityorturbulenceintheworld

    eMORerm;

    AIdnmgOFeeaITB
    ASlIamefiIlHeart:

    KnowingSlIameCanGiveRisetoGreatCourage

    IfwewishtogaingoodfOrtuneandavoid
    misfOrtuneswefirstneedtorefOrmbefOre

    weeventalkaboutdoinggooddeeds.

    Onlythosewitbpuremindsanddeepconcentration
    l35

    canseetlIesignsofgoodfOrtuneandmisfOrtune
    DeepconcentrationisnotlimitedtoBuddlIistsThe
    personcanbeaTaoistaConfUcianorsimplysomeonewithapuremindTlIedeepertheconcentration,
    thefartl1ertheywillsee.TlIisiswhyBuddhistsutras
    oftensaythatanArhatcanseefivel1undredpast
    lifetimesandfivehundredfuturelifetimes.

    Actually,sincealllivingbeingspossesstl1isinnate
    ability,tl1isistbewayitshouldbeHowever,this
    abilityhasnowbeenlostbecauseourmindsaredistractedVariouswanderinganddiscriminatory
    thougl1tsattachments,andafflictionshaveconfUsed
    themindandcausedittoloseitsnaturalability.BuddhismteaclIesushowtoeliminatethesepollutants
    andhindrancessowemayuncoverouroriginaltrue
    nature

    Onceweunderstandtl1eprinciples,wethendecide
    }1owtoclIange.Thereareseveraleffectivemetbodsto
    dothisMostofuswouldliketoattaingoodfortune,
    happiness,andwisdomwhileavoidingadversity.Good
    behavioristhecauset}IatresultsingoodfOrtune,the
    effect.But,ifwedonotfirsteliminateourkarmic

    obstacles,goodfOrtunewillbedifficulttoobtain.
    Tlmsourfirstobjectiveistoeradicateournegative
    karma.

    Ordinarypeopleseekoutsideofthemselves,thatis,
    theyseekthroughtheconstants>buttl1iswillnotlIelp
    tbemreceivewlIattl1eyseekOntheotherlIand,we
    arenowconfidentintbeknowledgethatvariables
    l36

    exist.However,thevariablesdonotsurfaceimmedi-

    atelyThenhowdowereachourgoals?Wefirstneed
    topuriourminds.Tbemindthatispureandserene
    isthemindofforemostgoodness.Butifthemindis
    impure,allgooddeedswillbetaintedandtheamount
    ofgoodfOrtunetbatcanbereceivedwillbelimited
    Inotherwords,karmicobstacleshavenotyetbeen
    thorouglIlyremovedPromtlIiswecanseethata

    virtuousandpuremindisofutmostimportance.How
    dowereturnourmindtoitsnaturalstateofpurity?
    WefirstneedtoImowourfaultsandcorrectthem,

    fOllowingwhichweneedtoknowt}Iecorrectmethods
    ofdoinggooddeeds
    TherearethreewaystorefOrmourfaults
    First,wemustbeabletofeelashamed

    ManyancientClIinesesagesandvirtuouspeople
    tauglItusthatknowingsbameisclosetopossessing
    courage.ConfUciusoftenspokeofgreatwisdom,great
    kindness,andgreatcourageByknowingwhatis
    sl1ame,wewilltrulyrefOrmandimproveourselvesIf

    wedonotknowwhatshameis)wewillnot}1avegood
    futures.

    Wl1enstrivingtoimproveourselveswedonotuse
    ordinarypeopleasourstandards;insteadweuse
    BuddhasandBodhisattvas.Theywerepeoplejustlike
    usbuttl1eybecameBuddl1asandBodl1isattvas.Itisa
    majorlmmiliationthatwearestilltrappedinsamsara
    l37

    Tl1inkofalloftheancientsagesandvirtuous
    peoplewhosenamesandteachingshave
    lastedfOrhundredsofgenerationsTlIey
    werepeoplejustlikeus,butwhyismyname
    wortl1lesslikeabrokenroof-tile?

    Ifwecanoftenthinktbiswayandaskourselvesthis
    question,tlIentheshamefI1lheartwilltakes}1ape.
    Thisistbefirststepandthemotivationinchanging
    ourdestiniesWhatistbefOrcebehindthismotiva-

    tion?Itisaninconceivableprimalability.Wecan
    readilyidentiwitbwhatLiaofanwaselaininghere.
    T}IerewereseveralgreatChinesesagesduringancient

    times:Confucius,Mencius,ZhouGong,andYiYin.34
    Wecanthink:(TheyweregreatmenwellI>mgreat
    tooT}IeywerebumanWell,soamI.Iftheycandoit
    whycan)tI?>>Thisiswhereandhowwebegintoreflect.

    Transcendingourworld,othershavebecome
    Arl1ats,Bod}Iisattvas,andBuddhas.Theyhavelivedan
    infinitenumberoflifetimesSo,1aveweWlyisit
    thataftercountlesslifetimesofpracticingBuddhism,
    theybavesucceededinbecomingBodhisattvasor
    Buddhas,w}Iereas,wearestillmiredinreincarnation?

    Thisistl1eworstshame,unmatchedbyanyother.
    Inthisworldorbeyond,thesesagesbaveallbe-

    cometeachersofheavenlyandhumanbeings.Oneof
    thetennamesfOrallBuddhasisTeacberofHeavenly
    BeingsandHumanity>)Here,ateacberiSessentiallya
    l38

    ro>emodelHeorsbecansetagoodexampleandbea
    goodroIemodelforalllivingbeingsWecanusethis
    exampletoexamineourbehaviorWhyhaveour
    namesandreputationsbecometarnishedorruined?
    Suc}IisthepricewepayfOrouroffenses

    OneofLiaofanlsvirtueswasthathedidnotattempt
    tohideanyofhisfaultsHedidnottalkaboutothers
    mistakes,onlyhisownAssoonasherealizedhis
    fau}ts,heimmediatelybegantocorrectthemThiswas
    hisstrengthandthecrucialelementthatledtohis
    laterachievements
    c

    m5

    w Or

    l d l V

    a r e

    We

    e S r e S

    ThisisourunderlyingfaultoraiImentWestill
    longforandclingto(<worldlydesiresbecauseour

    mindshavebeenseriouslypollutedWorldlydesires
    refertotheFiveDesiresandtheSixDustsofform,
    sound,scent,taste,texture,andthoughtTlIeword
    dustisusedhereasitcarrieswithittbemeaningof
    pollution.

    Porexample,ifwedonotwipetbefurniture

    daily,itwillbecoveredwithdustTowipeiteverydayistoriditofdustorpollution.Thisissimilarto
    ourpuremindsbeingpollutedbydesiresanddust.

    Wealth,lust)fame,food,andsleeparethedesires
    thatgiverisetotheemotionsofgreedanger,ignorance,arrogance,anddoubt,t}Ieelementsofpollution.ThisiswhytheBuddhacalledtheexternal
    environmenttheSixSenseObjectsorSixDusts.
    l39

    Tbeseimpuritiescontaminateourpuremindsand
    aretlIerootofourillnesses.

    Ifwewisbtorecoverthepuremindofourtrue
    naturewemustletgoofclingingtothesedesires
    anddusts.Lettinggoistbehardestthingforusto
    do.But,ifwecanletgoofonedegreeofdesire,our
    mindswillbecomepurerbyonedegree.Ifwecan
    letgooftwodegreesthenourmindswillbecome
    purerbytwodegreesandsoon.

    TheBuddhataughtusthattberearefifty-onelevels
    ofBodhisattvapractice.Eac}Ilevelisbasedonthe
    amountofemotionstheBodhisattvabasdiscarded

    Oncewecanletgoofallfifty-onedustsanddesires
    wewillbecomeBuddhas.Ifwestillhaveonedegreeof
    desire,wewillbecomeEqual-EnlightenmentBodhisattvasThesedustsanddesiresareactuallyourkarmicobstacles

    ThePureLandschooloftenspeaksofcarrymgour
    remaininglKarmawithustothePureLandThis
    meanstbatifwelIavebeenunabletoletgoofallof

    ourworldlydesiresbefOreourdeathswewillcarryour
    remaininglKarmaalongwithus.Inthepast,some
    peoplebelievedt}IattbePureLandmethoddoesnot
    allowonetoberebornintothePureLandiftl1ereis

    anyremainingkarmaTheyfeltthattl1ephrasesl1ould
    bavebeen<<eliminateallourkarmaandbereborninto

    tbePureLand.>)ThisstunnedPureLandpractitioners

    aroundtl1eworldTl1isinterpretationofneedingto
    eliminateallkarmaisincorrectfOritisnotwlIattbe
    l40

    sutrasInean

    Althoughthephrase(carryourremainingkarma
    withustothePureLand>,isnotinanysutra,tlIetruth
    ofthatstatementisveryclearIfwebelievetlIatwe
    canonlyberebornwbenallofourkarmahasbeen
    eliminated,thenuponreadingtheHiGLibStJm,
    wewouIdwonderwbywewouldevenneedtoberebornintbePureLandifwehadeliminatedallofour

    karma!Equal-enlightenmentBodhisattvasstillhave
    onedegreeofremainingignoranceandarenotyet
    totallyeeofalldesires.TheystilllIaveatinyhag
    mentofremainingkarmaTbus,Bod}Iisattvasare
    calledenlightenedsentientbeings.
    Actually,thereisonlyonebeingwithaperfectly
    puremind-aBuddha.EvenEqual-enlightenment
    Bodbisattvasstillpossessonedegreeofremaining
    karmaTheystillbavesomeoftheSixDusts.However>theydonotclingtotheseemotionsandthisis
    wbytbeyarecalledenlightenedsentientbeings.
    Thepbrase(carryourremainingkarmawithusto
    tbePureLandwassaidbythepatriarchsandisbased
    onthemeaningofthesutras.Thisisespeciallysoin
    thePureLandschoolWecanstillberebornintothe
    WesternPureLandevenwbenwehavenotremoved

    allourkarmaWelIaveseenandlearnedofnumerous

    PureLandpractitionerswhopassedawayonlytobe
    rebornintotlIePureLandThusweneedtorealize

    thetruerealityandnotbeaffectedbydeviatedviews
    WeaccordwithtlIeteachingsintbesutras,notwith
    l

    individualpeoplefOrindividualscanmisinterpretthe
    sutras

    Secretly>wedomanyimproperthingswl1ile
    thinkingotherswillnotknowaboutthem
    andthenareshamelesslyproudofourselves!
    Oneday,wewillberebornasananimal
    withoutrealizingit.

    <Improper>}referstothingsthatweshouldnot
    do:somethingillegal)illogical>oragainstmoral
    standardsorcustoms.Manypeoplebehaveimproperlyandthinkthatot}Ierswillnotlmowaboutit

    Frankly,somepeoplewouldnotlmowWl1o?
    Tbose,whosemindshavebeencloudedbyignoranceandwhoaredeludedOntheotl1erhand,
    thosewhopossesspropertbbughtswisdom>anda
    serenemindwillbeabletosee.WecannotlIide

    fromthemorfromthebeingsandspiritsoflIeaven
    andearthwhoarealwayspresent
    HeavenlybeingsandspiritshavefiveextraordinaryabilitiesthattlIeyarebornwith;theseabilities
    arenotac}Iievedthroughpractice.Soifheavenly
    beingsandspiritsknow,needlesstosay,BodhisattvasandBuddlIaswillaswellTheyareawareof
    everythoughtofeverybeingwithinsamsara.After
    readingthisinsutrasandbookswrittenbythe
    sages,wewouldtrembleinfeartorealizethatwe

    cannothideanythingfromthem.Woulditnotbe
    bettertoregretonourown?Sincetheylmoweverylq2

    thingevenwit}Ioutourconfession,itwouIdmake
    usfeelalittlelessguiltyifwevoluntarilyfeelfelt
    contrition

    Instead,weareshameless}yarrogant.Shameless
    referstosomeonewhoiswithoutremorseandwbo

    ignoreshisortherconscienceIfwefeelguilty
    afterawrongdoing)wearestillaIriglIt.Althougb
    webideourbaddeedsfromotbers,ourconscience

    isheavy.Tbereisstillhopeforourturningback
    However,ifwehavenoguiltyfeelingsaftercommittingawrongdoing,tlIenwearehopelessOnly
    thepersonwhofeelsashamedofhisorherwrongdoingscanbebelped
    Whenweareshamelessandarrogant)oneday
    wewillberebornintheanimalrealm.Altboug}Iwe
    arepresentlyinthehumanrealm)wewilleventuallyfallintotheThreeBadPathsbecauseofour
    negativekarmaWemaynotlmowthis,buttbe
    Buddhas,Bodhisattvas,andbeingsandspiritsof
    beavenandearthd

    Attimeswbenweareinastateofbadfortune,

    evilspiritswillstarttoharassusTheydonotarbitrarilybarassanyone,butselecttheirtargetsaccordingtothepersonIsbebaviorTheydarenot
    bot}IertbosewhowiIberebornintotheThree

    CoodPat}Isandtheyareextremelyrespectfulto
    peoplewithkindheartsandcompassionatebehavior.But,theytormentthosewboareevilTheywill
    beinsolentandsarcasticastheyridiculeandbully
    l43

    suchpeoplebecausebadspiritslmowthatthese
    peoplewilleventualIyfallintotbeThreeBadPat}Is.
    TrueBuddhistpractitionersunderstandthese
    principles.Oncewealsounderstand,wewillnaturallybewatcbfuloverourthoughtsandbehavior
    becausenotonlydowenotwanttofallintothe
    ThreeBadPaths,wewanttotranscendsamsara.

    ThereisonlyonewaytoaccomplishthisintlIe
    presentlifetime:weneedtoseekrebirthintotbe
    PureLandTherefore,weneedtohavefirmand
    unshakabledetermination.

    Howdoweattainthisrebirth?Throughfirmbelief,vows,mindfulnessofBuddhaAmitablIa,and
    thecultivationofpurityofmindWeshouldsever
    ourworldlyattachments.Wedonotneedtocompletelyletgoofeverythingforifwedid,wewould
    becomeBuddhas.However,themoreweletgothe

    betteroffwewillbe.Severunnecessaryclinging.
    Then,focusourmindsonBuddlIaAmitabl1aand

    transformourthoughtsfromthosethatonlybenefit
    ourfamiliesandourselvestothosetl1atbenefitall

    others.Insodoing)ourmindswillbecomepure
    Thedifferencebetweenenlightenedbeingsand
    sentientbeingsisthatenlightenedbeingsthinkof
    allsentientbeingsinsteadofthemselves,while
    sentientbeingswboareordinarypeopleonlytbink
    oftbemselves.Evenifwedonotconsciouslytryto
    severourself-attachment,byconstantlytlIinlKingof
    benefitingallsentientbeings,itwillgraduallydil4

    minishbyitselfOncewenolongerlIaveselfattachmentduetooursuccessinBudd}Iarecita-

    tionwewillattainthelevelofOneMindUndis-

    turbedinMindfulnessandachieveahigherlevelof
    rebirt}IintotheLandWbereEverythingisTemporaryInthisway,weareassuredofbeingreborn
    intothePureLand

    Weneedtobeginfrombereandpracticeearnestly,tosetoursightsfarahead,andtonotonly
    considerourimmediatefutureorevenjustthis
    lifetime,fortheyareillusoryandimpermanentTbe
    DamondSnHsaiditwell,Whatevertakesformis

    anillusion>,Nothingispermanentorworthyof
    worryAsforfamilymembersandrelatives,wecan
    s}Iarewitl1themtheproperteachingsandencouragethemtopracticeaccordingly
    Onceananxiouspractitioneraskedmeforhelp
    regardinglIischildwhowantedtostudyabroadHe
    askedmewhattodoItoldhimtoletgoofall
    wanderingthoughtsandtohavetbefamilyrecite
    tbeHireLibSnHandchantAmituofotofind

    theanswerHesaid,<T}Iatwon>thelp,Ineedto
    handletl1isfirstbeforemymindcansettledownto
    recitingandchanting.>>

    Irepliedtbatifl1ethougbttlIatwaytlIerewas
    nohopeforhimintlIislifetime.Heaskedwhy.I
    explainedthathewashandlingtheissueincorrectly,tl1athismethodwaswithintl1econtrolofhis
    karmaandhedidnothavethestrengthfromthe
    >45

    helpoftheTriple>ewels.
    Weneedtolmowhowtousethestrengthfrom
    theTriple]ewelsandtogiveuprelyingonjustour
    ownbecausewecannotachieveinthiswayWe
    needtouseourpuremindstoseekbelpfromthe
    Triple>ewels.Wbenwedothis>wewillattainin-

    conceivablehelpfromthem.Thisisveryimportant
    AsIsaidpreviouslyweneedtousethevariable,
    nottbeconstanttlIatisdestinedThevariablecan
    beusedtore-createourdestinies.

    Indoingthis>weseekfromwithinourmind.

    Thisisthetruemind,nottheillusoryone.W}Ien
    ourmindsareconstantlyfilledwithwandering
    thoughtsweareusingourillusorymindstlIatexist
    becauseoftheconstants,notthevariables.Ifwe
    useourtrueminds,tbenthevariablescomeinto

    play.Wecanseethisveryclearlyintl1esutrasand
    inLiaonbrLessons.

    Howdoweseek}IelpfromBuddbasandBodhisattvas?Wedonotnegotiatewitht}1emForexample,wedonotasktlIemtohelpusgainwealthand
    saythatinreturn>wewillofferthemhalfoftlIe
    money.ThisisnotriglIt!DowereallythinktlIat
    theywouldagreetothis?Ordinarypeoplerequest
    helpfromtheBuddhasBodhisattvasandtheTriple
    >ewelsbytryingtostrikeadealwitbthem.Thisis
    wrongbecausetlIerearenodealstomake
    Whatisimportantnowisforustorecoverour
    originalpureminds.MasterHuinengsaid:Why
    l46

    bothertoseekoutsideofourselveswheneverything

    alreadyexistswithinthetruenatureSinceeverythingexistswithinourtruenature,ifweseekinwardly,wecanattaineverything.Whenthereisa
    sincererequestaresponsewillfollow.>
    T}IeTriple>ewelsactasacatalyticcondition.
    WeseelKandattainsomethingourtruenatureoriginallybad.IfitwerenotalreadywitlIinthetrue
    nature,eventheTriple>ewelscouldnothelpus.In
    Buddhismitissaidtbatwbateverisproperly
    soughtcanbeattainedIfwebelievet}Iatwhatever
    issoughtwillbeattained,includingtbevowto
    becomeaBuddha,thencertainlyeverytbingelse
    canbeachieved

    But,asordinarypeople,wedonotrealizet}Iisfor
    weuseourworldlyintelligenceinpursuingeverytlIing.WemistakenlythinlKweareobtainingfame,
    wealtl1andprestige,butareactuallycommitting
    baddeedsWlIateverisattainedwasalreadydestinedtobeours.Itisnotworthtbepricewewill

    havetopayintbefutureforwewillsufferthe
    consequencesfromourwrongdoings
    BuddhismteachesusabouttheTenDharma
    RealmsWithineacl1oftheseexistsanotherTen

    DlIarmaRealmsCurrently,weexistintlIehuman
    realm.Withinthisrealm,TenDharmaRealms

    existThismoment,ifwearesingle-mindedlymindfulofBudd}IaAmitab}Iaandseekrebirt}Iintothe

    PureLand,t}Ienforthismoment,weareinthe
    l47

    Buddharealm.BeingmindfulofaBuddlIaisthe

    cause;becomingaBuddhaistheconsequence.
    Atthismoment,ifwearemindfulofBodbisatt-

    vasandofcultivatingtheSixParamitaswearein
    theBodhisattvarealmSimilarly,ifwearemindful
    ofvirtue,morality,andhumanity,weareint}Ie

    humanrealmButifwearegreedyconstantly
    schemingtomakemoneyandtopossessmaterialisticenjoyments)weareinthehungryghostrealmIf
    ourtlIinkingisconfUsedanddeludedandweare
    driftingalongthroughlife,weareintheanimal
    realm.Andifwearedispleasedandangrywitl1
    everyoneandeverytlIing,weareinthehellrealm.
    AlthouglIwearecurrentlyintheformofahuman,wecanstillbeinanyoftbeothernine
    realms.WhenBuddhas,Bodhisattvasandspirits
    seeus,theylmowverywellwhetberweare
    Buddhas,Bodhisattvasoranyotherbeings.Once
    werealizet}IattbereareTenDharmaRealms

    withineacbDharmarealm,wewilllmowhowto
    clIooseThechoicerestsinourhands.

    Tl1ereisnothingelseintheworldthatcalls
    fOrmoreshameandremorsethanbel1avior

    suchasthis.Menciusoncesaid,<<SlIameis

    tbemostimportantwordinaperson)slife.,
    Wl1y?Becauseonewholmowsshamewill
    putfOrthhisorherbesteffOrtsintocorrectingfaultsandwilleventuallyattainsagel1ood
    l48

    orbecomeavirtuouspersonOnewhodoes
    notlmowshamewillbejustlikeananimal:
    unrestrainedandimmoralThisisthekeyto
    correctingourfaults
    ItisshamefUlfOrustostiIlbemiredinsamsara

    wl]ileothershavebecomeBuddhasandBodhisattvas

    Nothingisofgreatershamethanthis.Theword
    shamehasaverycIoseconnectionwithhumans.Wl]y?
    Bybeingasbamed>wecanbecomeavirtuousperson
    orasageBybeingunashamed,wewilldoubtlesslyfalI
    intotheThreeBadPaths.So,wecanseehowclosely
    connectedt}IewordshameistoourfutureBylmowingshame,wewilltirelesslystrivetoeliminateitand
    replaceitwitht}Ieinspiredenthusiasmtobecomea
    sageoravirtuousperson.

    Bynotlmowingshame,wewillbeadishonorable
    personengaginginimmoralactivities.Onlytbose
    withoutslIamestilllIavegreedanger,ignorance,and
    arrogance.Butbylmowingshame,wewillnolonger
    lIavetl1eseFourPoisonsThemindofgreedwilllead
    usintothel1ungrygbostrealm.Tbemindofangerand
    lIatredwillleadusintothe}IellrealmTlIemindof

    ignorancewillleadusintotheanimalrealm.Whatis

    therefOrustobeproudoComparedwithBuddhas
    andBodhisattvas,weareunimaginablyfarbel1ind
    tbem!ByunderstandingtlIis,theseafflictionswill
    naturallydiminisl>andvanish

    FranlKly,itisshamefUltofallbe}Iindotl1ersinperl49

    formingvirtuousdeedsandattaininggoodresults.If
    welmowshame,wewillstrivetoimproveourselves.

    AFearfUlHeart:

    FromPearComesSincerityandRespect
    Tbesecondwaytoreformistolmowfear

    Celestialbeingsandearthlyspiritsbover
    overourheadsinobservationThereisno

    wayfOrustodeceivethem
    ConstantlyhavingthisfearfUlmindwillenableusto

    disciplineourselvessothatwewillnolongerdareto
    commitwrongdoingsItwillhelpustobeconstantly
    appreIensiveWhatarewefearfUloAboveus,there
    arecelestialbeingswit}IextraordinaryabilitiesofclairvoyancewlIoseeveryclearlyoureverymovement
    BelowustlIereareearthlyspiritswl1oalsohavetlIe

    fiveextraordinaryabilities.35AltboughtlIeirabilities
    cannotcomparewiththoseofthecelestialbeings,
    theirsensessuchashearingandsightaremuch
    keenerthanours

    ItisprobablydifficultfOrustobelievetlIateven
    withtlIeseabilitieseart}Ilyspiritsarenotclevererand
    w1sertbanus.Weknowt}Iatmanyanimalspossess
    uniquesenses.ForexampleadogIssensesofsmell
    andhearingarekeenerthanours.But,tlIeyareless
    intelligentthanweareSinceanimalssurpassusin
    l50

    variousabilities,itsbouldnotbesurprisingthatgbosts
    andspiritsdosoaswellNorisitdifficulttobelieve
    thatspiritsandgbostslIavefivekindsofextraordinary
    abilitiesBut,whydotheystillsuffer?Theyarenotas
    w1seasusandmostdonotpossessasmuclIgood
    fOrtuneaswedoWeneedtoremembertl1atall

    around,tlIerearespiritsandghoststhatareperfectly
    awareofoureverythouglItandoureveryact.
    Evenwbenmywrongdoingsaredoneina
    concealedplace>thebeingsandspiritsof
    heavenandeartharepresent.Theyseeall
    myfaults.Ifmybaddeedsareserious,t}1en
    allkindsofadversitieswillbefallme.Ifmy
    faultisminoritwillstillreducemycurrent
    goodfOrtuneHowcanInotfeelfear?

    Evenifwearecommittingsmallfaultsint}1emost
    concealedplacewherenobodycanwitnesstlIem,the
    beingsandspiritswhoareclairvoyantcanclearlysee
    everytbing.TlIisisterring!Buttheabilitiesofthese
    beingsarestillnotgreat,fOrtl]eirabilitiesareincomparabletotboseofBudd}IasandBodhisattvas.Fortunately,BuddhasandBodhisattvashavegreatcompassion,loving-kindnesS,andpurityofmindWhenthese
    compassionatebeingswitnessourwrongdoings,t}Iey
    willnotcauseproblemsfOrus.
    HoweverDharmaProtectors>spirits,andglIosts
    areordinarybeingswhowillcausetroublefOrtl1ose
    whol]avecommittedwrongdoingsBecomingangry
    l5l

    uponseeingourimproperbehavior,theycancauseus
    trouble.TheyaremorepronetopunishusfOrour
    severewrongdoings;thus)adversitieswillbefallus
    Understandingthis)howcanwenotbeafraid?
    ThereareseveralpassagesintheHirBLbSmrH
    thatcallfOrrespectandfear.Thereareaninfinite
    numberofbeingsinthePureLandAlll1avethel1eavenlyeyeandcanseeeverythingwithoutanyobstruction.Allhavetheheavenlyearandcanhearevery
    soundtl1rougbouttheuniverse,inthepast)present,
    andfUtureTheyseewhatwecannotsee.Theyhear
    whatwecannothearWlIenwethinkaboutit,wewill
    realizetl1atwecannotl1ideanythingfromt}IeseutmostvirtuouspeopleIfwecannotdeceivespiritsand
    otherbeings,thenhowcouldweeventhinkofdeceivingBuddhaAmitabha>AvaloldteshvaraBod}Iisattva
    andMahasthamapraptaBodbisattva?Itisimpossible!
    Onceweunderstandthisanddeeplyrealizethatwe
    needtoseekrebirthintothePureLand,itdoesnot

    matterl1owweperfOrmourmeritdedications.Alltl1e
    beingstl1erelmowouraspirations.Tl1ereisnoneed
    fOrustoverballysay<WeseekrebirthintothePure
    Land>)Theylmewittheinstanttbatwefirstgaverise
    totl1ethought.WeneedtohonestlychantAmituofO.l
    Tl1ereisnoneedfOrunnecessarywords.Wejustneed
    toseekOneMindUndisturbedandthel1igbestleve>
    ofrebirtl1intotheWesternPureLandInsodoingwe
    willbefOremostinwisdommerits>andvirtues.

    l52

    Evenwhenwearealoneinourroom,thebe-

    ingsandspiritswatchusverycarefullyand
    recordeverytl1ing.Evenifwetrytoconceal
    ourimproperactswitlIcleverspeech,the
    spiritsandcelestialbeingscanseeintoour
    heartsasclearlyasseeingintoourlungsor
    liver.Wearejusttryingtodeceiveourselves
    andothersInactuality,othershaveseen
    througlIusandwethusbecomewortl1less
    <intheireyes>.Whenwethinkaboutthis)
    l1owcanwenotafraid?

    Previously,wereadaboutbeingwithotbers.Here
    Liaofanwroteofbeingaloneinourroomandbe}1ind
    closeddoors.Webecomecareless,behaVngaswe
    wisl1,notrealizingtheimportanceincultivatingalertnessevenwhenaloneW}Ienwithothers,wetendto
    restrainourselvesWhenalone,wetendtorelax.

    My>ateteaclIer,Mr.LiBingnan,toldmeofanoccurrencetl1athappenedalmosttwothousandyears
    ago.Mr.ZhengKangchengandagroupofclassmates
    werereHectingontbeirfaults.AseachreHected)they
    fOundt}Iattheyhadmanyshortcomings.OnlyMr.
    Zbengcouldnotthinkofany.AftertlIinkingfOralong
    time,herememberedOnetime,whenlIewenttotl1e

    bathroom,l1efOrgottoputon}Iisl1at.T}1iswasl1is
    SlIOrtCOming!36
    Itisobviousthatinthepast,evenwhenalonepeoplewereconstantlywatchfUlovertheirtl1ougl1tsand
    l53

    behaviorandtheirappearancewouldbeasneatasif
    theyhadcompany.Todaypeoplewouldsaywhy
    bot}Ier.ButthiswashowpeopleusedtobelIave)fOr
    tbeyknewtbatevenwhenaIone>beingsandspiritsof
    heavenandearthcouldstillseetbemItwouldhave

    beenimpolitetobecarelessandbehaveasthey
    pleasedEvenaconcealedspotisvisibletothebeings
    andspirits.Thus,ourdemeanorshouldalwaysbe
    respectfUlaswerehainfromself-indulgence.
    Eveninourroom,itshouldseemasifinnumerable

    pairsofeyeswerewatchingusandinnumerablefingerswerepointingatus.Weshouldbeaswatchfulof
    ourbehaviorasifwewereinpublic,notdaringto
    behaveasweplease.Thereisnouseintryingtoconcealourbehaviororcoverupourfaultswithglibtalk
    Itisasifourinternalorganswerevisibletoall.TlIisis
    howclearlythespiritscanseeus.
    WemaythinM!Iatwehavesecretsbutweareonly
    deceivingourselvesfOrthespiritsoflIeavenandearth
    canseethrougbeverything.Anyattemptstohideour
    faultsareuseIess.Realizingthis,bowcouldwenotbe
    fearful?

    However>aslongaswestillhaveonebreath
    left,we}Iavetbechancetoregreteventhe
    worstdeeds

    Wbenweareasl1amed)ourheartsarerespectfi1l
    andfearful.TbiswillenableustorefOrmanderadi-

    cateourbaddeeds.ManyBuddlIistsattendrepenl5

    tanceceremoniesdailythrougbouttheirlivestryingto
    repentanderadicatekarmicobstaclesNotonlydo
    somefailtoeradicatesucbobstac>es,butthemore

    ceremoniestheyattendthemoretheirMrmicobstaclesincrease.Why?Theydonotknowhowtosincerelyregret,butinsteadconcealtheirbaddeedseven
    moreTotrulycultivateistobeabletofeelashamed,
    tohaverespect,andtolKnowfearItisessentialfOrus

    tounderstandthisandtochangeourimpropertlIinkmg.

    Thosew}IohavecommittedthegreatesttransgressionssucbastheFiveDeadlyOffensesortheTenBad

    Conducts37aredestinedfOrthebelIrealms.CantlIey
    belIelped?Yes,evenwithonlyoneremainingbreath,
    ift}IeyfeelremorsefUl,theycanbehelpedBybeing
    genuinelyashamed,sincerelygivingrisetoarespectful
    andapprebensiveheart,deeplyregrettingt}Ieirways,
    vowingtoberebornintothePureLandandproperly
    chanting(Amituofo>>onetotentimes>theyareassured
    ofbeingreborninthePureLandForexample,during
    tbeTangdynasty,abutclIernamedZhangShanhe
    chanted<AmituofO)>justtentimesatthelastmoment
    befOrehisdeathandwasrebornintothePureLand
    AlsointheHsazaKmIStJnwelearnthatinan-

    cientIndiaKingAjatasatrukilledhisfatheregregiouslymistreated}Iismother,andcauseddissension

    intheSanghaHewouldstopatnothingWelearn
    fUrtheroflIiminthedsaStJ.Atthelast
    momentofhislife,withjustoneremainingbreatlI,the
    l55

    kingtrulyregrettedandattainedsingle-mindednessof
    BuddhaAmitablIaashesougbtrebirtlIintothePure
    Land.Hewasrebornintothesecondbigbestlevelof
    thePureLandInconceivable!

    Fromthis,weknowtl1attlIerearetwowaystobe
    rebornintothePureLandOnewayistocultivateand
    accumulatemeritsandvirtuesdaily,andtofOllowthe
    regularwayofpracticetoseekrebirthintothePure
    Land.Theotl1erwayisfOrthosewl1ohavecommitted
    egregiousevildeedstobedeeplyremorsefulatthelast
    momentsoftlIeirlife.

    TberefOre)donotlookdownonthosewhohave

    committedwrongdoings.Perhapsattl1elastmoment
    oftl1eirlives,t}Ieirabilitytofeeldeepremorsewillbe
    sostrongthattl1eymayattainalIigherlevelofrebirtl1
    thanwecan.Thisisverypossible.Itissaidtbata
    prodigalwhoreturnslIomeismoreprecioustlIangold
    OrdinarypeoplecannotbecomparedwithtlIem.Tbus,
    wecannotlookdownont}IosewlIohavecommitted

    wrongdoings.
    Understandingthisweshouldnoteventl1inkof
    countingonourluckaswecontinuetocommittransgressions,thinkingthatwecanalwaysregretatthe
    lastmomentandstillberebornintotl1ePureLand

    SucbtbinkingwillguaranteeourfallingintotheThree
    BadPatl>s.Itisextremelydifficulttoaccomplishthis
    last-minuteclIangeofheart.Adeludedpersonwhois
    abletomaintainaclearmindduringl]isdyingmomentsissomeonewholIaddeeplycultivatedtheroots
    l56

    ofgoodnessinlIisprevIouslifetimes.
    Visitahospitalandyouwillunderstand.Look
    aroundHowmanypeoplearestillalertintheirlast
    moments?Beingabletomaintainaclearmindisthe
    firstcriterion.Ifweareinacoma,unabletofeelremorseandtocl1ant,wewillfallintotheTl1reeBad

    Patbs.Rarelyisoneoutofthousandsofpeoplelucid
    upondeathCanweguaranteethatattheinstantof
    ourdeatlIswewillremainfllllyconscious?
    Thesecondcriterionistoencountersomeonewl]o

    canremindustochant<<Amituofo.)>Andtl]ethirdisto

    beabletoturnbackimmediatelyattlIatinstantto
    deeplyregret,tobemindfulofBuddhaAmitabl1aand
    toseekrebirthintothePureLandCanweguarantee
    thatallt}Ieseconditionswillexistatthatprecisecriticalmoment?Ifnot,thenweneedtohonestlyand
    sincerelycultivatedailytoaccumulatemeritsand
    virtuesThisistheonlytrulyreliableandsafeway
    IftenthousandpeoplepracticethePureLand
    metlIodaccordingly,tenthousandwillbereborninto

    thePureLandMr.Yousaidinhiscommentarythat
    Bylayingdownthebutcberlmifeonecanbecomea
    Buddharightthenandthere.Ifwehavethel1eartto
    regretourwrongdoingsthenwecanbeginagain.The
    earlierweawakenthebetter,soplease>makelIastein
    turningbackanddonotcommitanymorewrongdoIngs.

    TherearecasesinhistorywlIerepeoplewho
    l57

    badcommittednumerousbaddeedsbutwl1o

    laterdeeplyregrettedthemduringtheirdyingmomentswereabletopassawaypeacefully.
    Tberearemanyexamplesofthis>someofwlIom
    wereBuddl1istpractitioners.Recently,onetlIatwe
    personallywitnessedwastlIatofMrZhouGuangda,a
    businessmaninWashington,D.CintheUnited
    States.Mr.ZbouhadbeenagoodpersonwlIobadnot
    committedbaddeedsHeprovedtoust}1atonemay
    encounterBuddl1isminone>slastmomentsoflife,
    cl]ant{<AmituofOonetotentimesandbereborninto
    thePureLand
    MrZl1oudidnotencounterBuddlIismuntila

    iendintroducedhimtotl1ePureLandteachingsjust
    tlIreedaysbefOrehepassedaway.Hewaselatedupon
    hearingtlIeteaclIingsandacceptedtl1emwitl1outtlIe

    slightestdoubt.HevowedtoberebornintothePure
    Landandcl1anted<(AmituofO)wboleheartedly.This
    wastberesultofhisgoodrootsfrompastlifetimes
    Oncehehadvowedtoberebornintotl1ePureLand,

    henolongerfelttl1epainfToml1isillness.
    Tbisistherewardforgoodbehavior.Oncetl1etrue

    mindisdeveloped,tlIeTriple]ewelswillhelpAlthoughMrZhouwasincriticalcondition,l1efelt
    upliftedduetothestrengthfToml1isvowsandthejoy
    ofpracticingBuddl1ism.HisenergyandstrengtlIcame
    {TomwithinhimselfandfromBuddhaAmitabl1a.

    l58

    Thus,Mr.ZhouwasabletochantAmituofO.}After

    cbantingfOrthreedays,hewasabletoseethethree
    sagesoftheWesternPureLandwhohadcometo
    escorthimtothePureLandThishappenedrecently
    Howcanwenotbelieveit?

    Inourpractice>theessenceorwhatisinourlIeart
    andmindisimportant,notfOrmalities.Mr.Zl1oulIad
    neverlistenedtoBuddhistlecturesorreadthesutras

    HehadnottakentheThreeRefugesortheFivePre-

    ceptsHejusthadakindfTiendwhoencouragedhim
    tochant<(Amituofo/>andBuddhaAmitabl1aandthe

    sagescametoescorthimtothePureLandTl1us,
    whatmattersinourcultivationisourtrueheartsand
    minds.

    InMr.Youscommentary>weread:Itisnevertoo
    earlytobeginpracticingortoolatetoregret.Topass
    awaypeacefUllyisanobservablefactoftranscendence.)Itisnottoolatetoregretatthetimeofour
    deathEverytimeapersondieswell>heorsheisassuredofgoingtoagoodplace.Diewell,bornwell.
    Thefift}IoftheChineseFiveGoodFortunesistobe

    abletopassawaypeacefullywithoutsuffering,t}Ius
    assuringrebirthintooneoftbeThreeGoodPaths.
    Ifapersoncanbaveadeterminedandcourageouskindthoughtatthemostimportant
    momentitcancleanseawaybundredsof
    yearsofaccumulatedoffenses.TlIisislike
    onlyneedingonelamptobringlightintoa
    l59

    valleythathasbeendarkfOrathousand
    years.Itdoesnotmatterl1owlongonel1as
    beencommittingmisdeeds.Ifonecanrefrm,l1eorsl1eisexceptional!
    Botl1BuddhistsandConfUcianscholarshavespokenthistruthWeneedtobecourageousanddeter-

    minedinregrettingandrefOrming.Wl1ethertl1eoffenseisma>ororlongstanding,itcanberegrettedand
    eradicatedHavinganoverwhelmingandcourageous
    kindtlIouglItaswearedyingistogenuinelyregretand
    toeradicatekarmicobstacles.IntlIisway,itcanindeedcleanseawayhundredsofyearsofaccumulated
    misdeeds

    WeonlyneedonelamptolightavalleytlIatlIas
    beendarkfOrathousandyears.Tbiscomparestbe
    lampandtlIebrig}1tnesstoourbraveryanddeterminationinrefOrmingandinourabilitytowashaway
    long-accumulatedmisdeeds.Tl1us,regardlessofl1ow
    seriousourbaddeedsareorlIowlongwel1avebeen

    committingthem,wl1atisimportantisthatwerefOrm.
    ItisoftensaidinBuddl1ismthattrueDl1armare-

    positoriesarerare.Ifwearenottruerepositories,we
    willbeunabletomaintainthecontinuanceofBud-

    dhismForexample,acuplIastobewellcleanedfOr
    thewateritholdstobedrinkable.Ifitisnotclean,but

    istaintedwitlIjustatraceofpoisonandwedrinkom
    it,wewillbepoisonedPoisonisthenegativel<arma.
    TobecometrueDharmarepositories)wefirstneedto
    l60

    eliminateourafflictionstoreceivetheBuddha>steach.

    ingssowewillbeabletobenefitnotjustourselvesbut
    otlIersaswell.

    Todothis,werefOrmandthencultivategoodfOrtune.WhydoweneedtorefOrmfirsttobecomea
    Dharmarepository?Sothatwewillbeabletoreceive
    allofthegoodfOrtunethatBuddhas,Bodhisattvas)
    andbeingsandspiritsoflIeavenandearthbestowon
    us.ThisistruegoodfOrtune.Ifourrepositoryisnot
    clean,butisfilledwithafflictionsandnegativekarma,
    thenthegoodfOrtunegiventousbyBuddlIasand
    Bodhisattvaswillturnintoevendeadlierpoisons.
    IfwedonotrefOrmourerroneousways,thegood
    fOrtunewecultivatewillleadustocommitevenmore

    offenses.Wl1y?LackinggoodfOrtune,weonlycommit
    smalltransgressionssincewedonothavetheopportunitytocreategreateronesHowever)witbgreatgood
    fOrtunethewrongswecommitwillbeevenmore
    grave.Intl1efUture,tlIiswillleadusdeeperintotlIe
    lIellrealms,tobearevenmoreseveresufferings.
    Altl1ougl1poorpeoplemaylIavethoughtofcommittingtransgressionsthataremoreserioustheyare
    generallyunabletocarryt}IemoutThetransgressions
    thatwealtl]ypeoplecreatearemoreseriousthantlIose
    ofaveragepeople.
    WefirstneedtorefOrmtoeradicatemisfOrtunesso

    wecanen>oygenuinegoodfOrtune.IfwedonoteradicateouraccumulatedbadhabitsbefOrethiscultiva-

    tion,thenasourgoodfortuneincreases,wearelikely
    l6l

    tocommitworsedeedsInpassingonlmowledge>will
    atrulybenevolentteaclIeracceptthiskindofstudent?
    No!Wl1ynot?TheteacberknowstlIatitwilll1armthe

    studentfbrheorsheisnotaDbarmarepository.
    T}IisisnottosaytlIatonlyaverysmartorw1sepersonissuitabletobeaDl1armarepository.Ifaperson
    lIasapuremindandakindlIeartwithoutgreedanger,ignoranceandarrogancetbenl1eorsl1eisa
    Dharmarepository.
    WereadinMasterTanxu>smemoirsaboutamonk

    whotookmoldycandlesoutsidetodryinthesun.He
    wasveryslow-wittedandwithoutanywisdom.ButlIis
    mindwaspure,lIewasbonest,andhedidnotharbor
    illfeelingsfOranyone.TheoldMastertookalikingto
    him.HewasaDlIarmarepositorysotl1emastertaugl1t
    himtoprostratetotherelicsofBuddhaShalq/amuni
    attheKingAYuTemple,threethousandtimesaday.
    Afterthreeyears,tlIemonkwasawakenedandwas
    evenabletocomposepoetry.Extremelyarticulate,l1e
    eventuallylecturedonsutrasandwaswidelywelcomed.Butaltl1oughl1elladachievedattainment,l1e
    stilllivedthriftily)remainedveryl1umbleandwas
    courteoustowardsothers.Thisistbewaytobea
    DharmarepositoryandistruegoodfOrtune.
    Bychoosingasuccessor,ateac}Iercaneitl1erl1arm
    apersonorhelplIimorhertosucceedSinceancient
    timesgoodteachers,whetherBuddhistorotberwise,
    havebeenselectiveinchoosingtheirsuccessors.The
    mostimportantcriterionfOrselectionisvirtuousconl62

    duct.OtlIerqualitiesthatcanbenurturedarenot
    consideredThusweneedtobeginbyreformingifwe
    trulywanttoachieveattainment,toberebornintothe
    PureLandandtobenefitothersandourselves.As
    Liaofansaid,Itisofutmostvaluetobeableto

    change.

    ))

    Weliveinaconstantlycbangingandchaotic
    world.Ourbodies,madeoffleshandblood,
    areperisbableIfournextbreathdoesnot
    come,thentlIisbodywillnolongerbeapart
    ofus.Then,evenifwewanttorefOrmitwill
    betoolate

    ThisencouragesustograbholdoftlIeopportunity,
    toregretandrefOrmwhilewestillcan.ThisisaneverchangingworldThesutrastellusthatlifeisonlya
    breathIfournextbreatlIdoesnotcome,thislifeis

    overandthenextonehasbegun.Thenitwillbetoo
    latefOrregretsKnowingthattlIisisourmostcrucial
    concern,weneedtotreasurethisopportunityandnot
    wasteanymoretime.Reflectdaily,regretearnestly,
    andreform.Thisistruecultivation

    UnfortunatelymanypeopletlIinktbatcultivationis
    simplyrecitingsutras,prostratingtotheBuddl1aor
    cbantingaBuddha)snamedaily.Thesearemerely
    fOrmalitiesandhavenoimpactonreducingournegativekarma.Cultivationisnotsimplyrecitingasutra.It
    istonotgiverisetowanderingthougbtsaswefOcus
    ont}IetextduringrecitationNeithershouldweatl63

    tempttoanalyzethemeaningsbecausetodosois
    alsotol1avewanderingthoug}ItsThegoalofcultivationistohaltourthougl1tsandtoattainpurityof
    mind.RecitingsutrasclIantingmantras,andchanting
    aBuddl1asnameallslIarethisgoal.WlIenthemindis
    puretlIebodywillbepure.
    Overtheyears,Ihavetrulytakentoheartthatwitl1
    purityofmind,tlIebodywillbecomepureandremain
    healtl1yNaturallywestillneedtobecarefUlofwlIat
    weeatanddrink,andhowwelive.AlthouglIweare
    advancinginage,withapurebodyandsurroundings,
    andtheabsenceofworriesandafflictionswewillnot
    fallillorbecomeinactive.

    Mr.LiBingnanwasanexcellentexampleoftlIis.
    Eveninl1isnineties,everydaywasarushoflectures,
    appointmentssocialengagements,andsoon.From
    hisexample,wecansee}Iowapersonwhoisadvanced
    inyears,canremainperfectlycompetentwlIilelivinga
    healthy)longlife.Manyyoungerpeoplecannotac-

    complishtl1is.Itwasallduetotbepurityofhismind
    andthus,l1isbody.

    Whenwecommitawrongdoing,ourretributionintl1isworldisabadreputationthat
    willlastfOrhundreds,eventl1ousandsof

    years.Evenfilialandlovingdescendants
    cannotrestoreourbonor.InafUturelife,we

    miglItendupinlIellsufferingfromimmense
    paIn

    l6q

    Ifwedonotlmowtoregretandtocorrectour
    wrongdoings,thenwewillbeburdeningfuturegenerationswithourbadreputations.Evenourfilialand
    virtuousdescendantswillnotbeabletoclearour
    naInes

    Wearecurrentlyunabletoseethehells,butbeassuredtl1atournegativekarmawillleadustotl1emand

    tbeyaretrulyterrifVingSutrastalkofthehellsand
    provideuswitl1manyexplanationsofhowlongwewill
    remaininthem.Onedayinhellisequivalentto
    twentysevenhundredyearsonearth
    TheChineseoftenproudlytelloftheirfivetl1ousandyearsofhistory.Butthisisonlytwodaysinthe
    hellrealms.AndthinkhowterrifinglIellis!The
    sborterlifespansarethousandsandmillionsofyears!
    Pleaseunderstandthemagnitudeoftbis!Thesuffer=
    ingisceaseless.WewillnotbeabletoemergefOr
    hundredsandthousandsofeons.Andinthislifetime,
    itisveryeasyfOrustocreatetlIecauseofgoingtothe
    l1ells.OncewelIavefallenintotl1em,itisunimaginablydifficulttogetout.TherefOre,ifwebelievetl1at
    tlIeBuddl1aonlytellstlIetrutlI)lIowcanwecontinue
    toactrasl1lyandblindlycommitbaddeeds!

    Wbeneventhesages,virtuouspeople,
    BuddhasandBodl1isattvascannotl1elpus
    escapefromourbadconsequences,l1owcan
    wenotbeaaid?

    EventheBuddhasandBodhisattvaswitl1theirgreat
    l65

    compassionandloving-kindnessareunabletolIelpus
    wbenwefallintot}IehellrealmsCanKsitigarbl1a
    Bodhisattvawl1opresidestherehelpuswlIenwefall
    intohell?Veryhonestlyhecanonlyl1elpthosewl1o
    possessabundant,solidrootsofgoodnessandgood
    fOrtune,andwhocanacceptandaccordwithbis
    teacbings.Onlytheyareabletohonestlyregretand
    mendtlIeirwaystotranscendthehellrealms
    Moreoverw}1enwearesufferingfromintensepain,
    itisvirtuallyimpossibletoacceptgoodwords.Tl1e
    morewesuffer,themoremaliciousthoughtsand
    angryfeelingswewillhaveThen>evenwlIenothers
    saysometl1ingpleasanttous)wemayfeelt}1atthey
    haveinsultedusandhatetlIemevenmorefOritTlIis

    istrueforthosewl1oaresufferinginthisworldlet
    alonethoseintlIehellrealms!Thus,moreoftentlIan

    not,thosesufferinginthehellrealmswillcommit
    worsedeedsmakingthetranscendenceomthehell
    realmsmoredifficultandthisiswhyevenBuddl1as
    andBodlIisattvascannothelpus.
    Wl>atkindofpeopleisKsitigarbhaBodl1isattvaable
    tohelp?Hecanhelpthosewhotrulypossessrootsof
    goodnessandgoodfOrtune,butwhofellintotlIel1ell
    realmsbecauseofonewrongthougl1tintheirlast
    moments.KsitigarblIaBodl1isattvacanadviseand
    encouragethem.Becausetheyarewillingtolisten,to

    regretandbeawakened,itiseasierfOrthemtotranscendfromt}1ehellrealms.OtlIerwise)tl1ereisnoway

    tohelpthem.EvenBuddlIasandBodl1isattvasare
    l66

    helplessinthismatterUnderstandingthishowcan
    wenotbeafTaid?

    TbesecondwaytorefOrmteacbesustol1aveafearfUlheart.WecannotbideeventhesliglItestofour
    faultsfiFomthebeingsandspiritsofheavenandeart}I>
    mucblessomalltheBuddhasandBodbisattvas.So
    eveninadarkroom,wewoulddowellnottogiverise
    todeviatedtboughtsInthisway,wenaturallywillnot
    commitanybaddeeds.Tbisissimplythetrutl]!Wl1en
    weregretandrefOrm,weneedtobeginfromour
    hearts.Whenourheartsandmindsarevirtuousand

    kind,ourspeeclIandbehaviorwillnaturallybelikew1se.Whenourheartsareimmoralanduncaring
    regardlessofhowwellwepretend,ourspeechand
    behaviorwillstillbefalse.

    ADeterminedCourageousHeart:
    FromCourageComesInspiration

    TlIetlIirdwaytorefOrmistohaveadetermined)courageousheart

    WeneedtobecourageousinregrettingandrefOrming
    ThefirstwaytorefOrm,whicbistolmowshame,is
    closetobeingcourageous.Havingasenseofshameis
    tobeawakened;notlIavingasenseofsl1ameistobe
    deludedTherefOre,asenseofshameistbecondition

    fOrawakeningandcourageistlIeconditionfOrdiligent
    l67

    cultivation.FeelingashamedisawakeningfTomwitbin
    ourselvesHavingafearfulheartistbeexternalfOrce
    tbatl1elpsustoreainfTomwrongdoing;tbisalso
    reflectstl1edeepshameinourtruenature.
    ThereareelevenvirtuousDharmasint1eae

    oeDoorroImmeHmddDAazmas,
    oneofwhichincludesshamewhichisthestateof

    mindoffCelingasl1amedFearistl1estateofmindof
    beingconscience-stricken.Feelingashamedandbeing
    conscience-strickenaretwovirtuousstatesofmindIf

    wecanfeelasl1amed,thenweareboundtoacl1ieve.

    TlIroughouthislife,MasterYinGuangsaidtl>atlIe
    was<constantlyshamefUl>)Heconstantlyhada
    shamefUlandfearfull1eartCultivatingfTomtl1is
    ameofreference,lIewasabletobediligentand
    courageousinimprovingl1imself.Int}Iisway)l1eattainedadetermined,courageousheart.
    WhenwehesitatetorefOrmourfaultsbe-

    causewedonotreallywanttochangewe
    arecontentwithwhatwecangetawaywith
    ForarefOrmtotakeplace,wemustberesoluteandresolvetochangeimmediately.We
    shouldnothesitateorpostponeuntiltomorroworthedayafter.

    Mostofusdriftalongdaytoday,regressinginstead
    ofadvancing.Withoutthehearttokeepimprovingin
    ourvirtuousconduct,wearenotgenuinelytryingto

    improve.Today,thosewhoareresoluteanddiligentin
    l68

    advancingalsoseektheFiveDesires,theSixDusts)
    andtheFivePoisons,witl1outlmowingtbefearfUl
    consequencescausedbytheiractions.Sagesofthis
    worldandbeyondtaughtustoconcentrateonmoral

    improvementandtogainwisdom,theoriginalwisdom
    tlIatHowsfromthetruenatureThiswisdomisl]ig}1er
    thantheacademicstudyandskillsofworldlyintelligence.

    Today,weadvanceresolutelyanddiligently,butin
    tlIewrongdirection!WearegoingintotheTl1reeBad
    Realmsandremainingmiredinreincarnation.Sages
    ofthisworldandbeyondteac}Iust}Iatweneedto
    transcendsamsara,tl1eSixRealms>tofiPeeourselves

    fOreverfromreincarnation)tocatchupwitlItlIe
    Buddl1asandBodhisattvasAsLiaofansaid)wemust
    strivetocompletelyeradicatedoubtandresolveto

    cl1angeimmediately)toliftourspirits,anddiligently
    advance.Donotdelay,resolveandbeginnow.
    Aminorfaultislikeathornpiercingour
    HeshandslIouldbequicklyremoved

    BecauseatlIornpiercingourskinisverypainful,
    wewilldowbateverwecantoquicMyextractit.Buta
    minorfaultinourmindisevenmorepainfUl.Weneed
    tobecomeawareofitaswell.Remainingunawareis
    likel1avingnosenseoffeeling,notlmowingthatsometbingispiercingourbodyandiscausinguspain.Now,
    itisourconsciencenotourfleslItlIatisnumb.

    l69

    Abigfaultislikeourfingerbeingbittenbya
    poisonoussnake.Wemustquicklycutoff
    tl1efingertopreventthepoisonhomspreadingandkillingusIfweconsulttheJCJg
    andreceivetlIewind-thundersymbol,it
    meanstl1atourstrongdeterminationinrefOrmingassuresusofsuccess.
    Thisisjustanexampletoshowushowdetermined
    weneedtobeincoITectingourslIortcomings.When
    wearelistlesseveryday,itisduetoourkarmicobstaclesWhenweconstantlyhavewanderingthougbts,
    afflictions,andworriesandfindthatnotlIingisgoing
    ourwayitisalsoduetoourkarmicobstacles.
    WeoftenspeakoftlIesebecausetheyarethecause
    ofournightmaresandiITegularpatternsinourdaily
    living.Whenthishappens,weneedtoearnestlyreflect
    andbevigilant.Ifwecancorrectallofourfaultsour
    karmicobstacleswillbeeradicatedWithfewerobsta-

    cles,wewillbefilledwit}1theDl1armablissandwill

    feelligl1tinbodyandmindWewilll1avenoburdens.
    Ourafflictionswilldiminishandourmindswillnatu-

    rallybepureandcontinuouslygiverisetowisdom.
    Thiswillenableustoclearlyseeandunderstandeverytl1ingaroundus)wl>etlIerspiritualorplWsical,
    worldlyorbeyondWeneedtolIavethedetermination
    andaspirationtoexamineourmotivesandfeelings,to
    findourfaultsandfearlesslycorrectthem.

    TheJCmgcontainssixty-fOurhexagrams,eacbof
    l70

    wbiclIhass1xexplanationsorpredictionsThewindthundersymbolrepresentsbenefitandisconcerned
    withdeterminationIfweareresolvedtocorrectour

    erroneouswaysandtocultivatekindness,thiswilI
    enableustogaintruebenefit.Ifwecanimmediately
    reformwithoutbesitation,t}Ienwewillhavedone

    wbatthewind-thundersymbolsaidwewould.
    IfwecanfOllowtbethreewaysofshame,
    fear,anddeterminationtorefOrm,tlIenwe
    willsurelybetransformed

    InrefOrming,weneedtohaveshame,fCarand
    courageousdetermination.TohaveaslIamefUlheartis
    tobeawakenedTohavearespectfi1landfearfulheart
    istobeconscience-strickenOnlywbenwehavebotlI
    oftbesedowegiverisetotbecourageousanddeterminedheartthatenablesustoregretandreform
    RealizingtlIis)whyareweunabletocorrectourfaults?
    SincewehaveyettopossessashamefulandfearfUl
    heart,wedonothavethemotivationtbatgivesriseto

    acourageousanddeterminedheart.Ifwedonotlmow
    shame,thenwewillnotbea{Taidofbeinglaugl1edat
    byotherssotbereislittleincentiveforustocultivate
    kindness.

    Howdowenurturethesethreequalitiesofshame,
    fear)andcourageousdetermination?Whydowe
    cIoosetheirbStJnHfOreveryonetopractice?
    Itisnotthattheothersutrasarenotgood,theyjustdo
    notelainasperfectlyasdoestheHiLiStJrH.
    l7l

    ThenirLZbSiJncompletelyelainsphenom
    enaandprinciples,causeandeffect.Itisnottoo
    lengtl1ysoitiseasyformodernpeopletopractice)and
    itistlIeessenceofallsutras!

    OurMDIrmgandEtnmgCImoIZyRBciakDJ
    BooAwasspeciallycompiledfOrfellowpractitionersat
    theAmitabl1aBuddbistSocieties.Ancientvirtuous

    peopleoriginallyeditedtbeolderversionoftl1erecitationbookItwascompiledtocuretbeproblemsof
    practitionersoft}Iattime.T}Ius,theoldversionwas
    effectiveforthem.However,ourproblemsaredifferentandsoweneedtomodithemorningandeve
    ningrecitations.Forthemorningceremony,werecite
    cbaptersixoftl1eHiLZbStJZrH,intbebopeof
    l]avingtl1esamemindandvowastlIatofBuddl1a
    Amitabl1a.

    Fortl1eeveningceremony,werecitechapters
    tbirty-twothroughtbirty-seven.Tl1esesixchapters
    explaintl1eFiveDead>yOlfensesofkilling,stealing,
    sexualmisconductlyingandconsumingintocants
    andtheTenBadConducts.Theyalsodescribethe
    FiveSufferingstbatwebearinthislifeandtheFive

    BurningstlIataretheconsequencesweundergointhe
    hellsinftIturelives.Thesesufferingsandburningsare
    retributions

    Aswerecitethesechaptersdaily,tbeycanbelpus
    toreflectregretandrefOrmRecitingthemisessen-

    tiallythesameasrecitingtherepentanceverse.After
    ourrecitation,weneedtobevigilantandawakened,to
    l72

    sincerelymendourwaysandfOllowthechapter}s
    guidanceinunderstandingandcultivation.Inthis
    way,wewillbenefitomthiskindofrecitationpracticeT}IerefOre,itisimportantfOrusto}Iavethese
    threequalitiesofsbame,fear,andcourageousdetermination

    ThereisnoneedtoworryItwillhappenas
    assured>yasthespringsunwillmeltatlIin
    layerofice.

    Ifwehavethesethreequalities,wewillimmediatelyamendourfaultsItisasnaturalastbeicein
    springtimebecomingtbinnerastheweatberbecomes
    warmer.Asweamendourfaults,ourwisdomwillgrow
    andourMrmicobstacleswillbeeliminated.

    IeMOHCeRbmmg
    g

    g t hr

    O u

    Un hD

    Un

    Cha

    o r

    T}Ierearealsothreemethodsofpracticeto
    }IelpusrefOrm.T}Iefirstiscl]angingthrouglI
    behavior,thesecondischangingthrough
    reasoning,andtlIetl1irdischangingfrom
    theheart

    Sincethemethodsaredifferent)theeffectswillalso

    bedifferent.Forexample,ifIusedtokilllivingbeings
    l73

    intbepast,IvownevertokillthemagainIfIusedto
    getangryandyellatothersinthepastIvowneverto
    dosoagain.Thisischangingthroughbehaviorby
    refTainingfromrepeatingawrongdoingcommittedin
    thepastandvowIngnevertodoitagain
    PreviouslyLiaofanspokeofprinciples.Nowheprovidesuswiththethreegeneralmethodsofpractice
    Firstis<changingthroughbehavior.Ifweloseour
    temperandyellatotbersoruseabusivelanguageto
    attackothers)wecanchangethrouglIbelIaviorand
    reainomrepeatingawrongdoingbyvowIngnever
    todoitagain,findingandthencorrectingthefaults
    onebyone.ThiswashowLiaofanfirstbeganto
    change.Ittookhimmorethantenyearstoaccomplisl1
    hisfirstgoalofthreethousandgooddeeds.Notgood
    enoughHeaccomplis}1edtlIesecondsimilarpledgein
    onlyfOuryears,wbenhesouglItandattainedason.
    Butthiswasstilltoolong.ThrouglIthechangeof
    bel1avior,theresultattainedwasassouglIt.
    InBuddhism,onecanclIangethrougl1behaviorby
    keepingt}Ieprecepts.InClIinatbereareeightschools
    inMal1ayanaBuddl1ismandtwoinTlIeravadaBuddhism$alltenbegincultivationthroughpreceptkeeping.Tl1isisespeciallytruefortheTheravadaprecepts
    thatempl1asizebel1aviormorethantl1oug}Its.
    TbisisdifferentomtheMahayanapreceptslike
    thosefOundintlIeBIHAma/\/e[StJZrH.Tbissomewl1at

    lengthysutrawasnotcompletelytranslatedintoCbinese.Onlythemostimportantcbapter,tl1e<Mind
    l74

    PreceptChapter/wasbroughttoChinaThefirst
    section,wichelainsthestateofmindofaBodhi
    sattvadescribes}Iowtoc}IangefromthemindThe

    secondsection,wbicbexplainst}IeBodbisattvapreceptsandbehavior,describeshowtochangetbrouglI
    behavior.Whatisimportantisthestateofthemind
    ToclIangeomthemindaswellasthrouglIbehavior
    isthebestway

    Tryingtoforceourselvestosuppressour
    fauItsisextremelydifficultbecausewe
    havenotpermanentlyuprootedourfaults,
    merelytemporarilycurbedt}Iem.Therefore,changingthroughbehaviorcannot
    helpustopermanentlyeliminateour
    faults.

    Therootofourproblemsliesinourminds.Ifwe
    onlysuppressourfaultsinsteadofeliminatingthem,
    theywillsimplyreappearatanothertime.TlIerefOre,
    cl1angingthroughbelIaviorisashort-livedsolution

    tbatonIytreatstlIesymptoms.Thisisliketreatingtbe
    lIeadwhent}IereisaheadacheortreatingthefOot
    whenthereisafOotpain.Tbebehaviorseemstobe
    correctbutthemindisstiIpollutedbecausetheroot
    problemremains.
    ChangingthroughReasoning

    Instead,wecantrytorefOrmbyunderstandl75

    ingwl1yweshouldnotdosometl1ing;fOrexample,killing.Tolovealllivingtl1ingsisa
    virtueofheaven.UnderstandingtlIatalllivingbeingslovelifeandfeardeath>howcanI
    beatpeacewitlImyselfbytakinganother>s
    lifetonurturemyown?Attimes,animals
    suchasfishorcrabshavebeencookedalive.

    SuchpainandsufferingreaclIdowninto
    theirverybones.Howcanwebesocruel?
    Whenweeat,weusemanyeensiveand
    tastythingstonourisbourselves,enoughto
    fillthewlIolediningtable!Butoncethe
    mealisdone,eventhebestdelicacieswill

    becomebodywasteandbeexcretedTheresultofourldllingaccomplis}Iesnotl1ing.
    ConsumingvegetarianfOodscanfilland
    nourishusjustaswellWlWletourstomachsbecomeagraveyardandreduceour
    goodfOrtunethroughkilling?
    Here,Liaofanwroteofchangingthroughreasoningby
    understandingtl1etruerealityanditsprinciples.
    Achievingthis,wewillnaturallynolongerbeartoeat
    theHeshofanotlIersentientbeing.BefOresincewe
    wereunclearofwhyweshouldnotdosomething,we

    grudginglytriedtostopTryingtofOrceourselvestodo
    somethingisextremelydifficult.Unhappyandunwillingwewillenduppainfullystrugglingwithourselves.
    Butonceweunderstandtheprinciplesandthe
    l76

    logic,wecanreconciletheseproblemsWeneedto
    constantlybearinmindthatlovingaIivingthingsisa
    virtueofheaven.ItisnaturalthatwedosoToday,
    scientistsaregraduallybeginningtounderstandthat
    havinganaturalecologicalbalanceisthesameas
    lovingalllivingthings.Ifournaturallybalancedecologicalsystembecomesunbalanced,everylivingbeing
    intheworldwillsufferfromthedevastation.Awise

    personwouldreainomdoinganythingthatwould
    lIarmourecologicalsystem
    Actua>lyofalltheanimals)humansaretheworst
    fOrwearet}Iecruelest,tbemostevilAnimalsonlykill
    whenhungry.Aftersatisfyingtheirbungertheyignore
    otheranimalsthatwaIknearthem.T}Iisshowsthat

    theykilMTomthenaturalinstinctofhungerandt}Ius
    createlittlenegativekarmaOntheother}Iand,humansslaughteratwilleventhoug}Iwe}Iavenoneedto
    killThenegativekarmacreatedbyhumansisunequaledbyanimals!Whenweconsiderthiswewill
    realizetlIatthereisnotlIinginsamsarafOrustobe
    proudof.
    AlthouglIitisofgreatsufferingtofallintotheanimalrealms,thosewhodosoarereducingtlIeirnegativekarma.IfwedonotpracticeBuddhismwlIenwe
    obtainourhumanfOrms>thenwhatist}Iegoodof
    lIavingthem?Wecommitwrongdoingsdaily.Animals
    reducetheirnegativekarmaWecreateit.Afterreducingtheirkarma,theywillemergeandbereborninto
    tlIeThreeGoodPathsOntheotherhand,ournegal77

    tivekarmalIasincreasedandwhenitcomesintofTui-

    tion,wewillhllintotheThreeBadPatlIs.Animals

    preparetoemergeomtheTl1reeBadPathswhereas
    wepreparetogointotlIesepaths.Whatistl1erefOrus
    tobeproudoR
    WealsoneedtoremembertlIatallsentientbeings
    includinganimalsaremortallyafTaidofdeathWeare
    abletokillthembecausetheyareunabletofigl1tback
    ThisisthewealKbeingtbepreyofthestrong!Animals
    areunabletoresist,butaretheywillingtobekilled?If
    not,beassuredthattlIeywillbaveresentmentand
    hatredHowarewegoingtoavoidrevengethatwillin
    turnbreedfurtherrevenge?
    Once,afellowpractitionercametomeandasked)
    l<Isthereanyuseintranscendingtbespiritsofaborted
    babies?Isaid,<<Nouse!YouthinMranscendingthem
    willsolveanytlIing?>,Thepractitionerasked:(Butif
    theclIildisborndefOrmedorretardedwouldl1eor
    slIenotundergomucbsuffering?Woulditnotbe
    bettertoabort?>>Ireplied:<Weneedtounderstand
    thatbearingadefOrmedorretardedbabyisbearing
    onewhohascometodemandpaymentofadebt.You
    oweadebt.ByabortingtlIebaby,notonlyareyou
    stoppingtl>edebtfrombeingclaimed,youl1avekilled
    himorherThedebtyouowedintbepasthasnow
    beenmultiplied.Inafuturelife,itwillbeevenworse.
    Rigbtnowscientistsonlyseewbatisinontofthem
    theydonotlmowoftlIecauseandeffectoftl1enext
    lifetime.Causeandeffectarelinkedthrougbthepast,
    l78

    ))

    presentandfuture.Tbisisagraveoffense.
    T}Iepractitionerpersisted:(<Butthebabyhasyetto
    takes}Iape.Itisonlyinthefirstorsecondweekof
    gestation),Isaid:<<No,thebabycomesatthetimeitis
    conceived,it}IasnotlIingtodowithtakingsbapeor
    not.Uponconception,ithasfoundyou.You}Iavean
    affinitywitbitomthepast,wbetheritisrepaymg
    gratitudeoragrievance,demandingpaymentofa
    debt,orrepaymgadebtIfthebabyhascometorepay
    gratitudeandiskilledbyyou,youwillbereturning
    kindnesswit}Iingratitude.Heorshewillbecomeyour
    enemyintheflIture
    Perhapsitwasafilialc}Iildoravirtuousgrandchild
    who}IadcometorepaykindnessBykillingit,you
    haveturnedthefetusintoamortalenemy.Tbisis
    terrible!Youthinkyoucantranscendthebabythroug}I
    tbelittlemeritgainedomspendingsomemoneyfOr
    aplaque.NotlIingistbiseasy!Youareon>ydeceiving
    yourself.>>
    IfeveryonecouldjustseetlIepastcauseandtberesultanteffect,wewouIdbeterrified!Wehavetobe

    carefultounderstandtheprinciplesandlmowthe
    truereality.Itisagravetransgressiontokillorharm
    anothersentientbeingjusttonurtureourselvesHowevertoday)peopleregardthisasperfectlynormal
    Somepeopleevenbelievethatanimalsarecreationsof
    GodgiventotlIemtoeat.
    Ift}Iesesentientbeingswereintendedforustoeat,

    tl1enwouldwenotquestionwhetherGodtrulylIasthe
    >79

    virtueoflovingalllivingthings?Tbiswrongthinldng
    leadsustocommitmanytransgressions.Andwedo
    notevenknowhowverywrongweare.WlIenkilled
    andslaugbtered,allbeingscryoutomtIeirfearand
    pain.Whenwelistentotheirterrifiedcries,l1owcould
    anyonethinkthattheywillinglysubmittedtotheir
    deaths?

    Itisstatedinthesutras:Ahumandiesandbe-

    comesasbeep.Asheepdiesandbecomesahuman

    ,,

    LifeafterlifetheywillkilleachotlIerseekingvengeance.Thus,itissaidthatifweeatonepoundofflesh)
    wewillpaybackonepoundoffleshAdebtofmoney
    mustberepaidincasb,andalifeowedmustberepaid
    inkindThisistheinescapabilityofthelawofcausalityOncewetrulybelieveandaccepttl1is,wewill
    neveragaintl1inkofharminganybeingbecausewedo
    notwishtopaywitbourlivesinthefUture.
    Norwillweseeldll-gottenwealthWhy?Because
    welmowthatintbefUturewewillhavetorepaytl1e
    debt.Byunderstandingthetruerealitywenaturally
    willabidebythelawbecontentedwitlIwhatwebave,
    andbehonestinallthatwedo.Beassuredthatthisis

    neitherpassivenorregressive.Itisdoingourbestto
    createabeautifUlandbrightfIIturefOrourselves.Itis
    seekingagoodlifenotonlyforthislifetime,butfOr
    allofourfuturelifetimesaswellWithoutwisdomand

    lmowledgeofthetruereality)wewiIlbeunableto
    attainwl1atweseek

    InthissegmentofthetextLiaofanwroteabouteatl80

    ingmeatofseeingsentientbeingskilled,andofwitnessingtl1eirpainandsufferingthatreachdownto
    thebones.Howcouldwebeartotaket}Ieirlivesto

    nurtureourown?OncewehavefinislIedeating,even
    themostdeliciousfOodsbecomebodywaste.People
    longfOrdelicaciesandfOrfoodthattastesgood;but
    nomatterhowwecookittheonlytbingthatwillenjoy
    thetasteisourtonguenothingelse.>ustfOrafew
    secondsofenjoymentwe}Iavekilledcountlesssentientbeingsandcommittedinnumerabletransgressions!

    EatingvegetarianfOodcanbejustasfillingand
    nourishing.SomemaysaythatvegetarianfOodisnot
    nutritiousbutmanyvegetarianshavelivedlongand
    l1ealtlWlives.MonksandnunswlIobecamevegetarianswlIent}IeywereyoungarestrongandhealthyTo
    saythatbeingavegetarianisunhealthyisincorrect.
    Whenwetakethelifeofanothersentientbeingand
    eatt}IemtonurtureourselveswenotonlymalKeenemiesandincurtbeirhatred,butwealsoreduceour

    goodfortune.Atrulyintelligentpersonwouldneverdo
    thiS.

    Thinkofa>lthelivingbeingswitlIfles}Iand
    bloodLikeus,theyareselfaware.TlIeyand
    weareoneentityAlthoughourcultivation
    ofvirtuehasnotyetreac}IedtlIestatethat

    willenablethesebeingstorespectusand
    feelsafearoundus>wecanatleastnotlIarm
    l8l

    themormakethemhateus.Ifwethink

    aboutit,wewillnaturallyfeelsorrowfOr
    tbeseanimalsandthusbeunabletoswallow
    tl1eirHesh

    Alllivingbeingshaveself-awareness;theyareno
    differentfromus.NooneotherthanBuddbasand

    Bodhisattvaswouldunderstandtbis.Fromtl1issegmentofthetext,itislogicaltoassumethatLiaofans
    familywasvegetarianbecauseheunderstoodtl1e
    reasoningandknewt}Ietruth
    Today,somepeoplestillmisunderstandandtl1ink
    thatwhileadultscanbevegetarianschildrencannot.
    Parents,afraidthattheirchildrenwillbemalnourishedwantthemtoeatmoremeat.Thisisincorrect.

    Actually,itismorelikethinkingthattheirchildren
    miglItnothaveenoughkarmicobstaclesormigl]tlIave
    toofewenemies,sowesl1ouldl1elpt<1emincureven
    morekarmicfOes.TlIisiswhatitamountsto!Ifwetry
    toelaintothemtbeymaydoubtwhatwesayor
    evencriticizeussayingthatweareoutoftoucb)and
    areignorantofscienceandnutrition.
    Infact,theyaremistakenfOrthisisnotthecaseat
    all.Itisbesttoawakenasearlyaspossible;tbe
    youngerourcl1ildrenbecomevegetariansthebetteroff
    theywillbe.ItwillhelpthemtobuildasolidfoundationofgoodfOrtuneandmeritsAswasexplainedin
    thehHiLbStkmandAnanAskHeBazS

    AHckdngBZsmaCbodDeetl1eancestorswere
    >8Z

    ignorant.TlIeancestorsherearetheoldergenerations
    Lackingwisdom,theyhaveledustounwittinglycommittransgressionscreatingmuchnegativekarma.
    ThismatterofoureatingmeatisappallingfOrthisisa
    seriousoffense

    Anotl1erexampleofchangingthroughreasoningisaneasilyangeredpersonHeorshe
    canstopandthinktlIatweallhaveour
    strengthsandwealmesses.IfItouchon
    someoneswealmess,Ishouldfeelsadabout

    theirfailingandfOrgiveanyshortcomings.If
    someoneoffendsmefOrnoreasonatallitis

    tl>atpersonsproblemand}Iasnothingtodo
    witl1me.ThereisnoreasonfOrmetobecomeangry.

    Insteadoflosingourtempersandbecomingangry,
    weshouldsincerelyreflectandremindourselvesthat
    weareonlyhumanandthateachofushasfaults.If
    wecannotfOrgiveothers)sbortcomings,l1owcanwe
    expecttl1emtofOrgiveoursPThinkinginthismanner
    wewillnolongercondemnothersbutwillinsteadfeel
    empatbyfOrthem.Peopleonlymakemistakesdueto
    theirignoranceTheylacktbeabilitytodistinguisl]
    betweentrueandfalse,properanddeviated)andbetweenl1armfi1landbeneficialThust}Ieycannotcorrecttbemselves)endtl1eirerroneousways,orcultivate
    kindness.Wesl1ouldfeelsympatlWfOrtlIemandnot
    bereproacl1fUl.InsodoingwefOllowtheBuddl1a)s
    l83

    andBodhisattva)swayofrelatingtopeopleandsituations

    LiaofansaidthatwhensomeoneoffendsusfOrno

    reasonatall>itistheirproblem,notours.Ifsomeone
    attacksusunfairly,itdoesnotconcernus.Evenif
    theyattackusplIysically,tbereisnoreasontobecome
    angry.Thisbodyisnot<me/)Purityofmindwillnever
    behurtbyattacks,aspurityofmindbyitsnature
    containsnothing.Itisasbametbatwedonotemploy
    purityofmindwhenweinteractwithothersorcircuInstances

    WlIatweuseistheillusorymindnottl1etrueself
    BuddhiSmteaclIesustoseektbeoriginalself.Tbis
    true,pureminddoesnotgiverisetoanywandering
    tboughtsOursurroundingswillnotaffectthepure
    mindIfitdoesnotconcernus,wbyshouldweworry
    aboutit?Whyshouldwebesoattachedtoit?Oncewe
    severallwanderingdiscriminatorytl1oughtsandattaclIments,whatistheretoconcernus?Nothing.
    Byunderstandingthelogic)ourmindswillbesettledandnolongeraffectedbyexternalconditions,and
    wewillacbieveperfectpeaceofmindRegardlessof
    whathappensaroundus>wecanremaincalm.When
    weencounterfavorableconditions,wedonotgiverise
    totl1eheartofgreedEncounteringunfavorableconditionswedonotgiverisetotlIelIeartofangerRegardlessoftl1ecircumstances>weareabletomaintaintl1e

    mindofpurity)equality>andcompassiontogenuinely
    refOrmourselves

    l84

    Ialsothinkthatnogreatpersonthinksthat
    heorsbeisalwaysright.Nordointelligent
    peopleblametheirfaultsonothers.WlIen

    tlIingsdonotgotlIewaywewish,itisbecausewehavenotcultivatedourvirtuesand

    morals,andhavenotaccumulatedenougl1
    meritstomoveothers!

    WeshouldalwaysreHectuponourselves
    first.Insodoing,criticismcanbecomea
    traininggroundtorefineourcharacterand
    tostrengtlIenourabilities.Wesbouldbe
    verygladtoacceptsomeoneelse)scriticism
    andguidanceWhatistheretobeangryand
    complainabout?

    Thisteac}Iesusthebestwaytochange:torefOrm

    omtlebeart.IntIedmmsaStJnH,tlIepurpose
    oftlIefifty-threevisitsofSudhanawastopracticeand
    learnfTomexperience.Ourbestwaytochangeisto
    cultivateandrefOrmfTomt}1emindTodotl1is,we
    needtoearnestlyreflect.

    InBuddl1ism,BuddhasandBodl1isattvasaregreat
    heroes.Theystandoutamongothersanddowhat
    otherscannotdo.38Tbeyregretandreform.Ableto
    correctallerrors,theyaregreatlIeroesThereareno
    selfrigl]teousBuddhasorBodhisattvas.Thereareno
    arrogantgreatsagesorvirtuouspeople.TlIeyareall

    humble,patient,andagreeable.TlIishumilityand
    respectarearevelationoftheirvirtuousnatures.
    l85

    Anintelligentpersonneverblamesothersorthe
    heavens.TheylIavetruelearningwhicbiswisdom

    revealedfromthetruenatureThislearningmaybe
    BuddhistorConfucianThewisdomspokenofin
    ConfUcianismalsoflowsfromouroriginalnature;
    thus,itiscalledthesincereandhonestmindSincer-

    ityistlIetruemind,fOritHowsfromtbesinceremind
    Itiswisdom;itistruelearning.TberefOrelearnedand
    wIsepeoplenevercomplainaboutorblameothers,nor
    blametlIeheavensfortbeirmisfOrtunes

    Whenwedonotsucceedinourendeavors,wl1en

    ourspeeclIandbehaviorarecriticized,wbenothers
    slanderus,andthingsarenotgoingourway,donot
    blameotbers.Instead,weneedtoreflectandunder-

    standthatitisbecausewehavenotyetsucceededin
    ourcultivationofmoralsandvirtues,andthisisthe

    reasonwhyweareunabletomovetbem.
    WeneedtofirstdetermineifwelIavemistreated

    others.WlIenpeopleverballyabuse>criticize,and
    slanderus,weshouldacceptitwitl1agratefulheart
    rathert}IanavengefUlbeartWhy?Theyhaveprovided
    uswithinvaluableassistancethatcanbelpusreflect
    andcorrectourmistakesimmediatelyifwedohave
    thesefaultsorguardagainsttl1emifwedonot.Ifwe
    arenotatfault,donotblamethesepeople;insteadbe
    encouragedtomakefUrtlIerimprovements.Sudl1ana

    adoptedthismethodwl1envisitinghisfifty-tllreeadvisorstocorrectallofhisshortcomingsandtoeventuallybecomeaBuddba
    l86

    Thefifty-tlIreevisitsareexamplesoftrainingthe
    mindthrougheerience,throughtIeinteractions
    withcircumstancesandotlIersinourdailylives.Eve-

    rythingandeveryoneprovidesuswithtlIemeansto
    contemplate.NomatterwbotlIeindividualsare>we
    shouldregardtl1emasourteachersWeshouldregard
    whattheyteaclIusaslessonstaughtbyBuddhasand
    Bodhisattvas.Wewanttoearnestlyreflectlearnand
    practice.Thereisonlyonestudent-me.Everyone
    elseismyteacl]er,myadvisor,aBuddlIaandaBodl1isattva.TheydonothavefaultsonlyIdo.Tbisisl]ow
    SudlIanabecameaBuddba.

    WelearnfromtheAmZamsaSmrH,thatSudhana
    didnotneedtowaituntilafuturelifetimetobecomea
    BuddhaHebecameoneinhiscurrentexistence!He

    beganasanordinarypersonandcontinuedtopractice
    untill1ereacbedsupremeperfectenligl1tenmentin
    onelifetimeIfwecanacquirethisabilityandmethod,
    thenwetooareassuredofbecomingaBuddhainthis
    body,intl1islifetime.
    HowdidSudlIanacultivatePHowdowecultivate?

    First)donotblameanyoneoranytl1ing.Blameonly
    ourselves.Ifotherpeoplearedisagreeabletome,itis
    becausemylKarmicobstacleshavesurfacedAllother
    peopleareBuddhasandBodhisattvaswithouttlIe
    slightestfaults.WhateverIseethatincursmydislike
    ismykarmicobstacle,myfault.
    AsthesixthPatriarcbofZenMasterHuinengsaid,
    ItisourshortcomingifweseethefaultsofotlIers,as
    l87

    wewillregressalso)>Whenwemindthefaultsof
    otbers,ourkarmicobstacleswillsurfaceandwewill

    regressMasterHuinengalsosaidtlIatatruepractitionerdoesnotseethefaultsofothers.Sudhanawasa

    truepractitioner.Hedidnotseethefaultsofothers,

    onlyhisown.Hewasaaidofnothavingenougbtime
    tocorrecthisownmuclIlesshavingtl1etimetofind
    thefaultsofotl1ers.Hesaweveryoneasavirtuous
    personasaBodhisattvaandBuddha.Inthisway,he
    himselfbecameaBodl>isattva)aBuddbaIfwestill
    seethefaultsofothers,itisourfaultourkarmic

    obstaclematerializing.IntheeyesofaBuddl1a,everyoneisaBuddha.Intheeyesofordinarybeings,even
    BuddhasandBodhisattvasareordinarybeings.Tl1us,
    thebestwaytorefOrmisomwitlIin.
    Criticismcanactuallybeagoodthing.Itisnoteasy

    fOrustodiscoverourfaultsevenwhenwetryto.
    Wlenothersndthemandtellusaboutthem,itwill

    saveusagreatdealoftrouble.T}1erefOre,weshould
    beverygladtoacceptsomeoneelse)scriticism,astl1is
    isourtraininggroundtorefineourcharacterandto
    fUlfillourgoals.Theyhavecometohelpus>tobeour
    benevolentadvisors.Ifwecanacceptthingsinthis
    way,wewillseethatthereisnothingtobeangryor
    complainaboutHowcanwebeangryPHowcanwe
    notacceptcriticism?Howcanwegiverisetotheheart
    ofrevenge?Thisisaseriousoffense!Tbeyareour
    benefactorsandyetwewanttorepaytlIemwitl1reprisals!

    l88

    WhentheChinesespeakoffilialpiety,wethinkof
    EmperorS}Iun,39whoisknownasamodeloffilial
    pietyHisprofOundfilialpietywasabletomove
    heavenandearthWhohelpedhimtoachievethis?
    Hisparentsandbalfbrother.Afterhismotl1erdied
    Shun>sfatl1erremarriedWhenhisstepmothermistreatedhimhisfathersidedwithherThenyears
    laterafter}Iisbalf-brothergrcwup,heInistreated
    S}IunaswellandthetlIreeeventriedtokillhim!

    Butthroughitall,Shundidnotchangehisgentle
    heartbutconstantlyquestionedwhylIecouldnot
    makehisparentsandbrotlIerlIappy.Heregardedtheir
    actionsashisownfaultfOrlIedidnotseethoseof

    ot}Iers.EverydaybereflectedonlIisshortcomings,on
    howtoregretandcorrectthem.Intheend,hefinally
    inHuencedandrefOrmedhiswholefamily.Hedidnot
    trytorunawayfromlIomeorthinkofrevenge.When
    EmperorYaolearnedofShun,hechosehimashis
    successorandmarriedhistwodauglIterstohim.Forif
    Shuncouldinfluencehisfamilythensurelyhecould
    influencetlIewholecountry.
    Intbesutras,wereadofEnduranceCelestialBe-

    ingWl1ohelpedl1imtoattainachievement?Kaliraja.
    BuddhaShalWamunispokeofthisexamplebrieflyin
    tbeDmondStJnHandprovidedfurtlIerdetailsintl1e
    CTaraSiJraKalirajaisaSanSkritwordmean
    ingaself-indulgentunprincipledtyrant.Thecelestial
    beingwascultivatingonamountainwbenfOrno
    reason,KalirajalosthistemperandputtlIecelestial
    l89

    beingtodeathbydismemberment

    EnduranceCelestialBeingdidnotlIavetheslightesttraceofhatred.InsteadheperfectedtbeParamita
    ofPatience.Hedidnotviewanypersonormatteras
    evilTrytoimaginethelevelofpurityofmindthatlIe
    l1adattainedWbatdowelearnfTompracticingBuddl1ism?Theimportanceofattainingpurityofmind
    throughendurance.
    Peoplemightsaythatweareinsensitiveifwedo
    notdifferentiategoodfrombadInfact)itisnotthat
    wedonotunderstandwhatishappeningaroundus.
    Wedo.Understandingtl>elawofcausalityenablesour
    heartstobepureandwitboutanyattacl1mentsor
    discriminatorythougbtsAsforEnduranceCelestial
    Being,l1ismindwaspurebecausehe}IadfOundtl1e
    truthButbecausesentientbeingsl1aveafflictions,it
    isnecessarytoelaintothemtbeprinciplesina
    progressionofideas
    WeunderstandthatthefOurattachmentsofself,

    others,phenomena,andtimearenotreal;tl1ateverytbingisequal)withouttbeslightestdifference.TherefOreinthisstate,differentiationandnondifferentiationaretl1esamebecausetl1ereisnodual-

    ity-everythingisone.Wbenwedifferentiatewedo
    notdosofOrourselvesbutasametlIodtohelpotl1ers.
    SincesentientbeingshavenotyetfOundtl1eirtrue
    nature,weteachthemtoendtheirerroneousways

    andcultivategooddeeds.Whenwel]aveuncovered
    ourtruenature,tlIerewillbenoerroneouswaystobe
    l90

    endedandnogooddeedstobecultivatedfOrour
    mindswillbeinastateofpurityandequality-the
    OneTrueDharmaRealm-t}Iestateofnon-cultivation

    andnon-attainmentWithinsuc}Istates,westil>do
    whateverisneededfOrcultivationandattainment.

    But,wedonotattachtoeitlIerextremeofemptiness
    orexistence.

    Ifweuncoverourtruenature,orpurityandequality,butdonotpractice,thenwewillfallintotheextremeofemptinessIfweareattachedtotheappearanceofmattersanddonotthoroughlyunderstandthe
    principle,donotseeintoouroriginalnature,tbenwe
    fallintot}Ieextremeofexistence.Weshouldnotat-

    tachtoemptinessortoexistence.
    AsMalIasthamapraptaBodhisattvaelained,we
    shouldconcentratethesixsensesonuninterrupted

    puretl1oughts.Withconcentrationoft}Iesixsenses
    wewillnotfallintotheextremeofestence.With

    uninterruptedpurethoughtswewillnotfallintotlIe
    extremeofemptinessInthisway,ourmindsarepure
    andnondiscriminatory)witheverythinginaccordance
    withthetruenatureWechant(AmituofOcontinu-

    ously,withoutinterruptiondayandnight,andwitbout
    attacl1ingtoeitl1erexistenceoremptiness.

    Likewise)inthefaceofslander,wesl>ould

    maintaintlIemindofstillness.AlthouglItl1e
    slanderousrumorsandtalebearingspread
    likeabugefirelikeatorch,tbeywilleven>9l

    tuallyburntbemselvesout.
    TlIistellsushowtobehavewhenothersinsultand

    slanderus.Ifweremaincalmandunaffected)everythingwillnaturallypass.WlIenotlIersverballyabuse
    us,wedonotneedtorespondinldnd.WlIenthey
    curseus,weneednotsayanythingAfterafewhours)
    theywillgettiredandstopThisisaveryeffective
    methodtohandletlIistypeofsituation.
    IlearnedtlisomaclassmatewhenIwasateen

    agerstudyinginschoolAtthattimeIwasverycausticlikeLiaofan.Ilovedtoridiculepeopleandplay
    tricksontl1em.However>thatclassmatebecamemy
    goodadvisorIwasarroganttowardslIimandeven
    ridiculedl1iminpublicButleneverrespondedin
    kind.ThiscontinuedfOranentireyearandintheend,
    hegottl1rougl1tome.Tl1ispersonwastrulyamazing!
    HedidnotreturnonebloworoneinsultIlearned

    tl1isskillfromhimandl1aveuseditmyentirelife
    Itcanalsoservetoimproveourselfcultivationand
    helpaccumulategoodfOrtune)fOraveragepeoplewill
    praiseus,sayingthatwearetrulygoodpractitioners!If
    itwasnotfOrthosepeopleinsultingandslanderingus,
    wewouldnotl1avetl>eopportunitytopracticeendurance.T}Ieybavecometohelpustosucceedinour

    practice.Whywouldwerefusetheirhelp?Ifsomeone
    treatsuslikethisatworkandwecaninteractwith

    themwithapuremind,oursuperVsorswillappreciate
    usourco-workerswillrespectus,andouropportunil92

    tiesfOrpromotionwillimprove.Thispersonhas
    greatlybenefitedusHowcanwerefUsesuclIhelp?
    WhenIwasinschool,iftwostudentsquarreled>
    theteacl1erwouldusuallypunishbotlIbyhavingthem
    lmeelontl1egroundWefeltthatthiswassounfair
    andwouldthink<<Iwasobviouslyrightwl1ydidthe
    teacheralsopunishme?,Lateron,IrealizedtlIatin
    anyargumentorfight,bothpartiesareatfaultandare

    atthesamelevel.Ifoneisbigl1andtheotherislow,
    thentheargumentwouldnothavetakenplace.For
    example,anadultwouldnotfig}ItwithababyItwas
    verylogical.Now,whenweareinsultedorslandered,
    wecantellwhetberthepractitioner)slevelofcultivationislIigborlow.
    Wheninsultedorslandered,weneedtoremember
    thattheseindividualsarebenefactorswl1ocometo

    giveusagift.WecannotreturnthiskindnesswitlI
    ingratitude.First,tbeyhavecometotestourlevelof
    cultivation.Second,wewillaccumulategoodfOrtune
    andareabouttogainthepraiseandrespectofothers.

    TherefOrethesebenefactorsarenotbadpeople,but
    areactuallygoodfriendswhomwedonotwantto
    wronglyaccuse.
    Ifwebecomeangryandtrytodefendourselveswhenslandered,itwouldbeliketl1e

    springsilkwormspinningitsowncocoonand
    suffOcatingitself.Becomingangrydoesnot
    benefitus;it}Iarmsus.
    l93

    Tl1isappliestoworldlyteaclIingsaswellastoBuddl>ismThefirstofthetwoessentialpracticesoftl1e
    SixParamitasofBodlIisattvasisGiving.Tl1isisto
    cultivategoodfOrtune.Wecannotlivewithoutgood
    fOrtuneandthisiseventruerfOrBuddhasWecallthe

    Buddha<<RespectedOnewithPerfectWisdomand
    GoodFortune.))HiswisdomandgoodfOrtuneare
    unsurpassedItverynaturalthatweseekthesealso)as
    ourtruenatureoriginallycontainedinfinitewisdom
    andgoodfOrtune.
    Aswel>avesaidtherearethreekindsofgiving:
    wealtl1,teacbingandfearlessness.Practicingthese
    willresultinl1avingwhateveryoneseeks:wealtb
    wisdom,andl1ealthylonglivesrespectively.Byplant-

    inggoodcausesweareassuredofl1arvestinggood
    results

    Tl1esecondessentialpracticeistheParamitaofPatience,wl1ichenablesustoretainourgoodfOrtune.If
    wepracticegivingandgaingoodfOrtune,butdonot
    practicethissecondParamita,wewillloseourgood
    frtune.TheD2mondrHtellsus,everythingis
    attainedthroughpatience))Weneedtocultivatepatiencetosafeguardourachievementsworldlyand
    Buddhist.

    Weoftenreadinthesutrasoftl1efireburningour
    fOrestofmerits.Wbatisthisfire?Itisangerandha-

    tredW}1enweloseourtempers,weloseourmeritsas

    well.Ifyouwanttolmow}1owmuchmerityouhave,
    tl1inkofthelasttimeyoubecameangry.Withone
    l9

    angrythoughttlIefireburnsourfOrestofmerits.
    IfPureLandpractitionersweretobecomeangryat
    theirlastmomentsoflife,allwouldbelost!Thisis

    whytl1eBuddhataughtusnottotouchthebodyof
    thedeceasedwithineighthoursofpassingawayAlthougl1thepersonhasbreatbedhisorherlastbreath,
    thespirithasnotleftthebody.Totoucl1thedeceased
    wouldcausegreatpainandpossiblyanger.IftlIey
    weretobecomeangryatthiscriticalmoment,allof
    theirmeritswouldbelost.Thus,meritsareextremely
    difficulttoaccumulatefOrtheycanbelostatany
    timeOurgoodfOrtuneandvirtueslIowever,willreInaIn

    WlIatismerit?Itispurityofmind,concentration
    andwisdomThinkaboutitifweloseourtempers,
    howcanwemaintainourconcentrationandwisdom?

    Impossible.AsfOrgoodfOrtune)itisourwealthand
    intelligence.WlIenourmindattainsConstantMindfulnessofBuddhaAmitabhaorOneMindUndis-

    turbedwecanaccumulatemeritsandvirtues.But

    withjustoneoutburstoftemperallislost:nomore
    ConstantMindfulnessofBuddlIaAmitabl1a,much

    lessOneMindUndisturbedTherefOreweneedto

    remainvigilantsoasnottoloseourmerits.
    Inourcultivationonthepathtoawakening,our
    karmiccreditorswilloftentrytocreatetrouble.WlW?
    Tl1eylIaveanoverwlIelmingneedfOrrevenge.They
    seethatweareabouttosucceedinourcultivationand

    lmowtbatoncewehavesucceeded,tlIeywillnolonger
    l95

    havetlIeopportunityfOrrevengeThus)theywilldoall
    tbeycantobIockourprogress.AndtlIewaytheydo
    tbisisbymakingusburnourfOrestofmerits.But,if
    wearedeterminednottohaveourmeritsdestroyed,
    thennoexternalfOrcecandoso.

    Sometimes,whenwefindourselvesinunpleasant
    circumstancesorhavepersonalproblems,webecome

    unbappyandloseourtempers.Oncewedothis,our
    meritsareburnt.Whatorwhomakesussoun}Iappy
    andangry?Probablyallthoseunfavorableconditions,
    enemies,andpeoplestirringuptrouble.TlIisisan
    exampleofThespeaker}Iadnosuchintention,tlIe
    listenerinterpretedittobeso.),Perbapsthespeaker
    hadnointentiontoupsetus,butweinterpretedwhat
    wassaidtobedeliberateandfeelmiserable.Wemay
    burstoutinangerorwemaymanagesomecontrol
    andkeepitinside.EitlIerway)ourmeritsaregone.
    Whywouldallofourmeritsbedestroyedwithjust
    alittleanger?Becausewehavelostourpurityofmind
    TherefOre)alltheteacbingsandattainmentsarebased

    onpatienceanddeepconcentration.TlIeyarenotonly
    thekeytoourcultivationintranscendingsamsara,but
    thekeytoworldlymattersaswell.Toremainunmovedbyslander)>isdeepconcentrationandistbe
    revelationofwisdom.Tobecomeangryduetoslander
    isamanifestationofkarmicobstacles.Wecanchoose
    wlIetlIertol1aveourwisdomrevealedorourMrmic
    obstaclesmaterialize.

    AretheseencountersgoodfOrus?Forpractitioners,
    l96

    yes!Itisgoodtrainingtohavesomeoneconstantly
    causingtroublefOrusandtonotbavethingsgoingour
    way.Withouttl1eseadversitiesbowwouldweachieve
    concentration?AdverseconditionsandaffinitiesprovideuswitlIjusttlIerightopportunitiestodiscipline
    ourselvesandtopracticetheParamitaofPatience.We
    cannotbethankfulenougbfOrtheseopportunities,
    muclIlesstocomplainaboutthemorgetangry.
    Intl1epast,themethodusedinhelpingapersonto
    learndisciplinewastoteachlIimorhertopracticet}Ie
    ParamitaofPatience.TlIosewhowerebelievedtobe

    potentialDharmarepositorieswouldbetestedTlIey
    wouldbepickedonateveryopportunityandtreated
    unpleasantlyasiftheyweredislikedTlIiswastoseeif
    tl1eywereabletoremainpatientandtoendurethe
    harassment.Iftheywereunabletoendureandleft,so
    beit.Ifwecannotendureorbepatient,thenwecannotacl1ieveattainment.Evenifweareexceptionalin
    allotherareas)ifwedonothavethepatiencetoendureourac}Iievementswillbelimited
    IneiJaacAingHZDwereadofan
    oldmonkwlIoseverelymistreatedoneparticularstudent.Heconstantlyreproachedandverballyabused
    thestudentateveryopportunity.Onetime,whenthe
    studentwaswasbingbisfeet,bepoureddirtywaterall
    overhim,buttlIestudentstillwouldnotleavehis
    masterLater,theoldmonkreallygotangryldcked
    himout,andrefusedtoallowhimtocomeback!Tl1e

    studenthadnoalternativeUnabletostaynearhis
    l97

    master,hecampedoutatadistanthallwayofthe
    temple.Wbentheoldmonklecturedtbestudent
    wouldl1idebimselfoutsidethewindowandlistento
    lIismaster

    Oneyearlater,itwastimefOrtheoldmonktopass
    ontl1eteaclIings,toretireandchooseanewabbotto
    takelIisplace.Nooneknewwhomhewouldchoose.
    Theoldmonkaskedthosewhowerepresenttobring
    inthestudentwhowaslisteningoutsidethewindow
    sothathecouldpassontbeteachingsandpositionto
    tlIatstudent.OnlythendideverybodyrealizetlIatfOr
    alltlIoseyears,theoldmonkhadactuallybeentrainingl1issuccessor!
    Ifwewanttogiveupeverytimeweencountersome
    smallunpleasantness,andareunwillingtobepatient
    andacceptthetorment,tbenwewillnotachieve
    anytlIing,regardlessofhowoutstandingwemaybein
    otl1erareas.TlIekeytosuccessorfailureliesinpatienceIfwecanendure,wewillaclIievedeepconcentration.Wewillthenuncoverouttruewisdomandbe

    nolongeraffectedbyoutexternalconditions.
    SometimesweseenewpeoplewithexcellentqualitiesstayingataBuddlIistcenter.Butafterashort
    time,t}1eyleave.Theresidentswouldsmile>tl1inking
    tlIatitdoesnotmatter.IfpeoplelaclKtlIepatienceto
    endure,tl1eycannotachieve.Butwoulditmatter
    muchwl1etheroneperson)wlIocouldnotachieve,
    weretostay?Thosewboares}Iortsigl1tedwouldconsiderthelossofsucbatalentedpersonasregrettable
    l98

    But,intheend>itisnotso.Atrulytalentedpersonis
    onewhohasattaineddeepconcentrationandwisdom
    fOronlywiththesewillwebeabletopassonthewisdomoftbeBuddlIas,andthuS,enableBuddlIismto
    remaininthisworldWithoutendurance,wewillnot

    attaindeepconcentrationandwithoutdeepconcentrationwewillnotattainwisdom.

    WitlIwisdom,wewillrecognizeatruecultivation
    centerwithgoodteacherswlIocanhelpusonthepath
    toenlightenment.Thennomatterhowtheymaymistreatuswewillendureandnotleaveuntilwelearn

    everythingThisist}IewaytotrulylearntlIeteachings
    Ifweareunabletoenduretheleastdisagreeablecircumstanceandjustwalkout)thenweareuselessand
    itwillbepointlesstokeepus
    ThispassageomthebookisveryimportantfOrit
    providesawonderfUlwaytoendslanderanddisputes
    Wesimplyignoretl1em.Event}1eworstwillfade.
    W}Ienslandereddonotdisputeordebateit,orwewill
    bindourselvesfUrther.Thus,itissaidthatnobenefit

    isderivedfromgettingangryonlyharm.
    Atworkasuperiorwillnotgiveanimportantjobor
    apromotiontosomeonewboiseasilyangeredUsuallywhenassessingasubordinate,tlIesuperiorwill
    observethewaythepersoninteractswithothersdaily
    todecidewlIetherthispersonisapromisingemployee
    andworthtraining.Uponobservingthatweareeasily
    angered,theywilllmowthatwearenotgoodcandidatesbecauseourangerwillonlycausedifficulties.
    l99

    Tl1ereareotlIerfaultsandoffenseswecan

    cl1ange.Ifweunderstandtheprinciplebehindtl1eneedfOrrefbrm,wewillnotrepeat
    ourmistakes

    T}1esearetlIemainprinciplesunderlyingourability
    tochangeMahayanaBuddhistsadoptthismethodas
    itisfastertoreachachievementwitl1it.Tl>eravadans

    tendtochangetl1emselvesthrougl1belIavior)wlIicbis
    aldntoslowlyremovingatreebypluckingoffeachleaf
    andbranchTorefOrminthiswayisdifficultbecause
    wewillhavetocorrecteachfaultonebyonewl1ichis
    verypainstaldngandtimeconsuming.Itismuchwiser
    tochangetlIroughreasoningthantl1rougl1actionsfOr
    themindistherootfTomwl1iclIeverythingarises

    ChangingfTomtheHeartandMind

    Wl1atdoeschangingomthelIeartmean?
    Althoughwehavethousandsofdifferent
    faults,theyallstemomtlIeheart,fromtIe
    mind.

    Positiveandnegativekarmaaswellastheentire
    universearecreatedomourmindTheBuddlatold

    usintheAmmsaaStJnH:Thenatureofthe

    DbarmarealmsansesfromthemindNatureises-

    senceandessenceistlIemind.))HowdoMahayana
    BodhisattvasentertlIel1ellrealmstohelptl1ebeings
    200

    there?TlIeseenlightenedbeingsdosobyunderstandingtheprincipletl1ateverytbingarisesomtl1emind
    WelearnomthekhikaIbAa5tnHthattobreak
    througlItlIedoorsofthebells,oneneedstounderstandthateveryt}1ingarisesfromt}1emindW}1atis
    Hell?AcreationofourmindsUnderstandingthis,we
    willlearntl1attlIerearenogatestol1ell-wecancome
    andgofreely!
    Wecancorrectourfaultsbybeginningtochange

    fromourmindsandpracticinggooddeeds.Ifwepracticefromourminds,tl1enevenasmallgooddeedsuch
    asunreservedlygiVngapennytoapersoninneed
    wouldbeofinfinitemeritsandvirtues.WlIy?Tbis
    deedcomesomtlIegreatcompassioninourtrue
    nature,thusthebroadmindednessisboundless.The

    goodfOrtuneisinfinitefOrthegooddeedarisesom
    ourmindsandaccordswithourtruenatureHowever,
    iftl1egooddeedarisessolelyomouractionstl1enit
    isasmallmeritfOritdidnotarisefTomourtruenature

    Howtl1endowerefOrmourselvesfromourminds?

    Wesincerelycultivatingbywantingtocorrectour
    offenses,practicinggoodnessandrefTainingfrom
    wrongdoings.Whenwecorrectfromourminds,tl1ere

    isnosuclItl1ingasshouldorshouldnot.RefOrming
    ourselvesbyreasoningandrealizingtheprincipleis
    conditional.However)whenwerefOrmfromtl1emind
    itisunconditional,pureandsincere.Inthisway,
    givingrisetoeventbeslightestofldndtl1oughtswill
    20l

    beinharmonywitbourtruenature.KnowingtlIat
    everytl1ingarisesfromthemind,weneedtocorrect
    ourfaultsbybeginningfromtlIemind
    IfmyheartisstillofthoughtstlIenactions
    willnotariseandfaultscanbeavoided.

    Thisisanunsurpassedprinciple.Purityofmind
    cansuppressthenegativekarmaaccumulatedover
    infinitepasteonsHowcanweattainpurityofmind,
    stillnessofthouglIt?Wecandosothroug}ItheunmovedmindtlIatisindeepconcentration.TlIisis
    called<OneMindUndisturbedinthemetl1odof

    chantingmindfullytheBuddba,sname.Oncewe
    attainthisstate)allofournegativekarmawillbesuppressed.However,whenanewwanderingthought
    arises,ournegativekarmawillagainmaterialize.
    Forexample,ifweswitchoffthetelevision,thereis
    nolongerapicturebutablankscreen.WlIenweturn
    onthetelevisionagain,thepicturereappears.Tl1e
    karmicphenomenastoredint}1emindsofsentient
    beingsarethesame.Whenourmindsareindeep
    concentrationandcalmnoneoftbekarmicphenomenawillmanifest.Whenourmindsgiverisetowanderingtl1oughts)thekarmicobstacleswillagainmaterialize.Understandingthis,wewillnurturepurityof
    mind,tbestateofnotgivingrisetoasinglewandering

    thought.AsMasterHuinengsaid,Thetruemind
    originallycontainsnothingandcollectsnodust))
    Karmicobstaclesexistintheillusorymind,notintlIe
    202

    truemindThetruemindhasalwaysbeenpure.
    AnexampleiswearingeyeglassesOriginally,our
    eyeswerepureWhenourglassesarecoveredwith
    dust,ourvisionisblurredThereisnot}Iingwrong
    withoureyes;theprobIemisontheglasses.Where
    areourkarmicobstacles?Theyarethedust>thecontaminationontbeglassesThereisnoobstaclewithin
    oureyes.Wheneverwecandowithoutglassesand
    eradicatethecontamination,wewillhavepurevision
    toseeclearly.Tbisist}Iesameasuncoveringourtrue
    naturetobecomeBuddhasIfwewearglasses,the
    barrierremainsThenweareordinarypeoplesentient
    beingsOncewecanridourselvesoftheseobstacles,
    weareBuddhas.

    W}Iatldndofmindareweusingnow?T}Iedeluded
    mind,notthetruemindThereisnohindranceinthe

    truemindWiththedeludedmind,wbenwetrytosee
    sometlIingwithournakedeyes,wecannotseeit
    clearly.ItislikelookingthrouglIdistortedglasses,
    seeingtbeexternalenvironmentthrouglIalayerof
    delusion.ThisdelusionistbeEightConsciousnesses
    andfifty-onemindobjects;theglasseshavebeen
    heavilycontaminated.Wetheninteractwitl1theexternalenvironmentthroughtheseconsciousnessesand
    mindobjects.TherefOretheenVronmentlIaschanged
    totl1atoftheSixDustsIfwedonotapplytheseconsciousnessesandmindoectstoseetheexternal
    envIronment,thenwedonotseetheenvIronmentof
    tl1eSixDustsbuttlIatofthetruenature
    203

    Tbebigproblemisthatwecannotridourselvesof
    tbesedistortedeyeglassesthataretheEiglItConsciousnessesandfifty-onemindobjects.TlIegoalof
    ourpracticeistoteachustoletgooftheseandto
    transfOrmconsciousnessintowisdom.Wisdomisthe

    fUnctioningoftbetruenature.Consciousnessistl1e
    functioningofthedeludedmindthefunctioningof
    theEigbtConsciousnessesandfifty-onemindobjects.
    Arhats)PratyekabuddlIas,andTheravadaBodhisattvasstillusetlleseconsciousnessesandmindobjects.
    Theyhaveyettoclarifytheirtruenaturetobecome
    Budd}Ias.TheylmowlIowtoregretthroughactions
    andthroughunderstandingtheprinciples.Buttheydo
    notyetchangeomthemindWhy?Theydonot
    ImowwlIeretheirmindsare

    WelearnintheStJmI>gamaStJnHthatinthebeginningoftbeSurangamaassemblyBuddbaShakyamuni
    askedVenerableAnanda,w}Iowasveryintelligent,
    wberehismindwas.AnandacouldnotfinditfOrhe

    didnotlmowwbatorwbereitwas.Howcanweregret
    omourmindsifwedonotevenknowwIatourtrue
    mindsare?

    MahayanaBodhisattvaswhohavebeguntouncover
    theirtruenaturecultivatefeelingregretomthe
    mindWewillbetterunderstandoncewestudythe
    ApamSaStJkIH,particularlySudhanasvisitstothe

    fifty-tbreegoodspiritualteachers.HowdidSudhana
    practice?Thesefifty-tbreespiritualteachersrepresent
    Bodl1isattvasofPerfectTeacbingfromtl1elevelof
    20q

    FirstDwellingtothehigbestthelevelofEqualenligbtenment.Theymanifestedasyoungandoldand
    asmenandwomenfromallwalksoflife.

    Howdidthefifty-threespiritualteaclIerscultivate?
    ThegenuinepracticeofBuddhismiscomprisedof

    principlesexamples,andpracticalapplicationsfOrus
    tofOllow.AlthouglIwecannotstudythecomplete
    AmSaSmrH,thecIapteronSamantabbadra
    Bodhisattva,sConductandVows,fromtlIepeerless
    fOrty-chapterversionisveryimportantWeneedto
    lmowl1owtoapplytl1ismostoutstandingMal1ayana
    teaclIingsotlIatasmodernpeople,wecanincorporate
    itintoourdailylives.Thisisanexcellentsutrafor
    sincerecultivationandisworthpropagation

    FollowingtlIisprinciple,ancientvirtuouspeople
    taughtushowtogiverisetotbeBodhiMindandbe
    constantlymindfi1lofBudd}IaAmitabl1a.SinglemindedlychantingAmituofO>)dayandnig}Itwill
    reduceallofourwanderingthoughtsintoonetlIought
    ofAmituofO.IsAmituofOgoodorbad?NeitlIer.ItlIas
    nothingtodowiththedualityofgoodandbadfOrit
    accordswitl1ourtruenature.Thedualityofgoodand
    badonlyexistsinourconsciousminds,notinourtrue
    minds.WitlIprolongedpracticewewillnaturally
    attainenligl1tenmentifweareconstantlymindfulof
    AmituofO.Amongeighty-fOurthousandmetl1ods,tl1is
    methodisunsurpassed
    IfwecannotattainSupremePerfectEnlightenment
    duetoourinsufficienteffOrts>itisallrigl1taslongas
    205

    wecangototl1ePureLandandmeetBuddhaAmitabl1afOrthenwewilluncoverourtruenature.This
    convenientandsuitablemethodcannotbefOundin

    anyotlIerteaching.Inothers,ifwedonotachieve

    enlightenmentwewillnotbeconsideredashaving
    achievedattainment.

    WhenwepracticemindfulnessofBuddlIaAmitablIa,itisnotnecessaryfOrustobeabletoseetl1e
    truenature.AslongaswecanseeBuddl1aAmitabha
    wewilll1aveacl1ievedattainment.Allournegative
    karmawillbesuppressedwbenwesincerelyandsingle-mindedlychantHowcanAmituofOhaveanynegativelKarma?Itistrueandperfectgoodness,notthatof
    goodorbadfOrsuchgoodnessisrelative.Truegoodnesshasnodualityandistheabsolutegreatgoodness.

    Practitionersdonothavetotrytoeradicate
    faultssuchastbedesireforfame)sex,profit,
    oranger)onebyone.
    Tl1isisjusttogiveussomeexamples.Webavemillionsoffaults;butwedonothavetofindeacbofthem

    onebyone.Practitionersspecializeinpreceptkeeping
    byreflectingonwhatwentwrongandabouttbemany

    mistakestl1eycommiteveryday.TlIeycarefullyloolK
    backandtbencorrectthemonebyone.Tl1eynotonly
    reflectupontheirbehaviordailybutmayalsokeepa
    recordoftheirmeritsandfaults.

    Thismethodofrecordkeepingcanworkwellfor
    some.Eacl1ofusbasadifferentpersonalityrelatedto
    206

    our}Iabitsaccumulatedoverinnumerablelifetimes.

    Mahayanapractitionersdonotpracticetbiswaywhile
    TheravadapractitionersareveryfOndoft}1ismetlIod
    andcanbenefitomit.DifferentpeoplelIavediffer
    entcharacters;thus>differentprinciplesandmetlIods
    areused

    ManypractitionersinCbina<andnorthernAsia}
    whopracticeMahayanaBuddhismrefTainfrom
    wrongdoingsandperfOrmactsofkindnessthrough
    reasoningandawakenedhearts.However,inSouth
    AsiasuclIasThailandandSriLanka)mostpractitionersareTheravadaBuddhistsandwhiletbeylikewise
    refTainomwrongdoingandpracticekinddeeds,they
    cbangetbroughbehavior
    Allweneedisasincerehearttopractice

    gooddeedsAslongasourheartsarevirtuousandkind)thennaturaIlyourmindswill
    nothaveanyimproperthoughts.
    TlIisisanexcellent,simple)andclearmethod
    However>ifwedonothavetruewisdomwestillcannotachievethisstate.Why?Becauseofdoubts.We
    wonderlIowitispossibleforustoeradicateallt}Ie
    offensestbatwehavecommittedWedoubtwedo

    notbelievewecannotaccept.WlIenweareadvisedto
    concentrateourmindonBuddhaAmitabbaandseek

    rebirthintotl]eWesternPureLand,wesuspectthat
    withsomanywrongdoings,wecannotpossiblygoto
    tbePureLandWewouldbeashamedtoseeBuddba
    207

    Amitabha!

    Somedonotevendaretopaytheirrespectstol1is
    imageatthecultivationcenterconsideringtleirof
    fensestoonumerousandheavy.ItwouldbeembarrassingtoseetheBuddha!Ifwethinkthisway,thenit
    wouldbebettertoregretandrefOrmtlIroughbel1avior
    fOratleastifwediscoveredandcorrectedonefault
    ourmindswouldbemoresettled

    ThosewbocanacceptthePureLandmetl1odpossessgreatrootsofgoodnessgoodfOrtune,andgood
    causesandconditions.Ifwedidnotalreadyl1avetl1e
    bestrootnature)itwouldbeimpossiblefOrustoaccepttbeBuddhaMindfi1lnessCl1antingmetlIod.
    Tbosewhocanacceptitandpracticeearnestly,can
    neutralizethetransgressionsaccumulatedoverinfinite
    lifetimeswithtlIemeritsoftheirchanting.Tl1ePure
    LandisagatheringplacefOrtlIeutmostvirtuous
    peopleOncerebornthere,wewillbeamemberof
    thisassemblyandtheequalofsuchvirtuouspeopleas
    theBodbisattvasSamantabl1adra,Manjusri,AvalokiteslIvara,andMahasthamaprapta.
    AsMrHuangNianzusaidinhiscommentaryon
    theDmrLibStJZmtl1ePureLandmetlIodisfOr

    sentientbeingsofsupremerootnature.Wbol>astl>e
    utmostrootnature?Thosewhocanbelieve,vowtogo
    tot}IePureLand)andpracticemindfulnessofBuddha
    Amitabl1ahavetheutmostrootnature.Master

    Huinengonlytaugbttl1osewithsupremerootnatures.
    However,l1isstudents,althoughverysuccessfUl,could
    208

    notmaintaintbeirlevelofattainment.PureLand

    practitionerswitbfOremostcapabilitieswillnever
    regress,fOrtlIeybaveperfectlyachievedinthethree
    non-regressions.ThestudentsofMasterHuineng
    achievedtbethreenon-regressions,butnotperfectly
    T}IePureLandmethodisunsurpassedWeareunbelievablyfOrtunatetohaveencounteredit;buttbisis
    nocoincidencetisduetotbematuringofourroots

    ofgoodness>goodfortunes,andgoodcausesandconditionsthatwehaveaccumu}atedoverinfiniteeons.

    TopracticegooddeedsVthonesinceremind
    meanstohaveanabsoluteproperandvirtuous
    thoughtasthefirstthought.Therearenowandering
    secondthoughts.Tocbant(AmituofO,,istosinglemindedlypracticeConstantMindfUInessofBuddha
    AmitabbaandwholebeartedlyseekrebirthintotlIe
    PureLandThemostmarvelouswaytorefOrmand
    reduceourkarmicobstaclesistohavenowandering
    t}IoughtsThisdoesnotmeantonotlIaveanyproper
    thoughts.Withoutproperthoughts,webecomeignorantWanderingthougl]tsarediscriminatorythoughts
    andattaclImentsItisnoteasyforaveragepeopleto
    ac}Iievethestateofnowanderingthought.However,
    everyonecanachievethisbypracticingtheBuddba
    MindfUlnessChantingmethod
    W}Iatdoesproperthoughtarisingmean?ItisAmituofO:themosttruthfUlandultimatepropertlIought
    Theonlyimportantissueinourlifeistoconstantly
    maintainpropertboughts,nottoclingtodeviatedor
    Z09

    erroneousones,andtobeconstantIymindfulofBud-

    dhaAmitabhadayandnigbt,withoutinterruption.If
    wecancontinueour(mltivationintbisway,thenin
    tbreemonthswewillreceivewonderfulresults.Ifwe

    canconstantlymaintainmindfUlnessofBuddbaAmitabha)withthisonetboughtweareassuredofreducingourwanderingdiscriminatorythoughts.

    ItisimpossibleforustonotlIaveanywandering
    thoughtsDonotbeaaidoftbemsolongasthouglIts
    ofBuddhaAmitablIacanoccupyusthemost;suchas
    sixtypercentofourthougbtsofBuddhaAmitabha
    withonlyfOrtypercentthatarewanderingIfweare
    notconstantlymindfUlofBuddhaAmitabha,thenour
    mindswillbefilledwithwanderingthougl1ts.
    IfwecancontinuethispracticefOrthreemontl1s
    increasingtlIetboughtsofBuddhaAmitabhaand
    decreasingourwanderingtboughts,wewillbeatease
    andfTeeinspirit.Ourmindswillbecomemoreserene
    andourjoyompracticingtheteachingswillshow
    thatourkarmicobstacleslIavebeenreduced.IntlIe

    past)ourmindswerefilledwithafflictionsandworries,andourfutureslookeddarkNowwecanbe

    l1appy,confidentandwiseasourlivesbecomeinteresting>andourfiIturesbecomebrigl1t.
    AswecontinueourcbantingfOrhalfayearwewill
    receiveevenbetterresults,whichinturnwillincrease

    ourconfidenceanddetermination.Anyonewhoreally
    wantstogotothePureLandwillfindtbatitisachievableafterthreeyearsofcultivationofConstantMind2l0

    fulnessofBuddlIaAmitabha.Numerouspeoplehave
    achievedthis.

    TlIerearethosewhobavesaidthattheycannot

    practicethismethodbecausetheyareaaidtIatthey
    willdieinthreeyears.Wbatcanwesay?Honestly
    speaking,manypeopledarenotpracticethismethod
    fOrtheyarestillclingingtothisworld,unwillingto
    giveupreincarnationinsamsara.Thesepeopleare
    shortsightedTheydonotknowthatthelIappinessand
    en}oymentofthePureLandarepeerless;thattbe
    humanandheavenlyrealmsandevenallotherBuddl1alandsare.incomparableSuchawonderfUlplace
    buttheydonotwanttogo?Theyprefertostay}Iere
    andcontinuetosufferWhatcanIsay?

    Peoplewithtrueaspirationandprofoundinsight
    needtolmowthatseekingrebirthintothePureLand
    wholelIeartedlyandmeetingBuddbaAmitabhaistbe
    perfectandcompleteaccomplishmentoflife.We
    sl1ouldletgoofattachmentstoworldlyactivities,botlI
    physicalandmental,andridourselvesofdifferentiatingtl1ougbts.TlIereisnot}Iingwort}Iyofworryand
    nothingwortlIyofgreedWeaccordwithconditions
    anddonotseekaffinitiesinourdailylivesHowlIappy
    andeewewillbeforwewillhavetrulyachieved
    Thisiswhatworldlypeopleareunabletothinkof:
    toturnafflictionintoawakeningandtoliveordieat
    will;notjusttopassawaywhenourtimeisupbutto
    leaveaswewishIfwefeelthereisaneedtoremain

    inthisworldfOrseveralmoreyears,tlIereisnoharm
    2>l

    insodoingHowever,theonlyreasontoremainis
    becausewestillhaveaffinitieswiththosewhoarelIere

    andweneedtostaylIeretoencouragethemtogoto
    thePureLandwitl]us.Inthisway)ourtimespent
    herewillbetobelpothers.
    IfitwerejustfOrourselves,tlIenwewouldrather
    leaveearlierfOrtheWesternPureLandThepurpose
    ofstaying}lereistohelpallsentientbeings,topropa-

    gatethePureLandmetl1odIftlIereissomeonewho
    canassumethetaskofadvocatingthismethod,andto
    continuethisteaclIing,thenwecanpassonthejobto
    himorl1er.

    Wecanleavefirstandletthemcarryonwitbthis
    weighresponsibilityofguidingsentientbeingsto
    transcendsamsara.TlIisisfiFeedom!Thus,everyone
    needstolmowthatthosewbohadsucceededintheir

    practiceandleftthisworldinthreeyearshadno
    Dharmaaffinities,andl1adnobodytoteachTl1ose
    whocannotleavehavenoalternativebuttostay.
    Aslongaswesingle-mindedlychanttbeBuddha)s
    namewitlIoutdoubts,withoutintermingling,and
    witlIoutinterruption,weareassuredtosucceedin
    threeyears.ConsiderthestudentofMasterDixian
    wl1oreliedonlyontl1echantingof<<AmituofOandwas
    ignorantofeverythingelse.Afterbecomingamonk,
    t}Iemasterdidnotrequirehimtobeordained,fOrthe
    masterwasworriedtl1atduetotlIestudent)sadvanced

    agehecouldnotwithstandthel1ardship<ofthelong
    trainingsession>.Also,hewasuneducatedandilliter2l2

    ateandsoitwasnotnecessaryfOrhimtoattendthe
    lectures.Hedidnotevenliveinthetempletowork
    witl1tlIeotbers.Ift}IeymadefunoflIimandsl1ould

    lIelosehistemperitwouldhavebeenallverydifficult
    fOrhim.

    Hewasinsteadsenttotbecountrysidetolivealone
    inanabandonedtemple.Forthreeyearsl1ecl1anted
    AmituofOdayandnightHeknewbefOrehandwIen
    lIewoulddie.Howdidheaccomplishthis?AsLiaofan
    toldhisson:<Aslongasourheartsarevirtuousand
    kind,tlIennaturallyourmindswillnothaveanyimpropertlIougl1ts.))ThisistheattainmentfromsincerelychantingtbeBuddha,sname!
    AveragepeoplecannotbecomparedtoMaster
    DixiansstudentwhowassoonrebornintothePure

    LandbecausehedidnothavetlIeabilitytoteaclI
    Buddhismtoothers.Illiterateandwithnolmowledge
    ofBuddhism,l1esucceededinhispracticeandwas
    rebornintothePureLandHedidnotsufferany
    illnessorpainandlmewinadvancehistimeofdeath
    HediedinastandingpositionandremainedsofOr
    threedays,waitingfOrMasterDixiantotakecareof
    }Iismemorialservice.Amazing!HeisarolemodelfOr
    PureLandpractitioners
    Somemayfeelthatt}IePureLandmetl]odisnota
    goodpractice,butwhatot}1ermethodofpracticecan
    slIowussometbingliketbis?Whichotbermetl>od
    enablesustobeclear-}Ieadedatthetimeofdeathand

    toremainstandingfOrthreedayswaitingfOrot}Iersto
    Zl3

    takecareofourfUneralarrangements?Thisistruly
    ourtestimony.

    TlIemethodtlIatIwouldoffertoeveryoneistosin-

    gle-mindedlychant<AmituofO.>,Whileourbodies
    remainintl1isworld,wehavenochoicebuttomakea

    livingtosupportourselves.Butafterworkwecanlet
    gooft}1inkingaboutworkandbemindfUloftl1eBuddha.Whenwework)concentrateonworkingOnce
    finished,beginchanting.W}Iileatwork,whentl1ereis
    nothinkingrequired,wecouldsilentlychantorplaya
    cassettetolistentothecl1antingof<AmituofO)wlIile
    worldng.Wl1entl1inkingisrequiredwecantemporarilylayasidechantingtoconcentrateonworkWhen
    againthinkingisnotneeded,wecanchantorlistento
    tbeBuddha>snamewl1ileworking.BuddlIaName
    C}]antingistl]emajorissueinourlife!Everytbingelse
    isunimportantunworthyofconcern.Thisistheway
    toregretourwrongdoingsandtorefOrmfromour
    minds.Alearnedpractitionerwoulddosofromtl1e
    rootfTomthebasics.

    <DemonsdonotappearduringtlIeday.40
    Thisistheessence,thekeytoourchange
    SinceallmistakesstemfTomtheheart,we

    cbangeomthelIeartItislikegettingridof
    apoisonoustreeIfwewanttoputanendto
    it,weuprootitaltogethersoitcannotgrow

    again.Whyexertourselvestonoavailby
    pullingoutitsleavesonebyoneandcutting
    2l4

    ittwigbytwig?

    Ananalogyofchangingthroughbehavioriscutting
    downthebranchesandtbetwigsofatreeonebyone,
    orpullingofftheleavesonebyone.Tochangefrom
    tl1el1eartistouprootthetree.Thus>weneedtoknow
    tbekeymethodtochangeourselves.
    Ifeverybodycanmemorizeandupholdtheteaching
    ofMasterOu-Yi,andchangeomtheheart,thenall
    thetransgressionsaccumulatedoverinfinitepasteons
    willbeabsolvedAmituof0canrefOrmallwrongdoings.BysincerelyclIanting(<AmituofOweperfectly
    practiceallthevirtuousteachings,betheyworldlyor
    Buddhist.CultivatingoneiscultivatingallCbanging
    oneischangingallTrulyinconceivable!
    Manypeopleareratherskepticalandhavedoubts.
    Tl]eytbinktbatthismethodisnotveryreliableorthat
    thereisanevenbetteroneIsmileafterlIearingthis,
    placemypalmstogethersay(<AmituofO)andamnot
    swayedbytl1em.
    ThebestwaytorefOrmourfaultsistbrough
    cultivatingourheartsfOrpuritywillsurface
    rightaway.

    ThefOremostwayfOrustochangeisfromthe
    heart.Ifweareabletoletgoofeverythingandcontinuouslychant<AmituofO)>fOrthreemonthsoreven

    s1xmonthsourmindswillbepurified,andtheresults
    willcomefOrthAsforpeoplelearningtolectureon
    2l5

    theBuddhistsutras,Ialwaysencouragethemtolearn
    justonesutra.Byrecitingonesutradailywecan

    attainpurityofmindinthreetofivemontbs
    Ifweweretostudymanysutrassimultaneouslywe
    wouldnotattainpurityofmindint}1esameamountof
    timeandtlIusourlearningwouldbeuseless.Few
    peoplerealizetbatthesolutionisspecialization.
    Agenuinepractitionerwillexperienceapurermind
    andfewerafflictionswithtbepassingoftime.Wewill
    belessignorantandgainwisdomasourfacesglow
    witlIl1ealthT}Iesearetheeffectsofgenuinepractice!
    WeneedtorememberwhatMasterLianchisaid:

    Letothersbeawakenedbyalloftl1eBuddhist
    Canon.)>TbebooksinthelibraryarefOrotl1ersto
    readnotfOrourselves.Weofferthemsomanybooks

    becausetheydonotbelieve,solettlIemreadIfthey
    wanttotravelsomanyroads>letthem.
    Wewilltakeadifferentrouteaspecializedshort
    cut.Tl1eychangeontlIeappearanceandonlyonminordetailsWechangefromourheartsbecause
    wrongdoingsoriginateomourhearts.Fromherewe
    cantellthedifferencesinviewsandwisdombetween
    thetwo.

    IfmybeartispureIcanrecognizeandstop
    animproperthoughtassoonasitarises.The
    immoralideawilldisappearthemomentI
    amconsciousofit.

    Tl1istalksofchangingfromtheheart.Wandering
    2l6

    tlIougl1tsareafflictionsandkarmicobstacles.Assoon
    astl1eybegintorise)wewillrecognizetbemand
    clIangethemintoAmituofO.Astl1esixsensesencountertheexternalworldandawanderingthought,wlIich
    maybepleasurableorunpleasant,virtuousorunvirtuousarises,weimmediatelyreplaceitwithasecond
    thoughtofeitherAmituofOorNamoAmituofo.Althoughtbefirstthoughtiswanderinganddeluded,the
    secondthoughtisAmituofO.Thisistoawaken.This
    awakeningneedstobeimmediatesothereisnoroom
    fOrdelusiontogrowThisishowwewilleffectively
    uncoverourwisdom.

    Ifweareabletoperseverelikethisforsixtotwelve
    months>wewillattainwisdom.OureyeswillbebriglIt
    andours1xsenseswillbeintelligentandsharp.We
    willbeabletocompletelyunderstandeverytlIingthat
    weencounter.Othersmayreadandstudyextensively
    tobeabletoanalyzematters,buttheystillmaynot
    reachtlIerightconclusion.Whereas)havinguncoveredourwisdom,wemayonlyneedtoseesometlIing
    oncetoperfectlyunderstandit.Ordinarypeopledo
    notl1avetlIiskindofabilityfOrthisistheabilityof
    BodlIisattvas:thetruewisdomtlIeBuddhastaugl1tus
    toseek

    WhenwehavethehearttopropagatetlIetrue
    teaclIings,tlIekeyisfOrustoharborsincerity,purity
    ofmind,andcompassionThereisreallynoneedto
    searchfOrreferencematerialsandstudylIowtolectureWedonotwanttouseoursixthconsciousnessof
    2l7

    discriminationfOrwemaymisinterprettlIeBuddhas
    truemeaning.AsIlIavesaidsomanytimesbefOre,
    thereisno<specific>meaningwithintlIesutrasAll
    theBuddhaswillprotestthattheylIavebeenwronged

    ifwepondertl1emeaningswithinthesutras.T}1erefore,weonlyneedtohonestlyrecitethesutrawithout
    seekingoranalyzingitsmeanings.Wejustneedto
    bonestlyrecitetopurifyourmindsanduncoverthe
    wisdominourtruenature.

    IfsomeoneasksustlIemeaningswitl1insutras,we
    cantelltl1emthattlIemeaningsareinfinite.Bynot

    purposelyseekingthemeanings,tlIeinfinitemeanings
    willsurface;thisisarevelationofthewisdominour
    truenatureWhenwelectureonthesutraintbis

    manner,theflowoftl1etallKwillnaturallybecon-

    ductedperfectlywhetlIeritissimpleorprofOund
    shortorlong

    AfterthelectureswhenpeopleaslKwlIatwehave
    said,wereallywouldnotknowWhy?Whennoquestionsarise,tl1ereisnomeaning;withquestions,the
    meaningemerges.Theemergenceofinfinitemeanings
    istobenefitothers.HavingnomeaningistobeneHt
    ourselvessothatwearecultivatingpureminds,with
    nothouglItsarisingbutAmituofO.Lecturingonsutras
    topropagatetbeteachingstobenefitothersnotourselves.Thus,thereisnoneedfOrtlIelecturertorememberwl1atwejustlecturedKnowingnotlIing,the
    mindwillbepure.
    Whenwelectureontheteachingstobenefitotl1ers
    2l8

    wecanchoosetoreadthecommentaryonthehHmr
    Lk/bStJZr1abyMr.HuangNianzuandtlIreecommentariesontheAmiraaSmm.Thecommentaryby
    MasterLianchiisverywellwrittenandperfect;MasterOu-YipraiseditasbroadandprofOundReading
    tl1iscommentaryontheAmiaaStJrHwouldbethe
    sameasreadingtl1eBuddhistCanon.MasterLiancl1i

    usedbothworldlyandBuddhistteacl1ingsfOrreference;thus,tbecontentisrich

    MasterYuanymgandMasterBaOjing4lalsowrote
    elanatorynotesonMasterOuYiscommentaryon
    tlIeAmimaStJhHTheabovewouldbeenougl1
    referencematerialtopropagatetlIePureLandschool.
    OncewehavetlIoroughlycomprebendedthesecommentariesnotonlywouldwehavetlIoroughlycomprelIendedalltl1ePureLandsutrasbutalsotheBuddl1istCanonandeventheteaclIingsofallotlIerBuddhistsclIoolsOntheotherhand,ifwestudymany
    sc}Iools>ourmindswillbecomescatteredandour
    wisdomwillremaincovered

    TlIesefourcommentariesaresufficientfOrtl1ose

    wbogiverisetoacompassionatel1earttopropagate
    tbePureLandmethodTbereisnoneedtolookinto
    additionalreferencesDonotbeafraidthereisinsuffi-

    cientmaterialtolectureon.Onthecontrary,with
    slIorter,moreconcisereferencematerial,wewould

    requirelesstimetolecture.Whystruggletotrytotalk
    fOralengthyperiodoftime?WhenwespeakfOra
    shortertimewewillonlytalkoftheessence.Tbe
    2l9

    moretheessenceisrefined,themorewonderfUlitis.

    Eacbmomentwillbevaluable,aswedonotwasteany
    oftheaudiencelsprecioustime.Ifwecompiledatalk
    usingmanyreferencematerials>asiftomakeupone
    giantplatteroflIorsd)oeuvres>thelistenerswillnotbe

    abletosavoranyparticularflavor.Thiswastesour
    timeandenergyaswellasthoseofothers.

    IfIamunabletosucceedatrefOrmingmy
    faultstl1roughchangingtlIeheart,tl>enIwill
    tryatthelevelofunderstandinglmowing
    thereasonswlIyIneedtomakethechange
    IfIcannotsucceedwitl>thistlIenIwilltry
    torefOrmbycl>angingtlIroughbelIavior.The
    bestwayistocultivatetlIeheartandunderstandthereasonsbelIindtheneedto

    change.ItisfOolishtoconfineourselvesto

    refOrmingthroughbehaviorThisistl>einferiorway.InsteadweshouldberefOrming
    fTomthelIeart,fOrtlIisisthebestwayto
    cl1ange.
    IfweareunabletoaclIieveusingthebestmetl>od,
    tbenwehavenochoicebuttotrythelesseffective
    waywhichistotrytounderstandwhyitwouldbe
    besttoclIange.Whenproblemsoccur,remaincalm
    andcontemplatewlWitwouldhavebappenedOnce
    theconditionisclearandthereasonisdetermined,
    ourmindwillinstinctivelycalmdownourwandering
    tlIoughtswilllessenandourangerwilldissolve
    220

    However,ifasbeginnerswehavelittlesenseof
    reasoningandcannotsucceedthroughunderstanding,
    wbatcanwedo?Wecoulduseanevenmorebasic

    metl1odofrefOrmingbyc}Iangingtl1rougl1behavior
    andinthiswayfOrcethethoughttodissipatebyputtingacbeckonoureveryaction,findingourfaults,
    andcoITectingthemonebyoneIfwecannotdothis>
    wewillfindourselvesintrouble,creatingevenmore

    severenegativekarma)andt}Ierebybringingeven
    greatersufferinguponourselves.ThisiswlIybeginningpractitionerswererequiredtostrictlyabidebytlIe
    preceptsfortheycouldnotunderstandthereasoning.
    ThespiritofabidingbythepreceptsistorefrainfTom
    committingfUrtherwrongdoings
    ThebestwaytorefOrmistocultivatetl1eheartand
    understandtheneedtochange.Analternativewayis
    tofOrceourselvesnottocommitthewrongdoing
    again.Whenweattainpurityofmindandunderstand
    thelogic,wewillbeabletoupl1oldandmaintaingood
    conduct.Tl1isist}Iebestwaytochange.Aswecultivate,weattainpurityofmindwlIileserVngasarole
    modelfOrbeginnersUntilwecandotlIisallthree
    metl1odsmayhavetobeusedtocorrectafault.
    SomepeoplebecomeinHexiblewhenkeepingthe
    precepts.Tbeyareunabletoprogressincultivation
    becausetheyareattachedtobehaviorandtotlIefOrmalityofcultivation.Actually)tbepreceptsarevery
    flexible.Whenweupholdthem>weneedtounderstandthelogicbehindt}Iemandevenmoreimpor22l

    tantly>tostrivetoattainpurityofmindthatistlIe
    mindwithoutwanderinganddiscriminatoryt}1ougbts>
    andattachmentsThepurposeofkeepingtl1eprecepts
    istoattainthisdeepconcentration.
    Ifweareoverlyattachedtotl1efOrmalityofkeeping
    theprecepts,tl1enitwillbedifficultfOrustoachieve
    deepconcentrationbecausewewilltendtodifferentiateandbeattaclIedtotl1eappearance:thefOrmalityof
    keepingtlIemdaily.Howcanwesucceedindoing
    this?OnlybyseveringourdiscriminatorytlIougl1tsand
    attachmentsareweabletoattaindeepconcentration.
    Thisconcentrationisstillameans,away;sodonotbe
    attachedtoattainingit)fOrtodosowillresultinour
    wisdomremaininghidden.
    Tberavadapractitionersareattachedtoacl>ieving
    concentrationTheBuddlIatalkedabouttl1emind

    stateofArhatsintheStJmgamaStJZm.TIeyhave
    attainedtheninthlevelofconcentrationandarepartialtotl1estateofemptynirvana.Duetotheirattacl1ment)tbeycannotletgoofthegentleandserene
    state;tl1eyarestilldifferentiating>stillattacl1edto
    extinguisl>ingalltl1econtaminants.
    Forexample,whenTheravadapractitionerstryto
    severtl>eiraff>ictions,virtuallyalltheirchangeis
    througl1belIavior.Sometimestheywillconcurrently
    trytochangethroughbehaviorandtl1rougl1reasoning,
    butnotfromtbemindThesutrastellusthattryingto
    severattacl1mentsbychangingthrouglIbel1aviorisas
    difficultastryingtocutoffaragingwaterfallfOrty
    222

    mileshigh))

    Thisisasdifficultastryingtoremoveatreeby
    pluckingoffoneleafatatimeandisagoodexample
    ofwhychangesshouldbemadefromthemindHow
    thenshouldweproceed?Wisepeoplewouldgo
    straighttotherootandpulluptl1etree.Tl1en,the
    leaveswouldnaturallywitlIerandfall.Whybotherto
    plucktheleavesandcutoffthetwigsonebyone?
    T}IeDesiredResultofRefOrm

    Butevenwhenwevowtochangeassistance
    isneededtotrulyrefOrm.Wewillneedconstantremindersomgenuinefriendswl1o
    witnessouractionsineverydaylife.AsfOr

    ourgoodandbadtboughts,wecanasktlIe
    beingsandspiritsoflIeavenandeartl1tobe
    ourwitnesses.Wealsoneedtobediligent
    andtosincerelyregretdayandnight.Ifwe
    canhonestlyregretforonetotwoweeks,
    onetotl1reemonths,tl1enintl1isway,we
    areassuredofattaininggoodresults.
    Weneedtohavet}1eshamefi1l}1eartfearfulheart,

    andcourageousdeterminedl1eart)fOrt}Ieyaretl1e
    inner)directcausesandconditionsfOrrefOrming.But
    westillneedcatalyticfactors,sucbasgoodspiritual
    fTiendswlIoareonthepatlItoawalKeningtoremind
    us,andtol1elpusfTomtlIeoutsideasourvisibleas223

    sistingfactors.Ifwehaveavirtuousandsincere
    tboughtoftryingtocorTectourfaultsalltlIeBuddl1as
    andBodhisattvaswillbehappyandallbenevolent
    spiritswil>praiseandrespectusastheyunobtrusively
    assistusattl1esametimeltbecomescleartlIatone

    virtuousthoughtcanresultininconceivableresults
    TherefOre,weneedtotrulychangethrougl1actions
    whentlIeconditionisright.Dayandnigl1t,weneedto
    bediligentandsincereinourregretting.Ifwearenot,
    tl1enwewillinadvertentlycreatenegativekarma.So)
    wecannotberemiss!

    Toaccomplishthisitisbestifourcultivationhall
    provideschantingfOrtwenty-fOurhoursadayInthe
    templesofancientpatriarchsandmasters,thecl1antingcontinuednightandday.Duringtheday,everyone
    participated;atnigl1t,theypracticedingroupsoffour
    witheacl1grouptakingaturn.
    Altl1ougl1wemaynotcurrentlylIavesuchacultivationhallwberewelive,wecanmalKeuseofcassette

    tapesorclIantingmaclIinesWesimplychantalong
    witbit,asifparticipatinginabigassembly.Thevo>umeneednotbesoloudt}IatitdisturbsotlIers,nor

    shoulditbesosofttlIatwecannotlIearclearly.
    Wecanalsolistentoitwl1ensleeping.Sometimes,
    wecanevenhearitwhenwedream,sowecanchant

    inourdreams.Thisissimilarto<hearingthedrum

    playorthethunderrumbleinoursleep))Itwillbe
    wonderfUlifwecanhearthechantinginoursleep.It
    willbeasifweareparticipatinginaseven-dayretreat.
    22

    Liaofanspokeofsincerelyregrettingforoneweek
    Participatinginaseven-dayretreatinwhichtbe
    chantingislimitedtocertainperiodseacl1daymay
    notbeaseffectiveasgatheringanumberoflikemindedfellowcultivatorsinaquietplacetochant
    continuouslyfOrsevendays.Aseven-dayretreat
    sl1ouldcontinuenon-stopdayandnigbt.
    Also,whenweattendourfirstretreat)itisbestnot

    toparticipatefOrallsevendays,becausemostpeople
    havedifficultymeetingtbefi1llschedule.Wecantry
    onedayandnight,afUlltwenty-fOurhours.Afterwe
    feelt}]isiseffectivefOrseveraltimeswecantrytwo

    daysandnightstlIenthreedaysandnigbts,andsoon.
    Tbus,totrulycultivate,wecanchantonceaweek
    fOrtlIreedaysandnights.Ifweareunabletodotbis,
    wecantryashorterperiodThemeritaccruedfTom
    tIiswouldbeeffectiveandoutstanding.Lions
    bIrLessoIstellsusbowwecancreateourdestinies.

    Whenthereisasincererequest,aresponsewillfOllow.IfwesincerelyseekacenterthatisagoodenvIronmentfOrcultivation)weshouldbeabletoobtain
    whatweseekIfthiskindofcultivationeffOrtcanbe

    sustainedforonetothreemontbstl1entlIedesired
    resultswillbeseen.

    WhataretlIebenefitsofcontrition?Wemay
    feelverymuchateaseandourheartsmay
    feellightandgenerous.AnunintelligentpersonmaysuddenlybecomewIse.Another
    225

    mightmaintainaclearandrelaxedmind
    eveninadisturbingandconfUsingenvIronment.Wewouldalsofeelabletounderstand

    everytbingortoeradicateourhatredupon
    seeinganenemywhileweremainhappy.
    Therearemanyexamplesofdesiredresults.Ifwe
    weredepressedorunhappyintl1epast,wecanbecomecheerfulinsteadIfwehavemanyworries,tlIey
    canbeliftedomourmindafterwereachunder

    standing)andihstead)wecanbecomeliberatedand
    fTee.Ifweareconfused,wecanbecomeintelligent
    andnolongerbefOolish
    Wl1enwefindourselvesincircumstancesthatare

    disturbingoragitating,orwhenweencountermany
    diverseandl1ardtosolvematters>wecaneasilyresolve
    tlIemeveniftl1eyoverwbelmotl1ers.Wehaveseen
    examplesoftl1iswitl1someofourfellowpractitioners.
    Someareabletosettlematterstheyundertakewitl1out
    anyapparentdifficulty,whileothersfinditextremely
    difficulttoresolvetl1em.

    Mr.Yousaidinhiscommentary,({Tl1isisasignof
    goodfOrtune,meritsandwisdom>)Forexample,fOrmerenemieswhoresentedusarenowfriendlytowards
    us.Tl1isisduetoourmeritsfTomcultivation,ofbeing
    abletoinfluenceandcl1angeotbersunobtrusively.It
    issaidthatakind-heartedpersonl1asnoenemiesand
    bastheappearanceofgoodfOrtune,meritsandwisdom

    226

    Wemaydreamofspittingoutblackthings
    orhavingancientsagesorvirtuouspeople
    encourageandescortus.Wemaydreamof
    flyinginspaceorofcolorfUlpennantsand
    ornatelydecoratedcanopies.SucbphenomenaareindicationsofasuccessfUlrefOrm

    andadissolvingofpastoffenses.
    Blacktbingsarepollutantsorkarmicobstacles.In
    tl1epast,wemayhavehadniglItmaresorconfUsed
    dreams)butnotanymore.Althoughwestilldream>

    whatweseeisasclearasindaylight.Thisisobviously
    verygoodWemayalsodreamofancientsagesor
    virtuouspeopleofferingtheirlIelp
    AsBudd}Iists,wewoulddreamofBuddhasandBo-

    dhisattvasteacbingusaboutthesutrasandguidingus
    inourpracticeWemayalsodreamofflyinginspace,
    orofcolorfulpennantsandcanopies.Theseareindicationsofsuccessinourattemptstoimprove.
    WhetlIerinourdailylivesorinourdreams,alltlIese
    responsesaresignsthatourkarmicobstaclesare
    graduallybeingreducedanderadicated,andtl1atour

    goodfOrtuneandl1appinessaresteadilymaterializing.
    Howeverwemustnotconsiderseeingthese
    pl]enomenaassignsofperfection.Instead,
    wemustresolvetofUrtherimproveourselves
    andworkevenlIardertorefOrm

    Wesl1ouldIiotbeproudtlIatwebavemadepro227

    gress.Ifwebecomearrogant>thenwewillonceagain
    regressjustasourkarmicobstaclesarebeingreduced
    anderadicatedWeneedtoguardagainstbecoming
    arrogant,toincreaseourresolvetoattainevenfUrtber
    self-improvement,andworkevenharderatreforming.
    Ifwebecomesatisfiedwitbouraccomplishments,
    fUrtherimprovementwillbeimpossible.
    Beconstantlydiligentandneverstopimprovmg
    Evenw}IenwearerebornintothePureLand,weneed

    tocontinuetoimprove.Howcanwebecontent?
    WlIilewecanbesatisfiedinourmannerofliving,we
    shouldneverbesatisfiedbutcontinuewithdeep-felt
    confidencewhenseekingimprovementsinourvirtues
    andcultivation

    <AnexampleisQuBoyu>Attwenty,hewas
    alreadymindfUloflIisfaults,l>adanalyzed
    tlIem)andtriedtothoroughlycorrectthem.
    Att}Ieageoftwenty-one,hefelttlIatlIestill
    hadnotcompletelycorrectedallofthem.At
    twenty-two,befeltasiftwenty-onewas
    wasted,withoutanyrealimprovement.Thus
    yearafteryearhecontinuedtocorrecthis
    faults.WlIenhereacbedfiftyBoyustillfelt
    thattlIepastfOrty-nineyearswerefilledwith
    wrongdoings.Tbiswasbowparticularour
    ancestorswereregardingtlIecorrectionof
    faults!

    DuringtheSpring-AutumnperiodinChina,asenZ28

    iorgovernmentofficialinWeinamedQuBoyuawakenedwhenlIewasonlytwenty.Helmewbisfaultsand
    vowedtorefOrm.Attwenty-one,hefeltlIestillneeded
    toimprove.TbiswasfUrtlIerproofoftlIeprevIous
    passage:<Weshouldnotconsiderseeingtl1eseplIenomenaasasignofperfection.Instead,wemust
    resoIvetofurtlIerimproveourselvesandworkeven
    bardertoreform.>)BoyuhadaccomplislIedtbis.Every
    year,everymonthandeverydayhereflectedand
    refOrmedHeisanexcellentexampleofhowdiligent
    peopleusedtobe.TlIeirresolveandpatienceinrefOrmingl1ighligl1tedthattheirenduranceandeffOrts
    arequalitiestoemulate.
    Wearealljustordinarypeoplewithmistakes
    asnumerousasaporcupine)sspines.Often
    whenwelookback)wedonotevenseeour
    faultsbecausewearecarelessanddonot
    lmowhowtoreflectonouractions.Itisasif

    acataractisgrowinginoureye.

    LiaofantaugbthissontotlIinkaboutl1isancestor)s
    behaviorandthentoexaminehisown.Weareordi-

    narypeoplewithinnumerablefaults.TlIinkingbaclK
    overtoday,yesterday,onlastyearorbefOrethat,ifit
    seemstbatwel1avenotcommittedanygreatmistakes
    ordoneanythingseriouslywrongtlIentlIisthinldngis
    duetocarelessness.Itisasifwel>avecataractsblock-

    ingusfromseeingourfaults.Tl1isresultsinourfailuretoimproveandiswhywewillfOreverbeoneoftl1e
    229

    crowd

    ThisiswbyMasterLianchitaughtbeginnerstouse
    aMerit-FaultCl1artsothattlIeywouldwatchevery
    thoughtanddeedOnlywhenwediscoverourmany
    faultswillwebetrulyafraidWeneedtoc}Iange
    pnmarilyfromthel1eartandreinfOrcetlIiswitl1changingthrougl1reasoningsothatweareconcurrently
    practicingbothtlIeprimaryandsecondarywaysto
    refOrm.

    Alltl1esearesymptomsoflIavingaccumulatedtoomanyoffenses!Ourheartsmayfeel
    confusedandoppressed,lackingenergy.We
    willbecomeextremelyfOrgetfi1landfilled
    withworriesevenwhennotl1ingishappenIng

    WewillbenefitbypracticingBuddhism.Signsof
    otl1ersaswellasourowngreatorsmallkarmicobstaclescanbedetected<Whenwecommittoomany

    offenses>ourl1eartsmayfeellIeavyandwemaybecomeextremelyfOrgetfi1latworkorstudyandbe
    unabletoliftourspirits.WlIentlIosewhoareyoung
    uneectedlybegintoforgetthingslikeelderlypeople
    do,itisduetokarmicobstacles.Truecultivatorsin
    theireigl]tiesandninetieswillfindthattheirmemoriesarestillgood.
    NeedlessworryingisalsoanindicationofMrmic
    obstaclesThepastispastwbatistl>euseofdwelling
    onit?Tomorrowisyettocome,towonderaboutitis
    230

    tohavewanderingthoughts.SomepeopleareextremelygoodatworryIngandwonderingaboutthe

    pastandthefUture.TheycandosoalldaylongTlIis
    istomakeamountainoutofamolel1illandthisisa
    Mrmicobstacle.

    <Wewill>feelembarrassedanddepressed

    uponmeetingavirtuouspersonorbecome
    displeasedathearingproperreasoning
    Wl1enldndtoothers,wewillbemetwitlI

    lIostilityWemaylIavenigl1tmareswhere
    everythingisupside-down,andtalldncol1erentlyandbehaveabnormally.Tl1eseareall
    signsofmisfortune.
    Ifwearesincere>wewillnotbeembarrassedor

    conscience-strickenlistless,ordejectedwhenwe

    meetagenuinelygoodperson.Ifwearenotsincere,
    wewillbecomedispleasedatlisteningtotheteachings
    oftbeBuddlIaorConfucius<ortothoseofMoham-

    medor}esusoranyotlIermoralteachings1
    IntheearlieryearsoftheQingdynasty)everyonein
    tbeimperialcourtrecitedtIeHiLibStJnB,but
    duetotbeEmpressDowagerIsdiscomfOrtinl1earing
    it)therecitationwasabolisl1edPerhapsl1erkarmic
    obstaclesmadeheruncomfOrtablewl1enhearingabout
    theTenBadConductsandtheirconsequentialsufferingsinthehumanandhellrealms.
    Whenbeingkindtootherswemaybemetwith
    l1ostilityForexample,upongivingsomeoneagift)not
    23l

    onlydotheynottlIankus,theymayevenresentusfOr
    it.Anotl1ersignofmisfOrtuneisbavingnightmares
    whereeverytl1ingisconfUsed)andourspeecl1and
    bel1aviorareabnormalSuchdreamsmeantl1atwl1en

    ourspeechisnonsensicalanddiSjointedandourbebaviorbecomespsychotic,wehavecomeupagainsta
    majorkarmicobstacle.Theseareallsignsofsignificanttransgressions

    IfwelIaveanyoftl1esesymptoms,wemust
    immediatelyreinfOrceourwillpowertocorrectallofourfaults.Itisnecessarytostart
    anewandnotdelay!
    Thepresenceofanyoftl1esesignsmeansthatwe
    needtoearnestlyregretandtoridourselvesofbad
    habits.WenolongerhavethetimefOrprocrastination
    orcarelessnessIfwedonotc}Iangetherewillbeno
    futurefOrusTberefOreupondiscoveringanyoftbese

    symptoms,weneedtoimmediatelycorrectourfaults.
    Donotgoastrayonadeviatedpatl1andwastethis
    lifetimeOnlywbenwetrulyridourselvesofbadlIabitsandfaultswillwebeabletoaccepttheteacl1ings

    cultivategooddeeds,andaccumulatemerits
    Whenimpartingtheteacl1ingstootbers,itisimportanttochoosetbosewithfewerfaults,purityofmind
    thecouragetorefOrm,andwisdom.Withouttl1ese
    qualitiesitisuselesstoteacl1someone.Forexample,
    onemightteacl1apersonwholacksvirtueandgood
    intentionsWithincreasedknowledgeandabilities,
    232

    tlIispersonmightbeenabledtocommitseriousof
    fenses!IntlIiscase,thewrongpersonwasselected.
    Ifheors}Iedidnotreceivethislmowledge,tben
    tlIerewouldbavebeenlessriskoflIarmingotlIersand
    creatingnegativekarmaTberefOre,teacl]ersneedto
    determinewbethertlIepersonisqualifiedtoinherit
    theirlmowledgeandability,andifnottheyshouldnot
    impartt}IeteaclIings.ThisisnotwitlIholdinglmowledge,butusinggoodjudgmentOntlIeother}Iand,if
    weareunwillingtoteachasuitablepersontlIenwe
    haveoverlookedandpossiblywastedaproperDl1arma
    repository.So,ifapersonissuitableweteacht}Iem;if
    tl1eyareunsuitable>wedonot.
    Insummary>howdoweaccumulatemerits?First,
    wecorrectourfaultstohavetbeabilitiesandcondi-

    tionstobeabletoacceptthegreatteachings.But
    befOreacceptingthem)weneedtoperfOrmmoregood
    deedstomeetthequalificationsfOrbeingaDharma
    repository.TlIenwecanacceptt}Iegreatteachings.

    233

    TheThirdLesson:

    Tl1eWaystoCultivateGoodness

    dmaMccmmsodDee
    HdmDeI

    TenAccountsofVirtuousPeople
    WereadintbeJCmgamilieswhoperfOrmgooddeedswillaccumulateprosperity
    thatcanoutlastmanygenerations)>AnexampleistheYanfamilyBefOretheymarried
    theirdaughtertothemanwbowastobe
    ConfUcius>sfatber,theyinquiredaboutthe
    family.Afterfindingthattheypracticed
    goodnessandaccumulatedvirtues,tlIeYan
    familyfeltconfidenttbattheyweremarryIng
    theirdaugl1terintoafamilythatwouldprosperandbaveoutstandingdescendants.

    TheJCmgintroducestheprincipleinthislesson.A
    familythataccumulatesgooddeedswillhaveprosperitytospareIfwecannotenjoyallourgoodfOrtune,
    wewillhaveenoughleftoverfOrourdescendantsto
    enjoyfOrgenerationstocome
    Intbepast>theparentsandamatcl1makerdecided
    wbethertwopeoplewouldmarryWhenwecompare
    today>sfTeedomoflovewiththetraditionalway,the
    latterhaditsadvantages.ParentswlIowerewelleducatedandprincipledchosethemostpromisingspouse
    234

    fOrtlIeirc}IildTlIedisadvantagewasthatuneducated
    parentswhodidnotknowbetter,oftensoldtheir

    dauglItersoutfOragoodprice.42Thesec}Iildrencompliedwiththeirparentswishes,marriedandwere
    unhappyfOrtherestoftbeirliveSTIusthissystem
    hadbothadvantagesanddisadvantages.
    TheYanmemberfamilyspokenofhereisConfucius>maternalgrandfatherHeknewtbattheShu
    familyhadaccumulatedvirtuesandpracticedgood
    deedsfOrseveralgenerations.Tbisisanexampleofa
    goodmatcl1madebytheparentsandthematcl1maker
    Inancienttimes,allthosewboheldpowerom
    tlIeemperortoavillagemayor,faithfullyfollowed
    threeguidelines:toactasleader,asaparent)andasa
    teacher.First,itwasnecessarytoactast}Ieleaderof
    tlIegovernedareaSecond,toactasaparentmeantto
    protectandtocarefOrallthecitizenstlIatlIewas

    responsiblefOr,asiftheywerehisfamilyTlIird,toact
    asateacl1ermeanttoteachandserveasarolemodel
    fOrall

    Theset}Ireeresponsibilitiesfellupontheshoulders
    oftheruler.Ifhefulfilledthem)thenlIewouldlIave

    perfOrmedinfinitegoodness.UnfOrtunately,tlIese
    tbreeguidelinesarenolongeradheredto.

    Inanotherexample,ConfUciushadpraised
    ShunfOrhisfilialpietybysayIng:(Dueto
    hisgreatfilialpietyandsincerity,Sl1un
    deeplymovedevenhisancestorstoaccept
    235

    bisoffering.43Hisaccumulationofmerits
    andgoodfOrtunewouldlastfOrmanygenerations.)>Tbisprincipleisconfirmedby
    manyexamples
    SbunisunsurpassedfOrbisgreatfilialpiety.He
    sawonlyhisownfaults>nottlIoseofothers.ForBuddIists,beexemplifiesagoodpractitioner.IntherfmStJkIH,welearnedtbatatruepractitionerdoes
    notseetl1efaultsofotbers.Sbunaccomplishedjust
    thisHistoryhasslIownthatthevirtueslIeaccumulatedguaranteedlIisdescendantsprosperityAndas
    tl1eycontinuedhispracticeofhonoringancestors,
    thesedescendantscontinuedtoaccumulategoodness
    andvirtues.Eventheancestorsofothersbenefitedas

    Shun)spracticesweregraduallyadoptedbygenerationsofChinese.

    ThefOllowingaresomeadditionalexamples
    ofhowmeritscanbeattainedtbroughper-

    fOrminggooddeeds4InFUjianprovInce,a
    mannamedYangRong45}Ieldapositionin
    theImperialCourtastheEmperorsteacher.
    YangRong)sancestorswereboatpeoplewho

    madealivingbyhelpingpeoplecrosstlIe
    rIver

    Oneyearastormlastedsolongthatviolent
    floodingsweptawaypeopleanimals,l1ouses
    andbelongings.Tl1eotherboaterstookad236

    vantageoftbesituationtocollectthefloatingbe>ongings.OnlyYangRong)sgrandfatherandgreatgrandfatherrescuedthe
    drowningpeople,andignoredthebelongings.Tl]eboaterslaughedandthougbttbe
    twotobeveryfOolishLater,wlIenYang
    RongsfatberwasborntheYangfamily
    graduallybecamewealtby46
    Onedayaheavenlybeingwho}IadmanifestedasaTaoistmonktoldtheYangfamily
    tbatduetotlIeirancestors>accumulationof

    hiddenmerits,theirdescendantswoulden-

    joywealtbandprominence.Het}Iensuggestedaspecialplacewheretheycouldbuild
    theancestraltombTheyfOllowedhissuggestion.TodayitiscalledtheWhiteHare
    Grave.

    Fengsl1uiisanancientscienceofplacingbuildings>fUrniture>andsoon,inawaytlIatwilltake
    maxImumadvantageofthenaturalenergyoftheland
    However>receivingsuchgoodorbadadvicedepends
    largelyonourgoodfbrtune,virtuesandconditions.If
    apersonlmowledgeableinfengshuibasadvisedus,it
    willonlyenableustoreceivewbatwearedestinedto
    receivesoonerrathertlIanlater.Ifwedonotdeserve

    goodadvicetl1ennotonlywillwenotbenefitfromit,
    itwillactuallybringusmisfOrtunebecausewedonot
    havethegoodfOrtunetoenjoyitTherefOre,donotbe
    237

    toohappywhengoodthingshappen.First)think
    wbetlIerwedeservethem.

    UponreadingLjofbrLessons,wewillrealizethateverythingtlIathappensdoessofOrareason
    andthatforanordinaryperson,<Onesip,onebite,
    everythingisdestined>InmylifetimeIhaveseen

    manythingstlIatwereconfirmedbyBuddhistand
    ConfUcianprinciples.Ifwedonotbelievethis>and
    failtocorrectourfaultsandpracticegooddeedsthen
    therewillbenovariablesinourlives-onlyaconstant.
    Onlywl1enwetrulyunderstandthewaytoaccumulate
    goodnessandrefOrmourfaultswillwebeableto
    changeourlives.

    Sl1ortlyafter)YangRongwasborn.He
    passedtl]eimperialexaminationwhenhe
    wasonlytwentyyearsoldandlaterreceived
    theimperialappointmentofMaster.Tl1e
    emperorevenbestowedthesameimperial
    lIonorsonhisgrandfatherandgreatgrandfather.Today,hisvirtuousandprosperousdescendantsarestillprominent
    Sincemalesbecameadultsattheageoftwenty,
    tlIispassagerevealslIowunusualitwasfOrsomeone
    soyoungtopassthehiglIest-levelimperialexamination,tlIe]inslIi.Todaythiswouldbeequivalentto
    earningadoctoratedegree.Hisappointmentwas
    likewiseextremelyhiglI,similartotlIatofanational
    a{fairsadvisor.Asanadvisortotheemperor,lIiswas
    238

    obviouslyaveryprestigiousposition.Later,bereceivedt}1erankofimperialteacher
    DuetoYangRong)sacbievements,theemperoralso
    conferredthesame}IonorsonYangRong)sdeceased
    grandfatberandgreatgrandfather.Thiswasthetraditionalwaytohonorandpayrespecttoancestorswhen
    anindividualbecameanimperialofficial
    Today>wealsorewardoutstandingactionsasgovernmentscommendpeoplefOrtheiraccomplisl1ments.
    Butfranklytl1emethodsusedinthepastweremore
    effectivebecausetheyhadadeepereducationalmeaning.Astheancestorshadindirectlycontributedtot}Ie
    countryt}Ieemperorwouldbestowt}Iesamehonoron
    thethreepreVousgenerationsaswellasontlIeindividual

    Wemaynotseeanyreasontohonorsomeonewho
    diedsomanyyearsagobutourachievementsaremost
    likelybaseduponthegooddeedsandmeritsthatwere
    accumulatedbyourancestorsWel1avebeenrewardedwitbthegoodfOrtunethatstemmedfTom
    t}Iem.Realizingtbiswhywouldtherebeanyreason
    nottopracticegooddeeds?

    Iftbeemperorl1onoredtheancestorswl1entlIey
    wereinsamsara,tl1eywouldstillreceivetbehonor

    regardlessofwhichrealmtl1eywerein.Iftheywerein
    thehungryghostrealmthenallthegl1ostkingswould
    respecttl1emAsgreatvirtuouspersons,theywould
    gaintlIerespectofheavenlybeingsandspirits.T}Iis
    rewardsystemprovidedavaluableeducationfOritwas
    239

    anexcellentincentivefOrpeopletopracticegoodness.
    Consequently,thetruemeritsandvirtuesfTomtbis
    educationareinconceivable.

    YangRongIsdescendantslIeldofficialpositions
    andwereprosperousandprominenteveninLiaofan,s
    time.TlIiswastberesultofgenerationsofancestors
    accumulatinggoodnessandbuildingasolidfundation,andofgenerationsofdescendantslIavingvirtue.
    YangZicl]eng,fromthecountyofYinin
    Zl]ejiangproVnceisanot}Ierexample.He
    workedinthecountycourthouseandwas
    kind,fair,and}IonestOnce,thecounty

    magistrate47punisbedacriminalbybeating
    himuntilhewasbleedingprofUsely.

    Zicl1engkneltandpleadedwithhimtostop
    TheinfUriatedmagistrateretorted:<Itsall
    rigl1tfOryoutoplead)buthowcanInotbe
    angrywlIenhehasbrokenthelaw!Zicheng
    repliedthatwhengovernmentleadersdonot
    fOllowtheproperpathordinarypeople
    wouldloset}Ieirway.Realizingtl1is,we
    slIouldfeelsorrowandnotpleasure<atsolvingthecase>.Andweshouldcertainlynot
    becomeangry.AcaselikethiscalledfOr
    moreunderstandingMovedbyZiclIeng)s
    plea,themagistrateceasedthebeating

    Un

    e n

    Un

    w a S

    20

    e n e r O u S

    a n

    Mr

    Pa r t

    hadalow-levelpositionint}Iecountycourthouse
    WhenthecriminalrefUsedtotellthetruthandeven

    talkedback,t}Iemagistratebecameenragedandbeat
    himfortheextremelyseriousoffenseWhenZic}Ieng
    sawthis,hecompassionatelypleadedwithtlIemagistratetostop

    Thistookagreatdealofcouragebecausewhathe
    saidwasadirectaccusationofthegovernment.Ifthe
    superiorofficerhaddisagreedandreprimandedl>im
    fOrbisbluntness>Zic}Iengcouldhavebeeninserious
    trouble.Ifhowever,thesuperiorofficerwasvirtuous
    andwise,l1ewouldnotbecomeangry,butwould
    appreciatethatoneofhisstaffwasonlyreminding
    himtobereasonable

    Wl1enZichengspokeofgovernmentleaders,}Iewas
    referringtoprovincialandcitymagistratesHesaid
    theydidnotfOllowthe((ProperPatl1/)meaningthat
    t}1egovernmentfailedtoproperlyeducatet}Iecitizens.
    Wbatistl1eproperpath?Itiswhentherulerfollows
    tlIeTlIreeGuidelinesofactingasleaderparent,and
    teacl1er.Whenadistrictofficialinchargeoflocal
    administrationdidnotmeettlIeseguidelines,tlIen}Ie
    lIadnotproperlylookedafterthepeopleandthiswas
    wl1ytheybroketbelaw.ThiswaswhyZicbengsaid
    thatwhenleadersdidnotfOllowtl1eproperpatl1the
    citizenswouldbecomelostbecausetl1eyhadnoguidelinestofOllowandnoonetoadvisetl1em.Ifthead-

    ministrationbehavedproperly>thenthepeoplewould
    haveastandardtofOllow.

    24l

    DuringtheHandynasty,theteacl1ingsofConfUciusandMenciusreplacedthoseofhundredsofscholars.ConfucianismthusbecametlIebasisfOrtlIeedu-

    cationalsystem.BefOrethistime,duringtheSpringAutumnperiod,thereweresomanypl1ilosophiesthat
    itwasdifficultfOrpeopletoknowwbichoneswere
    appropriate.AllofthebookswrittenbylIundredsof
    sclIolarsl1adtl1eirowndistinctpointsofview.EaclI
    seemedtomakesense;however,peoplewereataloss
    astowbichtoclIoose

    Itbecamecrucialtoselectoneastl1emodelwhile

    keepinginmindtl1atthecbosenteachinghadtobe
    widelyacceptedbypeoplewithdifferentculturalbackgrounds.OncethismodellIadbeencl1osentheworks

    ofotherscl1olarswereusedfOrreference.Tl1rough
    thisprocesstheeducationaloectiveswereestablished

    Thissystemofmoralstandardsbecametl1ebasisof
    theteacl1ingsfOrtheChineseandwasusedfiPomtl1e
    Handynastyuntilthebeginningofthetwentieth

    century.ConfUciusandMenciustaughtustbeFive
    HumanRelationslIipsandtheTenMoralResponsibilitieswhicharetheproperpathTbeFiveHuman
    Relationsl1ipsconcentrateontlIerelationsamong
    peopleandtberesponsibilitiesthatpeopleareobligatedtofUlfill.TheyincludetlIosebetweenl1usbands
    andwives>parentsandchildren,siblings)hiends,and
    politicalleadersandthepublic.
    Thefirstisthebasicrelationsbetweenmarriedcou-

    242

    plesAhusbandshouldfUlfillbisresponsibilitiesasa
    husbandandawifeshoulddolikewisefOrthecouple
    toremainharmoniousTbisisthebasisofallprosperousfamilies.48NextistlIefamily,inwhiclIparents
    holdapositionoverus,cbildrenunderusandsiblings
    aroundusEachdifferentrolehasitsownresponsibili
    tiesthatareinnatemoralprinciplesandarenotcreatedorassignedbyanother
    BeyondtlIefamilyaresocietyandthecountryAt
    theheadistbeleaderofthecountryandbelowt}Ie
    leaderaregovernmentofficials.Ourfriendsareonthe
    samelevelasus.Whenweeandthesefiverelationshipstoincludeeveryone,wewillseethatweareall
    brothersandsistersTherefOretbefiverelationships
    unitet}1ecountryasonebigfamilyandaretlIeproper
    path
    Totheancientsagesandvirtuouspeople>governmentofficialswereconsideredgreatpeopleandaddressedassuchTheybadtheresponsibilitytoeducate
    peopleandtonurtureandleadtheminproper
    thougl1tsandbelIaviorbyestablisl1ingmoralguidelines.AslongaspeoplefOllowedtlIeseguidelines
    therewouldbenowrongdoing.Inadditiontothese
    guidelines,theyweretoteaclIpropermoralprinciples
    <suchasloyaltyfilialpiety>}Iumanity>faith)andhonesty>.
    Tl1ebasiceducationalgoalsinConfilcianismareto
    severmaterialdesiresobtainawakening,upholda
    sinceremindandavirtuouslIeartdevelopself
    243

    discipline,haveabarmoniousfamily,governacountry>andfOsterworldpeace.Today,schoolsdonot
    emphasizetheseprinciplesortbelIumanitiesbut
    stressteclmology.Nowonderourtboughtsandbehaviorhavenoguidingprinciples.Wearenottaugl1tthat
    whenweseethemisdeedsofothers,wearetotakea
    lIardlookatourselvesandseeifwehavefulfilledour
    dutiesasIeaders

    Onceweknowthemotivebehindacriminalof

    fenseweneedtofeelcompassionfOrtbeoffender
    ratherthanfeelsatisfactionathavingsolvedthecase
    becauseweourselveshaveyettofUlfillourresponsibilities.Andifweshouldnotfeelpleased,thenwe
    certainlyshouldnotbecomeangry.Atthetimeoftl1is
    account)governmentofficialssuclIascountymagistrateswerewelleducatedandhadpassedanimperial
    examination.TherefOre,whenZichengbravelyspoke
    onbebalfoftheprisoner)themagistrateimmediately
    realizedhiserrorandceasedbeingangry.rromthis
    example,wecanseethatZicl1englIadconsiderable
    wisdom)virtue)andinsight.ItwasappropriatefOrhim
    toaccumulatevirtueandmeritsint}1ecourtbecause

    lIecoulddomanygooddeeds.

    AlthoughZicheng)sfamilywaspoor,lIerefusedallbribes.49Iftheprisonersweresbort
    offOod,hewouldtakesomefroml1isown

    hometogiveittothemevenifitmeantgoinghungrylIimself
    244

    OnedayitwastimefOrseveralnewlyarrivedprisonerstobefed,butZichenghimselfhadlittlefOodIflIegavetheprisoners
    what}Iehad,lIisfamilywouldgo}Iungry;if
    hekeptthefOodfOrhisfamily,theprisoners,
    wouldbavenot}Iingtoeat-anappallingdilemma.Hefeltt}IattheprisonersneededtlIe
    fOodmorethanhisfamilydidHediscussed
    itwith}IiswifewboaskedwheretheprisonerswereomZichengtoldhertIatthey
    werefromHangz}Iow

    Altl1oughZichengonlyheldaverylowrankinthe
    countygovernment)herefusedal>ofthegiftsthat
    wereofferedtohim.Sometimesrelativesoftheprisonerswouldofferbimbribesinexc}IangefOraligl1ter
    sentenceorprefCrentialtreatment.However,herefUsedalloftheseoffersandalwaysactedfairlyalthoughitwasverydifficulttobelIonestinsucl]a
    temptingenvIronment

    Attbetime,prisonersweregivenameageramount
    offOodInthisexampIe,theywalkedmaybefiftyor
    sixtykilometersadayinsbacklesandhadspentseveraldaysontheroadZichengwasverysympathetic,
    butifl1egavetlIemhissmallamountofrice)tl1enlIis

    familywouldgol1ungryIfhegavethericeto}Iis
    family)thentl]eprisonerswouldhavenothingtoeat.
    Afterdiscussingthesituationwithhiswifetheydecidedtomakericeporridgeandsbareitwiththepris245

    oners

    Later)Zichengbadtwosons.Theelderson
    Shoucben,andt}Ieyoungerone,Shouzhi
    botb}Ieldimportantgovernmentpositions.
    Zicheng>seldestgrandsonbecamevIceministerintheMinistryof>usticeandhissecondgrandsonwasahiglIlyplacedmemberof
    thegovernmentstaffinSichuanproVnce
    Tbeytoowereprominent.Today,theirdescendantYangChuting,alsoagovernment
    official,islmownfOrhiSvirtuousdeeds
    ThetwosonsreceivedtbegoodfOrtuneaccumulatedbytheirparents.Theirgovernmentdepartment
    wasoneofsixministries.Todayforexample)tlIereare
    overadozensuchministriesinTaiwan.Thus,tlIe

    positionslIeldinancienttimeswerebigberandentailedgreaterresponsibilitiesthanthoseoftoday.50
    TlIisaccountillustratestbatt}Iegoodnessaccumulatedbytbiscouplebenefitedtheirdescendants.

    Anotl1eraccounttookplaceduringtlIeZhengTongperiod,<thetimeofEmperorYingzong>.
    InFUjianproVncemanyintellectualslIad
    joinedagroupofrebelsTheemperorappointedImperialCensorZhangtostoptlIem.
    Hetrickedtherebelsandcapturedtbeir
    leader.

    246

    Later,ImperialCensorZhangdispatclIed
    GeneralXietoputanendtotheremaining
    rebelsintheeasternpartoftheprovInce.The
    generalobtainedalistoftheinsurgentsand
    orderedwhiteflagstobesecretlygiventoeveryonenotonthatlistalongwitlIinstructions
    toplacetbefIagsontheirdoorswl1entheimperialarmycametotown.Heorderedtbesoldiersnottoharmtheinnocentandwiththis

    onethoughtofgoodness,hesavedtensof
    tl1ousandsofpeoplehombeingkilled
    HissonXieClIianplacedfirstintbeimperial
    examinationsandeventuallybecameanadvisortotheemperorHisgrandsonXiePi
    placedthirdintbeimperialexaminations.
    Inthisaccount,whichbappenedoverfivebundred

    yearsago,therebelswereactuallyarevolutionary
    armypreparingtorevolt.Thissectionofthebookis

    abouttheeffectsgarneredfrompreventingunnecessaryldlling.LookingbackatChinesel1istory,wefind
    tl1atveryfewdescendantsoffamousgeneralslIadgood
    fOrtuneWby?Theymadetoomanyenemiesand
    causedtoomanydeaths!Probablylessthantengeneralsl1addescendantswhoreceivedgoodfOrtuneand
    CeneralXiewasoneofthem.

    Anotl1erprimeexampleofthelawofcausalityisthe
    famousGeneralGuoZiyiwholivedduringtl]eTang
    dynasty.Duetohisaccumulationofgoodnessand
    247

    virtues,l1isdescendantsprosperedDuringtheSong
    dynasty,t}IereweretwogeneralsundertheleaderslIip
    ofEmperorTaizu:CaoHanandCaoBin.ThedescendantsofCaoHanhadsolittlegoodfOrtunetbatit
    didnotevenlastthreegenerations.Thedaugbters
    becameprostitutesandmanyfamilymembersbecame
    destitute.CaoBin,ontheotherhand>wasavery
    caringgeneralwhodidnotkillinnocentpeople.His
    descendantswereallprosperous
    Ifageneralfailedtodisciplinehistroopssot}Iat
    theyhurtcivilianstlIeburdenofblamewaslIis.Tl1is
    exampleshowstl1econsequenceofunnecessaryldlling.GeneralXiewiselytaughthistroopshowtodistinguishtherebelsupportersfromtheciviliansInthis
    way,hedidnotmistakenlycausetbedeatl1sofinnocentpeopleTheprestigeandprosperityoflIisdescendantsaregoodexamplesofcauseandeffect.

    AnotlIerexampleistheLinfamilyfromPutianinFUjianproVnce.Amongtbeirancestorswasaverygenerouselderlylady.Every
    dayshemadericeballsfOrthepoorandgave
    awayasmanyastheywantedAnimmortal
    wl1omanifestedasaTaoistmonkcamedaily
    fOrthreeyearsandalwaysaskedfOrsixor
    sevenHerceaselessgenerosityconvinced
    lIimofherdeepsincerity.
    ThisisanotherexampleofanancestorwhoaccumulatedgoodfOrtunefOrberdescendantsSl1etreated
    218

    everyoneequallyandgavetbericeballstowhoever

    askedfOrt}Iem.Itiseasytobegoodoccasionally,but
    todosoeverydayisverydifficult.Thebeavenlybeing
    knewthatslIewastirelessin}Iergooddeeds,andt}Iat
    shesincerelywishedto}Ielpthosewhowerepoor.
    Sincerityisanaccumulationofvirtuesandgivingisan
    accumulationofgoodness

    Hetoldher:<(IhaveeatenyourriceballsfOr
    t}Ireeyearsandhavedonenothingtoshow
    mygratitude.PerlIapsIcandosonow.On
    thelandbehindyourhouseisagoodplace
    fOryourgrave.IfyouareplacedtlIerewlIen
    youdie)thenumberofyourdescendants
    wbowillhaveimperialappointmentswill
    equalt}1enumberofseedsinapoundofsesameseeds.),HersonfOllowedhisrecommendations

    Tl1eTaoistlmewfengshuiandsuggestedagood
    placefOrlIergrave.IfhisadvicewasfOllowed,thenan
    unimaginablenumberofherdescendantswouldre-

    ceiveimperialappointments.>ustimaginehowmany
    sesameseedsthereareinapound|
    Thefirstgenerationafterthat,ninemen
    passedtheimperialexaminationsanditcontinuedtbatwayfOrgenerations.Itwassaid

    inPUjiantbatthesurnameofLinwasalways
    onthelistoftbosewhohadpassedtlIeim249

    perialexamination.

    BecauseofthegoodfOrtunethattheelderlylady
    hadaccumulated,notonlydidshehavemanydescendantsbuttheywereprosperousandbecametlIelargest
    familyintheprovInce.Tbisistheeffectgarneredfrom
    tbecauseofsincerelygivingawayfoodtothepoor.
    AnotherexampleisMr.Fengtbefatherof
    theimperialhistorianFengZhuoan.One
    wintermanyyearsagoMr.Fengwasonhis
    waytoschoolwlIenhesawsomeonelyingin
    thesnow.Findingthatthemanwasbarely
    breathing)llequicklytookoffhiscoat,
    wrappeditaroundthemancarriedlIimback
    home,andrevivedlIim.5l
    TlIatnight,ZlIuoan>sfatlIerdreamtthata
    l1eavenlybeingtoldhim:<<Outofcomplete
    sincerityyoulIelpedadyingman.Tbisisa
    greatvirtueIwillhavetlIefamousCeneral
    HanQiHanoftheSongdynastytoberebornasyourson>)LaterZhuoanwasborn
    andwasnamedQi.

    Wl1enweseeapersonindirecircumstances,no
    matterwhotheymaybe,aslongaswesincerelytryto
    savebisorlIerlife,itwillbeconsideredagreatactof

    goodnessHanQiwasafamousgeneralduringthe
    SongdynastyHewasgreatlyadmiredandl1onoredby
    250

    theemperor.SinceGeneralHamQiwaslIighlyregardedtheheavenlybeingarrangedfOrhimtobe
    rebornintotbeFengfamily.Tbus,becauseZhuoans
    fathersavedsomeone)slife)hewasrewardedwitha

    goodson.Tl1isisanexcellentexampleofreincarnation

    AlsotberewasMr.Ying,aministerwho
    livedinTaizhou.Whenhewasyoung,he
    studiedinremotemountainareas.Atnight,
    heoftenbeardtbesoundsofglIostsandspiritsbutwasneverafraidoft}1em.Onenight)
    l1eheardoneghosthappilysaytoanother:
    ThereisavillagewomanwboselIusband
    leftbomealongtimeagoandhasnotreturnedHerin-lawsthinkthattheirsonis

    deadandareforcinghertoremarry.Tomorrownigbt,sheisgoingtocommitsuicide
    andwillreplaceme.ThenIwillbereborn!))

    IntlIepastscholarsoftenlivedintemples)because
    onlytemplesbadextraroomsandagoodlibrary>usuallycalledt}IeSutraCollectionChamber.Atatime
    whentherewerenopubliclibrariesthetemplelibrary
    usuallyhadtlIefburBootheCssand
    probablymaterialfTomt}Ienumerousschoolsofthink
    ersfromthelateZl1oudynasty52Mostscbolarspreferredtoresideinthesetempleswl1ichwereusually
    locatedinthemountainsorinwoodedareasforthese

    providedaquietandrefres}IingenvIronmentfOrstudy.
    25l

    Ghostsnotonlyest,theyliveamonghumans.
    Theyusuallyappearinsparselypopulatedareasor
    whenapersonsenergyislow.AsMrYing)smindwas
    pureandhonest,lIeneitherpaidmuchattentionto
    themnorfearedtlIem.Onedayl1eoverlIeardone
    ghosttellinganotherthatayoungwomanwasgoingto
    commitsuicide.Anyonewbohascommittedsuicide
    needstofindareplacementbefOrelIeorshecanbe

    reborn.IfnoreplacementcanbefOund)theglIostwill
    undergomuchsufTering.
    ItisnecessaryfOrt}IereplacementtocommitsuicideintlIesamespotandmannerfOrtl>egl1osttobe
    setfree.ThesameappliestocaraccidentsAlthough
    thedeceaseddidnotcommitsuicidebutwasanacci-

    dentvictim)lIeorshewouldalsoneedtofindare-

    placement.

    TlIisexampleisaboutaghostwl1ol1adhunglIimself,whenhewasabuman.Heknewinadvanceof

    tl1edeathoftlIeyoungwomanw}1osehusbandwas
    longoverduefromabusinesstripTheparents>knowingnotlIingoftheirson)swhereabouts,werefOrcing
    hiswifCtoremaITy.ShedidnotwislItoandplanned
    tocommitsuicideinthesamespotthenextday.The
    gl1ost)scl1ancefOrfTeedomwassoontomaterialize
    becauseshewastobel1isreplacement.
    Uponhearingthis,MrYing-immediatelyset
    outtosellsomelandthatheownedHere-

    ceivedtwohundredgramsofsilverfOrit.He
    252

    thenmadeupaletterfromthedaugl]ter-inlaw>slIusband,andsentittol1erlIomealong
    withthesilverTl1eparentslmewtl1attlIe
    letterwasnotintheson)shandwriting,but
    examinedt}1esilverandsaid:<TlIisletter

    maybefalsebutthesilverisnot.Perl1aps
    oursonisalive.))Consequently,thedaughter-in-lawwasnotfOrcedtoremarry.Aftera
    wbilethebusbandreturnedhomeandthe

    coupleresumedtheirlivestogetlIer.

    Mr.Yingsavedtbebreakupofafamily,anactof
    greatmerit.WhenhesoldtlIelandandsenttl1e
    money,hewasnotthinkingofaccumulatingmerit.He
    simplyactedoutofcompassionbywantingtohelpthe
    woman,tosaveherlife)andtokeepthefamilyintact.
    Hetl1oughtnofUrtberofwhathebaddoneandreturnedtotl1etempletocontinuel1isstudies.
    Next,MrYing}Ieardtheghostsay(<OriginallyIwassupposedtoleavehereandbereborn,butMr.Yingmessedupmychance!
    Theotberghostasked:Whydon)tyouget
    evenwithhim?)}Tbefirstgbostreplied:<<I
    can)tTheheavenlybeingshaverecognizedhis
    goodnessandheisgoingtoreceiveaprominentpositioninthefUture.HowcanIburt
    himP)

    SincethelIeavenlybeingshadalreadyrecognized
    253

    Mr.Ying)sgoodnesstbegl1ostcouldnotdoanything.
    Fromthis,welmowtbatifaspiritoral1eavenlybeing
    canl1armus,itisbecausewehavedonesometl1ingto
    deserveit.Ifwehavenotdoneanythingwrong,then
    tl1espiritsareunabletohurtus.
    AnoldChineseproverbsaysthatthereisathirty
    percentpossibilitytl1atpeoplemaybeafraidofgl1osts
    butaseventypercentprobabilitytbatghostsareafraid
    ofpeople!SoitissillyfOrustobeafraidofgl1osts
    becausetl1eyaremucl1moreafraidofus.Weonly
    needtobeafraidwhenwel1avedonesomething
    wrong,becauseonlytbenaretheyabletobarmus.If
    ourconscienceisclear,thenmalevolentspiritscando
    nothingtous53
    SeeingMrYing>sgoodness>thelIeavenlybeings
    hadalreadyplannedfOrMrYingtoholdaprominent
    positionintl1egovernmentasaminister.LaterinlIis
    life,Mr.Yingdidindeedholdthepositionofminister.
    Havingoverbeardtl1egbost,heknewsomeofhis
    fUtureinadvance.

    UponlIearingthisMr.Yingbecameeven
    morediligentinpracticinggoodnessandaccumulatingmerits.Wbenevertl1erewasa
    faminehegavegrainomhisstorelousesto
    thosewhoneededit.Healwaysl1elpedrelativesinemergencies.Wl1entl1ingsdidnotgo
    hisway,lIealwaysreflectedwitl1inlIimself
    rathertl1ancomplainofothersTl1us}1eal25

    waysquietlycompliedwithconditions.Even
    today,hisdescendantsareprominent.

    e e

    y t

    IfpeoplewererudeortookadvantageoflIimMr.
    Yingalwaysexaminedhisownactionstoseeifhewas
    atfault.Tolerantandabletotakeeverythinginstride
    bewasneverargumentativeorresentfUl.Notonlydid
    }1ebecomeaminister,hisaccomplishedandvirtuous
    descendantsalsoprosperedAllthiswastheresultof
    h
    k
    l
    h
    e

    e r

    AnotherpersonXuFengzlIulivedin]iangsuprovInce.WlIenevertherewasafamine,hiswealthyfatherwouldbetbefirstto
    waivet}IerentontlIericefieldshopingthat
    otberwealtbypeoplewouldfOllowsuit54He
    alsodonatedgrainhomhisstorehousesto
    tbosewbowerehungry.

    Onenight,lIeheardghostsoutsidehis}Iome
    say)AcountysclIolarintheXufamilyisgoingtopasstheprovincialimperialexamination!ThiswentonfOrseveralnightsandindeedthatyearl1issonFengzl1upassedtbe
    examination.AfterthatFengzhusfatherbecameevenmorediligentinaccumulating
    gooddeeds.

    HepaidfOrtherepairofroadsandbridges,
    andprovidedfOodfbrmonksaswellasfOr
    255

    thepoorHedidallhecouldtobelpotl1ers.
    Sometimelaterheheardtbeghostsagain.
    TlIeysaid:{Theprovincialscholarfromthe
    Xufamilyisgoingtoholdahighpositionin
    thegovernment/)Eventually,FengzhubecamethegovernorofZheiiangprovmce
    Sometimesghostscanbeclearlyseenorl1eard
    Outsidethel>ouseoftl1eXufamily,glIostssangthata
    familymemberwasgoingtopasstl1eprovincialimperialexamination.LaterthesonXuFengzl1udidso.
    GoodfOrtuneistherewardfOrgooddeeds.Thosewl1o
    understandthiswilltryevenl1ardertoaccumulate
    goodness.Tl>eghostsalsosangthatFengzhuwould
    receiveal1ighpositioninthegovernment.HeeventuallybecameanimperialjudgeintheSupremeCourt
    thengovernorofZl1eiiangproVnce.Tl1iswastl1e
    resultofsincerelyl1elpingthepoor.

    AnotlIerexampleisTuKanwholivedin
    }iaxingZhejiangprovmceMrTuworkedin
    tl1ecourtlIouseandwouldspendnightsin
    theprisoncells,talkingwitlItheinmates.InsteadofmakinganamefOrhimselfhe
    wouldwritesecretreportstotlIeministerof
    justice,teIinghimwlIycertainprisoners
    wereinnocent.Theministerwouldthen

    questiontheprisoneraccordinglyandclear
    thecases.ThroughMrTu)seffOrts,more
    thanteninnocentpeoplewerereleasedand
    256

    allofthemwereextremelygratefUltotbe
    judgepraisingtheministerofjusticefOrl1is
    wisejudgment.
    RegardlessofhowcarefUlonemightbewhenexaminingacase)therewasalwaysthepossibilityofa
    wrongverdict.Evenwhentheerrorisunintentional,it
    isstillamisdeedFromthis,wecanseehowdifficult

    itistobeagoodlawyerorjudge
    WlIatMr.Tudidwasveryrare.Hewouldspend
    nigbtswiththeprisonerstolearneverythingabout
    eaclIcase.Whentheprisonerswerequestionedinthe
    courtroom,theysometimesbecamesofrig}1tenedtbat
    tlIeycouldnotadequatelydefendtl>emselves.55
    WlIenlIestayedwithtbeinmatestofindoutthe
    truthbehindeachcasehedidnottakethecredit
    himself.Insteadhewroteoutthedetailsofthecase

    andgavetlIemtotheministerofjusticesothatalltl]e
    creditwentto}Iissuperiorofficerw}Iowasvery
    pleasedfOrwhenhetriedthecasesatdawn)heal-

    readylmewthetruthAfterdetaiIedquestioning,he
    acquittedoveradozeninnocentmen.Thiswasthe

    talkoftheimperialcityandeveryonepraisedtheminiSter

    Soonafter,Mr.TumadeareporttotlIeimperialjudgesaymg:Ifinnocentpeopleare
    imprisonedhere,tberemustbemanymore
    tlIroughoutthecountry.56Irecommendthat
    investigatorsbesenttochecktheprisonsfbr
    257

    innocentpeopleeveryfiveyears.Thesentencescanbecanceledtopreventtl>einnocentfromremaininginprison.Tl1eminister,MrTussuperiortookthereporttotlIe
    emperor,wl1oagreedwithMrTu)ssuggestion.Mr.Tuwassubsequentlychosenasone
    ofthespecialagentsincl1argeofreducing
    sentencesfOrthosewhowerefOundinnocent

    Onenig}1t,hedreamtthatabeavenlybeing
    cametol1imandsaid:<Originally,youdid
    notdeserveasoninthislife)butthisactof

    reducingpnsonsentencesfOrinnocentpeopleaccordswithtl1ewislIesoftlIelIeavens.
    Youwillbebestowedwiththreesonsand

    tl>eywillallattainhighpositions.)>Hiswife
    latergavebirtlItotl1reesonswl1oallbecame
    prominent.

    SimilartoLiaofan)Mr.Tuwasnotdestinedto

    havesons.LiaofansoughtasonandreceivedoneMr.
    Tureceivedthreesonsduetol1isaccumulationof

    gooddeeds.

    Anotherexampleofattaininggoodresults
    frompracticingkindnessisBaoPingwl1o
    livedin]iaxingPingwastl]eyoungestof
    sevensonsofthemagistrateofCl1izl1ou
    AnhuiprovInce.HemarriedintotheYuan
    258

    familyinPinghucounty,ZhejiangprovInce
    andwasagoodiendofmyfat1er.BaoPing
    waslmowledgeableandtalented,butalways
    failedintlIeexaminations.Hespenthistime
    studyingBuddhismandTaoism.
    Once,wlIiletravelingtoLakeMao,lIecame

    toavillageandsawatempleindireneedof
    repair.ThestatueofAvalokiteshvaraBodhisattvawaswetfromtherainthatleaked

    throughtberoofPingtoolKoutallbismoney
    andgaveittotheabbot,sothathecouldrestoretlIetemple.

    Theabbotreplied:<<Itisama]orprOject,Iam
    aaidthisisnotenoughBaoPingthen
    tookoutalllIisexpensiveclothesandhanded
    tl1emtotlIeabbot.Hisservanttriedtopersuadel1imtokeephisbestoutfit,butberefused,sayIng:<(Itdoesnotmattertome.As
    longastlIestatueofAvalokitesbvaraBodhisattvaremainsundamaged)IdonotcareifI
    havetogowitlIoutclothes.))
    Ping,whobadfailedtopasstheexaminations,bad
    enuptl1el1opeofagovernmentcareer.FortugIvenup<nenopeoIagovernmen<careerro<<unately,hisfatl1erwaslIeadoftlIelocalgovernmentso
    thefamilysfinanceswereadequate.OncewhenlIe
    sawaBuddl1isttempleinneedofrepairs,hisimmediatetl1oughtwastohelp.Hetookoutsixteenouncesof
    259

    silver,whicbwasallthemoneyhelIad,andgaveitto
    t}Ieabbot-anactofpuresincerityWhentoldt}Iatit
    wasnotenough,PingtookoutfOurboltsofclotband
    someclotl1ingfromhisluggagesot}1eabbotcould
    tradethemfOrsilver.

    T}Ieabbot,witl1tearsinl1iseyes)exclaimed,

    (<Togiveupmoneyandclotbingisnotdifficult,butyourdeepsincerityistrulyrare

    ),

    Aftertl1etemplewasrepaired,BaoPing
    askedhisfathertovisititandtogetlIerthey
    spenttheniglItthere.Tbetemple>sDharma
    Protector,Qielan>cameinhisdreamto
    thankl1imandsaid:<(Sinceyouhaveaccumulatedtbesemeritsandvirtues,youwill
    bavemanygenerationsofdescendantswho
    willreceiveimperialappointments.)Hisson
    andgrandsonbothpassedhigl1examinations
    andwereappointedasimperialofficials

    Liketl1eotl1erexamplestlIegoodfOrtunehereceivedwasalsorewardedtohisdescendants.

    ZhiLifrom>iaslIancounty)inZbejiangprov-

    inceisanotl1erexample.Hisfatl1erusedto
    beaclerlKintheprovincialcourthouse.
    Once,whenZl1iLi>sfatl1erlearnedthatan
    innocentmanl1adbeengiventl1edeathpen-

    alty,hetriedtosavetheman>slife.Wl1en
    tbeprisonerl1eardabouttlIis,l1etoldhis
    260

    wifC:<Iamgreatlyindebtedtothismanwl1o
    l1asspokenonmybehalfbutIhavenoway
    toshowmygratitude.Willyouinvitel1imto
    ourlIouseandofferyourselfto}Iim?Perl1aps
    tl1iswillpleasehimandincreasemycl1ances
    tolive))

    ZhiLi)sfather,knowingoftheprisoner)sinnocence)
    sympathizedwitlIhimandpleadedwitblIissuperiorto
    sparetbeinmate>slifeIfhecouldsavetlIepnsoner
    hewouldalsosavethefamily
    Tl1ewifecriedasshelistenedtobisrequest,
    buttl1erewasnootherwaytohelp.Thenext
    daywl1entbeclerkcametovisit)sheoffered
    lIimwIneandtoldlIimofherlmsband)s

    wishTheclerkrefi1sed,butcontinuedtodo
    allhecouldfOrtheman.Wl1enatlasttl1e

    prisonerwasreleasedheandl1iswifewent
    totheclerk>shousetothankl1imHesaid:

    OnewithsuclIvirtueasyoursistrulyrare
    thesedays,l1owcanIshowmygratitude?
    Sinceyoudonothaveasonallowmetoof

    fermydaugl1terinmarriagetoyou.Please
    acceptfOrthisistheonlywaytl1atIcanrepayyou.))

    ZhiLi)sfatberrefusedtheprisoner>sofferofhis
    wifebecausehedidnotwislIanyrewardHehad

    actedoutofasenseofmoralityandjustice,feeling
    26l

    thatitwaspartoflIisjobMarriedfOrmanyyears,he
    andlIiswifebadnosons.So,theprisonerofferedhis
    daughtertobeasecondwifetotheclerkhopingtbat
    sbewouldbeabletobearhimasonandcontinuethe

    familynameanacceptedcustomatthetime.
    TlIeclerkacceptedandsoonafterwards,sbe
    borehimhisson,ZhiLiHepassedthe
    highestleveloftl1eimperialexaminations
    wlIenhewasjusttwentyyearsoldandlater
    wasappointedtoanimportantgovernment
    position.HissonGao,grandsonLu,and
    greatgrandsonDalunallpassedtheexaminationsandreceivedimperialappointments
    aswell.

    Thesetenexamplesalltelloftl1edeedscultivatedbydifferentpeople.Altboughtheir
    actionsdiffered,theirintentwasthesame-

    topeIfOrmgoodness.

    ZhiLi,sfinalappointmentwassimilartoaFirst
    Secretarytoday,aprominentposition.Tl1iswasl>is
    rewardfOrsavInganinnocentlife.Inthislesson)
    Liaofanprovidedtenexamplesofl1owgoodfOrtuneis
    tl1eresultofaccumulatinggoodnessandisnotacoincidence.TheseeventswereclosetoLiaofan)stime.

    Somehelmewofpersonallywhileotherswererelated
    tohisfamily.AlloftlIemareaboutcauseandeffect:
    goodnesswillresultingoodfOrtuneandevilwillresult
    262

    inmisfOrtune.

    IGOesS

    HowtoRecognizeGoodness

    IfwecarefUllythinkaboutgoodness>wewill
    realizetlIattherearemanydifferenttypesrealandfalse,honestandcrooked,}Iidden

    andvisible,apparentandactual,properand
    improperfullandhalf,bigandsmall,and
    difficultandeasy
    ThesedifferenttypeseaclIl1avetlIeirown

    causestllatneedtobeunderstoodIfwetry
    topracticegooddeedsbutdonotlmowlIow
    todistinguishbetweenrightandwrongwe
    mayendupdoingmoreharmtlIangoodand
    allofoureffOrtswillhavebeeninvain.

    TruesincerityinpracticinggoodnessistodosowitlIoutaskingfOranytbinginreturnandistlIecrucial
    factorinsucl]matters.Goodactstl1atl1aveconditions

    attaclIedarewrongdoings,notgoodness.
    Forinstancesomepeople,especiallyBuddl1ists,do
    notunderstandtl1atBuddlIismteaclIesustoeliminate

    wanderingtl1oughtsandattachmentsWhentheygoto
    atempletopaytheirrespectstotheBodhisattvas,tbey
    dosotoaskfOrsomething.Iftl1eydonotwantany263

    thing,tlIeydonotgo.Theyburnincenseinfrontof
    theBodhisattvasandprayfbrassistanceandguidance.

    IftbeBodhisattvascanjustgrantwhattlIeywant,tlIey
    willreturntlIefavorwithspecialofferings.TlIisis
    tryingtostrikeupabargain!Notonlyaretbeyinsincere,theytlIinktheBodhisattvaswillacceptbribes.
    ObviouslyaseriousoffCnse!

    ZbiLi)sfatherwasvirtuous.Theprisoner)sofferof
    hiswifeasarewardwasimmoralbutZ}IiLi)sfather

    wasnotoffendedandcontinuedtohelptlIeprisoner
    TlIusitwasfittingthatlIereceivedsuchgoodfOrtune.
    Tl1eprevIoustenaccountsareexamplesofgoodactions.Nowwewilllookattheconceptsthatthey
    illustrate.Weneedtoknowtheprinciplesandproper
    waystoaccumulategoodness.

    Whatare((realgoodness>)and(falsegoodness?)IntheYuandynastyagroupofscholarswenttovisitMasterZlIongfeng7One
    said:WehearinBuddl]ismthatthekarmic

    rewardfOrgoodandbadislikeasl1adow
    fMlowingthefOrmwhereveritgoes.)But
    whyisittl>atalthoughsomepeoplepractice
    goodness,theirfamiliesanddescendantsare
    notprosperous?Ontheotherhandwhile

    othersbehaveimmorally>theirfamiliesand
    descendantsdoverywellWlIathashappenedtocauseandeffect?AretlIereno
    standardsintl1eBuddha)steachingsP
    26

    Severalscholars,whovisitedthemaster)saidthat

    bothBuddhismandTaoismtauglItthatthelawof
    causalitywastrueandinescapable.But,thefacttl1at
    descendantsofgoodpeoplesometimeslIadproblems
    whiledescendantsofimmoralpeoplesometimesprosperedseemedtocontradictthelawofcausality
    MasterZhongfengreplied:Ordinarypeople
    areblindedbyworldlyviewpointsandnot
    lIavingcleansedtheirmindsofimpuritiesare
    unabletoseeclearly.Consequently,they
    lookuponrealgoodnessaswrongdoingand
    mistakewrongdoingasgoodness.Thisisvery
    commontoday.
    OrdinarypeoplevieweverythingasordinaryTheir
    mindsareimpureduetoworldlyemotionsandtl1ey
    arestillbotheredbymanywanderingthouglItsand
    attacl1ments.NotlIavingtheBuddlIaseyesofwisdom
    todiscernthetruth,theyoftenconfUsegoodwitl1bad
    Althoughmanypeoplewerelikethis,themasterjust
    saidcourteouslytlIatsuclIpeopledidexist.

    <<MoreoverthesepeopledonotblamethemselvesfOrfailingtounderstand>andunfairly
    blametl1eirmisfOrtunesontlIel1eavens

    Tl>escholarsquestionedhowgoodandbad
    couldbemistakenfOreachother.
    Themasterthenaskedeachofthemtovoice

    265

    tlIeirthougl1tsonwhatwasbadandgood.
    Onescholarsaidthattoyellatandhitotl1ers
    wasbad;torespectandtreatothersinapolitewaywasgoodThemasterreplied(<Not
    necessarily.})Anotherscholarsaidthatbeing

    greedyandtakinganothersmoneywasbad
    whilebeinggenerousandbehavingproperly
    wasgoodMasterZlIongfengagainreplied,
    <Notnecessarily/)Theremainingscl1olars
    eressedtheirviewsonwbatwasbadand
    good,butMasterZhongfengalwaysconcludedNotnecessarily/>
    Tl1emastersaidtl1attlIeirstandardswereunreliable

    anddisagreedwiththeiranswers.Withthateverybody
    askedhimtoelainhisstandardssincehisdiffered
    omtheirs.

    TheDefinitionofGoodness

    MasterZlIongfengsaid:TodotllingsfOr
    tbebenefitofothersisgood;todothingsfOr
    selfbenefitisbadIfwhatwedoisfOrtlIe

    sakeofbenefitinganotlIer>tl1enitdoesnot
    matterifweyellatorl1ittl1em;itisstill
    good.But,ifourintentionisfOrselfbenefit,
    thenregardlessofourappearanceofrespect
    andcourtesy,itisbad)
    Tl1istalksoftheBuddl1iststandardfOrgoodand
    266

    badAnythingdonewithtlIeintentiontobenefitothersisgood,evenifacertainamountofcorporalpunishmentisinvolved,whileanythingdonewitl1the
    intenttobenefitourselvesisconsideredbadItdoes

    notmatterlIowcourteouswemaybetowardsotbers
    fOrourintentionsmaybetaintedForexample,we
    maybecourteoustoingratiateourselveswithotl1ersor
    fawnonotherstogainsomethingfOrourselves.
    Themastercontinued:(Practicinggoodness
    solelytobenefitothersisconsideredpublic
    benefitandisrealgoodness.Ifweonlythink
    ofourselveswhiledoinggoodacts,thenthat
    isconsideredprivatebenefitandisfalse
    goodness.
    ),

    ThisisthetruestandardfOrgoodness:tobenefit
    andprovidegoodnessfOreverylivingbeingIfintlIe
    actofdoinggood,wearestillconcernedaboutour

    ownwelfareorreward,thent}IeactiSnolongersincereorpurebuthasbecometaintedInadditionto
    goodnesstlIatisrealorfalse>>thereisgoodnesst}Iatis

    <{fUllorlIalf.Tounderstandfullandhalfgoodness,
    weneedtobeabletodifferentiatebetweengoodness
    thatis<<fi1llorpure),andhalformixed.

    AlltheBuddlIasBodhisattvas,sages,andvirtuous
    peopletlIinknotofthemselvesbutofothers.Thisis
    trueandfUllgoodness.AgoodexampleofthisisFan
    ZlIongyan.Exemplingtrueandperfectgoodnesshe
    wasanexcellentrolemodelfOrhewasnotconcerned
    267

    fOrl1imself.HewantedtocreategoodfOrtunefor
    otherssothattheycouldbenefitthecountryandallof
    society.

    WhenwereadlIisbiography,wecanseethatlIis
    descendantsalsopracticedandaccumulatedgood
    deeds.Mr.Fanandtwoofbisfivesonsbecameprime
    ministers.Theemperorappointedanothersonasa
    }Iighscholar.WhenMr.Fandiedtl1erewasnothave
    enoughmoneyfOrhischildrentopurchaseacoffin.
    Where}Iadalll1ismoneygone?Hel1adgivenitto
    others.Thiswasw}IyMasterYinGuangpraisedMr.

    FanashavingvirtuousconductsecondonlytoConfUcius.HisdescendantsprosperedfOreighthundred
    years,untiltheearlyl9O0sThisistl1eresultofaccumulatingabundantvirtuesandgoodness.
    Today,wlIenwepracticegooddeeds,wedososparingly.WeexertjustafractionofourpotentialeffOrt
    butconsiderourselvesgoodpeople.Notonlytbat,we
    expectgreatbenefitsinreturnforourlittlebitof
    goodness.Manypeoplegototemplestoburnincense
    andmakeofferingsWhy?Becausetl1eybelievetl1is
    canprofitthemtbemost:adollarinvestedfOrmillions
    inreturn.SotheyburnincenseandworslIiptl1eBuddhathinkingthattheywillgaingoodfOrtuneinreturn.
    Iftbeydonateadollartoday,maybetheywillwinten
    thousanddollarsinthelotterytomorrow.SuclIthinkingdegradestheBuddbasandBodhisattvas.
    Whenweseetheseapparentlysincerepeopletheir
    familiesandevendescendantssufferingmisfOrtunes)
    268

    wewilllmowwlIy.Theydonotintentionallyviewthe
    BuddlIasandBodhisattvasasevil)butsubconsciously
    t}IeyVewthemasbeingswhotakebribes.Thisis
    obviouslyaseriousmistake!Sometimeswhensome
    peoplewantsomethingomaninfluentialperson,
    theyofferabribeThisisthesameasofferingmoney
    totheBuddhainhopesofreceivingwhatwewant.
    Peoplew}Ioacceptthebribeareunethical.IfaBuddhaacceptedtbebribe,wouldhenotalsobeunethical?

    MasterZhongfengelainedfurther:When
    goodnessspringsfromtheheart,itisreal

    goodness.But)whenwedosomethinggood
    justbecauseothersaredoingsoitisfalse.
    Whenwedogoodwithouteectingany
    tlIinginreturn,itisrealgoodness.But,
    wl1enwepracticegooddeedsfOrsomepurposeotl1erthantobenefitotlIers,itisfalse.
    Tbosewhowishtopracticerealgoodness
    needtoconsiderallthesedifferences.

    ))

    Goodnessspringing{Tomourheartsarisesfrom
    truesincerityandistruegoodness.Whatistruegoodnessandfalsegoodness?Wemustlooldntoourbearts
    toseeifwearegenuinelypracticinggoodness.alse
    goodness>,issimplyfOllowingotl1ers,toactwithout
    sinceritywhilewisbingforareturn.(Truegoodness)is
    towisbfOrnothinginreturn

    Tbescl1olarssaidgreedandexcesspossessionswere
    269

    bad,butMasterZhongfengsaid,Notnecessarily.))To
    usemoneyandpossessionstodogood,tobenefittlIe
    public,isconsideredgoodnotbad
    Today,whenweencouragepeopletopracticegood
    deeds,tlIeymaybeunwillingtodoso.However,ifwe
    setouttotrickortolietotlIemtogetthemtoperfOrm
    agooddeed,theywouIdbeperfectlywillingtodoit.
    Wheredoestl1eproblemlie?Itlieswitl1inus.Dowe
    reallyhavethesameintentionsasBodlIisattvas?Ifwe
    cheatothersoutoftheirmoneywitbtlIeintentof
    en>oyIngourselves,thenitiswrong.
    Ifweseethingssuperficiallytbenitisdifficultto
    distinguisbbetweengoodandbadItalldependson
    tbeheart.Theaccumulationofgreatgoodnessand
    meritsarisesfromtheheartofsincerityThisisespeciallytruefOrgreatBodhisattvaswhoappearasordinarypeople.TheydonottlIinkofthefactthattbeyare
    Bodhisattvasorabouttrivialmatters.Theyt}1ink
    purelyofbenefitingallbeingsandthus,tl1eirviewsare
    verydifferentfromordinarypeople
    ,)

    Whatare(<honestgoodnessand<crooked
    goodness?Peopletodayoftenlookuponan
    extremelyconservativeandnicepersonas
    goodandkind

    <Honestmeansbeingvirtuous,dignified,andjust.
    <Crooked)meansbeingdishonest.Whenweseea<Yes
    Man,)whoisveryrespectfUlandacquiescenttootlIers,
    wemaythinkbeisagoodperson.Manyemp>oysuch
    270

    peoplebecausetheyarewillingtodowhateverthey
    aretoldPeoplethinktlIistypeofpersonisgoodand
    oftenliketohavethemaroundButheisjustalackey
    obeyingeverycommandandattendingtoeveryneed
    witharespectfUldemeanor.
    However,theancientsagesandvirtuous
    peoplebavesbownthattheypreferredt}Iose
    whowereaspiringanddignifiedAsfOrthose

    wboappeartobecompliantandcarefUlin
    theiractions,everyonemayliketlIem,but
    sagesoftenspeakofthemasthievesofVrtue.)>Fromthis,wecanseetbattheview-

    pointofordinarypeopleongoodandbaddif
    fersgreatlyhomthatofsagesandvirtuous
    people.
    Althoughmostpeoplepreferandconsiderasgood
    tlIosewhoappeartobecompliantandcarefUl,great
    sagesandvirtuouspeoplepreferthosewhobaveability
    altl]oughtbeymaybestubborn,arrogantandsometimes,evenalittlerude.W}Iy?TheseindividualspossessparticuIarskillsandalthoughtheymaydisagree
    witl1us,tbeyarecapableofhighachievement.Sometimescompliantpeoplecannotaccomplis}Igiventasks
    becausetheylackinitiative.Thus>sagesandvirtuous
    peoplepreferthosewithcourageousandaspiring
    characterswboarenotcaughtupintrivialities
    AltlIouglIcompliantpeoplearewellliked,sagesoftencallt}Iem<<thievesofvirtue)>becauseint}Ieircon27l

    fUsionaboutthetruth,tbeycannotdistinguishright
    fTomwrong.Virtuereferstopropercustomsandmorality.PeoplewhocannotdiffCrentiatebetweenrigl1t
    andwronghavebrokenthemoraltradition,lilKe
    thieveswhohavebrokenthelaw.

    Becauseofthis,ourjudgmentcouldbeerroneous.BeingsandspiritsoflIeavenand
    eartIalllookupongoodandbadomtlIe
    sameVewpointastlIesagesandnottbatof
    ordinarypeople.
    Wecannotalwaysdistinguishbetweenrealgoodnessandfalsegoodness.WlWdospiritsandbeingsof
    heavenandeartM1avethesamestandardsasthesages
    andvirtuouspeople?TbeydobecausetheyalllIave
    tlIesamevIewsandintentions.

    TherefOre,whenwewisbtoaccumulate

    meritswemustnotgiveintogreedorbeaf
    fectedbyt}Iethingsaroundus.Assoonas
    improperthoughtsarise)weneedtobe
    awareofthemandtlIenpuritllem.
    Honestgoodnessistoberespectfuland
    comesfromthetlIoughttosincerelyl1elpall
    others.Crookedgoodnessistoactwithout
    sincerityandarisesfromtlIethougl1ttoHatterotherstoobtainwhatwewant.Tolove

    othersishonest,andto}Iateothersandbe
    272

    jealousiscrookedTheseallneedtobevery
    carefUllydifferentiated
    Weneedtoavoidallthatisevilandembraceall

    t}IatisgoodWebeginwithourselves.First,wecannot
    allowourselvestobeaffectedbyworldlypbenomena.
    Inot}Ierwords,wemustnotbeattachedtotheFive
    DesiresandtheSixSenseObjectsbutletgoofthem

    foraslongasweclingtotbem,wewillnevereradicate
    ourselfisbness.Thesethoughtsofself-benefitaretbe
    rootofallnegativekarmaAllgooddeedstl1atare
    doneoutofevilintentionswillbecomeevilThisis

    whyMasterZhongfengdidnotagreewithwbattbe
    scholarscategorizedasgoodbecausegoodtl1ingsdone
    withselfishintentareimpureandfalseTherefore,we
    mustbecomelessattac}Iedtoworldlydesirestoreduce
    ourselfishness.

    Slowly,onebyone,trytoreduceeaclIdesireuntil
    theynolongeraffectusInthiswaywewillbeableto
    detectthedesireassoonastlIethoughtarisesand
    immediatelycurbit.Also>weshoulderadicatet}1e
    deviantandimpurefeelingsinourhearts.TbemrG
    LkbSmrHelainsthisascleansingourheartsand
    ))

    correctingourpasterroneouswayssoastoattaina

    pureandbrightmindthatisfilledwitl1wisdom.
    Honestgoodnesscomesfromsincerelytryingto
    lIelpotbersIttakesonlyonesincerethoughttobenefitallbeings.Wehelpotherstounderstandthetrue
    reality,toeliminatede!usionandattainawakening.As
    273

    soonastheydotbistlIeywillnaturallylearnlIowto
    eliminateevilandpracticegoodThefOremostmerit
    inBuddbismisthatwbichbelpspeopletolearnabout
    tbetruthoflifeandtheuniversesotheywillbefreeto

    choosewbichoftbeTenDharmaRealmstheywillbe
    reborninto.

    TheBuddhaswillnotinterferewithourclIoiceor

    trytochangeourmindsnordot}Ieyinsisttl1atbecomingaBuddhaisthebestgoalfOrallbeings.Itis
    theirhopethateventuallywewillbecomeBuddlIas,
    buttheywillnotfOrceustodosoIfwepreferto
    reincarnateashumanbeings)thentheBuddbaswill
    teachustlIeprinciplestobecomegoodpeople.Ifwe
    wishtoberebornintotbeThreeBadPaths,thenwe
    canjustimmerseourselvesingreed,anger,andignoranceandsmoothIysailintotheTlIreeBadPatlIs.
    Buddbaswillnottrytostopus.Tbeyonlyteacl1peoplebowtoeliminatedelusionandattainawakening
    T}Iisis}1onestgoodnessandisthesupremebenefit.
    CrookedgoodnessarisesfromthouglItsofflattering
    otlIerssotbatwecanobtainwhatwewant,fOrexam-

    ple)fameandwealthObviouslytl1isiswrongandany
    goodactsperfOrmedoutofsuchmotiveswouldbe
    crookedandnothonest.WeneedtobecarefUland

    respectfUlwheninteractingwitlIothersandcircumstancesActingwithoutsincerityisafault.Tocorrect
    itweneedtorecognizeit.
    Wl1atare<(hiddengoodness)andvisible
    27

    goodness>)?GoodnessislIiddenwhennoone
    knowsaboutitandvisiblewhenourgood
    actsarelmownbyothers.
    Ancientsagesandvirtuouspeopletaughtustoaccumulatehiddenvirtuesinsteadofvisiblegoodness.
    WlIenwedosometlIingandarepraisedfOrit,that
    praisewasourgoodfOrtuneForexamplereceivingan
    awardisgoodfOrtune.
    Tbebestwaytoaccumulategoodnessistoletour
    gooddeedsremainunlmown.>ustkeepaccumulating
    whileaskingfOrnotlIinginreturn.Oncepeoplelmow
    aboutwlIatwelIavedone,thentherelatedgoodfOrtunewillbegintodiminishassoonast}1eyrewardus.
    IfwereceiveanimmediaterewardfOreverygooddeed
    wedotlIennotonlyistherenoaccumulationof
    goodness,wemightbegintoaccumulatefaultswitl]outrealizingitandthemorefaultsweaccumulatethe
    worsethingswillbe.

    Thosewithhiddenvirtueswillnaturallybe
    lmownbytheheavensandberewarded
    Tl1osewbopracticevisiblegoodnesswillbe
    lmownbypeopleandenjoyfame.Fameitself
    isgoodfOrtune>butl1eavenandeartlIs}Iun
    fame.Thosew}IolIavegreatfame,butlack
    tl1evirtuetosupportitwilleventuallyencounteroverwhelmingadversities.Those
    wl1ohavenotdoneanythingwrongbutare
    falselyaccusedwill}Iavedescendantswho
    275

    willoftensuddenlybecomeprosperousand
    successfUlFromthis,wecanseebowim-

    portantitistounderstandhiddenandvisible
    goodness.

    Ifwedesirepopularityandfame)gettingthemcan
    beconsideredgoodfOrtuneandtheymaybeseenas
    ourrewardButactually,theyarenotconsidereda
    goodreturnbecausetheycancauseenvyamongpeopleaswellasamongbeingsandspiritsofheavenand
    earthWorseyetisfOrustotakecreditfOrvirtuous
    conductt}Iatwedidnotdo)fOrtbiswillinevitablybe
    fOllowedbyadversity
    OntheotherlIand,ifwehavedonenotl1ingwrong
    butarebeingwrongedaccusedorreviledbyothers,
    thenweareactuallyaccumulatinggoodness.The
    morejealouspeopleslanderus,thebetteritis.Why?
    SuclIslanderandlIindranceswillreduceournegative
    karma.So,whenweaccumulatevirtues,itisbestto

    dosoquietlywitbnooneknowingaboutit.Thereis
    noneedtoseelKpraiseorrespect.
    WlIenallofournegativekarmahasbeeneliminated,ouraccumulationofgoodnesswillbecomeeven
    strongerandourgoodfOrtuneevengreater.Thiswill
    resultinthesuddenprosperityofourdescendants.
    Whenwecarefullyobservethosewhosuddenlyattain
    fame,wecanseethattheirancestorspossessedmany
    hiddenvirtuesOnceweunderstandthis>wewill

    appreciatetl1evalueofsuchvirtues.
    276

    Whatareapparentgoodness))and<<actual
    goodness>)?IntheSpring-AutumnPeriod,
    tbecountryofLumadealawthatrewarded
    thosewhopaidtheransomtofTeetl1eirfellowcitizenswlIowereservant-slaves.AttlIat

    time,Confuciushadarichstudentnamed

    Zigongwl1o,alt}Ioughhepaidtheransomto
    eepeople,didnotaccepttIerewardfOr
    doingso.

    Thisexampleaddressesthedifficultyofdistinguishingbetweenapparentgoodnessand<<actualgoodnessbecauseordinarypeopleIsstandardsaredifferent
    homtl1oseofsagesandvirtuouspeople.
    WlWwouldsomeonebecomeaservant-slaveinthe
    homesofthenobility?Tbeyhadbrokenthelawand
    weresenttotheselIomestoservetheirsentences.The

    governmentpassedalawstatingtlIataslongassomeonepaidt}IeirfinetheywouldbefTeedItthenen-

    couragedthewealtlIytopaythefinesinthebopetlIat
    tlIecriminalswouldrefOrm.

    Uponhearingthis>ConfUciuswasveryunhappyandscoldedZigong:<Youacted
    wrongly.Whensagesandvirtuouspeopledo
    something,itistoimprovemoralityand
    teacbpeoplehowtobehave.Wedonotdo

    somethingfOrself-benefitorreputation.In
    Lu,tl1epooroutnumberthewealthy.Since
    yourefusedtlIerewardotherSwilltl1inlKthat
    277

    acceptingrewardmoneyisbeinggreedyand
    iftlIishappens,noonewillpaytberansom
    tofiFeeourpeople,

    ConfUciuswasdispleasedbecauseZigonghadnot
    seentbesituationfTomthestandpointofavirtuous
    personbutfromthatofanaverageperson.Tbeteachingsofvirtuouspeople>sarefOrthebenefitofallpeople,notjustfOrcertainindividuals.Fromanindividual)sstandpoint>Zigong)sactionwaspraiseworthy;
    however,l1ebaderredbygoingagainstlocalcustoms
    anddisruptedthegovernment)splan
    AttlIattimeinLu,thepoorgreatlyoutnumbered
    therichTl1erewardplanwasdesignedtomotivate
    averagecitizens.WhenZigongrefusedthereward,
    everyonepraisedhim.ButhebadsetaharmfulexamplebecauseanyonewhosimilarlyperfOrmedagood
    deedwouldalsolikelyrefUsetherewardToacceptit
    couldresultinothersthinkingtl1atthedeedwasdone
    solelyfortllerewardThisrefUsaltoacceptrewards
    wouldruintbegovernment,ssystem.SincethepurposewastoencourageeveryonetoperfOrmgood
    deedsZigongshouldhaveacceptedthereward,notto
    benefithimself,butthepublic.Thissl1owshowsages
    andvirtuouspeopleinterprett}Iingsdifferentlyfrom
    averagepeople.
    AnotherstudentofConfucius,Ziluonce

    sawamandrowningintheriverandrescued
    l1im.LaterthemanthanlKedl1imbygiving
    278

    l1imacow.WlIenConfUciusheardtlIatZilu

    hadacceptedtbegift)hewashappyand
    said:<Int}IefUture,peoplewillbeeagerto
    helptlIosewhoaredrowning.))
    Intheeyesofordinarypeople,ZigongsrefUsaloftherewardmoneywasgood,while
    Zilu)sacceptanceofthecowwasnot.Who
    wouldlIaveexpectedConfuciustopraise
    ZiluandscoldZigong!Fromthis,wecansee
    thattlIosewhopracticegooddeedsmustnot
    onlyconsiderthecurrentoutcomebutthat
    ofthefUtureaswell.NeitherslIouldweonly
    considerourowngainandlossbuttl1ink
    abouttheimpactmadeonothers

    WhenZiluacceptedthecowConfuciuspraised
    lIimbecausewhenothersrealizedt}IatsavIngalife
    mightresultinareward,itcouldbecomeanincentive
    fOrpeopletobebraverinhelpingothers.
    WhenConfuciuspraisedZiluinsteadofZigong,his
    v1ewpointwasverydifferentfromthatofordinary
    peopleHowever,hebadsoundreasonsfOrdoingso.
    Looldngatsagesandvirtuouspeople,wewillseethat
    theirvisionismorepervasivetl1anours.Witl1our
    limitedvisionwedonotrealizetl1elong-termeffects
    tl1atouractionsmaycause.Weneedtoconsidermat-

    tersfromtl1easpectofbenefitingsociety,thecountry,
    andeventheworld>aswellashowlIistorywillregard
    events.Whenwerealizethebroadscopeinvolved,our
    279

    vIewswillbeverydifferentthanbefOreandwewill
    understandthatConftIciuswascorrect.TherefOre,

    goodandbadcannotalwaysbedeterminedbypresent
    actions.WeneedtoconsiderwhetlIertbelong-term
    resultswillbepositiveornegativeinordertojudge
    wisely.

    WlIatwedonowmaybegood,butintime,
    mayproveharmfulTlIus,whatseemslike
    goodnessmayactuallybebadWbatappears
    tobebadmayactuallyhavepositivelongtermeffects,turningouttohavebeengood
    afterallTlIus,whatseemslikeabaddeed
    mayactuallybegoodness.

    Forexample,apparentresponsibilitymaybe
    actualirresponsibility,apparentpropriety
    maybeactualimproprietyapparenttrustwortlIinessmaybeactualuntrustwortlIiness,
    andapparentkindnessmaybeactualunkindness.WeneedtocarefUllydifferentiate
    tomakeproperchoices.

    Sometl1ingwevIewsuperficiallymayappeartobe

    goodbutactually)itisnot.OritmaybegoodfOra
    specificindividualorfOraparticulartimeHowever,it
    maynotbegoodfOrsocietyasawholeoritmaynotbe
    goodfOrfuturegenerations.ThisiswlWinBuddhism
    thedeterminationofgoodandbadisneverbasedon
    currentaction.WbathasbeengoodtbroughoutlIis280

    toryistberealgoodness)fOrtbegoodhasbenefited
    generationsThatwbichisgoodnowbutisnotgood
    fOrfuturegenerations,orthatw}IiclIhasdestinedus
    toberebornintot}IeThreeBadPathsisnottrue

    goodness
    BefOretheFirstWorldWar,worldleadersweredis-

    cussingpeaceinanatmosphereofapparenttrustworthiness.AftertbewarbeganitbecamecleartlIatsome
    hadactedwithactualuntrustworthiness.

    Highteclmologyhasallowedthedevelopmentof
    weaponsofmassdestructionTl1eintentofkeeping
    tbepeacetbroughmig}Itisapparentresponsibility
    Buttheterrifyingrealitythatcountlesspeoplenow
    lIavethemeanstodestroyourworldandeveryliving
    beinginitmakesitclearthatsuchdevelopmentmay
    wellprovetobetbeultimateactualirresponsibility
    andbightec}mologymaynotbetruegoodnessatall.
    IntlIecaseofZilu)acceptingtherewardmightnot
    haveseemedtobegoodattlIetime;however,since
    thelong-termresultsweregood,itwasgoodT}Iisisa
    goodexampleofapparentgoodnessandactualgoodnessWlIatareresponsibilityandpropriety?Whatare
    trustwortl1inessandMndness?TlIereareapparentand
    actualgoodnessineachofthese.IfwecannotdistinguislIbetweentbem,thenitislikelytlIatwel1ave
    committedseriousoffenseswhilebelievingt}Iatwe
    weredoinggoodIfwewislItopracticetoaccumulate
    goodfOrtunewemustfirstpossesswisdom.Without
    it,nomatterl1owhardwetry,wewillnotobtaingood
    28l

    fOrtune

    Whatare(<propergoodness))and<improper
    goodnessI?LuWenyiwasaprimeminister
    intlIeMingdynasty.Whenbegrewold,l1e
    retiredtohishometownwlIerelIewaswell

    lovedandhighlyrespectedOnceadrunken
    villagerwenttohishomeandbegantoyell
    insultsathim.MrLucalmlytold}Iisservant,<(TlIismanisdrunk)don,targuewith
    him.>)Withthat>heclosedthedoorandignoredtheonslaughtofinsults.

    Ayearlater>t}Iesamemancommitteda
    gravecrimeandwassentencedtodeath
    HearingthisMrLuremorsefi1llysaid:(If
    onlyIhadtakenhimtotheautlIoritiesfOr
    punishmenttlIatday,perlIapsalittledisciplinecouldhavepreventedthis.Attl1etime,
    IwastryingtobekindI)utIinadvertently
    encouragedhisarroganceandcruelty.Now,
    he}Iasbeensentencedtodeath)>Thisisan

    exampleofhavinggoodintentionsbutdoing
    somethingbad
    MrLu)svirtuousconductandgreatmeritshad
    nedhimrespectfTomvirtuallyeveryone.Wl1ena
    earnedhimrespectfTomvirtuallyeveryoneWhena

    disgruntledmanwholIadbecomedrunkcametol1is
    homeandverballyabusedlIim,Mr.Ludidnottake
    theincidenttolIeartHetolerantlytoldlIisservantto
    282

    justclosetlIedoor.
    LaterMr.Luheardthatthedrunkardhadbeen

    givent}Iedeathsentence.Mr.Luremorsefullybelievedthatbehadmishandledthesituation.Hadhe

    pressedclIargesandsentthemantojail,thingsmight
    havebeendifferent.

    WeseemanyexamplesoflIavinggoodintentions

    butdoingsomethingbad>Thisisespeciallytrueof
    today)syoungparentswhounwittinglyspoiltl1eir
    childrensomuchsot}IatwlIenthecl1ildrengrowup,

    theymaynotrespecttheirparentsandmayevenbreak
    thelawItmaybetoolatewhentlIeparentsrealize
    theirgravemistake
    ChildrenneedtobeproperlytaughtwlIentheyare

    youngfOrthechildisthefatlIerofthemanIfchildrenarenotdisciplinedwhentheyareyoung>itwillbe
    toolatetodosowhentheyhavegrown)fOrtheywill
    mostlikelyrebelagainsttheirparents)wisl1es
    InancientChina>acriminalsentencecouldbeis-

    suedundertlIeheadingof<(ParentalRigl1ts.)Ifa
    parentwenttothejudgecomplainedthatthecbild
    hadnotfUlfilled}Iisorherfilialduties>andwantedtbe

    childsentencedtodeath,thejudgewoulddosowithoutevenlIoldingatrialParentalrigbtsweregiventbe
    lIiglIestconsideration.Thiswaswhychildrenwere
    petrifiedoftheirparents,becauseiftheparentswere
    tofileacomplaintandwisl]edaparticularsentence
    issued,therewasnorecourse

    Parentalrightsexistedthroughtl1emidl9OOIS.
    283

    Witbsuchalawnochilddaredtoignorefilialduties.
    TlIeycouldnotevenaskfOralawyerbecausenodefensewasallowed

    Tbereisalsoanexampleoftl1osewho
    acl1ievedgoodnessalthoughtheyl1adacted
    omimproperintentions.Once,afteradevastatingfamine,peoplewerereducedto
    stealingfOodinbroaddaylightAwealtby
    familyreportedtlIistotlIeauthoritieswlIo
    didnothing.Astl1epoorgrewmoredaring
    cl1aoswasimminentThefamily)takingtl1e
    lawintotheirownhands,caugl1tandpunishedtl1etlIievesInthisway)peacewasrestoredandthetheftswerestoppedIfthis
    lIadnotbeendone,chaoswouldhave

    erupted

    W}1enafaminestrikesthepoormayturntorob-

    bery.Int}Iisaccount>whenthewealthycomplainedof
    therobberies)theauthoritiesignoredtl1emfOrfearof
    startingarevoltWhenthetlIievesbecamemoredaringtheauthoritieslIadnowayofcontrollingtl1em.
    So,thewealthypeopletookmattersintotlIeirown
    handsandintlIisway)peacewasrestored.IftbislIad
    notoccurred,tlIenorderwouldlIavebeencompletely

    disruptedTheactionwasbadandwasdonewith
    selfisl1intentions;howevertheresultbenefitedeveryOneo

    28

    Wealllmowthatgoodnessisproperand
    wrongdoingisimproperHowever,thereare
    caseswheredeedsdoneoutofgoodintentionsresultedinbadThisiscalledthe<im-

    properwithintheproper.))TlIerearealso
    deedsdoneoutofimproperintentionstl1at
    resultedingoodTbisiscalledtlIe<proper
    withintheimproper>>WecanbenefitfTom
    understandingthis.

    GoodintentionsareI(proper>>andbaddeedsare
    <improper/)IntheprevIousexample,Mr.Luhaddone
    abaddeedalthoughbisintentionwasgoodThisis
    tbe<<improperwithintheproper.)ThestandardfOr
    goodandbadisdeterminedbytheeffectanactionlIas
    onmoralityandsocietyasawhole
    Forinstance)becomingavigilanteandpunishing
    someoneonourownisobviouslynotconsideredgood
    Howeverintl1issituation,theautlIoritieshadnot

    actedandthingsweregettingoutofcontrol.SometlIingneededtobedonetoprotectlivesandpossessionsBytakingthelawintotheirownIandstIe
    wealtbyfamilyrestoredorderastl]eystoppedtlIe
    thievesfromcreatingfUrtl1ercbaosanddisruptinga
    properwayoflife.Tbus,agooddeedwasdone
    tl1roughselfishintentions.Thisis<properwithinthe
    ,,

    1mproper.

    Whatarehalfgoodness,and<<fullgoodness?WereadintbeJCmgPeoplewl1o
    285

    donotaccumulatevirtuousdeedswillnot

    achievehonorwlIilepeoplewhodonotaccumulatebaddeedswillnotbringaboutself
    destruction.AndfTomtl1eBofsIy
    welearnthatZl1ou>whowasthelastem-

    peroroftl1eSlIangdynastycommittedl1orriblecrimes.))Tbedynastyendedwithhis
    death

    ThisisalessontaughtbyancientsagesandvirtuouspeopleSucblessonswerelatercalledsutrasand
    respectedassuchfOrtbeyteachthetruthThetrutl1

    surpassestimeandspaceIfwedonotpracticegoodness,wewillnotattainintegrity)andifwedonot
    commitwrongdoings,wewillnotsuffersel
    destruction.

    Itislikecollectingobjectsinacontainer.

    Withdiligence)itwillsoonbefullbutifwe
    arelazy)thenitwillbeonlyhalffull.Thisis
    anexampleoffullandhalfgoodness.
    ImaginetlIatwearetryingtofillacontainerwitb

    goodness.Ifwearepersistentwewilleventuallysucceed.Butifwearenotpersistent)itwillnotbecome
    fullTl1isillustratestheimportanceofaccumulating
    goodness.Andmostimportantlywemustnotaccumulatewrongdoingsorwewilldestroyourselves
    OnceawomanvisitedaBuddhisttemple
    286

    andwishedtomakeadonationBeingex-

    tremelypoor,sheonlybadtwocentsbutslIe
    unreservedlygavethesetoamonkToher
    surprise,theabbothimselfcametohelplIer
    regretforpastoffensesandtodedicatel1er
    meritsLater,sbewasclIosentoentertbe

    imperialpalace>andobtainedwealtband
    prestige.Cladinherriches>shereturnedto
    thetempletomakeadonationt}Iistime
    bringingasmallfOrtune
    Toherdismay,theabbotsentanothermonk
    tohelpdedicatehermerits.Shedidnotunderstandandquestionedtheabbot:Inthe
    past,Ionlydonatedtwocents,yetyoupersonallyhelpedmeregretmypastoffenses.
    Today,Ihavebrougbtmuchmoneybutyou
    willnothelpmeperfOrmmymeritdedicationWhy?>,

    Theabbotreplied:({AltlIoughyougaveonlya
    littleinthepast,itcamefromatrueandsincereheartItwasnecessaryfOrmetorepay
    yoursinceritybypersonallyperfOrmingyour
    dedicationsToday)yourdonationismuch
    greater>buttbeheartofgivingisnotassincere.TherefOre,itisenoughtl1atmystudent
    perfOrmsyourdedicationsfOryou.)>T}Iisis
    anexampleofhowt}1ousandsofsilvercoins
    287

    areonlyconsidered<<l1alfgoodness>)andtwo
    centsare(<wholegoodness.
    ),

    ThisisatrueaccountfOundinBuddhistrecords.A

    laywomanwisl1edtomakeanofferingbutsl1eonly
    lIadtwocentstogive.Duetohersincerity,theabbot
    personallyhelpedhertodedicatethemeritsfromthis
    gooddeedLater)sl1ereturnedwithalargeamountof
    moneybuttheabbotdidnotgreetl1erpersonally
    BeingconfUsedsheaskedwlW.
    TlIisabbotlIadveryhiglImoralstandards.Tl1isis
    unlikewhatwealltoooftenseetoday,wl1erewewit-

    nessmanyBuddlIistsbehavingimproperlyJnthepast
    thosewitl1l1ighmoralstandardsjudgedpeoplebytheir
    sincerityIfpeopleweresincere,thennomatterl1ow
    littletheydonated)theabbotpersonallyperfOrmedt}Ie
    dedications.Iftl1edonorswerenotsinceretbentl]e

    abbotwasnotobligatedtodoso.Witl1sincerehearts,
    thedonorsnurturedgoodfOrtunebymakingofferings
    totlIeBuddhaandonlyhadtodonatealittletogain
    infinitebenefitsinreturn

    However,inthisexample,tbewomanbadgained
    wealthandprestige,andbersincerityhadbeen
    cloudedbyhernewwayoflifeBysendinghisstudent
    togreethertheoldabbotwastryingtoawakenher.
    ThiswasthegreatestkindnessHewastryingtoshow
    berwheresbebaderred,inthehopethatshewould
    feelremorse)aclmowledgehermistakeandcorrect
    herbehavior.

    Z88

    WhentlIewomanlIadinitiallydonatedtwocents,
    herreturnofgoodfOrtunewasfUllandcomplete.But
    onbersecondvisit,berreturnofgoodfOrtunewas
    onlyhalf-fullandincompleteWbenpracticingto
    accumulategoodfortune,itisimportanttorealizethat
    thedeterminingfactorisnottheamountofmoneyor
    thenumberofgooddeedsbuttheheartofsincerity.

    Aslongaswedotbingswitbutmostsincerity)wewill
    accomplishfullandcompletegoodness.
    Whenwededicateourmerits,wedothreethingsto
    showourheartoftruesincerityWetbinktoourselves:Today,whenIpractice,IdothefOllowing.
    First,Idedicatemymeritstoreturningtothestateof
    realityandIwishtoattainclarityofmindtouncover
    myoriginaltruenatureSecond,Idedicatemymerits
    toawalKeningandIwishtoawakenommystateof
    delusionandtounderstandtbetruthoftheuniverse

    Third)Idedicatemymeritstoalllivingbeings.Ihope
    thatallbeingswillbeabletoeliminatedelusionand
    attainenliglItenment,toeradicateselfislInessand
    suffering,togain}IappinessIhopethatallwillbecomeBuddhasandthatuponattainingBuddl1ahood
    thattheywillhelpotherstodothesame.Idedicate
    mymeritsfOrallotbers,notfOrmyself/)
    Ifthisistrulyourintention,thenwiththistlIought,
    wewillachievefUllmeritsandvirtues.But,ifthereis

    theslightestthougbtfOrourselvesfOrfameorwealth,
    thenwewillnotgainmeritsandvirtues,notevena
    (halP)return.Infact,wewillhaveprobablyachieved
    289

    muchnegativelKarmainsteadTherefOre,neverlookat
    thingssuperficially,butlearntolookintotheprofOundtruthofreality
    Anotl1erexampleisofQuanZhongli,animmortaloftheHandynasty,wlIowasteaching
    hisstudentLuDongbin,theartoftransfOrmingironintogoldTheywoulduseitto

    helpthepoor.Dongbinaskedhisteacherif
    tlIegoldwouldeverclIangebacktoiron
    Zhonglisaid:<Afterfivelmndredyearsit
    willreturntoitsoriginalfOrmDongbinreplied:<<ThenIdonotwanttolearnthisart
    fOritwilll1armtl1osewl1opossesstl1egoldin
    fivehundredyears.
    ))

    ZbongliofferedtoteaclIDongbinalchemy,tlIeart
    ofturningironintogoldUponlearningthatthetransfOrmationwouldnotbepermanent,Dongbindeclined,
    fOrintheendtbetransfOrmationwouldhavehurt

    peopleToday,mostpeopleareonlyconcernedwitb
    w}Iattheycangetnowanddonotthinkaboutbowit
    mig}1taffectothersinthefi1ture.Fromtl1is,wecan
    sadlyseehowmoralstandardshavedecayedovert}1e
    years

    Zhonglisaid:<<Tobecomeanimmortal,one
    mustcompletetlIreethousandvirtuous
    deedsWhatyoulIavejustsaidcamefroma
    trulyldndheart.Yourthreethousanddeeds
    290

    arefulfilled>,ThisisaccountisanotlIerex-

    ampleofwholegoodnessandhalfgoodness.
    InTaoismitissaidthatinordertopracticetlIeart

    ofimmortality,wemustcompletetl1reetlIousand
    virtuousdeeds.T}Ieserequirementsaremorelenient
    tl1antlIoseofBuddhism.WeBuddbistsmustpossess

    purityofmindbefOrewecanaclIievetrueunderstandingandpractice,andbecomeaDlIarmarepository
    Taoistsdonotseektl1epuremind;theyseektl1ecompassionateheartthel1eartthatregardsallwitlIequalityandthatisunselfishOftlIetwo,tl1epuremindis
    moredifficulttocultivate

    WitlIthissinglegoodthougl1tDongbinbadinstantlyaccomplishedthevirtuousdeedsrequiredto
    practiceimmortalityHisconcerntonotl>armany
    sentientbeingshadactuallysurpassedthreetl1ousand
    kinddeeds.Thus,onesinglethoughtwasenouglIto
    fulfilltherequirement.ThisissimilartowhatLiaofan
    didwl1enhehadreducedthetaxesonthefarmersfOr

    thatonekindtlIoughtalonefUlfilledbisvowoften
    tlIousandkinddeeds.ThisisthebenefitfTompracticingfromourhearts
    WhenweperfOrmagooddeeditisbestnot
    toattachtowhatwehavedone.IfwepracticeintlIiswaythenallofourgooddeeds
    willreacl1fulfillmentandsuccess.But,ifwe

    alwaysthinkofthegoodthatwehavedone
    aswelookfOrareward,tl1ennomatterhow
    29l

    diligentlywepractice,evenfOranentirelifetime,tlIedeedswillstillbeconsidered}Ialf

    goodness

    Forexample,whenwedonatemoney,we
    canpractice{puredonation.)>Wedonotlingeronthethoughtof(<I))whoisgivingon
    theimportanceoftheobjecttlIatisgivenor
    ontheonewhohasreceivedWesimplygive
    outoftruesincerityandrespect.Whenwe
    practicepuredonation,onepoundofrice
    canbringinfinitegoodfOrtune,andthemeritsfromgivingonecentcanw1peawaytlIe
    transgressionsofathousandeons.

    ButifwealwaystbinlKoftbegoodthatwe
    havedoneandeectrewardsfOrouractions)tlIenevenadonationofonemillion

    dollarswouldnotbringustherewardofa
    fUllygoodfOrtune.Tl1isisanotherwayofexplainingwholegoodnessandhalfgoodness.
    Ifwetryourverybest,tbenwewillachievefull
    goodness)butifwehaveanyreservationsanddonot

    doalltlIatwecan,thenwewillaclIieveonlyl1alfgoodness.TherefOre)wbenaccumulatingvirtuousdeedswe
    needtodoeverythingwithcompletesincerity
    Manypeopledonotunderstandthetruerealityso
    consequentlytbeyhavedoubtsaboutBuddl1ism.This
    doubtisoneoftheFivePoisonsofgreed)anger,igno292

    rance,arrogance,anddoubt.Thesepeopleseemto
    believeandactaccordingtowhatwehavetoldthem.
    However,theyareunabletodedicatetl1emselves
    wholeheartedlytopracticinggooddeedsIndonating,
    theystillwanttoreservesomethingto}1oldsomething
    backTl1eydonothavetheunderstanding,wisdom,or

    determinationtopracticefullgoodness.Tl1eycanonly
    acl1ievehalfgoodnessTl1isiswhyaltlIoughmany
    peoplearedoinggooddeeds,theydonotobtaingood
    fOrtuneinreturnorseeanyimmediateresults.
    IfwetrulywanttopracticefOrgoodfOrtunethen
    wemustfullyunderstandandbelieveinBuddl1ism
    withouttl1eslightestdoubt.Sometimes,peoplewill
    saytl1atwearefOolishanddeludedandwlIenwethink

    aboutit,wemaybelievethattobeso.Consequently)
    wemayrefrainomthinkingkindtbougbtsanddoing
    gooddeeds.WlIenthisbappens,ourbeartofkindness
    hasalreadybeenaffectedbydeviatedviews.Whenwe
    trulybelieveandactaccordinglythentheresultswill
    becomeeasilyrecognizable.
    Tberesultswillbesomuchmoretbanwl1atwas

    describedinLonbfbrLessons;theywillbein
    credible!Afterreadingthisbookwemustbelievetbat
    wel1avethecouragewithinustoundergoanytl1ing.As
    longasweactwitl1sincerity)wecangainareturnofa
    tbousandfOldfOrafTactionofoureffOrtHowever)if
    weactwithtlIehopeofgainingalavishreturnfOrour
    effOrtstl>enwedonotactwiththeheartofsincerity
    Wecangiveeverythingthatwehavebutwewillonly
    293

    gainhalfoftlIegoodfOrtune)nottlIewhole.Also)by
    t}Iinkingofourgoodacts>wewillbeunabletoeliminateallofourlongingsanotherreasonwhywecan
    onlygainhalfgoodness
    Whenwearewillingto>etgoofourwealthwewill
    gainwealthWhenwegiveteachings,wewillgain
    wisdom.Wl1enwegivefearlessness,wewillgain
    healthandlonglifeTbelawofcausalityisareality
    andasnaturalastbelawsof}IeavenandearthIfwe

    perfOrmgoodnesswithouteectationofreward,
    witlIoutthewislIforprestige,wealth,wisdom)health,
    orlonglife)witboutthewis}Iforanything,tl1enweare
    boundtouncovereverythingthatisalreadyinourtrue
    natureIstlIisnotbeingfreeandlIavinggreatcontentment?

    WewillstillgainsometbingifweperfOrmgood
    deedsasweseek)butitwillbeincomplete.Allt<1e
    prestige)wealtlI,health,andlonglifethatwehave
    gainedthroughpracticinggoodnesswilleventuallybe
    gonebecauseitislimitedWhenwenolongerhave
    desiresourlIeartswillbepureandourbehaviorwillbe
    aref>ectionofourtruenature.WlIenourtruenature

    andvirtuesareuncovered,whatwewillreceivewillbe
    incredible.AndthemostwonderfUlofallistlIatwe

    willbeabletogotothePureLand,theFlower
    Adornmentworld!58

    Onlyavirtuousnatureissimilartothetruenature;
    itneitberarisesnorceases.Thisiswl1atfreedomisall

    about.Onlysomeonewithgreatmeritsandwisdomis
    29

    willingtoletgoofallbeIongingsfOrnoordinarypersonwouldbewillingtodosoTl1isiswl1yweonlyfind
    BodhisattvasandBuddhaspracticingtruegreatmerits;

    evenArl1atsdonotpracticetbemArhatsareinclined
    toavoidtrouble.Andifwewantedtohelpsomeone

    andtl1eyrejected,slandered,orembarrassedus,we
    wouldbecomeangryandabandontlIeattempt!Tl1e
    goodnesswouldbeincomplete
    However,Bodhisattvasareverydifferent.T}Iey
    lmowallaboutthebadhabits,problemsandrebelliouswaysofpeopleNotmindingtl1eseobstacles,
    Bodl1isattvasusetheirpatienceandcompassionto
    helpallbeings.TherefOretheheartofaBodhisattvais
    differentfromthatofanArhatoraPratyekabuddlIa
    ThelattertwostillusetheillusoryheartwlIileaBodhisattvausesthetruelIeartWeseekwealthand

    prestigenotrealizingthattbesedonotbavetobe
    soughtastheyarealreadywithinourtruenature.
    PeoplewhopracticeBuddhismaretryingtouncover
    tl1eirtruenatureandtlIeabilitieswithin

    TherefOre,oneofourgoalsasaBuddhististoreturntoreality)touncovertbeintrinsictruenaturethat
    alreadycontainseverythingincludinginfiniteand
    inexhaustiblewisdomandabilitiesThereisnoneedto

    seekoutside,onlywithinEveryonehastl1istruenature;wedonotyetrealizeitanduntilwedo,wecan
    relyupontheBuddbatoteacbusbowtodevelopit
    ThisiswlWlIisbenevolencetowardsusissomagnificent!

    295

    Weneedtounderstandthetruerealitytl1ataslong
    aswearesincereineverygooddeed,tlIenunreserv-

    edlygivingonepoundofricecanbringinfinitegood
    fOrtunebecauseitfulfillstbeintegrityofthetrue
    nature.AndthegoodfOrtunefromunreservedlyofferingonecenttotheBuddha,theDharma,andthe

    Sanghacansuppressthetransgressionsofthousands
    ofeons.

    WereadintheStimIJgamaStJ<rHthat(Duringtbe
    Dharma-EndingAgethenumberofdeviatedteachers
    willbeasnumerousasthegrainsofsandinthe
    GangesRiver>)TbeymayappeartobeteachingBuddl1ism,buttheirbelIavioristbatofdemons.Then

    whereslIouldwegowhenwewanttoplanttheseeds
    ofgoodfortuneandtopracticevirtuousdeeds?Wl1at
    ifpeoplewithdeviatedviewsrunthetemplewevisit?
    Mightwenotonlyfailtoplanttheseedsforgood
    fOrtunebutcommitbaddeedsinstead?

    Buddl1ismisateachingofpracticingwithin.Ifour
    genuineintentionistogoandpayourrespectstotl1e
    Buddhatl1entheBuddhawillbeBuddhaAmitabhaor

    BuddllaShalIamuniaccordingtowlIatourheartis
    givingriseto.IfourheartsaregenuineandtruthfUl
    tbenevenifwegotoatemplerunbybadspirits)the
    Buddl1awillbetrue.Howeverifourl1eartsareim-

    propertobeginwith,thenevenifwearepracticingat
    apropertemple,wewillstillbeaccordingwitlIdeviatedpeople.
    Thisisnottosaythattberearenogoodplacesto
    296

    practiceBuddhismduringtheDl1arma-EndingAge
    butthattherealplaceiswithinourl1earts.The
    maAASMrHtellsusthatAsincereheartisaculti

    vationplace,apurebeartisacultivationplaceanda
    compassionateheartisacultivationplace.))Aproper
    cultivationplaceiswitbinour}Iearts.Wl1enourminds
    areontbepathtoenligbtenmentthennomatter
    whereweare,therewillalwaysbeaplacefOrcultivation.Aslongasourbeartsareproper,thennomatter
    wherewegotherewillalwaysbeproperteachings.
    Thus,theenVronmentarounduscl1angesaccording
    toourmindsIfwecanunderstandtl1isandbedili-

    gentinourpractice,thensocietyandcountrieswillbe
    envelopedingoodfOrtuneIfwedonoteradicateour
    wanderingtl1oughtsandourattachmentstoourgood
    deedsthenevenifwegiveawayamilliondollarsour
    meritswillnotbefull

    WlIatare<<biggoodness))and(smallgoodness>)?Once>animportantofficial,Wei
    ZhongdawasIedintotlIeunderworldfOr
    judgment.Whentherecordsthatthejudge
    hadorderedtobebrougbtoutarrived,
    Zl1ongdawasastoundedattl1ecourtyard
    filledwithl1isbadrecordsandthesingle
    scrollofl1isgooddeeds
    TlIeofficialthenorderedthemtobe

    weiglIed.Surprisingly,thebadrecords
    wl1ichhadfilledtlIecourtyard,werelighter
    297

    tl1anthesinglescrollofgooddeedstl1atwas
    astbinasachopsticldZhongdaaskedtl1e
    judge:<<IambarelyfOrtyyearsold,bowcould
    Ihavecommittedsomanyoffenses?))The
    judgeanswered:Whenyougiverisetoa
    singlethoughttlIatisimproper,itisconsideredabadoffensethereandthen;itdoes
    notlIavetobecarriedouttobecountedasa
    ))

    wrong.

    GoodfOrtuneandkindnesscomeinbotbbigand
    smallsizes.Allofushavecommittedbotl1goodand
    badactsduringourlifetimes.Allofthesearerecorded

    andkeptwitbthekingoftheunderworldandtheruler
    ofthespiritworldThisiswhyLiaofantaug}Itusto
    haverespectandfearwithinourhearts.
    WhentlIerecordsofZbongdawereplacedupona
    scaletoseewhichwaslIeavier,tl1eonethinscrollof

    gooddeedsoutweighedthevolumesofwrongdoings!
    Zl1ongdal]adprobablycommittedmanyminorfaults
    butnosenousoffenses.Therefore,onegreatkind
    deedcanoffsetcountlessminorfaults.WlIenl1esaw

    theresults,tbejudgewasquitepleased,fOrZhongda
    wasagoodpersonafterall.
    Wl1enZbongdaquestionedhowhehadbeenableto
    commitsomanyfaultsthejudgeelainedtobim

    thatanimproperthougbtwasstillrecordedasafault
    eveniftl1ecorrespondingactionwasnottakenThus
    evenifwedonotactuallycommitanymajortransgres298

    sions,wemayhavethoughtaboutthem.Lucldly,
    ZlIongdalIadonegreatgooddeedtbatoutweighedalI
    bislesserfaults.

    Zhongdathenaskedtbejudgewhatwasrecordedont}IesinglescrollThejudgereplied:((Oncetheemperorplannedtobuilda
    greatstonebridgeYouopposedtheprO>ect
    duetotbehardshipsitwouldcausethetens
    ofthousandsofpeopleneededforthework
    TlIisisacopyofyourobjection.))Zhongda
    said:Ididmaketbeproposal,buttheemperordismisseditandproceededwithtbe
    prOject.WhatIsaidhadnoeffectontbe
    matterHowcanitbearsomuchweight
    againstallmyoffenses?

    Thejudgereplied:<AlthougbtlIeemperorrejectedyoursuggestionyouronethoughtof
    kindnessfOralltlIosepeoplewasverygreat.
    Iftheemperorhadacceptedyouridea,tlIen
    thegoodperfOrmedwouldhavebeeneven
    greater.TherefOre,wbenoneisdetermined
    todogoodfOrthebenefitofallpeople,a
    smalldeedcanresultingreatmeritsIfone
    thinksonlyaboutbenefitingoneself,tben
    evenifmanydeedsofkindnesswereperfOrmed,tl]emeritswouldstillbesmall.

    TlIescrollcontainedadescriptionofthemajor
    299

    gooddeedtl1atZhongda}IadperformedHehadfOreseenthattheprOjectwouldwastemoneyandcause
    bardships.Fromthis>wecanseethatwhatmatters
    mostisouroriginalintention
    Zhongda,sconcernwasnotfOrbimself,butfOrtbe
    citizenswhowouldsufferfiFomsuchamaJorconstruc-

    tionprOjectfOreveniftheydidnotbavetocontribute
    inlabor,theywouldbavehadtopayheavytaxesto
    osetthebuildingcostsIftbeideahadbeenabandoned,everyonewouldhavebenefited
    Fromthis,wecanseetbemagnitudeofgoodness
    bebindt}1issinglethougl1t.AlthoughtlIeemperordid
    notlistentoZbongda>ssuggestion,thisdidnotalter
    thefactthatitwassincerelymadefromthetruelIeart
    andwasanexampleoffUllandcompletegoodness.Of
    course}IadtheemperoracceptedtlIeproposal,tbe
    significanceoftlIeactwouldhavebeenevengreater.
    Thedifferencebetweenbigandsmallgoodnesslies
    inourintentionsbywlIetherwearethinkingofalltl1e
    beingsintheworldorwhetherwearejustthinkingof
    ourselvesandourfamiliesWeneedtounderstand
    thiswlIenwededicatethemeritsafterwerecitesutras

    oraBuddl1a)snameUsuallywededicatetl1emeritsto
    aparticularpersonwishingthattheBuddl]awould
    helpl1imorl1ertogainvariousbenefits.Thisissmall
    goodnessandthebenefitsgainedwillbesmallaswell
    Infactwearenotevensureifthepersonbeing

    dedicatedtowillactuallygainanybenefit.TlIerefOre
    incasesliketl1is,whenafamilymemberisinacrisis)
    300

    weshouldrecitesutrasandaBuddlIa)sname,and

    thendedicatethemeritstoallbeingsthroughoutthe
    universeWeshouldwishthatalllivingbeingswillno
    longersuffer,butbebappyandlIealthyWbenweare
    sincereinthisthought,ourfamilymemberswillgain
    aswellWby?Becauseourheartistrulypervasive!59
    Peopleoftensay,((I}Iavededicatedallmymeritsto
    otlIersandbavegainednothingfOrmyselfWhatisthe
    useinpracticinggoodness?)>Thiscouldonlycome
    fiFomanarrowmindIfweprostrateinontofthe
    Buddhabutdonotfeelanyresponse,itisbecauseour
    heartsareselfishWearetotallyselfseekinganddo
    notlmowthatweshouIdmagnifyourmeritssothat
    theyencompasstheentireuniverse.Wbenwededicate
    tbemeritstoalllivingthings,itislikepassingona
    light.WeuseourHametolightthoseofothers,sothat
    thewl1oleworldisbathedinbrightness.Thisresultsin
    greatbenefitfOrallwithnolosstoourselvesPeople
    whopracticeBuddbismneedtodedicatetl1emerits
    frompracticetoalllivingbeingsintl]euniverse,to
    awakening,andtoreality,inordertouncoverthe
    perfectcompletetrueBuddha-nature

    Whatare(difficultgoodness)and((easy
    goodness)>?ScholarsofthepastsaidtlIatone
    whowishestoconquergreedanddesire
    shouldbeginwitlIwhatismostdifficultto
    overcome.WhenConfUciustallKedaboutour

    cultivationofhumanity,lIealsosaidtobegin
    30l

    withwhatismostdifficulttopractice.

    Thissectioncitestheteachingsoftheancientsages
    andvirtuouspeople,whichtellusthatwepossess
    innumerableafflictingbadhabitsanddesires,andthat
    weneedtobeginwithwhateveristhemostserious.If
    wecanovercomeourmostseriousfaults>tlIenwewill

    overcomeotl1ermattersthataretrivialincomparison
    Whenwewanttoeliminatethebadandpracticethe
    good,wemustknowwberetobegin.ThisisanotlIer

    reasonwl1yWhenConfUciuswasteacl1ingtbecultivationofl1umanity,hebelievedthatweshouldbegin
    wit}1wl1atismostdifficulttopractice.ThefOllowing
    areafewexamples
    Forexample,anelderlyteacher,Mr.Sbuof
    }iangxl)gavetwoyearsearningstoapoor

    manwlIoowedmoneytothegovernment.If
    themanhadbeensenttoprison,thefamily
    wouldhavebeentornapart.

    Thisisaverygoodexample,fOrMrShudidsomethingthatwasdifficulttodoandgaveupsometbing
    thatwasdifficulttogiveup.60
    AnotherexampleisMr.ZhangfTomHandan.
    HegavewlIathadtakenhimtenyearsto
    savetoapoormanwl1oowedmoneytothe
    government.Thissavedhimfromgoingto
    jailandenabledbimtoremainwithhiswife.
    302

    SuchexamplesasMr.S}IuandMr.Zhang
    arerare,fortheygavewhatismostdifficult
    togiveWhatotherswouldnotsacrifice,
    tbeydidsowillingly.
    Peopledependonmoneyandmaterialobjectsto
    surviveTl1erefore,togiveawaymoneyisextremely
    difficultespeciallywhenitisallthatwehaveThisis
    to((beginwithwhatismostdifficulttoovercome
    mostdifficulttopractice}}Practicinginthiswaywill
    belpustocurbourdesires

    AnotherexampleisMr.inomiangsu
    provmcewhowasoldandwithoutanysons.
    Hisneigbborsofferedhimtheiryoung
    daugbterinmarriageso}Iemighthavedescendantstocontinuehisfamily.6lMr.>in
    refusedtheofferandsentherbomeThisis

    anotlIerexampleofbeingabletoovercome
    whatismostdifficulttoconquerinoneself.
    MrJinrecognizedthegreatagedifference)andaltboughbedeeplywantedason,hefelttbathecould
    notruinthegirl>sfUtureandbappinesstoservehis
    ownpurposeThisisanothergoodexampleofrestrainingone>sdesiresespeciallywhenitismostdifficultto
    doso.

    TherefOre,tlIeheavensshowereddownes-

    peciallygoodfortuneonthesethreemen.It
    303

    iseasierfOrthosewbohavemoneyand
    powertoaccumulatemeritsandvirtuestlIan
    fOrthosewhoarepoor.

    However,ifonerefusestocultivategoodness
    whentheopportunitypresentsitself,tlIenit
    wouldtrulybeashame.Fortl1osewboare
    withoutwealthorstatus,doinggoodthings
    fOrothersisverydifficultHowever,ifone
    canhelpothersinthefaceofdifficultiesit
    willbeevenmorevaluable

    Weshouldgraspeveryopportunitytopractice
    goodnessandaccumulatemerits.Oncetbeopportunityislost,wemaynotgetanotherclIancewhenwe
    wanttodothatwhichisgoodWealthdoesnotlast
    fOrever.Ourluckchangeseveryfiveyears,andinour
    lifetimestherewillbethebestfiveyearsandtheworst
    fiveyears.IftlIegoodyearsareduringouroldage
    thentlIiswillbetruegoodfOrtune.But,iftlIeworst
    fiveyearsoccurduringouroldage,tl1enthel1ardsl1ips
    willbeevenmoredifficultbecausewewillalreadybe
    ataphysicaldisadvantage.
    Thus,weshouldpracticegoodnessatanearlyage,
    toleteveryoneshareinourgoodfOrtunebecauseonce
    weshareit)wewillstillgaininthefuturewhateverwe
    aredestinedtolIaveWhenyoungandstrong,we
    woulddowelltonotselfishlyexllaustallofourgood
    fOrtuneonourselvessothatitwillremainintactforus

    toenjoylaterinlife.Similarly,ifwesufferhardsl1ips
    30

    first,thentherewillbenoneleftforustoendure

    wbenwereacholdageThisiswhywemustlearnto
    cultivateandaccumulategoodfOrtuneforouroldage.
    ItismostimportantthatasBuddhists,weknowexactlywhywearepracticing-toaccumulatetbeultimategoodfOrtunefOrourlastmomentsoflifCWhat
    isultimategoodfOrtune?Ittoknowthatwhenour
    timeisup,wecanleavethisworldwithoutillnessina
    sittingorastandingposition,andthatwelmowexactly
    w}IerewewillbegoingTbisisthegreatestgoodfOrtune,butmostpeopleareunawareofthisPractitionersshouldconstantlyremindthemselvestoshare
    theirgoodfortunewithothers.Thatwaythegood
    fOrtunewillbeevengreater
    Whenwebaveprestige)itiseasiertohelpothers
    moreandtoaccumulatemeritsButwemustnotuse

    thisprestigeagainstothersIfwehavethemeansto
    practicegoodnessbutdonot,wearethrowingawaya
    wonderfUlopportunity.Ontheotherhandwhenwe
    arepooranddonotbavetbemeansbutstilltryto
    belpothers>thedifficultyoftbetaskmakestheact
    evenmorevaluable

    RmcZmgeICbodDeeen
    CbrDnSASe

    Therearemanywaystobelpotl1erswl1enevertl1eopportunitypresentsitselfThese
    canbesimplifiedintothefOllowingtenim305

    portantcategories

    l)Tosupportthepracticeofkindness.
    2)Torevereloveandrespect
    3)TolIelpotherssucceedinpracticing
    goodness.

    4)Topersuadeotherstopracticekindness.
    5)TolIelpthoseindesperateneed
    6)TodeveloppublicprOjectsfortbegreater
    benefitofpeople
    7)Topracticemeritsbygivingwealth
    8)Toprotectandmaintainproperteachings.
    9)Torespectelders.
    lO)ToloveandcberishalllivingtlIings.
    Weneedtobepleasedaboutother>svirtuousdeeds

    andnotbejealousorhindertheminanyway.Instead
    weshoulddoeverythingpossibletobelpt}1emwl1en
    therightopportunityarisesBecausethereareso
    manykindsofvirtuousconducttbatcanbeaccomplis}1ed,theyhavebeensummarizedintotencategorIes

    Whatdoes<tosupporttbepracticeofkindnessmean?EmperorShunlivedduringthe
    YaoPeriod.OnedaybefOrehebecameemperor,Shunwaswatchingsomefishermen
    ))

    onLakeLeizeHenoticedthatalltbe

    youngerandstrongerfislIermentooktl1e
    spotswheretlIewaterwasdeepandthefisb
    wereabundantwlIilethosewhowereolder
    306

    andweakerwereleftwithtberapidsand
    shallowwater,wheretherewereveryfew
    fish

    WhenSlIunsawthis,hesympatbizedwith
    tlIeolderfishermenHejoinedinthefislIing
    andwheneverhesawyoungerfishermen
    grabthegoodspots,hesaidnothingBut
    wheneversomeyieldedtootbers,hepraised
    tl1emeverywherehewentandemulatedtheir
    l]umbleandpolitemanner.HedidthisfOr
    oneyearuntiltbefishermengotintothe
    habitofyieldingthegoodspotstootlIers

    Feelingsaddenedbythesituation,thepatientShun
    tl1oughtofawaytoremedyitby<concealingfaults
    andpraisingkindness.
    TodaygooddeedsareoftenignoredaspeopleemphasizeimproperconductAssoonassomeoneacts
    differentlyorbreaksthelaw>themediapublicizesit
    Wl1entl1is}Iappens,t}Iereisboundtobemorebad
    tlIangoodpeople,forwhengoodnessisignored,there
    islittleincentivetopracticeitInfact,itgiveseven
    moreencouragementtopracticewrongdoings.
    Wesl1ouldfollowtheexamplessetbyancientsages
    andvirtuouspeopleTlIeydidnotspeakofthefaults
    ofotl1ersbutwaitedfOrthosepeopletoreflectuntil
    tl1eylIadawakenedT}Iisistheproperwaytoteach
    people.EveryonelIasaconsciencealthoug}Iitcanbe
    overwhelmedbythedesiresfOrwealtl1andpowerAs
    ))

    307

    longasweuseaskillfUlwaytohelpotlIersseethe
    truth)theywilleventuallycomearoundTlIiswaswhat
    EmperorSbundidwiththefisbermen.IntlIefOllow-

    ingpassage,wecanseewbysagesandvirtuouspeople
    actedastbeydid
    AwiseandcapablemansuchasShuncould
    haveeasilyinfluencedot}Ierswit}Iafew

    words.Whydidhenotsimplysaysomething
    insteadoftryingtochangeothersbysetting
    agoodexample?SlIun|spainstakingand
    goodintentionswereliketbeexpertartisanshipthatresultsfTomlongpracticeandlIard
    work

    Shundidnotwanttousewordstoinf>uenceotl1ers,

    butwiselypreferredinsteadtosetanexample.Altboughittookalongertime,theeffectsweremuch
    morelastingbecauseactionsspealdoudertl1anwords.
    Intoday)seraoflowmorality)socialbreakdown,andlossofproperthinking,itisextremelydifficulttofindagoodstandardof
    belIavior.TherefOre,whenthosearoundus

    l1aveslIortcomings,wedonotuseour
    strengthstopointouttheirdeficiencies.
    Whenotl1ersareunkind,wedonotuseour

    kindnesstocompareourselvestotl1em.
    Whenothersarelesscapable,wedonot
    purposelysurpassthem.Evenwhenweare
    308

    intelligentandcompetent)thesearetobe
    keptl1idden.Insteadofboasting,weneedto
    belIaveevenmoremodestly.WlIensomeone
    makesamistake,wetolerateanddonotre-

    vealitThisprovidestheopportunitytorefOrmwitl1outtbelossofselfrespect
    Havingadvantagesthatotherslackdoesnotmean
    thatwecangloat.Wemustbeallthemorecarefulto
    concealourabilitiesandtoaccommodatethefaultsof
    otbers.TorememberthisandnotHauntourskillsand

    intelligenceistruebroad-mindednessandtoleranceIf
    weneedtoshowoffeverytimewecandosomething,
    thenwewillaccomplishlittle.Ifwearecapableof
    greatacbievements)weneednotbeassuperficialas
    manypeopleare.Bybeingtolerantandnotspealdng
    ofthefaultsofothers,butinsteadpraisethegoodness
    ofothers,wewilltrulyupholdthepreceptsandcultivategoodfOrtune
    Whenweallowotherstokeeptheirdignity
    theywillbeevenmorecarefUloffUtureactions.Whenweseestrengthsorsmallldndnessinothers,wecanlearnfromthemand

    praisetbemtoothers.

    Ifwecansetanexamplewithourbel1aviortothe
    extenttlIatotberslearnmoderation,thenwehave

    doneverywellWhenweseetbeslightestgoodness
    displayedbyothers>weshouldbehappyaboutit,and
    309

    praisethepersonmorefOrit

    WhenIfirstmetmylateteacher,Mr.LiBingnan>
    hetaughtmenottotalkaboutthefaultsofothersand
    betterstill,tohidethem.IunderstoodthatbecauseI

    realizedthatdiscussingt}Iefaultsofotherswasnot
    goodHoweverhealsotoldmenottopraiseothers
    andthatconfi1sedme.

    Later,heelained:Whenyoupraiseothers,tIe
    harmyoucausecanbeevengreaterthanwlIenyou
    scoldtl1emfOrtheirfaults>)Howcouldtl1atbe?He

    continued:(<Ittakesgreatwisdomtolmowhowto
    praiseotbersTboughtlesspraisecancausegreat
    harm.IfweexcessivelypraisepeoplewlIentheydisplayevenalittleability,tbeymaybecomeproudand
    thinkthattheyareincredible.Thiswillpreventtl1em
    {TomfUrt}Ierprogress.AndtonotprogressistoregressNow,l1aven)tyoudonemorel1armtl1angood?
    Afterthinldngaboutthis,Iunderstood
    So,whatsortofapersonslIouldwepraise?InBuddhismwepraisethosewhocanremainunaffectedby
    tbeEightEmotionsofgainorlossfameordisgrace,
    praiseorblame,pleasureorpain.Wecanpraisethese
    peoplebecausetheywillnotbeaffectedInfact,the
    morewepraisesuchpeople)themoremodestthey
    becomeandthemoretl1eywilltrytoimprove.Wecan
    givespecialpraisetothesepeople.
    TherefOre,weshouldbeverycarefUlwitl1our
    praisenotinadvertentlyallowingourgoodintentions
    tocreatebaddeeds.Nowwecanseehowmuchcare
    3l0

    EmperorShunusedintakinganentireyeartryingto
    helptheyoungfislIermencorrecttheirfaultsandbad
    babits.

    Indailylife,wecanrefrainomspeaking
    andactingwithselfislIintentions)butinstead,seektobenefitsociety.Wecanl1elp
    setstandardsfOrotberstofOllow.Theseare

    thequalitiesofagreatperson;someonewho
    tl1inksofpublicwelfareasmoreimportant
    thanlIisor}Ierown.

    WeneedtosetgoodexamplesforotherstofOllow
    WhataretbequalitiesofagreatpersonthatLiaofan
    wroteoRAgreatpersondisregards}Iisorherown
    welfareandthinksonlyofbenefitingothers.TheselfishpersononlythinlKsofbenefitingbimselforherself
    IntheSmrHOeZrRcazaZmJsecar
    BemgB,<greatbeings)referstotbeBodlIisattvasand
    theeightldndsofrealizations.Thesutratellsoftbeir
    conductandpractice

    Wbatdoes(<TorevereloveandrespectfOr
    otbers),mean?Sometimesitishardtotellon

    appearancewhethersomeoneisanhonor-

    ablepersonorafTaud,sincefTaudspretend
    tobehonorable.Thedifferenceisasobvious

    blackandwhite.AsMenciussaidthediffer-

    encebetweenhonorablepeopleandordinary
    peopleliesintheirintentions
    3ll

    ConfUcianismtalksaboutlIonorablepersonssages
    andvirtuouspeople.Budd}Iismteachesofnumerous
    BuddbasandBodhisattvasWhatdifferentiatesallof

    tlIemfTomordinarypeoplearetheirrespectiveintentions.Itisextremelydifficulttodistinguishjustby
    appearanceandtbisiswhywelIaveoftenmisunderstoodvirtuouspeople
    Forexample,inthepast)tlIerewerethreemonks
    omTiantaiMountaininZleiiangprovmce,named
    HanshanShide)andFengganItwasrecordedinthe
    DIy2niMmtlIatatthetime,everyone
    VewedthetlIreemonksassufferingfTommental
    disordersbecauseoftheirunusualbehaviorNobody
    associatedwitlIthemTbissbowshowappearances
    canbesodeceiving.
    FenggansjobwastopoundtbericeinordertoremovethehusksTbiswasalsowlIatMasterHuineng
    didwbilehewasinHuangmei.Fengganwhowas
    actuallythetransfOrmationbodyofBuddbaAmitabha,
    buslKedtlIericetofeedeveryoneHanshanandSl1ide
    werethetransfOrmationbodiesofManjusriBod}]isattvaandSamantabbadraBodl1isattvarespectively.
    TheyalsoworkedinthekitchenlightingfiresfOrtlIe
    stoves,andperfOrmingotl1ermiscellaneouscl1ores.
    Tl1eywentshoeless,dressedinrags,andactedabsurdly.EveryonefelttlIattheywereworthlessItis
    truethatjudgingbyappearancesalone,itisdifficult
    fOrordinarypeopletodeterminewl]oistrulyvirtuous.
    Fengganwastheonewhorevealedthattheywere
    3l2

    actuallytransfOrmationSofthetlIreegreatvirtuous
    people.
    Atthattimetherewasalocalgovernmentofficial,
    MagistrateLu>whosemotherfellillwhiletlIeywere
    travelingtowherehewastoreporttolIisoffice.Mr
    Lubecameveryanxiousafterseveraldoctorsfailedto
    helphismotl1erWlIenFengganwaspassingthrougl1
    theneighborhood,hesoughtoutMr.Luandsaid:
    ((SomeoneinyourhouseholdisillIcancuretl1at
    person.)Naturally,tlIemagistratefeltimmensegratitudetowardFengganafterwardSinceFengganwasa
    monk,heinquiredastow}1ichtemple}1ewasfrom.
    Fengganreplied:<IliveonTiantaiMountain.)MrLu
    aslKed:<Arethereanysagesorvirtuouspeopleresiding
    inyourtemple?)Fenggananswered:(ManjusriBod}]isattvaandSamantabhadraBodhisattvalivethere.))Mr.

    Luthenasked:(HowwillIbeabletorecognizeand
    learnomthem?Fenggansaidthatonewasnamed
    HanshanandtheotherSbide

    AfewdaysafterMagistrateLuassumedhisnew
    appointment>hewenttoTiantaiMountaintopayhis
    respectstothetwogreatBodhisattvasUponarrival
    hefOundthemworkingintheldtchenandacting
    strangely.HeimmediatelylmeltontlIegroundand
    paidl1isrespectstothem.T}1etwomonksseemedto
    ignorehim,tlIenquicMyturnedontheirheels>and
    ranMagistrateLuorderedhisattendantstorunafter
    tlIemandseewheretheywent.TlIetwomonksranto
    thebaseofamountainandthemountainopenedup!
    3l3

    Themonksenteredandtl1emountainclosedup
    again.ButbefOretheyvanisbedinsidethemountain,
    theywerelIeardsayIng:<<BuddhaAmitabl1atalkstoo

    much)MagistrateLuthenrealizedtlIatFengganwas
    actuallyBuddhaAmitabha!ThetwoBodlIisattvaswere
    complainingthatBuddhaAmitabhaslIouldnotl1ave
    meddledandrevealedtheiridentitiesSo,tlIesetl1ree
    personswereactuallygreatsages.
    Atthattime>thetempleheldanimportantceremonytwiceamonthtorecitetl1eprecepts.Hansl1an

    andSlIideoftenstoodoutsidethetemplemadefunof
    theothermonks,andweretherefOredislikedbyall
    Wl1entheotl1ermonlKsrealizedtl1atHanshanand

    ShidewereactuallytbetransfOrmationbodiesofBodlIisattvas,theyfeltashamedthateverydaytlIese
    tbreegreatsagesbadservedthemtheirfOodTbis
    showsbowtheintentionsofBodhisattvasdifferom

    thoseofordinarypeople
    Theheartofagenuinelyhonorablepersonis
    filledwithloving-kindnessandrespectfOrothers.Therearethousandsofdifferenttypesof
    peopleinthisworldsomeclosetouswhile

    othersarestrangers.SomelIaveprestigewhile
    othershavenone.Somearesmartwhileothersarenotandsomearevirtuouswl1ileotl1ers

    arecorrupt.Nevertheless,weareallhumans
    andarethus,alloneentity.Wesl1ouldneither
    l1atenordisrespectanyone.
    3l4

    TlIefirstoftheTenGreatVowsofSamantabhadra

    BodhisattvaistoequallyrespectallBuddhasand
    things.FromtlIeaspectofprinciple,despitetheapparentdifferencesamongpeopleallpeopleareoneto
    thosewhounderstandFromtheaspectofphenomenonorappearance,weknowthatdifferencesexist.But

    regardlessofthisweareallpartof}Iumanity,allpart
    ofoneanother.Realizingtbis)wewillviewotlIersas
    weVewourselves.

    TheBuddhasaid:<<Tbroughoutalltimeandspace,
    tbereisonlytheoneself/)Thusthekindnessand

    compassionoftheBuddhaisunconditionalaffinityin
    greatkindnessandtheembodimentofallingreat
    compassion.>)Tl1isiswisdomandweneedtounder-

    standrespect,andpassiton.WearetolIavelovingkindnessandrespectfOrallbeingssentientandnonsentient.

    WhenourheartsarefilledwithlovingkindnessandrespectfOrothers,itisthe

    sameasifourheartswereIedwithlovingkindnessandrespectfOrthesagesandvirtuouspeople.Whenweunderstandandagree
    withotl1ers,itistl1esameasifweunder-

    standandagreewiththesagesandvirtuous
    people.

    Inancienttimes,well-educatedpeoplelmewhowto

    respecttlIesagesandvirtuouspeople.Today,our
    teclInologicalsocietyisimmersedingreed,anger,
    3l5

    ignoranceandarrogance.Whenweshowrespectour
    thoughtsandintentionsaredifferentfromtlIoseof
    peopleinthepast.TlIeirrespectwassincere,andtlIe
    sagesandvirtuouspeoplewererolemodelsfOrsociety.
    Uponseeingasage,otlIerswouldimmediatelyemulate
    thesagetocorrecttheirownbehavior.Todaypeople

    oftengothroughthefOrmalitiesofpayingrespectto
    tlIeBodhisattvas>lIeavenlybeings)andsprits,intl1e
    lIopeofgainingsomethinginreturn.Alltoooften,this
    isthesoleintention.

    Liaofansaidthatunderstandingandagreeingwith
    othersisthesameasunderstandingandagreeingwitl1
    tbesagesandvirtuouspeopleTlIeirmainobjectiveis
    tocreategoodnessandhappinessfOrallpeople.WlIo
    wouldnotprefertoliveinapeacefUlandprosperous
    society?MostpeoplewishfOrtheFiveGoodFortunes
    ofwealtlIandprestigelongevity,meritsandvirtues
    happinessandnoadversities,andagooddeath
    Butwl1atmostpeoplewishfOrarejustthegoodresults.Whattheydonotknoworhavefbrgottenisthat
    goodresultscomeonlyafterwehaveaccomplisl1ed
    goodcauses.Ifwedonotpracticegoodcausesand
    perfOrmgoodnesstbenitisillogicaltoeectgood
    results.Tbesagesandvirtuouspeoplewanteverybody
    toattaingoodfOrtuneTl1esevirtuouspeoplepossess
    greatwisdomwl1ereasweordinarypeopleareconfused
    andignorant.Sothevirtuouspeopleteacheveryone
    l>owtopracticegooddeedsandaccumu>atemeritsin
    orderfOreveryonetoreceivegoodfOrtune.
    3l6

    Practicinggoodnessandaccumulatingmeritsbeginsomourlearningtohavelovingkindnessand
    respectfOrallbeingsandcircumstances.Thislovingkindnessandrespectmustbegenuine.ThisiswbytlIe
    firstoftheTenGreatVowsofSamantablIadraBodlIi-

    sattvaistoequallyrespectallBuddhasandthings
    WlW?Becauseallthevirtuouspeopleand
    sageswantpeopletoobtainwlIattlIeywisb
    fOr.Ifwecanhaveloving-kindnessandrespectfbrpeople,andhelpthemtoachievein
    theirendeavors)weareactingasasageora
    virtuousperson

    Thesoleintentionofsages,virtuouspeople,and
    Bodhisattvasistoteachallbeingshowtoproperly
    obtainwhattheywant.FortlIosewhoareoutstanding
    intelligentandso-inclined)thevirtuouspeoplewilltry
    toteachthemtobeaBuddhaoraBodlIisattvaFor

    tlIosewboarenotso-inclined>thevirtuouspeoplewill
    trytohelpthemachievewbattheywis}IfOr.TberefOrewetoowoulddowelltolIaveloving-ldndnessand
    respectfOrallbeings
    Whatdoes(<helpingotherstodogood

    mean?Ifwetossedasideapieceofrawjade
    itwouldremainaworthlessstone.Butifwe

    carvedandpolishedit,itwouldbetransfOrmedintoavaluableobject.

    3l7

    Weneedtohelpotberstoachieveintheirendeavors.HelpingotlIersisoneofthevirtuesofthetrue
    natureandenhancesourmerits]adeisusedasan
    examplefOritisconsideredoneoftbemostdelicate
    andbeautifUlofallstonesandwhencarvedandpolisl1ed,itcanbecomeextremelyvaluable.62

    Sowl1enweseepeoplewhomwefeell1ave
    thepotentialtopracticegoodnessortowork
    towardsapropergoal,wecanguide,support,praise,andencouragetlIemthushelpingthemtosucceed
    Thisisaboutnurturingtalentedpeople.Wl1enwe
    seeotherswhosebeartsarekind,whosenaturesare

    loyalandgenerousandwlIosegoalsarevirtuous)we
    shouldhelpthemineverypossibleway.Weneedto
    encouragetl1emtofOllowtl1erightpatlIandsupport
    themuntiltl1eyachievetheirobjectives.
    Tl1eAamsaStJnHisaverygoodexampleof
    tlIis.WeseeSudlIana>whoasastudentl1adfifty-tlIree
    goodspiritualteacbers.Althoughhewasyoung,l1eis
    tobeconsideredasourelderaseniorinl1ighstand-

    ing.Hisvirtues,meritsandknowledgearetrulydeservingofrespect.Wecanlearnmucl1froml1im.As
    SudhanameteaclIofthespiritualteaclIers,hebowed
    andpaidlIisrespects.Eachadvisorwouldasktben
    him,<W}1eredidyoucomefrom,wlIydidyoucome
    bereandwhatisitthatyouseekP>Allfifty-three
    teachersaskedSudlIanatl1esamequestionandall
    3l8

    receivedtl1esameanswer.TherefOre,tlIisquestion
    andanswerismemorable.

    Thefirstpartoftheansweris:<IhavevowedtoattainsupremeenligbtenmentandIwis}Itoachieve
    unsurpassedBodlIi,butIdonotlmowhowtopractice
    orwhatintenttohave.TlIus,IlIavecometoaskfor

    yourguidance/>Settingagoaliswhatwemeanby
    makingavow.IfthegoaliswortlWandtlIestudentis
    diligent,tl1enwemustdoourbesttol1elpl1imorher.
    TherefOreaslongaswehaveapropergoal,tlIenno
    matterwhethertheteachingsareofthisworldor
    beyond,wewillhaveabrightfUtureandgreataccomplishments.IfweseeotlIerswhohavethispotential,
    wecanencourageandassisttl1emintl]eirendeavors.

    IftheysufferlIardsl>ips,weshouldalleviatetheir
    difficultiessothattheycanconcentrateonaccomplishingtheirlearning.

    IfotlIerswronglyaccusethem>wecantryto
    cleartl1eirnameandsharetheirburdenof

    slander.Onlywhenwehavehelpedtl1em
    backontheirfeettobecomeafimctioning
    partofsociety,willwehavefulfilledourresponsibilityinhelpingotl1erstodogood

    Duringthepracticetobecomeasage,regardlessof
    whetl1erintlIisworldorbeyond,people8reboundto
    encounterjealousyandslander.ThiscanconfUseand

    evendiscouragetlIemfTompursuingtheirstudies

    T}1iswouldbeatragiclossandtokeepthisfToml1ap3l9

    peningweneedtoshareintheirproblemsandworries.

    Whenotl1ersslandertlIem,weneedtohelpthemto
    cleartheirname,todoallwecantol>elp.Ifwecan
    acl1ievethistl1enwewilll1aveaccomplishedgreat
    lmowledgewisdomvirtuesandmeritsfOrtl1eywill
    contributetosocietypartlybecausewelIavehelped
    themtoreachtheirgoal.Howevermanyvirtuesand
    meritstl1eymayaccumulatethepersonwl1obelped
    tbemtoachievewillreceiveanequalamount.63
    WlIywouldotlIerswanttocausetroublefOrusif
    wearegood?Goodtbingsdonotcomeeasily.There
    aremanyobstaclesfOrthosetryingtobevirtuousIf
    someonewantstocommitevildeedstl1enMara64will

    beveryhappybecausehelovesevilNotonlywill
    MaranotgetintlIewayoftbeperson,lIewillalsodo
    alllIecantohelp<thepersoncommitevil>.Onthe
    otherl1and,ifwewanttoperfOrmvirtuousdeedsthat
    wouldbegoingagainstMara>swishessohewilldo
    everythingl1ecantodeterus.
    Maraisonefactorthatcausestrouble;anotheris

    ourMrmiccreditorsfiFompastlifetimes.Whenthey
    seethatwearepracticingwellandmigl1ttranscend
    samsaratl1eywillwanttostopus.Thisisbecausewe
    havenotrepaidwhatweowethemomtl1epast.This
    debtmaybemoneyoralife.Thesecreditorswillnot
    standidlybyandwatclIussucceedinourpracticebut
    willcreateobstaclestodeterus.Tl1us)tl1epatl1to
    awakeningisfilledwit}Iobstacles.
    Tl1roughinnumerableeons,wel1avecreatedinfi320

    nitekarmicobstacles.Howarewetoridourselvesof

    them?Wesboulddedicateourdailypracticetoour
    karmiccreditors,tosbareourmeritswitl1tlIemBy

    passingmeritsontothem,wewillachievefullvirtue
    Whatdowewant?Nothing.Ifwedonotcommitto
    thisvow,itwillbedifficultfOrustoachieveawaken-

    ingwithoutencounteringkarmicobstacles.
    Mostpeopledislikethosewl1oaredifferent
    fromthem.

    MostofusprefertbosewhoarelikeusForinstancethosewhopracticeBuddbismfeelcloserto
    practitionersthantoothers.Tl1isisespeciallynoticeablewithinafamilyIfourparentsandsiblingsarenot
    practitionersandwearetheonlyvegetarians,then
    tlIerewillbeconflictsSince>thisisactuallyourown
    fault)weneedtodeterminewhatwearedoingwrong.
    Whywouldotl1erfamilymembersdisapproveofus
    practicingBuddl1ism?Sometimes,wlIenfellowBuddhistsvisitus,wemayseemclosertotl1emthantoour
    families.Wemigbtappearl1appierwithtl1emthan
    witl1ourownmotherswhouponseeingtl1iscould
    understandablybecomeunhappy.TherefOre,we
    sl1ouldloveandcarefOrourfamiliesintl1esameway
    thatwedootl1erpractitioners.Tl1enourfamilieswill
    notopposeourpracticingBuddbism.Tl1erearemany
    caseswherefamilyconflictshavearisenwl1enonly
    onememberpracticedOften,tbatonememberdid
    notconsiderhisorherbehavioranddidnotseewlIat
    32l

    wastl1ecauseoftbediscontentOnlywhenweare
    objectivecanweseetheproblem
    Whenotl1erpractitionerscometovisitus,we

    shouldshowevenmorerespecttoourparentssotbat
    ourfamilieswillfeelbetter.Intl1iswaytheywillno
    longerobjecttoourpractice.Theymightevencometo
    likeitandencouragefriendsandrelativestofOllow
    suit.TherefOre,wheninteractingwitbfamilymembers,weslIouldnotuseverbaleducation,butlearn
    fTomEmperorShunandusebel1avioraleducationto
    setgoodexamples.Then,astl1eyseetl1egoodresults
    hompracticingBuddhism,t}1eywillautomatically
    helpustoadvocateit
    Therearealwaysmorebadpeoplearound
    tlIangoodpeople;so,thosewl1oaregoodoftenhavedifficultystandingont}Ieirown

    Immoralpeopleareinthemajorityandl1avemore
    powerthantl1osewhoarehonestBecauseoftl1is,
    decentpeopleoftenhaveproblemsstandingontheir
    own.ItbecomesmoredifficultfOrtlIemtobegood
    becauseotl1erswillusetheirpowertocreateobstacles
    EversincetbeBuddha,theabovesituationl1asoc-

    curredfOreacl1succeedinggenerationofBuddhists
    AnexampleisMasterHuineng.Afterhehadattained

    enlightenment,hewentintobidingwithagroupof
    buntersfOrfifteenyears.Why?Becauseofthejealousyandobstaclesheencountered
    Ethicalpeopleoftenlacktheopportunitiestolearn
    322

    andareimpededbytl1osewl1oareimmoral.Tl1isis
    wl]ysometimesethicalpeoplewhoaretryingtostand
    ontbeirownmaynotgettheopportunitytopractice

    goodnessasmuchastheywishtoWl1iletl1eymaybe
    abletolKeeptbemselvesunpollutedandpure,tbeylack
    tl1estrengthtohelpotlIers.Ifwewanttbemtobeable
    tocreategoodnessfortheentireworldthentl1oseof
    uswl1opossesswisdom>goodfOrtune,andvirtues
    mustdoourbesttobelpt}1em.

    Goodpeoplehaveabilitiesandvirtuesthat
    enabletl1emtobecomefamous.Theyusually
    paylittleattentiontotbeirappearance.Tl1ey
    caneasilybewronglyaccused,sostrivingto
    dogoodturnsouttobeacl1allenge.Wl1en
    thishappens,itisentirelyuptovirtuous
    peopleandelderstoprotectandhelptl1ose
    wl1oaremoraltostandontl1eirown.They
    candothisbyprovidingwhattl1epeople
    needtopracticegoodness.Tl1emeritsofthe
    virtuouspeopleandelderswbodotbiswill
    begreat
    Thosewhohaveunusuallygoodabilitiesandvirtues
    usuallyachievefame.Locally,tl1eyarewelllmown
    Theirlivesareeasyandtheypaylittleheedtodetails,
    andtbisunfOrtunatelyoftenoffendsothers.Whenwe
    practiceBuddhismwemustbeextremelyrespectfUlto
    tlIeBuddlIa,tlIeDharmaandtheSangha.However,
    weneednotbeoverlyconcernedwitlIinconsequential
    323

    mattersfOrtodosowillinterferewitlIourpractice.
    Weshouldfeelandshowrespect;butifweseeothers
    whoaredisrespectfUl,weshouldnotmindtlIem.In
    ourpracticeweneedtobelievethat((tlIepureheart
    willgiverisetothepureland)>Nightandday,always
    remembertochant(<AmituofO/)Everytl1ingelseis
    immaterial.

    Neitl1ers}IouldweattachtofOrmalitiesinourpractice.Forexample,tbosewboareolderandlessagile
    donotneedtokneelwhenrecitingasutraToseeka
    bondbetweenBuddhaAmitabhaandourselvesisof

    theutmostimportanceWecancontinueourpractice
    evenwhenlyingdownTheweakoragedcanusethe
    mostcomfOrtablepositionwhileclIanting(<AmituofO
    orrecitingthesutra,beitlmeeling,sitting,orwallKing.
    Ifweak,wecanliedownandlistentothesutraona

    tapeLyinginbedlisteningtotbesutraorchanting
    <(Amituofo),canachievethesamemeritsaswhenwe

    aresittingorwalkingBut,itisnotgoodtocbant
    aloudwbilelyingdownbecauseitisharmfUltoour
    bealth

    MabayanaBuddhismisHexibleandwithoutmany
    restrictions.So,wbatarealltheritualsandrulesfOr?

    TheyareusedasbelIavioraleducationtobelpothers
    feelrespectandtomotivatetheirwisbtopractice
    Buddl1ismTl1eravadaBuddhism,ontl1eotl1erl1and,

    emphasizesself-discipline
    Exceptionallytalentedpeoplearenotbotheredby
    minordetails,andconsequentlycaneasilyoffend
    3Z4

    othersandcausegossipTherefOre)strivingtodogood
    turnsouttobeachallengebecausegoodpeopleoften
    sufferfromaccusationsandslander.Whenthisl1appens,thosewhoaretryingtobegoodmustdependon
    virtuouspeopleorelderswithwisdomandvirtueto
    helptlIemovercometheirdifficultiessotl1attheycan
    contributetosociety.Virtuouspeopleandelderswill
    achievethegreatestmeritsbecausetheyarenothelpingjustanindividualbutallofsociety,sothateveryonemayenjoytlIesamegoodfOrtune.Thisistrulya
    greatmerit

    Ifweareabletoencourage)nurture,andhelpa
    DharmamastersotlIatheorshecanteacbBuddhism

    toothers,tl1emeritswouldbeincomparable.However,

    manypeopledonotlmowthisTheybelievethatif
    theydonatemoneytorestoreatemple>themerits
    wouldbegreater.Actually>suchmeritsarelimitedIn
    fact,sometimeswemayhaveevencommittedabad
    deedinspiteofourgoodintentions.TherefOre,onlyin
    nurturingtalentedpeopledowetrulyachievegreat
    merit.Onlywithtl1esemasterscanweguaranteethe
    propagationoftl1eteachingssotl>atBuddl1ismwill
    remaininourworld

    ItisextremelydifficulttoencourageandhelptalentedteacbersofBuddhism.Tl1eymustseekself
    enlightenmentaswellashelpotherstoachieve
    enliglItenment.Theirmindsmustbepurenondiscriminatory,andvoidofselfislItlIougl1ts.Tl1eseare
    thenecessaryqualitiesfOrsomeonetoteachBud3Z5

    dhism.IfweencountersuchatrueBuddhistsucces-

    sorwesl1oulddoourutmosttohelpl1imorl1erOnce
    thispersonisaccomplisl1edandabletocontribute
    greatlytoBuddl1ism,themeritswehaveachievedin
    helpingwillbeequaltohisorberown
    WhyaretheresofewBuddbistteachers?TlIeopportunitytoteacl1otl1ersmaynothaveyetpresented
    itselfOrtheindividualsmaynotbesincerelydedicatedtopropagatingt}IeteachingstolIelpallbeings.
    Tl1eirvowslackconvictionandtheircharactersare

    HawedAndoftenlaypeopleliketoHatterandlistento
    oldermasters,anddonotgotolistentonewerones.
    Tl1iscancausetl1enewermasterstobecomediscour-

    agedsothattlIeymigbtturntoconductingceremonies.Tl1isl1appensbecausetbelaypeopledidnot
    fulItbeirresponsibilitiesinprovidingproperopportunitiesTherefOre,whennewermastersvowtolec-

    tureontl1esutras,wesbouldgoandlistenifwlIatthey
    teacl1isaccurate.

    However,iftheirteachingsareinaccurate,we
    shouldnotlisten.Wbentheyseetbis,tlIeycanreHect
    andcorrecttheirfaults.Oncetl1eyl1avedoneso,we
    cantl1enlistenandencouragethemtopropagatetbe
    teacl1ings.Thisistheproperwaytopraisenewermastersandencouragethemintheirvowstopursue

    enlightenment.Weneedtoprovideasuitablelearning
    env1ronmentfOrtbem.Tl1evalueoftlIismeritis

    boundlessbecauseitcanextendthelifeofBuddl1ism

    326

    Whatdoes<persuadingotlIerstopractice
    ))

    kindnessmean?Asl1umans,weallwantto

    begoodandtohaveaconscience)butchasingafterwealthandfamebaskeptusso
    busythatwe}Iavestoppedlisteningtoour
    consciences.Tl1isistheresultofhavingto
    surviveinaworldfilledwitbbardships.

    Wl1enafiendisabouttoignorehisorher
    consciencetodosomethingunworthy,we
    canremindandwarnthisfiFiend,l1opingto
    wakebimorheromdelusionItislike

    wakingupsomeonewhentheyarel1avinga
    nightmare.Itisuptoustoshaketheminto
    realityWl1enapersonisundergoingalong
    spellofdepression)wecanpulltl1isperson
    outofitandl1elptoclear}1isorl1ermind
    Wearemostvirtuousifwecantreatour

    fiiendswithsuchkindness

    VirtuallyeveryonewouldprefertobegoodEven
    theworstpersonwillusuallysaythatheorshewould
    lilKetopracticegoodnessFromtlIis)wecanconclude
    thatagoodheartandbelIavioristl>etruenatureof
    lIumanity.BuddhismteaclIesustlIattl1isisavirtueof

    ourtruenatureIfthisisthecase,wbydopeople
    resorttoimmoralconduct?TWoreasonsFirstpeople
    commitbaddeedsbecauseoftheirafflictionsandbad

    babits.Second,theydosobecauseofbadconditions.
    Wl1iletl1eyarecommittingbaddeeds,mostareboth327

    eredbytbeirconscience>unfOrtunately)theydonot
    baveanygoodiendstobelpthemtorefOrmandso
    theybecomemoredeludedandconfused

    AsLiaofansaid)althoughwewanttopracticegoodness,thenecessityofsurvivinginaworldfilledwith
    hardshipscanresultinourfOrgettingtodoso.Wbile
    tryingtomakealivingwedomanytl]ingstomaintain
    acertainstandardoflivingfOrourfamiliesandto
    furtherourcareers.Thust}IeenVronmenttlIatwe

    liveinstronglyinfluencesourbehavior.Thiscould
    becomedisastrousinourimmoralsociety.
    Forexample,manypeopleliketogamble.Tl1eirobsessionwillharmthemselves,theirfamilies,andsocietyTl1isdangeroustrendisslowlyaffectingtl1eentire
    worldDuetothemedia>sinfluencesuchnegative
    influenceskeepspreadinguntiltheyreaclIthefartlIest
    cornersoftl1eworldcausingmuclIdamage.Tl]us,
    whenweseeourfriendsorrelativesintrouble,we
    shoulddoourbesttohelpthemseereasonandtolead
    themawayfrombadinHuencesWecanencourage
    tbemtobeginbyreadingLoJblbJrLessonsbe
    causetheprinciplesintlIisbookarealltrue.
    Sometimes>wemayfinditquiteeasytomake
    moneyinthestockmarketBut>thewealthwegained
    fiFomtradingstockswasdestinedtobeours.Ifour
    destiniesdonotincludewealth,tbenthemoneywill
    soonbegone.Intermsofl1andlingmoney,ifwecaITy
    itwithusweareafraidofbeingrobbedIfwedeposit
    itinthebank,allwecandoislookatit.Whatisthe
    328

    differencebetweenourmoneyvs.others)moneydepositedinabank?WhenwethinkaboutitwewilI
    realizethatwealtbonlyincreasesourgreed,angerand
    arrogance

    Alltl1atweneedisenoughfOod,adequateclothing,
    andasafeplacetoliveWoulditnotbebetterifwe
    weretouseourgoodfOrtunealittleatatimerather
    thanexlIaustitallatonce?Ifourfamilymembersor
    fTiendstrytoobtainwealthtbroughimpropermeans,
    weneedtousereasontobelpthemrealizethatsuch
    met}1odsareimproperandthatwesl1ouldnotengage
    inspeculationoradoptimproperwaystoobtain
    wealthTl1isistbeproperpathfOritcanlastalong
    time

    Wemusthelpotherswithwbatismostbeneficialto
    themInbelpingotherstolearnandtoattainawakening,Budd}]ismisaccommodatingandskillfulsoothers
    arehappytolistenandopentoacceptingwhatwesay.
    Inthisway>wewillbeabletolIelpot}Iersunderstand
    l1owtheycanrefOrmandbeledawayomconfUsion.
    WlIentl1eysuddenlybecomevigilantitwillbesimilar

    toawakeninginBuddhismThisislikeeliminatingthe
    rootsofallafflictionsAllthatremainsisasenseof

    serenityandeedomThisiswisdom.

    AscholarnamedHanyuoncesaid:(Byword
    ofmouth)onecanonlypersuadeandinfluenceothersfOrawhile.Ifonecanpersuade
    andinfluenceothersthroughwrittenworks
    329

    oneIswordscanbepassedonfOrhundreds
    ofgenerationsaroundtheworld>)Depending
    onwhatisappropriateinthecircumstances,
    wecanuseeitherspeakingorwriting.

    ThisillustratestheHexibleandeedientmetl1odof
    teaching.Wbenweelaintheprinciplesandadvise
    othersinordertohelpthemtoawaken,wedoitby
    wordofmoutl1butthisonlybenefitstl1eminthis
    lifetime.Ifwewishtoguidemanyothersaswellas
    futuregenerations,thenthebestwaywouldbe
    tbroughwriting.Byrecordingourgoodwordsand
    deeds,wecanpassthesedownfOrfUturegenerations.
    ThiswillensuretlIepreservationofthesegoodwords.
    Anexampleoftl1isisLmonbrLessoJs.Liaofanisobjectiveinwritingthebookwastoalerthisson
    tothedangersofcommittingbaddeeds.LiaofanlIad
    notintendedthesefOurlessonstobewidelyreadfOr
    manygenerationsandsohelIasunintentionallyperfOrmedagreatdeedofgoodness.Manypeoplewl1o
    fOllowedhisteachingshavesucceededinchanging
    theirdestiniesfTomthatofsufferingtol1appiness,
    tl1usbenefitinggreatlyfromLiaofan)swrittenwords.
    Tl1istl1involumeisaprimeexampleofteachingpeo-

    pletobegoodHeusedhisownlifeasanexamplefOr
    hisdescendantshopingthattheywouldunderstand
    andlearntopracticegoodnessThisisthemosteffective,profOund,andall-encompassinggoodness.
    Wemaytbinktl1atweareunqualifiedtowritebut
    330

    thisisnotso-weareallqualifiedIfwecanjustrecordoneortwooccurrencestl1atwehearorseeeach

    daytheoutcomewouldbelilKethelessonsinthiS

    bookWecanseethatpersuadingpeoplebyspeech
    andpersuadinggenerationsbywritingarenotdifficult
    aslongasourbeartsaresincereandourdeterminationunshakable.

    Toencouragevirtue,wecanpersuadeothers
    throughspeechorwriting.Comparedwith
    teaclIingothersthrougbbelIavior,speecb
    andwritingaremoredirectandclearSometimes,wedonothavetimetoteachothers

    throughbehavior.Thenverbalorwritten
    educationwillbemoreeffective.Furtl1er-

    more,ifwecanapplyitliketherigl1tmedicinefOranillness,oftenitwillprovetobave
    wonderfuleffects.TherefOrewecannotgive
    uP

    Wesl1ouldinteractwiththosewhomwearetrying
    tolIelpanduseouractionsasexamplestoinspire
    otbers,similartowhatEmperorShundidwiththe
    fishermen

    InBuddhism,theFourEmbracingMethodsare
    usedtoguideandinHuenceallsentientbeings.The

    firstmethodisgivingunsparinglytoestablishagood
    affinityandamicabilitywithothers.Oncewebave
    honestlyearnedtheconfidenceofothers)tl1enw}Iat
    wesayordowillcreateapositiveeffectonthemand
    33l

    theywillbemoreopentowhatwesayanddo.
    ThesecondmethodistousekindwordsThisdoes

    notmeanweuseHatteryorpersuasivewordstosway
    others.KindwordsmeanstoactwithHexibilitywith
    otl1ersandtomakethemfeelcomfOrtable.Asex-

    plainedbyMasterZbongfengearlierintl1islesson,
    whenourmotivationcomesomlovingkindnessfOr
    otlIers,thenevenifwescoldorpunisbthemfOrtheir
    owngood,itwouldbeanactofldndness.
    ButwlIenwearescolding)weshouldtakeintoconsiderationtlIeirabilitytowithstandandacceptthe
    reproachIftheyrejectitbecauseitisoverdone>then
    ourwordswillhaveanegativeeffect.TherefOre,when
    wespeaktoothersoftheirfaults,wesl1ouldmakesure
    thatnooneelseispresentsothattl1eywillnotfeel
    embarrassedorbeantagonizedThisisanexampleof
    beingflexibleandhelpingtlIepersonfeelcomfOrtable.
    Thethirdmetl1odisbeneficialaction.Tbismeans

    thatourwordsandactionsmusttrulybetol1elpotlIers.Tl1efOurtl1andIastmetl1odiscomradeshipand
    cooperation,wbicbmeansthatweparticipatein
    properactivitieswitl1othersandguidetl1embybeing
    goodexamples
    Whentl1eBuddhasguidesentientbeings,theyprimarilyfOllowtl1esefOurmethods.Wbenweencourage
    otherstobegood)weareusingverbaleducation.
    WlIenwejoinotherstoteaclIthemkindnessweare
    usingbel1avioraleducation

    332

    ))

    Ifwemaketbemistakeof(<losingaperson
    <itwasproperfOrustoguidethispersonbut
    wedidnot>or(<wastingourwords><itwas
    improperfOrustopersuadethispersonbut
    wetriedto>weneedtotbinkandfindthe

    wisdomnottorepeattbemistake
    Whenweareabletoadvisesomeonebutdonot,we

    havelostanopportunitytoteachIfapersonlIastlIe
    potentialtopracticegoodnessbutwedonotleadbim
    orhertotherightpath,tbenwehavelostthatperson
    Ontheotherband,ifsomeoneisinflexibleandwill

    notlistentousbutwepersistintryingtoconvmce
    himorherthenwelIavewastedourwords.When

    interactingwithothers,weshouldlearntouseour

    commonsensetoobservehowtheyarereacting.This
    willpreventusomlosingapersonorwastingour
    wordsAsMasterHuinengsaidintl1efkbImStJZrH,
    wbenotbersarewillingtolistenandaccept,weteach
    tbembutwhentheyarenot>wesimplyputourpalms
    togetberandwishthembappiness.

    Wbatdoes<(belpingthoseindesperateneed
    mean?PeopleoftensufferfTomseriousdifficulties.Ifwemeetsomeoneliketl1is,tl1en
    weimmediatelyhelptlIatpersonasifwe

    weretheonewhowassuffering.Ifaperson
    hasbeenwronglyaccusedorconvicted,then
    weshouldpleadontheirbel1alfaswellas
    helpinanywaywecanTbescholarMr.Cui
    333

    oncesaid:<Itdoesnotmatterwbetl1erafa-

    vorisbigorsmallWhatisimportantistlIat
    itisdoneatatimewhenotlIersneedit

    most.)>Thesearewordsofloving-kindness

    EveryoneisboundtoencountermisfOrtuneduring
    bisorberlife.65Wearenowlivinginarelatively
    peacefulworld;however,willwealwaysen}oysucl1
    peace?IfwelookrealisticallyattlIewaywearecurrentlyheaded,thefUturelooksbleakItwouldbemost
    unfOrtunateifthehardsbipsweretooccurduringour
    middleyearsoroldage.TherefOre,whenwemeet
    otlIerswhoaresufferingweshouldtreatthemasifwe
    weresufferingthesamehardshipsandquicklydo
    everythingwecantohelpThisisthegivingoffearlessness.

    Wl1enothersareoppressedorwronged)wemust
    helpthembypleadingontheirbehalf,anddowl1ateverwecantoprovetheirinnocence.Wl1entl1ey
    sufferfromcontinuoushardshipsandweareunableto

    helptbembyourselves>wemustinfOrmothersand
    enlisttheirassistance.TlIescbolarMr.Cuisaidthatit

    isnotimportantwhetherweareabletohelpagreat
    dealorjustalittle;whatisimportantisthatwelIelp
    whenothersneedourhelpthemost.Howeverwl1ile
    weshouldprovideassistanceinanemergencypoverty
    isadifferentissue.Thebestwaytoassistthosein

    povertyistohelptlIemlearnwaystoearnaliVngso
    thattl1eycansupportthemselvesandbecomeinde334

    pendentT}Iisistbegreatestactofkindness

    Wbatdoes<<developingpublicpmjectsfOr
    thebenefitofothers))mean?Smallconstruc-

    tionprOjectsareneededfOrvillagesandbig
    constructionjobsareneededforcities.As
    longastheyhelppeople,theyshouldbe
    built.

    Onasmallscale,wecanbenefitavillageOnalargerscale)wecanbenefitacityoracounty.Today,tbis
    islmownassocialwelfareEverycitizen,everygoverningbodywoulddowelltoconsiderittheirresponsibilitytodogooddeedstohelpeveryone
    WeshoulddoanythingthatbenefitsthelocalcommunityOnlywheneveryonehasgoodfortunedowe
    l1aveitaswellIfwealoneen}oygoodfOrtunewhile
    othersaresuffering,tbenadversityisnotfarbe}Iind
    AsaC}1ineseproverbsays)onefamily>swealthcan
    causeresentmentfromtbousandsoffamilies.Ifwe

    shareourgoodfOrtunewithothers,itwillbelpto
    createastablesocietyandapeacefi1lworldTbiswill
    tbenbecometruegoodfOrtuneWhenweshareour
    goodfOrtunewithothers,itisasignofgreatwisdom,
    goodfOrtune,andvirtue.Today,whenwespeakof
    <ldevelopingpublicpmjectsfOrthebenefitofothers/
    wecandosobyencouragingotherstopracticethe
    teacbingsinLohfbrLessonsandtheteaclings
    ofBuddhism.

    335

    PublicprOjectscanbetheconstructionof
    systemstoirrigatefarmlands,damstopreventfloodingorbridgestofacilitatetravel.
    Also,wecangivefOodorwatertothosewho
    arehungryorthirsty.WlIeneverwel1avethe
    opportunity,weneedtoinspireotherstodo
    theirshareasweIltohelpaccomplisl1tlIe
    prOject,eitherthroughtlIesharingofwealth
    oroflaborDonotbeafraidofwhatotbers

    mightsayorbecomediscouragedwhent}]e
    jobbecomesdifficultDonotallowthejealousyandhatredofot}Ierstoweakenourresolvetodowhatisvirtuous.

    IntlIepast)agriculturewasthefOundationofevery
    countryandso,theconstructionofirrigationsystems
    wasofparamountimportance.Damswerealsonecessaryinordertopreventflooding.Theseconstruction
    prOjectswerenotbuilttobenefitoneself,butwerefOr
    thebenefitofeveryone.TherefOre)evenwl1enobstaclesoccurredduringthecourseofconstruction,tbey
    werenotal>owedtodeterthecompletionofafulland
    absolutegooddeed

    Theremaybeoppositionatthebeginningofsucl1a
    prOjectbutonceitisfinishedandeveryonel1asbenefitedtheywillknowitsvalueandappreciatetheef
    fOrtsputin.Thusourvisionmustbepervasiveand
    comprehensive.WeneedtolIavewisdom,lovingkindness,andperseveranceinordertoaccomplisb
    336

    goodness)thestandardofwbicbistobenefitallsentientbeingsTobeselfisbandbenefitonlyourselvesis
    notgoodnessTbiswasMasterZhongfeng>sstandard
    fOrgoodandbad

    W}Iatdoes<(accumulatingmerits andgood
    fOrtunebygivingwealth}}mean? InBuddbism,givingisconsideredthe foremost
    practiceamongallthemethods.

    ThisisthewaytopracticefOrgoodfOrtuneInBudd}Iism>tbereareinfinitewaystopracticeForthesake
    ofsimplicity,Buddhismhasorganizedt}]eseinfinite
    waysintosixmajorpracticescalledtheSixParamitas
    TheBuddhaoftentaugbtt}IeSixParamitasofinfinite
    practices.Ifwesummarizethem,allsixbecomethe
    firstParamita:thatofgivingKeepingtl1eperceptsor
    moralselfdiscipline,andpatiencecanbothbeconsideredthegivingoffearlessnessDiligence,deepconcentration,andwisdomcanbeconsideredthegiving

    ofteaching.Thus,thethreetypesofgivingencompass
    allthemetlIodsofpracticeinBuddhism.
    NomatterhowmanyotherwaystlIerearetheyare
    allencompassedingivingIntheDmoIdStJZrH,tlIe
    Buddl1ataugl1tusnottobeattachedinourpracticeof
    giving.Tl1isistl1eultimateperfectguidelinefOralltbe
    waysofpractice

    TherefOre)togiveistopracticegoodfOrtune.TlIis
    istlIepracticeofBodhisattvas.Sincetl1eSixParamitasaretlIewaystopracticegoodfOrtune,wisdomisa
    337

    partofgoodfOrtuneWhenwepracticetlIegivingof
    teacl1ingwewillgainintelligenceandwisdom,wl1iclI
    isconsideredgoodfOrtuneWhenwepracticethe
    givingoffearlessness,wewillgainhealthy,longlives.
    Whenwepracticethegivingofwealtb,wewillgain
    wealthTbeChinesespeakoftheseastheFiveGood
    Fortunesofwealthandprestige,longevity,meritsand
    virtues>happinessandnoadversities,andagood
    deathAgooddeathisgoodfOrtunebecauseitcanin
    turnleadintoagoodrebirthAndthebestdeatlIisto
    diewhileclIantingaBuddhaIsnametobereborninto
    thePureLand:Duringmylifetime)Ihaveseenmany
    instanceswlIerethishashappened
    Ifwewisbtoattainperfecthappinessinthisworld,
    wewillnotgowrongifwepracticeaccordingtotl1e
    teachingsinthisbookIfwewishtoattainperfect
    bappinessbeyondthisworld,tbenweonlyneedto
    practiceaccordingtotbemrLZbStJZIH.Andifwe
    leadourlivesaccordingtotheguidelinesofbotbtbe
    hHnjLbSmrHandLiobfbmLessonswewill

    attainthegreatliberationinboththisworldandbeyondThus,weareencouragedlIeretopracticegood
    fOrtunethroughgiving
    Whatisgiving?Civingislettinggo.Awise
    personwlIounderstandsthisprinciplewould
    bewillingtogiveawayeverytbing,evento
    tl1epointoflettinggoofourattachmentsto
    tl1esixsenseorganswit}Iin.Externally,we
    338

    canalsogiveawaytl1atwhichweseehear,
    smell,tastetouclI,andthink

    Togiveistoletgo,togiveaway.Themorewegive>
    thefreerwewillbecome.<Awisepersonwl1ounderstandst}1isprinciple,)issomeonewhohastruewIsdom,likeaBodhisattva.Whenwespeakoflettinggo
    ofthesixsenseorgansandtheSixDusts,wearenot
    talldngaboutlettinggophysically.Howcanwedetach
    ourselvesfTomourphysicalbody?Evenifweareable
    todiscardourbody,itwillstillnotsolveourproblems.
    TherefOre,wlIenwespeakoflettinggooftlIesix
    senseorgans,wemeantodetachourselvesfromthe
    aspectofourmindT}Iismeansthatwedonothave
    anyattaclImentsordiscriminationsandarenot
    temptedbyexternalpbenomena.Welearninthe
    DjmoIdStJm,DonotattacbtofOrm-remainun-

    movedwithin.>Notattachingmeanslettinggoofthe
    sIsenses.Oncewehaveseveredourattacl1ments

    withinandwit}Iout)wewillnolongerbedeludedbut
    willhaveuncoveredourtruenatureandbecomeBuddhas.

    IninnumerablepastlifetimeswelIavebeendeludedandthusremainedmiredinsamsaraBut,fTom

    nowonwewillnotcreateanymorelife-and-death
    karmaTlIerefOre,thosewhoarewIsewillwantto
    transcendourworldofsuffering>tobemindfUlof
    BuddhaAmitabha)andtoberebornintotl1eWestern

    PureLandWewillmaintainclarityofmindandawait
    339

    BuddhaAmitabhatoescortustothePureLandwlIile

    wearealive,notdeadIfwecangotothePureLand
    afterwedie,thenitmeansthattbetranscendence

    ceremonyreallyworksActually,transcendingthe
    spiritfTomsufferingonlyhasalimitedeffect.Wecan
    onlyreducesuffering,nottranscendaspiritintotl]e
    PureLand

    Forexample,MasterBaozhiwastlIemanifestation
    ofAvaloldteshvaraBodbisattvaHetranscendedtbe

    spiritofEmperorLiangWudisfavoritewife.ButlIe
    couldonlytranscendlIerspirittothesecondlevelof
    theDesireHeavenandnofurther.Hecouldnothelp
    hertoberebornintothePureLandAlthoughwe
    wisbthatwecouldtranscendotherstoPureLand,it

    cannotbedoneItisonlyawishBeingreborninto
    thePureLanddependsonourbelief,vow,andpractice.So,wemustdoourbesttolearntbewaysof
    practicewbilewearestilll1ealthyandstrong,cbant
    AmituofO,andvowtoberebornintothePureLand

    ToletgoistodosofromthemindItistodetacl1
    ourselvesomtheFiveDesiresandtIeSixDustsof
    themindWeslIouldlearntonothaveattachmentsto

    ourbodiesorourmindsAsordinarypeople,weare
    filledwitbwandering)discriminatorythoughtsand
    attachments,andfinditextremelydifficulttosever
    tbem.TbePureLandwayofpracticeistoclIangeour
    thinkingsothatwearemindfUlonlyofBuddl1aAmitabha.ThenwewillfinallybefreeTrulycultivating
    theBodl1isattvawayisconcentratingonlyonBuddha
    340

    Amitab}]aandcl1antingonlyhisname.
    WecangiveawayanythingWhenwefind
    ourselvesunabletodosowecanbeginwith

    thegivingofwealthOrdinarypeopleregard
    theirclotlIingandfoodasdearlyastlIeir
    lives;t}IerefOre,tlIeyconsiderwealthtobeof
    theutmostimportance.WhenwegivespontaneouslywecancurestinginesswhilehelpingothersindireneedHoweverfOrmany
    thisisverydifficulttodo)especiallyatfirst.
    But,graduallytbemorewegivetlIemore
    naturalitwillbecome.Thisistl]ebestway
    tocureselfis}mess,andtoeradicateattacb-

    mentsandstinginess
    TlIeDmomfStJnHtellsus:EverytlIingwitbfOrm
    isillusoryandfalse.>Thisteachesustogive,toletgo
    andbefTeeofworriesandattacl]ments.Ifwefindit

    difficulttodothis,thenweneedtobeginbygiving
    awayourwealthsothatwearenotaffectedbyit.
    ThisisalsotlIemetlIodthattl]eBuddhataughtus
    toenableustoescapet}Iecycleofbirthanddeath>to
    transcendsamsara,andtotransfOrmourselvesfTom

    ordinarypeopletosages.Itisalwaysalittledifficult

    whenwefirstlearntogive)soweoftendosogrudginglyandmayfeelupsetandperhapsevenregretwhat
    wehavedone.Thisiswbenweneedtouseourwis-

    domandbedeterminedtograduallymakegivinga
    habituntilitbecomesnaturalEveryonewilleeri34l

    encesuchastageinhisorherlearningandcultivation.

    Aswegive,wewilleventuallyexperiencealesseninginworriesandstinginess>andwhenwenolonger
    attachtowealthoren>oyments>ourbodies,hearts,and
    mindswillfeelgreatcontentmentandliberation.This
    iswhenourtruenaturewillbegintobeuncoveredand
    wewillgaincompletecontentmentandfreedom.
    Thelawofcausalityneverchanges,eitherintl1is
    worldorbeyond;tbemorewealthwegive,themore
    wealthwewillgain.WedonotevenlmowwlIerethis
    wealthwillcomeom,butitwillcome.Themore

    teachingwegive)themorewisdomwewillgain,sowe
    donotwanttowithboldanyofourwealthorlmowledgePovertyistheresultofnotgivingwealthIgnoranceistheresultofnotgivingteaching,andillness
    andshortlivesaretheresultofnotgivingfearlessness.
    ThePiveCoodFortunesareallgainedthroughthe
    causeofgiving;tberefOre,togaintlIegoodresult,we
    mustpracticethegoodcauseItisawandering
    thoughttotlIinktbatwecangaintheresultwitl1out
    firstplantingthecauseThisisimpossible.

    Whatdoes<<protectingproperteaclIings)}
    mean?Formillionsofyears,properteacl]ingshavebeenastandardoftruthandprovidedspiritualguidancefOralllivingbeings.
    WitlIoutproperteachings)howcanweparticipateinandsupportthenurturingof
    34Z

    heavenandeartl>?Withoutproperteachings
    l1owcanwehelppeopletosucceedintheir
    practice?Howcanbeingsinalltherealms
    succeedintl1eirendeavorswithoutastan-

    dardtoliveby?HowcanwebefTeeofthe
    FiveDesirestheSixDusts>ourdelusions,

    ouraffIictions?Withoutproperteachings,
    howcanwesetastandardintheworldand

    l1elppeopletranscendsamsara?
    ProperteachingsarethepersonalaclIievementsof
    w1sesagestl1athavebeenprovenbyusingthestandardsoftruthandwisdom>suchasthosefoundinthe

    greatteachingsofConfilciusandBuddhaShakyamuni.Thisillustrateshowimportantitistoprotect
    theproperteachings
    InChina,wbenweprotecttlIeproperteachingswe
    firstsafeguardthoseofConfUcius,Mencius,Laozi,
    andZl1uangzi,66fOrtlIeyprovidethefOundationfOr
    Buddhism.Tl1iswasnoproblemduringLiaofanistime
    becauseallscholarsstudiedtheworkofConfUciusBy
    learningthefbrBookB,tl1efVBCssisandthe
    variousschoolsoftlIoughtthatweredevelopedover
    tl1ecenturies,everyonehadagoodfOundationin
    ConfUcianism

    WeneedtounderstandthistoseewhyBuddbismis
    currentlyundergoingdifficultiesandbasdeclinedAs
    itistheroot,ConfUcianismtauglItuslIowtoproperly
    conductourselvesIfwecannotevenbeagoodper33

    son,howcanwebecomeaBodhisattva,mucl1lessa

    BuddlIa?Ourlearningandpracticetobecome
    Buddl1asandBodhisattvasarebuiltonthefundation
    oftl1el1umanities.

    Althougbwemaynothavereadcompletelyt}Ie
    fbrBoowhichareGarLeanDoneof
    eMbaAnacandIBIcsweslIouldatleast
    readtbefirsttlIreesothatwewillknowhowtoconductourselves.TbisistbefOundationofBudd}Iism

    Wecancompilegoodexcerpts{Tomtl1ecommentaries
    omtl1epasttopresenttimesanddistributetlIem
    widely.Intbepast,theversionoftl1ebooksweprinted
    wastbestoneprintedbooksofCbina.Theyincluded
    thenon-copyrightedcommentaryofthefbrBooH
    writtenbythescholarZhuXiItwouldbegoodifwe
    printed,distributed,andadvocatedthem67
    Today,scboolsempbasizeteclmologyandhave
    largelyfOrgottenthehumanities.But,nomatterhow
    advancedourtechnology>ifwedonotstudythebumanities,thenastheancientpeoplequestioned,wlIat
    isthedifferencebetween}1umansandanimals?Ifwe

    donotknowmorality)benevolenceandl1onor,t}1en
    therewillbelittledifferencebetweenanimalsandus.

    Actually,l1umansaretlIecruelestofalltl1eanimals.
    Tl1erefOre,inordertol1elpallbeings,wemustbe
    helpedfirst.IfwecanturnbackfromthatwlIicbis
    badtodothatwhichisgood,thenallbeingswillbe
    fOrtunateandhappy.Onlythen,caneachbeing
    achievewhateachwants.Thisisthegoalofthesages
    31

    andtlIevirtuouspeopleineducatingandrefOrming
    sentientbeings.
    ProperteacbingsincludethoseofConfUciusand
    tbeBuddbaTheyhavebeentheStandardoftruthtl1at
    lIasprovidedguidancefOrthousandsofyears.Heaven
    andearthhavethemeritsandvirtuesofgivingriseto

    andnurturinginfinitethings.Heavengivesriseand
    tbeearthnurtures.Heavenandeartbhaveshown

    greatldndnesstoallbeings,sentientandnon-sentient.
    Onceweunderstandthis,notonlywillwenotharm
    tl1enaturalenvironment,wewilldoalltbatwecanto

    helpthenaturalecologicalbalancetobecomeperfect
    soastoenableallbeingstoreceivewhattlIeyneed.
    TlIemeritsofheavenandeartlIarevastandgreat.
    Thosewboaregenuinelymoralandlmowledgeable
    canparticipateinandsupporttheriseandnurturing
    oflIeavenandearthTheworld)swisesages,Buddhas)
    andBodhisattvasdojusttbisAsBuddhists,we>earn

    thatIfwecantransfOrmobjectsandbeingstlIenwe
    arejustlikeaBuddha.))

    TotransfOrmobjectsmeanstochangeourv1ews,to
    letgoofselfishness)andtoparticipateinthelightof
    thesky,earthsun,andmoon.Toletgoofourselfish
    nessandtowholeheartedlybelpallbeingsisthetrue
    cultivationBuddhasandBodhisattvaspropagatetbe
    teachingsandhelpallbeingsbyteachingthemhowto
    eliminatedelusionandattaintl1etruthItislike

    heavenandeartbnurturingallbeings.Themeritom
    thisisimmeasurable.WlIenweareabletotranscend
    35

    delusionandareliberatedomconfinement,wewill

    endallofourafflictionsandworries,uncoverour

    wisdom,andtransfOrmdelusionintoawakening.
    WecanusetbebehaviorofsagesandvirtuouspeopleasexamplesTl1eteachingsofsagesaretl1eclas-

    sicsandsutras.Thethoughts,wordsanddeedsof
    sagesarecorrectandwitbouterrorandsurpasstl1e
    dimensionsoftimeandspace.Thisiscalled<tl1e
    careerofthesagesandvirtuouspeoplefOrguidingtbe
    world>)WelmowthatBuddhistsutrassurpasstime

    andspace)becausethreethousandyearsagoBuddha
    Shalqamuniinstructedandhelpedthepeopleoftl1at
    time.Today,aswereadthesutras,westillfeelthat
    everysentencespokenbytheBuddhaislogicalandis
    tobepracticedaccordingly.ThisisespeciallytruefOr
    PureLandsutras,wlIichteachpeoplehowtotranscendthisworldbyattainingrebirthintotl1ePure
    Landinonelifetime.

    BuddlIismwasinitiallytaughtinIndiaandwasthen
    introducedintoChinaIndiaandChinaareverydif
    ferent,yetwhattl1eBuddhataughtwasfittingfOrbotl1
    countries.Andasitmovestowesternandwesternized

    countries,itisstillappropriate

    Similarly,tlIefb<IrBookBconsistofthetboughtsof
    ConfuciusandMencius,andaretheessenceoftl1e
    ChinesecultureConfuciusandMenciuslivedtwenty-

    fivehundredyearsago.Theirguidancebenefited
    individuals,families,society,andtl1eentirecountry
    AsthefbrBoAuareintroducedabroad,peoplein
    346

    otl1ercountriesnodtheirheadsinagreementafter
    understandingwhattheyteachTheseteachingsare
    timelessandbeyondtheboundariesofspace.Thisis
    whytheteachingsofConfUcius,Mencius,Laozi,and
    Zbuangziaresaidtosurpassthedimensionsoftime
    andspace,andaregenuinesutrasandteachingson
    howtoproperlygovernthecountry.Tberehavebeen
    manyteachingsonbowtogovern.UponcarefUlcomparison,wecanseethatthoseofConfUciusMencius,
    theBodhisattvas,andBudd}Iasareunsurpassed
    AmongalltheBuddbistsutrastheHirBLZbStJ
    nHisHawless,foritattainsthehighestlevel.The
    essenceoftraditionalChineseculture68iscontained
    withinthebJrBoMBThecontentsofthebr

    BoMBareverysimilartothatoftlIeAmsaaStJm,
    whichprovidesprinciples,methods,andbe}1aviorfOr
    ustoemulate.OfthefbIrBooDocheoFe
    MbaprovidestheprinciplesandGIarLeaIymg
    providesthemetbods.AIacandMbIciJstellusof
    thelivesofConfUciusandMenciusrespectively,and
    teacl]usbowtoapplytheprinciplesandmethodsin
    ourdailylivesThusAnacandMbncinsarejust
    likethefifty-threevisitsofSudhana,fOrtheyalso
    provideuswithgoodexamples.Andwetooaretobe
    goodexamplestohelpguideothers.
    Regardingtranscendingtbisworld,actuallythere
    arenoboundariesbetweenthisworldandtheone

    beyondThedifferencesbetweentbemlieinwhetlIer
    wearedeludedorawakenedWl1enawakened,we
    347

    transcend;but,witlIonetboughtofdelusion)weare
    againinthisworldWithanotlIerthoughtofawakening,weagaintranscend

    TlIerefOre)wl1eneverweseetemplesmemorials,orpicturesofpastvirtuouspeopleor
    sages,orBuddhisttexts,weshouldbere-

    spectfUl.Iftheyareinneedofrepairwe
    SlIOUldrepairthem.69
    Theteacbingsoftl>esagesbaveadirectbearingon
    tlIethouglItsofindividuals,trendsinculturalbehavior,theoverallwellbeingofagroup,andsocietal
    happinessandpeace.Sinceancienttimes,wIseand
    virtuouspeoplelIaveanalogizedtheteachingsoftl1e
    sagesastheguidancefOrheavenlybeingsandhumans.
    Howdoweprotectandupholdthem?BuddhistcentersareinstitutionsofBuddlIisteducationwl1ile

    sclIoolsareinstitutionsofworldlyeducationBoth
    needtobeprotectedandsustainedButtoday,sclIools
    havelargelyabandonedtheeducationofmoralityand
    t}IisiswhywehavesuchunlIappinessandsufferings.
    Ifwefailtoawakentothis,ourworldwillbede-

    stroyed
    AncientChinesesageswerelmowledgeableabout
    scienceandtechnologyandyettl>eycbosenotto
    continuedevelopmentofsuchlmowledgeWlW?They

    fOresawthatintbeend,tec}mologywoulddestroyour
    world.So)theycboseinsteadtoconcentrateonthe
    humanities,tolIelppeopledevelopwisdom,andto
    348

    understandandpracticemoralitytolIelppeoPlefully
    understandtl1erelationshipbetweenbumans,among
    humansandspirits,andamonghumansandnature,
    andtobecomeapersonwboisfearlessandindomitableOnlyinthiswaywillindividualseenencetrue
    happinessandwellbeingandwillcitizensandcountrieshaveagenuinefUture.Thisisgenuineeducation
    Intl1eearlyl9OOs,tlIeChinesegovernmentabolisl1edClIineseclassicseducation.Atthetime,many
    w1seandvirtuouspeoplefeltdeepsadnessThebad
    seedsthatwereplantedthenarenowbearingfruit.If
    evenafterwehavetastedthebadfruitswearestillnot

    awakenedthenwearelost.Tbiswayofthinkingcan
    destroycountriesandracesTlIeresultofourabolislIingChineseclassicseducationistl1edestructionof
    theproperteacl1ings!ForifConfucianandTaoist

    teachingscannotbesafeguardedthenMahayana
    BuddhismcannotbepropagatedBuddhismhasflourisl1edfOrtwothousandyearsinChinabecauseitwas
    basedontl1efOundationofConfucianismandTaoism.

    Buttodaywearediggingawaytherootsanddestroying
    thefOundationIftl1iscontinues,theteaclIingsofthe
    Buddbawillbecomemereemptywords.
    Wecanpropagateandpassontheproper
    teaclIings>andhelpotherstolearntl1eir
    value.IntlIisway)wecanrepayourgratitudetotheBuddha.Weshoulddoourbest

    andencourageotherstodosoaswell.
    39

    Weneedtohelppropagateproperteachingssucl1
    astl1oseofConfuciusandtheBuddhaandtoencour-

    ageotberstodosoaswellInthiswaywewillbenefit
    otbersandrepayourgratitudetotlIeBuddl1a.To
    accomplishthis)weneedtodotwothings.First,we
    needtol1elptrainDharmarepositorieswhocanproperlypropagatetl1eteacl1ings.Second,weneedto
    establishBuddhistcenterstoteachotl1ersandtoallow

    tl1emtohaveagoodeducationalenVronmentfOrboth
    learningandpracticing.Today)fewpeoplearepropagatingtheDl1arma,soinsteadofrelyingonotlIers,we
    needtodothisourselves.

    WeestablishaBuddl1istcenterinthel1opeofprovidingtheopportunityfOrmorepeopletoencounter
    andlearnBuddl>ism.Today,thebestwaytodothisis
    withtelevisionandtl1eInternetastheyl1avethepotentialtobringBuddl>ismintosomanyhomes.We
    caninvitecaringteacherstocboosethesutrastbat
    willbenefitsocietythemostandletthemtaketurns
    lecturing.SinceMal1ayanaBuddhismisbuiltontl1e
    fOundationofConfUcianismandTaoismwecan
    lecturefirstonthelbrBoo.Nextwelectureon

    MalIayanaBuddhism.
    Intl1isway)peoplewillbeabletothorougl1lyabsorb
    anddigesttl1eteachings;thus,preventingtbemom
    becomingmereemptywords.So,ifwetrulywishto
    helpBuddhismflourisl1)itwillbehelpfUltolearn
    abouttheClIineseclassicssuchastheteachingsof
    ConfUcius.WebeginbynurturingDharmareposito350

    riesandestablishingBuddhistcenters
    Establisl1ingsuchacenterdoesnotmeanspending
    alargeamountofmoneyonabuildingtl1atmayresult
    inendlesssquabblesandconHictsonceitiscompletedWhenthisl1appenstlIeeffOrtandeenditure
    willbecomemeaninglessWeneedtounderstandthat
    oncewebegintolearnandpracticeBudd}Iismand
    thenattainwisdom,wewillrealizethatwealtlIislikea
    puffofsmoke,aHeetingcloud,fornomatterbow
    muchwealt}1wehave,itisonlysomethingtosee
    Thinkaboutit,isthemoneywekeepinourbome
    reallyours?Ifitwere,wewouldbeabletokeepit
    insteadofpassingittosomeoneelse.Andyet,wl1en
    wereceivemoney,wepassitonItwasoursfOravery
    sl1orttime.T}Ius,weshouldnotplacemuchimportanceonwealth

    AfellowBuddbisttoldmethatafterhebadmadea

    milliondollarsinthestockmarket,heimmediately
    lostit.IaskedhimwlWbehadnotlistenedtoLo
    nfbJrLessonsLosingsomethingmeansthatwe
    werenotsupposedtohaveit,sothereisnoneedto
    worry.WeshouldneitlIerbehappywl1enwegain
    sometlIingnorunl1appywlIenweloseit.Todosoisa
    sadwasteoftime.T}1osewl1ounderstandtl1isand

    possesswisdomshouldinsteadusetlIeirprecioustime
    tochantaBuddl1a>sname.Weneedtounderstandthe

    principles.Ifwearediligentinourpracticeand
    propagatetheteachingstohelpothers,wewillgain
    infinitemeritsThenalltbeBuddhasandBodhisatt35l

    vaswillpraiseus
    ((

    WlIatdoesrespectingourelders)mean?It
    istomakeanextraeffOrttobeattentiveto

    andrespectfulofparents)oldersiblings
    leaders,superiors)elders)andthoseofgreat
    virtueandlearning.Whentaldngcareofour
    parentsathome,wearetodosogentlywith
    lovingheartsandobligingdemeanors.We
    slIouldnotraiseourvoicebutmaintaina

    peacefUlbearingAswecultivatethesev1rtues,tl1eywillbecomeapartofusandwe
    willchangeintoagentle-beartedperson.
    Thisistl1ewaywecantouchtl1el1eartsof
    heaven

    InancientClIina,tlIosewhotauglItyoungcl>ildren
    placedgreatimportanceonbasiceducation.They
    taughtfilia>piety)respect)andsincerity)fOrtl1eseare
    theoutlinesoftheteaclIings.TlIus,thecl1ildistlIe
    fatheroftl1emanfOrthecbaracternurturedinour

    childboodwillbecomeournaturewl1enwearegrown.
    Thisprovidestl1efOundationfOrthenurturingofsages
    andvirtuouspeoplewhowillprovidefOramoralsocietyandawiselygovernedcountry.
    Sinceancienttimes,thislIasbeentl1eCl1ineseso-

    cialtraditionTheChinesesaythateducationisessentialinestablishinganewgovernmenttrainingits
    leaders,andgoverningitspeopleIfthebasicquality
    ofeducationisnotclearlyrecognizedandimple352

    mented,incorrectviewscanbedestroytheentire
    culture,country,andevenitspeople!AlltlIegovernmentofficialsinancientChinastudiedtheworksof

    wIsesagesandvirtuouspeople.Evenifsomehad
    selfishintentions,theirwrongdoingswereprobably
    limitedTbeywouldhaveonlybenttherulesonlyso
    mucbbefOretheystartedfeelingregretfUlToday
    sexualmisconduct,wrongdoings,evencriminalacts
    areallviewedasmatteroffact.Wenolongerhavea
    sl1amefUlheartorfeelremorsefUl.Wehavelostour

    senseofmoralityandourconscienceAndthisis

    deeplytroublingbecauseallthatseparatesusom
    animalsisagoodbeart.
    HopefUllyfel<owBuddbistswillrealizethatsincerityandrespectaretlIegatewaytoandthefOundation
    fOrpracticingBuddhism.Sincerityandrespectare
    cultivatedwitl1inourfamily.Atl1ome>wearefilialto
    ourparentsandrespectfUlofoureldersandsiblings
    Accomplishingthiswillenableustobeinaccordance

    witbsuperiorsandtobediligentanddependablein
    meetingourresponsibilitiesasindividuals,membersof
    society,andascitizensAsLiaofansaid,l1abitsbecomeournatureOnceagoodhabitisfOrmed,our
    heartswillbegentleandthiswilltoucl1theheartof

    lIeaven,fOrwhenwearepeacefUl,kind,andagreeable,
    wewillmovetl1ebeingsandspiritsofheavenand
    earth

    Today,webavefOrgottentl1eetbicalteacbingsof
    tl1ehumanrelationsl1ipsandsowearenolongerl1on353

    orable.Instead,mostpeoplearemiredingreed,anger
    ignorance,andarrogance.Malevolentspirits,beings,
    anddemonshavedescended.Why?Ourimproper
    thinkinghasfOrmedaconnectionwithtlIemsonaturallyBuddhasandBodhisattvaswillnotcome.Humansl1avealreadybeencommittingwrongdoings,but
    nowtlIerearemalevolentspiritsanddemonscreating
    chaosaswell!

    T}IisiswhyourworldwillhavedisastersofincreasingseverityandfTequencyandwhenthishappens,
    theremaybemanydeaths.Onlywhenwepersonally
    eeriencethesegraveoccurrenceswillwebeawak
    enedfromdelusionandimpropervIews,regretour
    wrongdoings,andreturntotbeproperpathItistruly
    regrettablethat<small>disasterscannotbringthis
    about;itwilltakeamajordisastertoawakenusThis
    isunavoidable.

    Weneedtostudyhistoryandviewthechaosinthe
    worldomahistorianIsviewpointsoastorealizetl1e
    sourceofgoodoccurrencesaswellasdisastersThis
    willenableustodetecttheoccurrencesofanyeffects
    duetothelawofcausalitybeforetheylIappen.Wl1at
    arepeoplethinkinganddoingtoday?Knowingthiswe
    willlmowthefuture.Theresultsthatwearecurrently
    seeingcomefromcausescreateddecadesagoandtl1e
    resultsofthecausesthatwearenowrepeatedlycreatingwillbeseenintwotothreedecades.
    Previouslytl1eseedstlIatwereplantedmighthave
    takensevenoreightdecadestomaturebuttoday,tl1e
    354

    escalationoftl>esebadcausesisresultinginasborteningofthematurityperiodandanincreaseinmagni-

    tude.Thisisborrifying!Goodcauseswillalwaysresult
    ingoodconsequencesandbadcauseswillalways
    resultinbadconsequences.Theprincipleofcause
    andeffectiscorrectandinevitable.

    Wbenworldngforoursuperiorsortl1egovernmentweshouldfOllowtherulesandnot
    doaswepleasejustbecauseoursuperiorsdo
    notlmOwwlIatwearedoing.
    BefOreweconvictsomeoneofacrime,re-

    gardlessofwhetherthecrimeisseriousor
    not,weshouldinvestigatecarefullyandbe
    just.Weshouldnotabusepowerorbecruel
    becauseoursuperiorsdonotlmowwbatwe
    aredoing.WhenwitlIoursupervIsor,we
    shouldsbowhimorherthesamerespectas

    ifwewerefacingtheheavens<Astheproverbsays,><ThisisthecoITectbebavior
    l1andeddownomourancestors.Itl1asan

    importantbearingonourhiddenvirtues.
    Lookatallthefamilieswhopracticedloyalty
    andfilialpietyTheirdescendantsprospered
    fOralongtimeandhadbrightfutures.We
    canfOllowtheirexampleandpracticewith
    caution

    Apersonwhocultivatesthevirtuesofloyaltyand
    355

    filialpietywillhavedescendantstolastfOralongtime,
    buttoday,parentsandcl1ildrenaremorelikecompanions`ChildrennolongerrespecttlIeirparentsorfeel
    gratitudefrallthattheyhavedoneTbisisdestroying
    moralprinciples.ConfUcianismandTaoismteaclIus
    thatethicalprinciplesarethenatureofvirtueanda
    closeexaminationofBuddhismwillsbowtl1atitisthe

    revelationofthevirtuousnature.Sagesandvirtuous
    peopledonotexperienceselfis}mess,sot}Ieyhave
    revealedtheirvirtuousnature.

    ConfUcianismisalsotherevelationofourvirtuous

    truenature.Wbenthistruenatureisrevealeditwill
    bethesameasthatofConfucius.Itisthesameas

    light.WlIenanotlIer)slightsup,minedoesaswell.
    OnelightinterminglingwitlIanotlIerlighttobecome
    oneistherevelationofthetruenatureThisistrue

    greatnessistrulyinconceivable)andistheperfectand
    virtuoustruenature

    Filialpietyandrespectarethetoolsweusetorevealourvirtuoustruenaturetobecomeenligl1tened
    InBuddhism)itissaidtbatthemostimportantrequirementfOruncoveringourtruenatureistogive
    risetotl1eBodhimindTbesameistruefOrConfU-

    cianismfOritalsoteachesustopracticethesincere
    andvirtuousmindWeneedtol1onestlyinteractwith
    otlIersandcircumstanceswithfilialty)respect>and
    sincerity.Todothingsquietlybyourselvesisthegenuinewaytopracticegoodnessandaccumulatemerits.
    AsLiaofansaidfilialpietyandrespecthaveanimpor356

    tantbearingonourhiddenvirtues.

    Tl1erealityofcausalitycanbewitnessedthrough.
    outhistory.Donotthinktbatotherswillnotlmow
    whatwethinkordo.Otherpeoplemaynotlmowbut
    thebeingsandspiritsofbeavenandeartl1andalltl1e
    BuddhasandBodbisattvaswilllmow.

    LiaofantoldusearlierthattorefOrmandcoITect

    ourfaults,weneedtl1eshamefi1lheart>tl1efearful
    lIeart,andthedetermined,courageousl1eart.Tobecomeasage)avirtuouspersonaBodhisattvaora

    Buddha,wesimplyneedtotrulygiverisetothese
    threeheartstorealizeourgoalsintlIislifetime.
    Whatdoes<loVngandcherishingallliving
    things))mean?Acompassionateheartmakes
    aperson.Apersonseekingthevirtuesofloving-kindnessandcompassioncultivateshis
    orl1er}1eartofcompassion.Apersonwl1o
    wantstoaccumulatemeritsalsocultivatesa

    compassionateheart.

    AcompassionateheartcaresfOrallbeingsand
    tlIings.Whenweseeanimalssuffering,wenaturally
    feelsympatlIyfOrtl1em.DoweaI1avethisl1eartPYes,
    everyonedoesIfweshedtearswhilewatchingasad
    movietl1isistl1ecompassionatel1eartWeareempatheticevenwbenweknowthattlIemovieisnotreal!

    So,itgoeswithoutsayingthatwhenweseerealpeople
    oranimalssuffering,wewilltrytohelpthem.
    NotonlydohumanbeingspossesstlIeheartof
    357

    compassion,animalsdotoo.Thisistrulytl1evirtuous
    originalnature.Thenatureofanimalsisnodifferent
    omoursbutbecausetIeyareevenmoredeeply
    deludedtl1anwearetheyhavebeenbornasanimals.
    Allt}1ebeingsintl1eTenDharmaRealmssl1aretl1e
    sametruenature.TlIisiswhytheBuddl1a,inthe
    Mal1ayanasutras,spokeof<<unconditionalgreatcompassionandthekindnessofrealizingthatweareone
    entity.>,
    ThecompassionateheartistlIeheartofgreatloving-kindnessandistlIerevelationoftlIetruenature.It
    iswbatapersoninsearcboftlIevirtuesofcompassion
    andtheaccumulationofvirtuesisseeking.ItisbroadeningthehearttoloveandcarefOrotbers,totrulybe
    abletoloveallbeingsandobjectsandtodoourbest
    tol1elpthem.
    ItisstatedintheBooARBs:Inanuary
    wl1enmostanimalsbeartheiryoung,females

    oftl1especiesarenottobeusedfOrsacrificialpurposes.
    ))

    Inthepast,tl1reeanimalswereusedinma]orsacrificialceremonies:cows,sheep>andpigs.Outofcom-

    passionfemaleswerenotusedfOrofferingsthatwere
    madeintbespringbecauseifthefemaleanimalwas
    pregnanttwoliveswouldhavebeentaken.
    Menciusoncesaid:Anhonorableperson

    willnotgonearthekitchen.})TlIisistopro358

    tectacompassionateheart.

    ThepurposeofMenciussayingthisisthesameas
    tbatoftl1eBuddhateachingoftlIe<threepuremeats.
    Wedonoteatanimalsifwesaworbeardtheldlling)
    oriftheanimalwaskilledfOrus.

    Itwastl1ecustominIndiatogofToml1ouseto
    houseacceptingfoodofferingsandtoeatwhatever
    wasprovided:nodiscrimination,attacl1ments,or
    preferencesToacceptandeatwhateverisofferedis
    truecompassion,accordingwitlIconditions,andnot

    seekingaffinities.70
    WhentheDharmamasterswereinvitedtoClIina,

    theCl1ineseviewedthepracticeofaskingfOrfOodas
    begging.Itwouldhavebeeninappropriatetotellthe
    masterstogooutandbegforfOod)soinstead,tbey
    wereofferedfoodinthepalacesThepracticeofgoing
    outtoaskfOrfOodneverreallytookholdinCbina
    However)tl1ethreepuremeatsrulewasalwaysobservedw}IenofferingfOodtotheDharmamasters.
    EmperorWuoftl1eLiangdynastyinitiallyadvocatedvegetarianismfOrBuddhists.Today)mostCl1inesepractitionerswhethertheyaremonasticsorlaypeoplearevegetariansHoweverthetraditionofBuddl1ismistopracticethethreepuremeatsruleandnot
    vegetarianismVegetarianismprotectsnatureaswell
    astbecompassionateheart.Itistl1epracticeoflovingldndnessfOrallbeingsandthings.Whenweunderstandthatitisalsothebestandhealtl1iestfOodwe
    359

    willseethatitisworthoureffOrtstoadvocateits

    practice

    MenciustaughtusnottogoneartlIekitchen,so
    thatwewillnotseeorhearthekillingandwillbe
    moreateasewheneating.But,thecompassionate
    heartwouldstillbeuneasyItisbesttonoteatthe
    fleshoflivingbeings,especiallytodaywbenweoften
    }Iearofmeatcontainingtoxinsthatcausestrange
    diseases.AncientpeoplesaidtlIatillnessenters
    througl1tbemouthMr.LiBingnanoftensighedashe
    saidthatpeopleweretakingpoisonatallthreemeals.
    Howcanwenotgetsick!
    Ouranestorsdidnoteatmeatunderfour

    circumstances:iftlIeybeardthekilling,saw

    tbekilling,lIadtheanimalkilledorraised
    theanimalthemselves.Ifwecannotyetstop

    eatingmeat,wecanstillfOllowtl1esefOur
    guidelines.Inthisway,wearegraduallyincreasingourcompassion.Wesl1ouldnot
    onlyrefrainfromkillinganyanimals,butinsectsaswell)fOrtlIeyarealsolivingcreatures

    Manmakessilkfromtbecocoonsofsilkwormsthathavetobeboiledinwaterwithtl1e

    silkwormsinside.Wl1enwecultivatetl>eland

    fOrfarming,howmanyinsectshavetobe
    killed?Weneedtobeawareofthecostin

    livesinvolvedinourfOodandclotlIing.Weldll
    360

    toprovidefOrourselvessotowastefOodand
    clothingisasseriousanoffenseaskilling
    Thisspeaksoftl1etlIreepuremeatswitl1anadditionalrulethatmonasticsmaynotraiseanimals.To
    raiseldll,andeatanimalsistrulyunacceptable.Ifwe
    cannotbecomevegetarianwecanpracticetl1etl1ree
    puremeatsandtl1efOurcircumstantialmeatsrulesto
    cultivatecompassionatehearts
    Ourlifespansinthisworldareshort,onlyafew
    decadeslong;yet,inordertonurtureourselvesweldll
    others.Wearesteepedindebttoallbeings,regardless
    ofwhetl1erwel1aveharmedtl1emintentionallyor
    unintentionally.Imaginehowmuchnegativekarmawe
    bavecreated!ThisiswlIytheBuddhasaid:(Ifnegative
    lKarmahadshapeandvolume,theneventheentire
    universecouldnotcontainitOnlywhenwerealize
    tlIatwel1aveaninconceivableamountofMrmicob

    stacleswillwebecomemorecareful.Howcanwebe

    responsiblefOralllivingbeingsbetweenheavenand
    earth?Donotkill,becareful)anddonotwasteanything.
    ModernpeopleadvocateconsumptionbysayIng
    tl1atifpeopledonotspendmoneytlIenfactories
    wouldcloseandeconomieswouldcollapse.Doyou
    believethis?IfMasterZhongfengheardthislIewould
    sayNotnecessarily.))Actually)tlIisisincorrectfOr
    manycountriesthatpromoteconsumptionandthus
    wasteareexperiencingdecliningeconomies
    36l

    Onlythroughtbriftwillpeopleandourworldbecomewealthy,prosperous,andpeaceful.Ifnoone
    savesmoney,l1owcancountriesbecomeprosperous
    andstrong,andcitizenslIavestablelives?Whenwe
    findourselvesoutofworkandwitl1outsavmgsjwewill
    havetodependonthecountryfOrfinancialaidand
    tl1usincreaseitsfinancialproblems.Ifl1oweverwe
    areintl1el1abitofsav1ng,tbenevenifwebecame
    unemployedorsufferadversities>wecanstillmaintain
    ourselvesBeingawareoftbis)wewillvalueourresourcesandstrengths.
    Howoftenhaveweunlmowinglyharmedor

    steppedonalivingcreature?Weshoulddo
    ourbesttopreventtl1isfroml1appening
    againAnancientgreatpoetoncewrote:
    orloveoftl1emice,weoftenleavethem

    somenceandinpityingthemotlI)wewill
    notlightthelamp))Thisiscompassion!
    Today,mostpeoplewouldstronglydisagreewitl1
    this.Howcanwe<(lovemice))?T}1eyarel1armfultous
    andmustbeexterminatedMostpeopledonotunder-

    stand.Whenwekillmice,tlIeywillseekrevengeand

    tl1iscycleofrevengewillcontinuegrowIngworseeach
    time.Killingsolvesnothing.Aretberenoothersolutions?Tl1ereisnosucl1tl1ingaswalkingawayunpunisl1edfTomamurderornotrepay1ngourdebts.By
    understandingthatcauseandeffectconnectsourpast,

    presentandfuturelives,wewillneveragainl1armany
    362

    ofmind
    livingbeingsThisis}Iowweattainpeaceof
    cansolve
    Onlytruesincerity,purity)andcompassionca>

    ourseeminglyinsurmountableproblems.

    Icannotbegintotalkofalltheinfinitetypes
    ofgoodness.IfwecanexpandthetenprevIouscategories)wecanmakethemintoa
    multitudeofgooddeedsandvirtues

    363

    TheFourthLesson:

    TheBenefitsoftbeVirtueofHumility
    AImgancersAmU
    ZHiJmiUsBBIer

    FiveAccountsofVirtuousPeople

    Humilityenablesustopreserveourgoodrewards.
    WitlIoutitwewilllosewhatwelIaveaccumulated
    andallofoureffOrtswillhavebeeninvain.Weneed

    torelyonhumilityfOritenablesustopreserveour
    goodness.

    TheDamomStJnHelainsthatweshoulduse
    endurancetopreservewhatwel1aveaccumulated
    omourpracticeofgiving.Ifwecannotendure,tl1en
    nomatterhowmuchwelIavecultivatedandaccumu-

    lated,allwillbelost.Confuciusalsotaughtthattbe
    waytoretainwhatwehavecultivatedistopracticethe
    virtueofhumility.
    IntlIeJCmthelIexagramfOrhumility
    statedthat:{Thelawsofheaventa>Kehom

    thearrogantandbenefitthehumble.Tl1e
    lawsofeartbbringHowingwaterhomareas
    thatarefulltotlIosethatarelowerasit

    passesby.Andthelawsofspiritsbringharm
    totlIosewlIoarearrogantandgoodfOrtune
    totl1osewhoaremodest.Eventl1elawsof

    36

    peopledespisethosewhoarearrogantand
    preferthosewhoaremodest))
    Agoodexampletohelpusunderstandthelawsof
    heavenistbewax1ngandwaningofthemoon.Once
    tlIemoonisfull,itbeginstowane.BefOreitbecomes
    fUllagain,itgetsbrighterandbrightereachday.T}Iis
    gradualincreaseistl1evirtueof}IumilityFromtl1is,
    wecanunderstandnaturallawsandthewillof
    }Ieaven.

    TlIelawsofeartharenaturallaws.Forexample,
    waterwillmovefTombigl1erareasthatarefilledto
    thosethatarelowerThelawsofspiritscanbeseenin
    thebehaviorofsomespiritsWhentheyseethatwe
    bavebecomesuccessfUl)theybecomejealousandtry
    tocauseproblemsfOrus;but,whenwearedestitute)
    theyfeelsorryandtrytohelpusPeoplearetlIesame.
    Thelawsofpeopleprefermodestytoarrogance
    DuringtheQingdynasty,ZengGuofanwhoheld
    thehighestpostasgovernor-generaloffOurprovmces,
    wasalmostlikeanemperorofasmallregion.Well-

    educatedheknewthathehadalreadyadvancedvery
    highandthatthiswasnotgoodsohenamedhisstudy
    TheRoominWhiclIImperfectionisSoug}1t.))
    Mostpeopleseekperfection,butMrZengsought
    moderation.HesouglIttolackalittle,tonothavetoo
    muchHebelievedtbatasoneIspositionwaselevated,
    oneshouldbemoremodest.Inthisway,hewasable
    tomaintainwl1atheaccumulatedDuetohisaccumu-

    365

    latedmeritsvirtuousconductandthefOllowingofbis
    teaclIingbyhisdescendants,tbefamilyl1asremained
    prosperous.

    IntlIeJCmonlythehumilityl1exagram
    containssOlelygoodoutcomes

    TheICmgbassixtyfourpossiblel1exagrams.
    Everyoneoftheelanationsorpredictionshastl1e
    possibilityofgoodfOrtuneandmisfOrtuneinvariably
    mixedOnlythel1exagramfOrlIumilityHighMountainUndertbeGround-hasnopossibilityformisfOrtune.Thus,thehigherwearethemoremodestwe
    needtobe.

    TheBoAfsDyalsoelained;WlIile
    arroganceinVtesdisaster,humilitygains
    benefit.))

    Thosewl1oaretlIemostmodestreceivethemost

    benefitsandadvantages.
    IoftenwenttotaketlIeexaminationsac-

    companiedbyothersandeverytimeIwould
    meetscholarswbowereverypoor.Irealized
    tl1atbefOretlIeypassedtheexaminationsand
    becameprosperoustheirfacesradiatedsucb
    lmmilitytlIatIfeltIcouldalmostholditin
    myl1ands.
    Basedonl1isowneeriences,LiaofanfOundthat
    366

    tbeICmgandtheBoMfSoIywerecorrect.At
    everyimperialexaminationtbatheandhiscompan=
    ionsl1adattended,tbosewl1owerethemostmodest

    passedRealizingthis,becouldevenpredictwho
    wouldpass

    Severalyearsago,tenofusfromthevillage
    wenttotakethepreliminaryimperialexaminationTheyoungest)Ding]ingyuwasextremelyhumble.Itoldoneoftheapplicants)

    Fei]inpo,that}ingyuwouldundoubtedly
    passtlIeexamination.Fei>inpoaskedhowI
    couldtellandItoldhim:IIOnlytbosew}Io
    arehumblereceivegoodfOrtune.Myiend,
    lookatthetenofus.Isthereanyoneashonest)generous,anduncompetitive)as]ingyu?
    DoyouseeanyonewboisasrespectfUl,tolerant>carefUl)andbumbleas>ingyu?Doyou
    seeanyonelikebim,wbowheninsulteddoes
    nottalkbackorwhowhenslandereddoes

    notargue?

    AnypersonwhocanachievesuchlIumility
    willreceiveprotectionfTomtheearth,
    heaven,andspirits.Thereisnoreasonl1e
    willnotbecomeprosperous))Sureenougb,
    whentl1etestresultscameoutDing}ingyu
    hadpassed
    Oneyear,Liaofanwentwithseveralotherstotake
    367

    theexamination.Hecommentedthatbasedonhis

    observationsDing]ingyu>whowastl]emosthumble>
    wouldpassdespitebisyouthbecausehewasrespectfUlandmodestararepersonindeedwhoremained
    undisturbedandtolerantevenwlIenhumiliatedor

    offendedTl1osewitlIgreattolerancepossesstremendousgoodfOrtune.
    OneyearinBeijing,Istayedwithacl1ild-

    l1oodfTiend,FengKaizhi.Alwaysl1umble,he
    hadakindandaccommodatingappearance.
    HewasnolongerthearrogantpersonIhad
    lmownyearsago.HisfTiend>Li]iyan,was
    verybluntandoutspolKen,andoftenscolded
    l1imfOrl1ismistakes,butKaizl1ijustcalmly
    acceptedtheaccusationswithouttalldng
    back

    FengKaizhihadbecomeacompletelydifferentperson.Li]iyanagoodfriendoflIiswouldimmediately
    criticizeKaizhiassoonaslIenoticedanyfaults.Itdid
    notmattertoKaiz}]iwhetber]iyanwasriglltorwrong
    incorrecting}1im,fOrl]eacceptedeveryonescriticism.
    Ifwehaveafaultweneedtocorrectit,ifwedonot

    weneedtoguardagainstitandcorrectanymistakes
    thatwehavemade.WhencorrectedfOranon-enstent

    faultwesl1ouldnotbecomeresentfulbecauseitis

    goodtobeadmonishedActua>ly,onlythosewho
    reproachusgenuinelycareaboutus.WewouldreproachourclIildreniftheymakemistakes.SowlWdo
    368

    wenotadmonishthoseofourneighbors?Remember
    tlIataltlIoughanaccusationmaybeunjustitstill
    comesfromaheartofloving-kindnessWeneedto

    acceptcriticismwillinglyandtobegratefUlfOrthe
    teaching.

    ItoldKaizhi:Tustastherearesignsthattell
    ofcominggoodfOrtuneormisfOrtune,we
    canseet}1atprosperityoradversitycometo
    thosewhohavecultivatedtheircauses.

    Heavenwillhelpthosewhoseheartsare
    humble.You,myfriend,willdoubtlesspass
    theimperialexaminationthisyear!),Later,
    hedidjustthat.

    LiaofantoldhimthatgoodfOrtuneandmisfOrtune
    couldbepredictedLiaofanhadmasteredtheartof
    prediction.Butknowinghowtopredictapersons
    goodfOrtuneormisfortuneisstillsecondary.Whenwe
    endourerroneouswaysandaccumulatemeritsand
    virtues,werewriteourdestinies

    TlIerewasayoungmanfromShandong
    provIncenamedZbaoYufengwbopassedthe
    preliminaryleveloftl1eimperialexaminationsbefOrehewaseventwentyButtryas
    hemight,hecouldnotpassthesucceeding
    examinations.Wl]enhisfatl1ermovedto]iasl1antoacceptanothergovernmentpost
    Yufengwentwitl]lIimandcametogreatly
    369

    admireawell-lmownscholarintlIevillage
    namedQianMingwu.
    YufengbrougbthisworlMoMr.Qianwbo
    pickeduphiscalligraphybrus}Iandmade
    manycorrectionstotheessay.Notonlywas

    YufengnotangryhegratefUllyacceptedall
    ofMr.Qian)scorrectionsandimmediately
    madetherecommendedclIangesTl1efOllowingyear,YufengpassedtlIeimperialexamination.

    Ifthisl1appenedtous,wewouldprobablyfeelterribleorbecomeoffendedEvenifourworkwerenot

    thatgood,surelyitwouldnotdeservethatmanycorrections!NotonlydidYufengnotbecomeangry)he
    wasextremelygratefulandhumble,fOrhesincerely
    wantedtolearnfromMr.QianBecauseofl]ismodesty,respectfulness,anddiligence,hemadesignificant
    improvementandpassedtl1eexaminationtl1efOllow1ngyear

    Oneyear,Iwenttothecapitaltopaymyrespectstotheemperorandmetascholar
    namedXia]iansuowhohadalltlIequalities
    ofagreatmanwithoutatraceofaITogance.
    Ifelttl1eintenseauraofhisvirtueandlm-

    mility.Wl1enIreturnedhomeItolda
    fTiend:<(Wl1enlIeavenwantsapersonto
    prosper,itfirstbestowshimwitl1wisdom
    370

    thatcanmakeapompouspersonhonestand
    welldisciplined]iansuoisgentlekindand
    goodSurely,lIeavenwilInowmakel1im
    prosperous))Sureenough,whenthetestresultscameout)>iansuohadpassedtbeexamination.

    Itwasintheyearthatbewenttomeettheemperor
    thatLiaofanmetXia]iansuoandwasstruckbyhis
    lIumilityandrespectfulnessTheimportantmessagein
    thisaccountistlIatbefOreheavengivesusgoodfortune,itfirstgivesuswisdom.Ifwelackwisdom)tlIen
    regardlessofourcultivation,wewillnotaccumulate
    goodfOrtuneTbereisrealandfalsegoodfOrtuneas
    wellasbalfandfull.Ifwefailtounderstandthedif

    ferencesbetweenthem>wewillcommitseriousof-

    fenses,allthewlIilebeIievingthatoureffOrtsare
    worthyofmerit.
    Themostimportantpointistolearnandunderstandwhatafieldofmeritissothatwewilllmowhow

    toproperlyaccumulategoodfortune.Onceweuncoverourwisdom>wewillnaturallyrestrainourselves,
    aswebecomecalmanddignified,kindandmodest,
    respectfUlandgentle.BypossessingthesecharacteristicsXiaJiansuopassedtheexamination.

    TherewasascbolarnamedZlIangWeiyan
    fromJiangyinwhowaswelleducated,wrote
    goodessaysandwaswelllmownamong
    scholars.Oneyear,whiletakinghisexamina37l

    tioninNanjing,hestayedatatempleWlIen
    thetestresultswerepostedandlIefOund
    thathebadfailed,hebecamefUriousand

    loudlyaccusedtheexaminerofbeingblind
    toobvioustalent.

    ATaoistmonkwhosawthisbegantosmile
    Weiyanimmediatelyredirected}IisangertowardstlIemonkwhosaidtheessaymustnot

    begoodWeiyangotevenangrieranddemandedhowheknewitwasnotgoodwl1en
    hehadnotevenreadit!TheTaoistreplied
    thathelIadoftenheardtlIattheprimaryelementinwritinggoodessayswasapeacefUl
    mindandalIarmoniousdispositionWeiyanIsloudandangryaccusationsclearly
    slIowedtlIathismindanddispositionwere
    violentsolIowcouldhepossiblywritewell
    WeiyanacceptedthisandaskedfOrtheTaoist)sadvice.
    TheTaoist

    explainedtbatgoodwritingonlycomes
    <landbarmoniousmindbutWeiyanwas
    fTomapeacefulandharmoniousmindbutWeiyanwas
    badtemperedandarrogant.Fortunately,Weiyanwas
    alsointelligentsoherecognizedthelogicinwhatthe
    TaoistsaidandaskedfOrhisadvice.Promthis,wecan

    seetl1atWeiyanwascapableofchangeonceherealizedthat}Iewasatfault.Thisistruelearningand
    practice

    372

    TheTaoistsaidtlIatwhetherornotone

    passesdependsondestiny.Ifsomeoneisnot
    destinedtopass,thennomatterlIowgood
    t}IepaperislIeorshewillfail
    ThelawofcausalityisinfallibleWhetherwepass

    orfaildependsonourdestiniesnotontbequalityof
    whatwehavewritten.Itisthesamewithwealth,

    fame,andsoon,fOreverytbingdependsonourdestiniesandnotonhowweplanandmanageourlives
    Whenpeoplearedestinedtobewealthy)itdoesnot
    matterwl1etberornottheylmowlIowtoobtain
    wealth;theywilljustreceiveit.Iftheyarenotdestined
    tobecomewealtl1y)thenregardlessofwl1attl1eydo,
    tl1eywillfail
    Today)peoplewhodonotknowoforbelieveindestinythinkthattheycancommitallkindsofoffenses)
    andstillobtaingoodresultsandgoodfortune.Where
    istl1elogicinthat!Wbyisittl1atinancienttimes,
    mostpeoplecouldseetheresultsfromtl1eiroffenses
    quickly,wlIiletoday,wedonotseemtosufferom
    ourwrongdoings?Peoplearecommittingsomany
    offensestl1attherearetoomanytoletusreceiveour
    retributionsonebyone,sothedebtswillbecollected
    allatonetime

    OureducationabilitiesgoodfOrtune,longlives,a
    peacefuldeath-everything-dependsondestinyand
    changingitistl1ewisestthingwecando.Ifwefailto
    understandandseekwhatwearenotmeanttohave,
    373

    thenallofourtimeandeffbrtswillbewastedTl1is

    wouldbetragic.
    WhentbeTaoistconcludedtl1atWeiyan
    neededtomakesomecl1anges,Weiyan
    askedhowhecouldcl1angedestiny.The
    Taoistrepliedthataltboughthepowerto
    fOrmourdestiniesliesintheheavensthe

    riglIttochangethemlieswit}Iinus.Aslong
    aswepracticegoodnessandcultivatel1idden
    virtues,wewillreceivewbatweseek

    IfWeiyanwantedtochangehisdestiny,hehadto
    dojustasMasterYunguhadtaughtLiaofanLiaofan
    hadlearnedthathealonecouldchangehisdestiny.If
    webreaktl1ebadhabitofcommittingoffensesand
    insteadcultivategoodnessandaccumulatemerits,
    thenwecreatetl1evariablestochangedestiny.But,if
    wefailtodothiswewillremainboundbydestiny.

    Weiyansaidthathewasonlyapoorscholar
    andquestionedhisabilitytodopractice
    goodness.Tl1eTaoistexplainedthatpracticinggoodnessandaccumulatingl1iddenvirtuesdependedontheheart.Aslongasone
    intendedtopracticegoodnessandaccumulatevirtues)themeritswouldbeinfinite!He
    usedtheexampleofthevirtueoflmmility
    thatcostnothing.Weiyanneededtolook
    withininsteadofberatingtl1eexaminerfOr
    374

    beingunfair.

    TbeTaoistsaidthatmoneywasnotnecessaryto
    practicegoodness.Veryoften)thosewhoarepoorare
    abletoaccumulategreatmeritswhilethewealtlWmay
    notnecessarilydoso.TheTaoistusedWeiyanIsbel1aviorasanexample,sayingtbatWeiyanhadbeenvery
    arrogant.Ifl1ecouldinsteadbemodest>tl1enhewould
    bevirtuousanditwouldcosthimnotl1ing.Wl1enhe
    failedanexamination)lIeshouldnotblametheexami-

    nationofficial)butreHectuponlIimselfandchange.It
    isobvioustlIatgoodorbad,goodfOrtuneormisfOrtuneitallliesinaninstantofthougl1t.
    WeiyanlistenedtotlIeTaoistmonkand
    omthenonsuppressedhisarrogance.
    Everyday>hetriedhardertopracticegoodnessandtoaccumulatemoremerits

    Onenigl1tthreeyearslater)hedreamtthat
    hehadenteredaverytallhouseandsawa
    bookwitbmanynamesaswellasmany
    blanklines.Heaskedtl1epersonnexttol1im
    aboutitandwastoldtl>atthenamesbe-

    longedtotheapplicantswbohadpassedthe
    examinationthatyearWl1enWeiyanasked
    aboutalltl1eblanlKlineshewastoldthattbe

    spiritsoftheunderworldcheckedontheapplicantseverythreeyears.OnlytlIenamesof
    thosewhowerefaultlessandpracticed
    375

    goodnessremainedintheboolK.Tbeblank
    lineshadcontainedthenamesofthosedes-

    tinedtopass,butduetorecentoffenses,
    tl1eirnamesbadbeenremoved

    Thepersonpointedtoablanklineandsaid
    thatfrtl1epastthreeyearsWeiyanhad
    beenverycarefulandsodisciplinedthatl1e
    l1adnotmadeanymistakes.Perl>apshis
    namewouldItheblankHehopedthat
    Weiyanwouldvaluethisopportunityand
    continuehisfaultlessbebavior.Tl1atyear)
    Weiyanpassedtheexaminationandplaced
    onel1undredandfifth

    Dearreaders,ifyoubelieveintlIesematters,you
    arefOrtunate.Tbespiritsofheavenandearthare
    closelylinkedwithourworldinoureverygesture,
    word,andsmile.Tbisistbetruthandnotdelusion.
    WhenMr.Zhu]ingzhouwasstillaliveandIwasa
    Buddl1istnovice,lIetoldmemanystoriestl1athel1ad

    eeriencedfirstbandNoonediesbyaccident,not
    eveninawarNoonediesunjustly.Lifeordeatl1is
    destined.Howwewilldieisrecordedintheunder-

    worldAlt}IouglIweliveinahigh-techenvIronment
    andlmowmucl1ofscience,wecannotescapedeath
    whenthatisourdestiny.Thisistl1etruth;itistime
    fOrustoawaken.Weneedtobelievewhattbesages
    havetaug}It.
    376

    HJmiUadbsae
    bmkmnbrCOdbInJne

    WenowlmowthatspiritsandlIeavenlybeingsarethreefeetaboveourl1eads.ObtaininggoodfOrtuneandpreventingmisfOrtune
    isuptous.Aslongaswehavegoodintentions,refrainfromwrongdoings,donotof
    fendthebeingsandspiritsofheavenand
    eartlI,aretolerantandnotarrogant,thenthe
    beingsandspiritsofheavenandeartlIwill
    feelcompassionfOrus.Onlythenwillwe
    haveafoundationfOrfutureprosperity.
    TberearebeingsandspiritsofheavenandeartlIwho
    constantlywatchus.WealoneareresponsiblefOrour
    everygoodorbaddeedandeverygoodorbadresult,
    soweneedtobeawakenedineverytlIought.Buddl1a
    Shakyamunitaughtustobeawakenedinsteadof
    deluded)tobeproperinsteadofdeviatedandtobe
    pureinsteadofpollutedWearealsotoseverallattacl1mentsandtopracticegiving.WeneedtobeextremelycarefUlinoureverythought>word,anddeed
    andtoaccordwithtlIeteacbingsandcodesofbebaviorPracticingBuddbismissettingagoodexamplefor
    allsentientbeingsToperfectlybaveaMndheartdo
    kinddeeds>saykindwords,andbeagoodpersonisto
    beaBuddlIa,aBodhisattva.

    SinceweclIoosetopracticethePureLandmethod,
    weneedtoincorporatetheteachingsomtheirE
    377

    Li/bSmrHintoourtlIinkingandbel1avior.Then,there
    trulywillbenodifferencebetweenBuddl1aAmitabl1a
    andus.T}Iisispracticingthetrueteachingofthe
    BuddhasfOrwemoldourselvesbyaccordingwiththe
    mind,vow,understandingandconductofBuddha
    Amitabha.

    LmbbJrLessoIscanbeaninvaluableaidin

    ourlearningwbilethehmrLybSmrHisourmain
    courseofstudyWlIenweabidebythepreceptsand
    practiceBuddhaNameChanting,wearepracticing
    botbtheprimaryandsupportinglearningsThiswill
    assureusofbeingrebornintothePureLand,wl1ere
    wewillneveragainregress,andwherewewillbecome
    Buddhas,andneverreduceoureagernesstobenefitall
    beings.

    Inthepast,Zenpractitionerssaid<<Havesometea>,
    TodayIteacl1,<<BecomeaBuddha.Wecanbecome
    oneThisistbetruthIfwesincerelypracticeBuddl1ism,beingsandspiritsofheavenandearthwill
    protectus.

    Thosewhoarefilledwithconceitarenot

    destinedfOrgreatnessEveniftheydopros-

    pertheirgoodfOrtunewillbeshortlived
    Whenwelookatwealthypeoplearoundtl1eworld,
    weseethatfewofthemaregenuinelyhappyorlmow

    howtoproperlyusetheirwealth.Someliveinbiding
    tofeelsafer.Suchwealthissufferingnotjoy.Livinga

    trulyhappylifeisgenuineprosperityandenjoyment.
    378

    Intelligentpeoplewouldneverbenarrowmindedandrefusetbegoodfortunetbeyare
    entitledto.Thosewhoarehumblealways
    increasetbeiropportunitiestolearnandin

    thisway,theirgooddeedsareboundless!
    Thosewhowishtocultivateandimprove
    theirvirtuescannotdowit}Ioutthevirtueof

    humility
    ItisessentialfOrustolearnmodestyfOritisthe

    keytocultivatingandimprovIngourvirtue.Weneed
    torealizethatothersarebetterthanusandthatthey

    excelinwhattheydo.Whenwearefalseandconceited,otberpeoplemaynotseethis;however>
    Buddhas,Bodbisattvas,andthebeingsandspiritsof
    heavenandearthseeusveryclearly.Thus,ourmodestymustbesincereandcomefromdeepwithin.
    Wearenotbetterthanothersandiftheyaccumulatemeritsandwedonot>thentheyarebetterthan
    us.Evenwl1enwedarenotcommitoffenses,others

    arestillbettertlIanus.Thisisperfectmodestyandit
    isthepracticeoftbeteacbingofhumilityinthe
    AmsaStJZraIamtbeonlystudent;everyone
    elseismyteacher.Sudhanalearnedabouthumility
    omthefifty-threevisitsandperfectlyattained
    BuddlIabood

    TlIeancientssaid:<Tbosewbo havetheir

    lIeartssetonsuccessandfame> willsurely

    attaintbemjustasthosewho
    379

    havetheir

    heartssetonwealtbandpositionwillattain
    wl1attheywisbfOr.))Apersonwhohasgreat
    andfar-reachinggoalsislikeatreewitl1
    roots.Tl1eymustbebumbleineverytl1ought
    andtrytorelieveother)sburdenseveniftl1e
    occurrenceisasinsignificantasaspeclKof
    duSt

    IfwecanreaclIthislevelofhumility,wewill
    naturallytouchthebeartsofbeavenand
    earthIamtbecreatorofmyownprosperity
    LoolKattheapplicantswhosouglItfameand
    wealthInitiallytheywereinsincereand
    wbattl1eysouglItwasapassingimpulse.
    Wl1entheywantedsomething,theysoughtit
    butwhentheirinterestwaned)tl1eystopped
    seeldngit

    Menciusoncesaid<toEmperorXuanofQi>:
    IfyoucaneandfTomtl1ehearttl1atseeks
    personalhappiness,tosbaringbappiness
    withallyoursubjectsandmaketlIemjustas
    happyasyouare,thensurelythenationwill
    prosper!Tl1isisalsotruefOrmeinseeking
    topasst}1eimperialexamination.<Ialone
    canseekandthuschangemydestiny>
    Oncewesetourgoals,wemustworlKtowardstheir
    accomplislIment.
    omplislIment.Ifwedosothennaturally,ourl1u
    |itvwilltoucl1theheartsofbeavenandearthand
    militywilltoucl1
    380

    wewillattainwlIatweseekLiaofanusedaquoteom
    MenciusfOrhisconclusion.Whenweareen>oymgour
    happiness>whynotshareitwithotlIersfortodosois
    genuinelIappinessandgoodfOrtune
    Today,manypeoplearecaughtupinthedriveto
    obtainwealthTbegovernmentsoftheworldwoulddo
    welltorealizethisandjoinwithpeopletocreate
    wealth,prosperity,andhappinesssotlIatallcanen}oy
    ittogether.<Tolikewhatotherslikeanddislikew}Iat
    othersdislike.)Insodoing)wewillbeaccordingwith
    theheartsofallbeings.Weshouldusewisdomaswe
    accumulatemeritstocreatewealt}1sowemay}1elp
    tlIosewlIohavenone>fOrifweonlyaccumulatewealtl1
    fOrself-enjoymentthentroubleliesaheadThisisa
    mostimportantandworthwhileendeavor,anditis
    worthyofoursinceresteffOrts.

    38l

    APPEND

    LIAOFAN)S

    FOURLESSONS

    ByYuanLiaofan

    382

    TlIeFirstLesson:

    LearningtoChangeDestiny

    MyfatberpassedawaywhenIwasyoung.Mymotber
    persuadedmetolearnmedicineinsteadofstudying
    andpassingtheimperialexaminationsbecadseit
    wouldbeagoodwaytosupportmyselfwl1ilel1elping
    otlIers.Perhaps,Icouldevenbecomefamousthrough
    mymedicalskills;thusfUlfillingmyfatlIer>saspiration
    fOrme.

    OnedayImetanelderlybutdistinguisl1edlooking
    gentlemanattl1eCompassionateCloudTemple.He
    hadalongbeardandthelookofasage.Iimmediately
    paidmyrespectstohimHetoldme:<(Youaredes-

    tinedtobeagovernmentofficial.Nextyear,youwill
    attaintherankofLearnedFirstLevelScholar.Why
    areyounotstudyingfOrtheexamination?))ItoldlIim
    tl1ereason.

    IaskedtheelderlygentlemanfOrbisnameand
    wherebewasom.Hereplied:Myfamilynameis
    KongandIamfromYunnanproVnce.Il1aveinlIerited

    averysacredandaccuratetextonastrologyandprediction.ThetextwrittenbyShaozi)iscalledthehnpeITaSranGDyImgebIBymycalcula
    tions,Iamsupposedtopassitontoyouandteacl1you
    howtouseit)

    IinvitedMr.Kongtomyhomeandtoldmymother
    abouthimShesaidtotreathimwellAswetested

    Mr.KonglsabilityatpredictionwefoundtlIatlIewas
    383

    alwayscorrectwhetheritwasfOrbigeventsorfOr
    minoreverydaymatters.Ibecameconvincedofwl1at
    hehadsaidandagainbegantothinkofstudyingfOr
    tbeexaminations.Iconsultedmycousinw}IorecommendedMr.YuHaigu,whowasteacl1ingattl1ehome
    ofafriendandbecameMr.Yu>sstudent.

    Mr.KongthendidsomemorecalculationsfOrme
    Hetoldmethatasascholar)Iwouldbeplacedfourteenthinthecountyexamination,seventy-firstintlIe
    regionalexaminationandnint}Iintheprovincial
    examination.ThefOllowingyear,Iplacedexactly
    whereMr.KonghadsaidfOrallthreeexaminations.
    Itl1enaskedlIimtomakepredictionsfOrmyentire
    life.Mr.Kong>scalculationsshowedthatIwouldpass
    sucbandsuchatestinsucl1andsuchayear,tlIeyear
    thatIwouldbecomeacivilscholar,andtl1eyearthatI
    wouldreceiveapromotiontobecomeanImperial
    Scholar.Andlastly,IwouldbeappointedasamagistrateinSichuanprovInce.
    AfterlIoldingthatpositionforthreeandahalf

    yearsIwouldthenretireandreturnhomeIwould
    dieattlIeageoffiftytbreeonthethdayofthe
    eight}Imonthbetweenonetothreeo>clockintlIe
    morning.UnfOrtunately,Iwouldnothaveason.I
    carefi1llyrecordedandrememberedeverythingthatl1e
    said

    TlIeoutcomeofeveryexaminationturnedoutex-

    actlyaspredictedMrKonghadalsopredictedthatI
    wouldonlybepromotedafterreceivingarationoftwo
    384

    lmndredfifty-ninebusllelsofriceHoweverIhad
    receivedonlytwentybushelsofricewhentheCommissionerofEducation,Mr.Tu,recommendedmefOr

    apromotion.Isecretlybegantodoubttl1eprediction.
    Nevertheless,itturnedouttobecorrectafterall

    becauseMr.Tu>sreplacementturneddownthepromotion

    ItwasnotuntilsomeyearslaterthatanewEducationCommissioner,MrYin,reviewedmyoldexaminationpapersandexclaimed:<Thesefiveessaysareas

    wellwrittenasreportstotheemperor.Howcanwe
    burythetalentsofsuclIagreatscl1olar?Thenew
    CommissionerwantedtlIemagistratetoissueanorder
    fbrmetobecomeacandidatefOrImperialSclIolar
    underhisautl1ority.AfterundergoingthiseventfUl
    promotionmycalculationsshowedthatIl1adreceived
    exactlytwolmndredfifty-ninebushelsofrice.From

    thenon)Ideeplybelievedtbatpromotionordemotion,
    wealthorpovertyallcameaboutinduetimeandthat
    eventl1elengthofone)slifeispre-arrangedIbeganto
    Veweverythinginadetachedmannerandceasedto
    seekgainorprofit.
    AfterbeingselectedasanImperialScl1olar,Iwasto
    attendtheUniversityatBeijingDuringmyyearlong
    stayintl1ecapital,myinterestinmeditationgrewand
    Ioftensatinsilence,withoutgivingrisetoasingle
    tbouglItIlostinterestinbooksandstoppedstudying.
    Tl1efOllowingyearIwenttoNanjing.BefOreIwas
    toentertl1eNationalUniversitythere>Ipaidavisitto
    385

    MasterYungu,avenerableZenmasteratQaMountain.Wesatinmeditation,facetofaceintheZenhall

    fOrthreedaysandnightswithoutsleepMasterYungu
    said:((Tbereasonwbyordinarypeoplecannotbecome
    sagesisbecauseofalltheirwanderingthougl1ts.In
    ourtlIree-daymeditation,I}1avenotobservedasingle
    thoughtariseinyou.Wby?,)
    IrepliedthatMrKonglIadclearlypredictedtbe
    entireoutcomeofmylife.Ihadseenthatthetimeof
    life,deathpromotionandfailurearedestinedso
    t}1erewasnoneedfOrmetotl1inkofanyt}1ing.The
    mastersmiledandreplied:<Itboughtyouweresomeoneofremarkablecapabilities!NowIrealizeyouare
    anordinaryperson!>)
    FeelingconfUsedbywhatMasterYunguhadsaid,I
    asked1imtoelain.Hetoldmethatanordinary
    person)smindisfOreveroccupiedbywanderingand
    imaginarytboughts,sonaturallyl1isorl1erlifeis
    boundbytlIemathematicsofdestinyWecannotdeny
    tl1efacttl1atdestinyexists,butonlyordinarypeople
    areboundbyit.DestinycannotbindthosewhocultivategreatkindnessortlIosewl1ohavecommitted
    flagrantwrongdoingsSinceIhadlivedmylifejustas
    Mr.Kongl1adpredictedanddonenotlIingtochange
    itIhadbeenboundbydestiny.Thus,Iwasatypical
    ordinaryperson.
    Takenaback,IaskedMasterYunguifwecould

    changeourdestinies.Heanswered:Wecanre-create
    ourowndestinyandseekgoodfOrtuneItisthetrue
    386

    teachingandisfoundintheBooASmgandthe
    BoAfsmIntlIeBuddhistteachingsitiswrit
    tentl1atifwewishfOrandseekwealth,abigl1posi-

    tion,ason,adaughter,orlonglife,wecanattainit.
    SincetheBuddlIatoldusthatlyingisoneofthe
    greatesttransgressions,wecanbeassuredthat
    BuddhasandBodhisattvaswouldnotdeceiveus.

    ))

    ItoldMasterYunguthatIl1adheardthatMencius
    oncesaid:<WhateverissougbtcanbeattainedThe
    seekingiswithinourselves.>Thisreferstoinnerqualitiessuchasvirtue)integrity>andldndnessTheseare
    allvalueswecanworktowardHowever,whenit

    comestooutsidefactorssuchaswealt}1)fameand

    prestige,l]owcanweseektoattaintbem?
    Tl1emasterrepliedthatMenciuswasrigl1t>butthat
    Ihadmisunderstoodl1ismeaningMasterYungusaid
    thatMasterHuineng)tlIesixthPatriarc}IoftheZen
    schooltaugl1t:<<Allthefieldsofmeritarewitl1inones
    ownl1eart.IfoneseeksomtlIetruemindwitl1inone

    canbeintouchwithalltbatonewishesfOrByseek

    ingwithinourselves)wewillnotonlyattaintheinner
    qualitiesofvirtue,integrityandkindness;wewillalso
    attain<externalbenefitssuchas>wealth>fame,and

    prestige.TobeabletoattainbotlIinnerqualitiesand
    externalbenefitsisinvaluable.

    MasterYungutlIentoldmethatifonedoesnotreHectinsideonesownheart;but,insteadblindlyseeks
    fame,fOrtuneandlonglifefromoutsidesourcesno
    matterl1owonescl1emestopursuetlIem,onecanonly
    387

    attainatmost,whathadbeendestinedSeeldngfrom
    theoutside,onemightlosebothinnerpurityandwl1at
    onewasdestinedtolIave;thus>theseekingwould
    havebeeninvain.

    MasterYungunextaskedaboutMr.KongspredictionsfOrtlIerestofmyIifeIbonestlytoldhimeverytbingHeaskedifIfeltthatIdeservedimperialappointmentsorason.Reflectingonmypastdeedsand
    attitudesIanswerednoIdidnot.Tbosewhoreceived

    imperialappointmentsalllIadtheappearanceofgood
    fOrtunebutIdidnotalsodidnotworktowards

    accumulatingvirtuestobuildupmygoodfOrtune.I
    wasveryimpatientandnarrow-minded,andwould
    showoffmyintelligenceandabilitiesbyputtingothers
    down.IbelIavedasIpleasedandspokewithoutrestraint.TlIesewereallsignsofscantgoodfOrtuneand
    virtueHowcouldIpossiblyreceiveanimperialappointment?
    Thereisanoldsayingthat<<LifespringsHomtl1e
    dirtoftlIeeartlIwhileclearwateroftenlIarborsno

    fish))TlIefirstreasonwbyIfeltthatIdidnotdeserve
    asonwastl1atIwasobsessiveaboutcleanlinessThe

    secondreasonwasthatwbileharmonyisthecultivator
    oflifeIwasquick-temperedTl]ird)althoughlovingkindnessistlIecauseoffertilityandlIarslmesstlIe
    causeofsterility)Iwasselfisblyconcernedaboutmy
    reputationandwouldnotsacrificeanytl1ingfOrotl1ers.
    ThefOurthreasonwasthatItalkedtoomuchand

    thiswastedalotofenergy.Fifth)Idranktoomuch
    388

    Andsixtb,IdidnothaveasonbecauseIoftenstayed

    upallnightandwastedmyenergy.Asidefromt}Iese,I
    badmanyotlIerfaultstl1atweretoonumerousto
    mention.

    MasterYungusaid:(<Accordingtoyoutl1en,there
    aremanyotlIertlIingsinlifeyoudonotdeserve,not
    onlyfameandason!T}1osewhohavemillionsofdollarsinthislifecultivatedtbegoodfortuneworthyof
    tl1atamountinthepast.Tl1osew<Io}1avetl1ousandsof
    dollarsmustalsohavethegoodfOrtunewortl1yofthat
    sum.Those)whodieofstarvation,wereinfactmeant

    todieintl1atmanner.ThekarmicresulttodayissimplythefTuitoftheirowndeedsandhasnothingtodo
    withexternalpowers.
    orexample,ifapersonl1asaccumulatedenough
    meritsandvirtuestolastahundredgenerationstl1en
    l1eorsbewilll1aveahundredgenerationsofdescendants.Onewhoaccumulatesenoughmeritsandvirtuestolasttengenerationswillhavetengenerations
    ofdescendantstoliveouttl1atgoodfOrtuneThesame
    appliestothreeortwogenerations.Tbosewhohave
    nodescendantsbadtoolittlemeritsandvirtues.

    Nowtl1atyourecognizeyourshortcomings,you
    needtodoallthatyoucantochangeandcorrectyour
    misdeedstl1atcausedyounottohaveacl1ildornotto
    becomeanimperialofficialYouneedtocultivate
    virtueandtolerance,andtoregardotherswithgood
    willandcompassion.YoualsoneedtocarefOryour
    healthandconserveyourenergyandspirit.Liveasif
    389

    everythinginthepastdissolvedyesterdayandabrandnewfUturebeginstoday.Ifyoucanaccomplisbthis,
    thenyouareapersonbornanew,apersonofvirtue
    andsincerity.
    Ifevenourbodyisgovernedbydestiny,tlIenhow
    canabodyofvirtueandsinceritynotevokearesponse
    omheaven?AsissaidintheTaiiaChapterinthe
    BooAfsrDIyOnemayrunawayfromtl1eretributionofheaven,butonecanneverescapetheretributionfOronesmisdeeds.ItissaidintheBook

    SmgB/(Topermanentlyaccordwitl1themindof
    }IeavenandtoseekourowngreatgoodfOrtune.>
    Themasterthentoldme:<(MrKonglIadpredicted
    tbatyouwouldnotreceiveanimperialappointmentor
    haveason.TlIesearetheretributionsofheaven,but

    eventl1eycanbecl1angedYouonlyneedtodevelop
    yourvirtuediligentlystrivetopracticegoodness,and
    worktoaccumulatemanyhiddenmeritsandvirtues.
    <(Tl1eseareyourwaystore-creategoodfOrtune.
    Howthenisitpossiblethatyouwillnotgettoenjoy
    it?JCmeBoOFCangSwaswrittentol1elp

    peopleaccruegoodfOrtuneandtoavoidadversity.If
    everythingisdestinedwitlInoroomfOrchange,how
    canwehopetodothis?
    Tl1efirstchapteroftheJCmgsays,amilieswbo
    oftenperfOrmgooddeedswillhaveanexcessofgood
    fOrtunetopassontothefOllowinggenerations.)Do
    youbelievethis?IrepliedesIgratefullyaccepted
    bisadviceandpaidmyrespectstol1imbyprostrating
    390

    ThenIbegantoregretallmypastwrongdoings,large
    andsmall,infTontoftheBuddha>simage.Iwrote
    downmywisl1topasstheimperialexaminationsand
    vowedtocompletethreetbousandmeritoriousdeeds
    tosl1owmygratitudetowardsmyancestors,eartl1,and
    l1eaven.Uponhearingmyvow,MasterYungusl1owed
    meamerit-faultclIartandtaughtmehowtokeepa
    dailyrecordofallthegoodandbaddeedsIhaddone
    Hewarnedmetl1atbaddeedswouldneutralizetlIe

    goodones.Tl1emasteralsotaugbtmetorecitethe
    ZbuentiMant#a.OnlywitbamindofpurityandconcentrationcouldIattainwhatIsougl1t.
    MasterYunguelainedthatitl1adbeensaidby
    specialistsindrawingtalismanicfiguresThosewl1o
    areconsideredeertsintl1eartofdrawingcl1arms

    butdonotlmowtlIerightwaytodosowillbelaughed
    atbyspirits.))TlIekeytodrawingcharmsisbavingno
    thougl1tsfrombeginningtoendUnderstandingtl1is)
    begintl1efirststrokewithastillmindaftertheprimal
    darlmess.Intheprocessofdrawing)onemustletgoof
    allwanderingtl1ouglIts.Onlyintl1iswaycanacharm
    beeffective.

    {WhenonepraysfOrandseeksfOrsomethingor
    triestochangeone>sfate,itisimportanttl1atonedoes

    sowithoutgivingrisetoasinglethougl1t.Intl1isway,
    onewilleasilyreceivearesponse.Menciuswrote,
    <thereisnodifferencebetweenlonglifeandslIortlife.>
    Atfirstglance,onewouldfinditbardtounderstand
    l1owtl1eycanbetl1esame;however,wl1entl1ereisno
    39l

    thought,thereisnodualityinshortorlonglifC.
    <(UponcarefUlanalysisthereisalsonodualitybetweenagoodorabadharvest.Understandingtbis,we
    willbecontentwitl1ourpresentsituation,beitoneof
    wealtborpovertyAndwithunderstandingthattl1ere
    isnodualitybetweenpovertyandwealth,ourminds
    willbecontentwitlIourpresentstatusinsociety,beit
    highorlow.Also,t}Iereisnodualitybetweenlongand
    sl1ortlives.UnderstandingtlIis,wewillbecontent
    witbourestinglifespanbeitlongorsl1ort.Tbemost
    importantconcernforhumanbeingsisthatoflifeand
    deathTl1us>earlydeatlIandlongevitysubsumeall
    conditions,wl1etl1erfavorableorunfavorable)and

    whetherofgainorloss.
    WelIavetowaituntilourcultivationreachesacer-

    tainlevel,thenourdestinieswillchange.ThisclIange
    dependsontl1eaccumulationofmerits,onseekinga
    responseomtl1eheavensWhencultivating,weneed
    tobeawareofourfaultsandresolvetocorrecttl1em

    asifwewerecuringasicknessWhilewaiting,letgo
    ofthetl1ougl1tofdesiringsomethingtbatwearenot
    supposedtol1aveandthethoughtofwisl1ingfora
    rewardAtthislevelitwouldbeastateofreachingthe
    innatenatureofnotl1ought>thatistheactuallearn-

    ingandpracticeofwisdom.
    (Iknowtl1atyouarestillunabletoaccomplisl1tl1e
    stateofnotl1ought)butyoucanpracticerecitingthe
    ZhuentiMantracontinuouslywithoutcountingthe
    numberofrecitationsandwithoutinteITuption.Wl1en
    392

    youreachahigberlevelofconstantmindfUlness>you
    willbeabletoachievethelevelof<tonotrecitewhen

    recitingandtorecitewhennotreciting/WlIenyouno
    longerhavewanderingtl1oughts)themantrawillbecomeeffective.>>

    MynameusedtobeXuel1ai,w<1icl1means<broad

    learning.>ButafterreceivingtlIeseteacl1ingsfTom
    MasterYungu,IcbangedittoLiaofanwhichmeans
    <transcendingtheordinary.})Itsignifiedmyunderstandingoft}IefacttlIatwecouldre-createourdestiny
    andthatIdidnotwishtobelikeordinarypeoplewl1o
    werecontrolledbydestinyFromtl1enon,Ibeganto
    beverycautiousinwhateverIthoughtordidSoon,I
    feltquitedifferentfrombefore.Inthepast,Ihadbeen
    carelessandwitIoutselfdiscipline.Now,Ifindmyself
    beingnaturallywatchftIlandconscientious.
    Imaintaintbisattitudeevenwhenalone,fOrIknow

    tbattherearespiritsandheavenlybeingseverywl1ere
    whocanlmowmyeverythougl1tanddeedIamcautiousnottooffendthemwithmythoughts.Evenwhen
    Iencounterpeoplewhodislikeorslanderme>Ibear

    theirinsultswithapatientandpeacefulmind)anddo
    notfeelcompelledtoquarrelwithtl1em.
    TheyearafterImetMasterYungu,ItoolKtl1epreliminaryimperialexaminationinwlIicl1MrKongl1ad
    predictedthatIwouldcomeinthirdplace.Amazingly
    Iwasfirst!Mr.Kong)spredictionswerebeginningto
    losetl1eiraccuracy.HehadnotpredictedthatIwould
    passtheimperialexaminationatall)buttl1atautumn,
    393

    Idid!

    AlthoughIl1adcorrectedmanyfaults,IfOundtl1at
    IcouldnotwholebeartedlydothethingsIoughtto.
    EvenifIdiddotlIem)itwasfOrcedandunnatural.I

    reHectedwithinandfOundthatIstillhadmanysl1ortcomings,suclIasseeinganopportunitytopractice
    kindnessbutnotbeingeagerenougl1todoitorhaving
    doubtswhenhelpingotlIers.
    SometimesIfOrcedmyselftoactkindlybutmy

    speecbwasstilluncontrolledandoffensive.IfOundI
    couldcontainmyselfwhensober)butafterafew
    drinks,Iwouldactwithoutrestraint.Altl1ougbIoften
    practicedkinddeedsandaccumulatedmerits,my
    faultsandoffensesweresonumerousthatthey
    seemedtooutweigl1thegoodthatIdid.Alotofmy
    timewasspentvainlyandwithoutvalue.
    Ittookmemorethantenyearstocompletetl1e
    tl1reethousandmeritoriousdeedsIhadvowedtodo.I

    wasunabletodedicatetl1emeritshomtl1esethree

    thousandgooddeedsatatempleuntilIreturnedto
    myhometowninthesouthafewyearslaterAtthat
    timeIbadtheopportunitytoasktwomonkstodedicatetl1emfOrme.Then,Imademysecondwishand
    tl1atwasfOrason.Ivowedtocompleteanotherthree
    tl1ousandgooddeeds.Afewyearslater,yourmot}1er
    gavebirthtoyouandnamedyouTianqi.
    EverytimeIperfOrmedagooddeed,Iwouldrecord
    itinabookYourmotherwhocouldnotreadorwrite

    woulduseagoosefeatlIerdippedininkSbemadea
    39q

    redcircleonthecalendarforeverygooddeedshedid
    SometimesshegavefOodtothepoororboughtliving
    creaturesinthemarketplaceandfreedtlIemintbe
    wildSlIerecordedallofthesewitbbercirclesonthe

    calendarAttimes,sbecouldaccumulatemorethan

    tencirclesinoneday|

    EverydaywepracticedlikethisandinfOuryears,
    tl1ethreetlIousanddeedswerecompletedAgain,I
    invitedtbesametwomasterstomakethededications

    thistimeatourhomeOnthel3thdayoftheninth
    monthofthatsameyear,Imademythirdwisband
    tbatwastopassthebighestleveloft}IeimperialexaminationIalsovowedtocompletetentbousand
    meritoriousdeedsAftertbreeyears,Iattainedmy
    wishandpassedtbeexaminationIwasalsomadethe
    mayorofBaodicounty.
    Ipreparedasmallbooktorecordmymeritsand
    faults,andcalledittbeBooAoFChiKmgeI
    Everymorning,wbenIbeganworldntheoffice>my
    servantwouldbringthebookandhavetheguardplace
    itonmydeskIwouldrecordmyeverydeed-goodor
    bad-nomatterhowsmallAtnight,Isetupanaltar
    intbecourtyardandputonmyofficialunifOrmto
    emulatethewayofMr.Zhao>anofficerintheSong
    dynasty.Iburnedincenseandreportedallmydeedsto
    theheavens.

    Once,yourmotherwasconcernedwhenshesaw

    tl1atIhadnotaccumulatedmuchmerit.Inthepast>
    shewasabletohelpmeinouraccumulationofgood
    395

    deedsandwewereabletocompletetl1etlIreetl1ousandmeritoriousdeeds.Now,Ibadmadeavowto

    completetenthousandmoredeedsbuttberewere
    feweropportunitiestopracticethematthegovernmentresidence.Sbeworriedabouthowlongitwould
    bebefOremyvowcouldbefUlfilled
    TbatniglIt,Idreamedofaheavenlybeingandtold
    bimofmydifficultyincompletingt}1etentl1ousand
    gooddeedsTheheavenlybeingremindedmetbat
    uponbecomingmayor,IhadreducedthetaxesontlIe
    farmlands.ThatonegooddeedwasworthtenthousandmeritsMyvowwasalreadyfUlfilled!WlIenIhad
    becomemayor,thefarmersinBaodicountywere
    bighlytaxedsoIreducedthetaxbynearlybalf.But,I
    feltbewilderedandstillhaddoubts.Howcouldjust
    onedeedbewortbtenthousandmerits?

    CoincidentallytheZenMasterHuanyuwastravelingomWutaiMountainandstoppedinBaodi.I
    invitedhimtothegovernmentresidence,toldhimof
    mydreamandaskedwhet}1eritwasbelievable.MasterHuanyusaid:{(IfonedoesagooddeedwithsuclIa
    trueandsincereheartwitbouteectationofreward,
    thenonedeedcanindeedbeworththemeritsoften

    tbousandBesidesyouractofreducingthetaxesin
    thiscountybenefitsmoretl1antenthousandpeople!
    Upon}1earingthis)Iimmediatelygaveallmysavmgs
    fOrlIimtotakebacktoWutaiMountainIaskedl1im

    tousetl1emoneyforafOodofferingfOrtentbousand
    monksandtodedicatet}IemeritsfOrme.
    396

    MrKongl1adpredictedthatIwoulddieattheage
    offifty-three.However)Isurvivedt}Iatyearwithout
    illnessaltboughIdidnotaskthelIeavensfOralonger
    life.NowIamsixtynineTheBooAfsmyex
    plains:(<Destinyexistsbutitischangeable.Destinyis
    notset>butiscreatedanddeterminedbyourselves.>
    Alltl1isistrue.Icametounderstandthatbotl1good
    fortuneandmisfOrtunearetheresultsofourown

    actions.Thesearetrulythewordsofsagesandvirtuouspeople!IfsomeonesaidtbatgoodfOrtuneand
    adversityaredeterminedbytheheavens,Iwould
    considerthatpersonordinary.
    Tianqi,myson,Iwonderwhatyourlifewillbelike?
    WeshouldalwayspreparefOrtheworst.TherefOre,
    evenintimesofprosperity,actasifyouwerenot
    WhenthingsaregoingyourwaybemindfulofadversityWl1enyou}IaveenoughfOodandclotl1ing,be
    mindfulofpoverty.Whenlovedandrespectedbyall
    remainappre}IensiveandconservativeWlIenthe
    familyisgreatlyrespected,carryyourselfhumbly.And
    whenyourlearningisextensiveandprofOund)always
    feelthatthemoreyoulearnt}Ielessyouknow.
    Forthepast,wecanthinkoflIowtoadvocatet}Ie
    virtuesofourancestorsForthepresent,wecanthink
    ofhowtoconcealthefaultsofourparents.Forthe
    country,wecanthinkoflIowwecanrepayitsldndnesstousandfOrtbefamilywecanthinkofl]owto
    bringaboutitsgoodfOrtune.Forotherpeople,tlIink
    oflIowtohelpthoseinneedaroundus,andfOrwithin
    397

    ourselvesthinkofhowtopreventimpropertl1oughts
    andactionsfTomarising.
    Weneedtofindourfaultsdailyandtocorrectthem
    immediately.Ifweareunabletodetectourfaultsthen
    wewillthinkthateverytbingwedoisright.WlIenwe
    areunabletocorrectourfaults,improvementwillbe

    impossible.Tl1erearemanyintelligentpeopleint}1e
    worldwhocannotimproveineithertheircultivationof
    moralityandvirtuesorintbeirworkTheirfailuresin
    thislifeareowedtoasingleword:laziness.
    Tianqi)tl1eteachingsofMasterYunguaremost

    wortl1y)profOund)realandproper.Ihopethatyou
    willlearnthemwellandpracticethemdiligently.Use
    yourtimewiselyanddonotletitslipbyinvain.

    398

    TheSecondLesson:

    WaystoReform
    DuringtheSpring-AutumnPeriod,Chinawasdividedintoseveralsmallnations.Manyprestigious

    advisersofthesenationswereabIetoaccurately
    predictw}IetlIeraperson)sfuturewouldbefortunateorunfortunatebasedontlIeirobservationof

    thatpersonsspeechandbehaviorManyofthese
    arerecordedinmgadAmAnnaA.
    Asarule,therearesignsthatsignalimpending
    dangerorthecomingofgoodfortune.TlIesesigns
    risingfromwitlIinareduetoone>sthoughtsand
    feelingsbeingrevealedinbisorlIerbehaviorUsuallyapersonismorefortunatew}IentendingtowardkindnessbutinvitestroublewlIentending
    towardcruelty.Ordinarypeopleoftendonotlmow
    wlIatisreallybappening.Itisasiftheirvisionwere
    blurredSincetheycannotseethetruth,theyclaim
    thatgoodfortuneandmisfortuneareunpredictable

    Wbenwearesincereandhonest)ourbeartswill

    accordwitlIthewillofheaven.Byobservingour
    goodnessotherswillbeabletoforeseetl1ecoming
    ofgoodfortune;andbyobservingourimmorality,
    theywillforeseeapproacl]ingmisfortune.Ifwe
    wisl1togaingoodfortuneandavoidmisfortune,we
    firstneedtoreformbeforeweeventalkaboutdoing
    gooddeeds.
    399

    Tberearet}Ireewaystoreformourfaults.Pirst
    wemustbeabletofeelasl1amedThinkofallofthe

    ancientsagesandvirtuouspeoplewhosenamesand
    teacl1ingsl1avelastedforbundredsofgenerations.
    Theywerepeoplejustlikeus,butwlIyismyname
    worthlesslikeabrokenroof-tile?

    Weareclingingtoworldlydesires.Secretly)we
    domanyimpropertbingswhilethinlKingotl1erswill
    notlmowaboutthemandthenaresbamelessly
    proudofourselves!Oneday,wewillberebornas
    ananimalwitl1outrealizingit.ThereisnotlIingelse
    int}1eworldtlIatcallsformoresl1ameandremorse

    thanbebaviorsuchasthisMenciusoncesaid:

    (SlIameistl1emostimportantwordinapersons
    life.))Wby?Becauseonewholmowsshamewillput
    forthhisorl1erbesteffortsintocorrectingfaults
    andwilleventuallyattainsagehoodorbecomea
    virtuousperson.Onewhodoesnotlmowsbame
    willbejustlikeananimal:unrestrainedandimmoral.Thisisthekeytocorrectingourfaults.
    Tbesecondwaytoreformistoknowfear.Celes-

    tialbeingsandearthlyspiritsl1overoverourheads
    inobservation.Tbereisnowayforustodeceive
    tbem.Evenwbenmywrongdoingsaredoneina

    concealedplace,tbebeingsandspiritsofl1eaven
    andeartl1arepresentandseeallmyfaults.Ifmy
    baddeedsareserious,thenallkindsofadversities

    willbefallme.Ifmyfaultisminoritwillstillreducemycurrentgoodfortune.HowcanInotfeel
    00

    fearP

    Evenwhenwearealoneinourroom,thebeings
    andspiritswatclIusverycarefullyandrecordeverything.Evenifwetrytoconcealourimproperacts
    withcleverspeech,thespiritsandcelestialbeings
    canseeintoourheartsasclearlyasseeingintoour
    lungsorliver.WearejusttryingtodeceiveourselvesandothersInactuality,othershaveseen
    throug}1us)andwetbusbecomewortbless<intheir
    eyes>.W}lenwethinkabouttbis)howcanwenot
    afraid?

    However,aslongaswestilIIaveonebreatbleft,
    wehavethechancetoregreteventheworstdeeds
    Therearecasesin}Iistorywherepeoplewhohad
    committednumerousbaddeedsbutwhoIater

    deeplyregrettedthemduringtheirdyingmoments
    wereabletopassawaypeacefully.
    Ifapersoncanhaveadeterminedandcourageouskindthoughtatthemostimportantmoment,
    itcancleanseawaybundredsofyearsofaccumulatedoffensesTbisislikeonlyneedingone>ampto
    bringlightintoavalleythathasbeendarkfora

    thousandyearsItdoesnotmatterhowlongone
    l1asbeencommittingmisdeeds.Ifonecanreform
    heorsheisexceptional!
    WeliveinaconStantlycbangingandcl1aotic
    world.Ourbodies,madeoffleshandblood,are
    perishable.Ifournextbreathdoesnotcomethen

    tlIisbodywillnolongerbeapartofus.TlIen,even
    40l

    ifwewanttoreform,itwouldbetoolate.

    WlIenwecommitawrongdoing,ourretribution
    inthisworldisabadreputationthatwilllastfor
    hundredseventhousandsofyears.Evenfilialand
    lovingdescendantscannotrestoreourhonorTben,

    inafuturelife,wemightendupinbellsuffering
    immeasurablepainWheneventhesages,virtuous
    people,BuddhasandBodlIisattvascannothelpus
    escapefromourbadconsequences,bowcanwenot
    beafraid?

    Thethirdwaytoreformistohaveadetermined)
    courageousbeart.Whenwehesitatetoreformour
    faultsbecausewedonotreallywanttocl1ange,we
    arecontentwithwhatwecangetawaywithFora
    reformtotakeplacewemustberesoluteandresolvetocbangeimmediately.Wesl1ouldnotl1esitateorpostponeuntiltomorroworthedayafter.
    Aminorfaultislikeatl1ornpiercingourflesl1
    aMsl1ouldbequicklyremovedAbigfaultislike
    ourfingerbeingbittenbyapoisonoussnake.We
    mustquicklycutoffthefingertopreventtlIepoisonfromspreadingandkillingus.Ifweconsultthe
    JCmgandreceivethewindtbundersymbolit
    meansthatourstrongdeterminationinreforming
    assuresusofsuccess.Ifwecanfollowtl1ethree

    waysofsl1ame,fear,anddeterminationtoreform
    thenwewillsurelybetransformedTl1ereisno
    needtoworry.Itwillhappenasassuredlyastl1e
    springsunwillmeltalayerofice.
    402

    Tl1erearealsot}1reemetlIodsofpracticetohelp
    usreform.Thefirstischangingtl1roug}1be}Iavior,
    tl1esecondischangingthroughreasoning,andthe
    tl1irdisc}1angingfromtheheart.Tryingtoforce
    ourselvestosuppressourfaultsisextremelydifficultbecausewelIavenotpermanentlyuprootedour
    faults,merelytemporarilycurbedtbem.T}1erefore,
    clIangingtbroughbelIaviorcannothelpustopermanentlyeliminateourfaults
    Instead,wecantrytoreformbyunderstanding
    wbyweshouldnotdosomething,forexample,
    killing.Tolovealllivingt}Iingsisavirtueof
    heaven.Understandingthatalllivingbeingslove
    lifeandfeardeath,howcanIbeatpeacewith
    myselfbytakinganother)slifetonurturemyown?
    Attimes,animalssuchasfishorcrabsarecooked

    alive.Suchpainandsufferingreachdowninto
    tbeirverybones.Howcanwebesocruel?
    Whenweeat,weusemanyexpensiveandtasty
    thingstonourishourselves,enoughtofillthe
    wholediningtable!Butoncethemealisdone,even
    tbebestdelicacieswillbecomebodywasteandbe
    excretedTheresultofourkillingaccomplis}Ies
    notbing.Consumingvegetarianfoodscanfilland
    nourisl]usjustaswellWhyletourstomacl]sbecomeagraveyardandreduceourgoodfortune
    throughkilling?
    ThinkofallthelivingbeingswitbHesband
    bloodLikeus,theyareself-aware.Tl1eyandweare
    403

    oneentity.Althoughourcultivationofvirtuehas
    notyetreaclIedtlIestatethatwillenablethese
    beingstorespectusandfeelsafearoundus,wecan
    atleastnotharmthemormakethemhateus.Ifwe

    thinkaboutit>wewillnaturallyfeelsorrowfor
    tbeseanimalsandthusbeunabletoswallowtheir
    flesh

    Anotberexampleofcbangingthrougbreasoning
    isaneasilyangeredperson.HeorslIecanstopand
    thinktl1atweallbaveourstrengthsandweaknesses.IfItouchonsomeoneswealmess)IslIould

    feelsadabouttheirfailingandforgiveanyshortcomings.Ifsomeoneoffendsmefornoreasonat
    all,itistl1atpersonsproblemandlIasnothingto
    dowitl1me.Thereisnoreasonformetobecome
    angry.

    Ialsotl1inktlIatnogreatpersontlIinksthathe
    orslIeisalwaysright.Nordointelligentpeople
    blametheirfaultsonothers.Whentbingsdonotgo
    thewaywewish)itisbecausewehavenotcultivatedourvirtuesandmoralsandlIavenotaccumu-

    latedenoughmeritstomoveothers!
    Wesl1ouldalwaysreflectuponourselvesfirstIn
    sodoing,criticismcanbecomeatraininggroundto
    refineourclIaracterandtostrengtbenourabilities.
    Weshouldbeverygladtoacceptsomeoneelse)s
    criticismandguidance.WhatistlIeretobeangry
    andcomplainabout?Likewiseinthefaceofslanderwesl1ouldmaintaintbemindofstillness.Al404

    thoughtl]eslanderousrumorsandtalebearing
    spreadlikeahugefire,likeatorclI,theywilleventuallyburnthemselvesout.
    Ifwebecomeangryandtrytodefendourselves
    whenslandereditwouldbelikethespringsilkwormspinningitsowncocoonandsuffocating
    itself.Becomingangrydoesnotbenefitus;itharms
    us.Thereareotherfaultsandoffenseswecan

    change.Ifweunderstandtheprinciplebe}Iindthe
    needforreform,wewillnotrepeatourmistakes
    Whatdoes<changingfromtbel1eart))mean?Althoughwel1avethousandsofdifferentfaultsthey
    allstemfromt}Ieheart,fromtbemindIfmy}1eart
    isstillofthougl]tsthenactionswillnotariseand
    faultscanbeavoidedPractitionersdonothaveto

    trytoeradicatefaultssuclIasthedesireforfame
    sex)profit>oranger,onebyone.Allweneedisa
    sincere}Iearttopracticegooddeeds.Aslongasour
    l1eartsarevirtuousandkind,thennaturallyour
    mindswillnothaveanyimpropert}1ouglIts.
    <Demonsdonotappearduringtheday.))Tbisis
    tl1eessence>thekeytoourchange.Sinceallmistakesstemfromt}]elIeartwechangefromtlIe
    heart.ItislilKegettingridofapoisonoustreeIfwe
    wanttoputanendtoit,weuprootitaltogetl1erso
    itcannotgrowagainWhyexertourselvestono
    availbypullingoutitsleavesonebyoneandcuttingittwigbytwig?
    ThebestwaytoreformourfaultsisthrouglIcul405

    tivatingourlIeartsforpuritywillsurfaceright
    away.IfmyheartispureIcanrecognizeandstop
    animproperthoughtassoonasitarisesTbeimmoralideawilldisappeart}1emomentIamconsciousofit.

    IfIamunabletosucceedatrefOrmingmyfaults
    throughcbangingtheheart,tbenIwilltryatthe
    levelofunderstanding>lmowingthereasonswlWI
    needtomakethechange.IfIcannotsucceedwith
    t}1isthenIwilltrytoreformbycl1angingtl1rougl1
    belIavior.Thebestwayistocultivatetl1eheartand
    understandtl1ereasonsbehindtheneedtocl1ange.
    Itisfoolishtoconfineourselvestoreforming
    tl1roughbehavior.Thisistheinferiorway.Instead
    weshouldbereformingfromthel1eart,fortl1isis
    thebestwaytochange.
    Butevenwhenwevowtochange,assistanceis
    neededtotrulyreform.Wewillneedconstantremindersfromgenuinefriendswl1owitnessour
    actionsineverydaylife.Asforourgoodandbad
    tbougbts,wecanaskthebeingsandspiritsof
    }Ieavenandearthtobeourwitnesses.Wealsoneed

    tobediligentandtosincerelyregretdayandnight.
    Ifwecanhonestlyregretforonetotwoweeksone
    tothreemonths)theninthisway)weareassuredof
    attaininggoodresultsbenefits.
    Wl1atarethebenefitsofcontrition?Wemayfeel
    verymuclIateaseandourheartsmayfeelligl1tand

    generous.Anunintelligentpersonmaysuddenly
    406

    becomewise.AnotlIermigbtmaintainaclearand
    relaxedmindeveninadisturbingandconfusing
    envIronment.Ourmindswillbeclearerandour

    compassionwillincreaseenablingustonolonger
    feelangeruponseeinganenemywl]ileweremain
    l1aPPy.
    Wemaydreamofspittingoutblackthings,of
    havingancientsagesorvirtuouspeopleencourage
    andescortus,orwemaydreamofflyinginspace
    Wemaydreamofcolorfulpennantsandornately
    decoratedcanopies.Suchphenomenaareindicationsofasuccessfulreformandadissolvingofpast
    offenses.However,wemustnotconsiderseeing
    tbesephenomenaassignsofperfection.Instead,
    wemustresolvetofurtherimproveourselvesand
    workevenhardertoreform.

    <AnexampleisQuBoyu.>Attwenty,hewasalreadymindfulofhisfaults>hadanalyzedtl1em)and
    triedtothorouglIlycorrectthemAttbeageof
    twenty-one)hefeltthatlIestillhadnotcompletely
    correctedalloftlIemAttwenty-two)hefeltasif
    twenty-onewaswasted,withoutanyrealimprovement.Thusyearafteryear,hecontinuedtocorrect
    bisfaults.WlIenhereachedfiftyBoyustillfelt
    thattbepastforty-nineyearswerefilledwitlI
    wrongdoings.Thiswashowparticularourancestors
    wereregardingthecorrectionoffaults!
    Wearealljustordinarypeoplewithmistakesas
    numerousasaporcupine)sspines.Oftenwl1enwe
    07

    lookbackwedonotevenseeourfaultsbecausewe
    arecarelessanddonotlmowhowtoreHectonour

    actions.Itisasifacataractisgrowinginoureye.

    Allthesearesymptomsofbavingaccumulatedtoo
    manyoffenses!Ourheartsmayfeelconfusedand
    oppressed,lacldngenergyWewillbecomeextremely
    fOrgetfulandfilledwithworriesevenwlIennothingis
    happening,feelembarrassedanddepressedupon
    meetingavirtuousperson>orbecomedispleasedat
    hearingproperreasoningWhenkindtoothers,we
    willbemetwitbhostilityWemayhavenightmares
    whereeverythingisupside-down,andtalkincoher-

    entlyandbehaveabnormally.Theseareallsignsof
    misfOrtune.

    Ifwehaveanyofthesesymptomswemustimme-

    diatelyreinfOrceourwillpowertocorrectallofour
    faults.Itisnecessarytostartanewandnotdelay!

    408

    TheThirdLesson:

    TlIeWaystoCultivateGoodness

    WereadintbeJCmgamilieswl1operfOrmgood
    deedswillaccumulateprosperitythatcanoutlast
    manygenerations.>AnexampleistbeYanfamily
    BefOretheymarriedtheirdaugl1tertotl1emanwho
    wastobeConfi1cius>sfather,theyinquiredabouttbe
    family.Afterfindingtl1attlIeypracticedgoodnessand
    accumulatedvirtues,theYanfamilyfeltconfidentthat
    theyweremarryingtheirdaughterintoafamilytl1at
    wouldprosperandhaveoutstandingdescendants.
    Inanotherexample,ConfuciuslIadpraisedSl1un
    fOrhisfilialpiebysaying:Duetohisgreatfilial
    pietyandsincerity)ShundeeplymovedevenhisancestorstoaccepthisofferingHisaccumulationofmerits
    andgoodfOrtunewouldlastfOrmanygenerations.>
    Tl1isprincipleisconfirmedbymanyexamples.
    ThefOllowingaresomeadditionalexamplesofl1ow
    meritscanbeattainedtl1roughperfOrminggooddeeds
    InFUjianprovInce,amannamedYangRonghelda
    positionintheimperialcourtastlIeemperor)steacher.
    YangRong)sancestorswereboatpeoplewl1omadea
    livingbyl>elpingpeoplecrosstheriver.
    Oneyear)astormlastedsolongtl1atviolentHoodingsweptawaypeopleanimals,housesandbelongings.Theotherboaterstookadvantageoftbesituation

    tocollecttl1ef>oatingbelongings.OnlyYangRong,s
    grandfatl1erandgreatgrandfatherrescuedthedrown409

    ingpeopleandignoredthebelongings.Theboaters
    laughedandtlIoughtthetwotobeveryfoolishLater)
    whenYangRong>sfatherwasborn,theYangfamily
    graduallybecamewealthy.
    OnedayalIeavenlybeingwhohadmanifestedasa
    TaoistmonktoldtheYangfamilythatduetotheir
    ancestors)accumulationofhiddenmerits,theirde-

    scendantswouldenjoywealthandprominenceHe
    t}Iensuggestedaspecialplacew}Ieret}Ieycouldbuild
    tbeancestraltombTheyfOllowedl1issuggestion.
    TodayitiscalledtbeWhiteHareGraveShortlyafter
    YangRongwasborn.HepassedtheimperialexaminationwhenhewasonlytwentyyearsoldandlaterreceivedtlIeimperialappointmentofmasterTl1eem-

    perorevenbestowedthesameimperialhonorsonhis
    grandfatberandgreatgrandfatherToday)l1isvirtuous
    andprosperousdeccendantsarestillprominent.
    YangZicl1eng,fTomtlIecountyofYininZhejiang
    prov1nce)isanotherexampleHeworkedinthecounty
    courthouseandwaskindfair>andhonest.Once,the

    countymagistratepunislIedacriminalbybeatinglIim
    untilhewasbleedingprofusely.Zichengkneltand
    pleadedwithhimtostop.TheinfUriatedmagistrate
    retorted:(<It>sallrightfOryoutoplead,buthowcanI
    notbeangrywhenhehasbrokenthelaw!)Zicl1eng
    repliedtl1atwhengovernmentleadersdonotfOllow
    theproperpathordinarypeoplewouldlosetheirway
    Realizingthiswesbouldfeelsorrowandnotpleasure
    <atsolvingthecase>.AndweslIouldcertainlynot
    4l0

    becomeangry.AcaselikethiscalledfOrmoreunderstanding.MovedbyZicheng>spleatl1emagistrate
    ceasedthebeating.
    AlthouglIZicheng>sfamilywaspoor}Ierefusedall
    bribesIftlIeprisonerswereshortoffOodhewould
    takesomefroml1isownlIometogiveittothemevenif
    itmeantgoinghungryhimselfOneday,itwastime

    fOrseveralnewlyarrivedprisonerstobefed.But
    Zicl1enghimselfl1adlittlefOodIfhegavetheprisonerswl1athehad)hisfamilywouldgobungry;ifhekept
    thefOodfOrhisfamilytheprisonerswouldl1avenothingtoeat-anappallingdilemma.Hefelttl1attl1e
    prisonersneededthefOodmoretbanlIisfamilydid
    HediscusseditwithhiswifewhoaslKedwl1erethe

    prisonerswerefTomZichengtold}1ertl1attheywere
    omHangzhow
    Later)Zichenghadtwosons.Tl1eelderson,
    SlIouchen,andtheyoungeroneShouzlIi)botlIheld
    importantgovernmentpositions.Zicheng)seldest
    grandsonbecamevIceministeroftlIeMinistryof
    >usticeandhissecondgrandsonwasahighlyplaced
    memberoftl1egovernmentstaffinSichuanprovmce.
    TheytoowereprominentToday,theirdescendant
    YangClIuting,alsoagovernmentofficial,islmownfOr
    hisvirtuousdeeds.

    AnotberaccounttookplaceduringtheZlIeng-Tong
    period<thetimeofEmperorYingzong>.InFUjian
    provIncemanyintellectualshadjoinedagroupof
    rebels.TheemperorappointedImperialCensorZhang
    ll

    tostopthem.Hetrickedtherebelsandcapturedtheir
    leader

    Later,ImperialCensorZl1angdispatcl1edGeneral
    Xietoputanendtotberemainingrebelsintheeasternpartoftl1eprovince.Thegeneralobtainedalistof
    theinsurgentsandcommandedtl1atwlIiteHagsbe
    secretlygiventoeveryonenotonthatlistalongwith
    instructionstoplacetheHagsontl1eirdoorswhentbe
    imperialarmycametotown.Heorderedtl1esoldiers
    nottolIarmtbeinnocentandwiththisonethoughtof
    goodness>hesavedtensofthousandsofpeoplefTom
    beingkilledHissonXieChianplacedfirstinthe
    imperialexaminationsandeventuallybecameanadvisortotbeemperor.HisgrandsonXiePiplacedthirdin
    theimperialexaminations.
    AnotherexampleistheLinfamilyfromPutianin
    FUjianproVnce.Amongtheirancestorswasavery
    generouselderlylady.Everydayshemadericeballs
    fOrthepoorandgaveawayasmanyastl1eywanted
    AnimmortalwlIomanifestedasaTaoistmonkcame

    dailyfOrthreeyearsandalwaysaskedfOrsixorseven
    Herceaselessgenerosityconvincedhimofl1erdeep
    sincerity.Hetoldher:IhaveeatenyourriceballsfOr
    tl1reeyearsandhavedonenothingtosl1owmygratitudePerhapsIcandosonow.Ontl1elandbebind
    yourhouseisagoodplacefOryourgrave.Ifyouare
    placedtl1erewl1enyoudie,thenumberofyourdescendantswl1owillbaveimperialappointmentswill
    equaltl1enumberofseedsinapoundofsesame
    4lZ

    seeds.)HersonfOllowedhisrecommendations.

    Thefirstgenerationafterthat,ninemenpassedthe
    imperialexaminationsanditcontinuedthatwayfOr
    generations.ItwassaidinFUjianthatthesurnameof
    LinwasalwaysonthelistofthosewbolIadpassedthe
    imperialexamination
    AnotherexampleisMrFeng,thefatheroftheimperiallIistorian,FengZhuoanOnewintermanyyears
    ago,MrFengwasonhiswaytosc}Ioolwhenhesaw
    someonelyinginthesnow.Findingthatthemanwas
    barelybreathing,hequicklytookoffhiscoat,wrapped
    itaroundtheman,carriedhimbackhome,andre-

    vivedhimTbatnight,ZhuoansfatherdreamttlIata
    heavenlybeingtoldhim:<Outofcompletesincerity,
    youhelpedadyingmanThisisagreatvirtueIwill
    havethefamousGeneralHanQioftheSongdynasty
    toberebornasyoursonLater,ZlIuoanwasbornand
    wasnamedQi

    Also,tlIerewasMrYing,aministerwbolivedin
    Taizhou.Whenhewasyoung,}Iestudiedinremote
    mountainareas.Atnig}It,beoftenheardthesoundsof
    gbostsandspiritsbutwasneveraaidofthem.One
    nigbt,heheardoneghosthappilysaytoanotl1er:
    <(TlIereisavillagewomanwhosel1usbandleftlIomea
    longtimeagoand}IasnotreturnedHerin-lawsthink
    tl1attbeirsonisdeadandarefOrcinghertoremarry.
    Tomorrownightsheisgoingtocommitsuicideand
    willreplaceme.ThenIwillbereborn!)

    UponlIearingthis,MrYingimmediatelysetoutto
    l3

    sellsomelandtl1atheownedHereceivedtwohun-

    dredgramsofsilverfOrit.Hethenmadeupaletter
    fTomtl1edaughter-in-law)sl1usbandandsentittol1er
    homealongwitbtlIesilver.Tl1eparentsknewtl1attl1e
    letterwasnotintl1eson)sl1andwritingbutexamined
    tlIesilverandsaid<<TlIislettermaybefalse)buttl>e
    silverisnot.Perhapsoursonisalive.>)Consequently
    thedaugl>ter-in-lawwasnotfOrcedtoremarry.Aftera
    wbilethehusbandreturnedl1omeandtl1ecouple
    resumedtheirlivestogether
    Mr.Yingnextl1eardtheghostsay,<(OriginallyIwas
    supposedtoleavehereandbereborn,butMr.Ying
    messedupmycl1ance!)>TheotherghostaskedWhy
    don)tyougetevenwithhim?)>Thefirstghostreplied:
    <(Ican>t.Thebeavenlybeingshaverecognizedl1is
    goodnessandl1eisgoingtoreceiveaprominentpositionintbefuture.HowcanIhurthim?>>Uponhearingthis,MrYingbecameevenmorediligentinpracticinggoodnessandaccumulatingmerits.Wl1enever
    tl1erewasafamine)lIegavegrainfTomhisstorel1ouses
    tothosewlIoneededit.HealwayslIelpedrelativesin
    emergenciesWhenthingsdidnotgolIisway,he
    alwaysreHectedwitl1inlIimselfrathertl1ancomplain
    ofotl1ers.Thus)healwaysquietlycompliedwitlIconditionsEventoday,hisdescendantsareprominent.
    Anotl1erpersonXuFengz}]u>livedin]iangsuprovince.Whenevertberewasafamine,hiswealtlWfatl1er
    wouldbethefirsttowaivetl1erentonthericefields,
    hopingtl>atotherwealthypeoplewouldfOllowsuit.
    lq

    HealsodonatedgrainomhisstorelIousestotbose
    wlIowerehungry.
    Onenigl1tbeheardgbostsoutsidehislIomesay,
    AcountyscholarintheXufamilyisgoingtopassthe
    provincialimperialexamination!>>ThiswentonfOr
    severalnigbtsandindeedtlIatyearl1issonFengzl1u
    passedtheexamination.Afterthat,Fengzhu>sfather
    becameevenmorediligentinaccumulatinggood
    deeds.HepaidfOrtherepairofroadsandbridges)and
    providedfOodfOrmonksaswellasfOrthepoor.He
    didalll1ecouldtohelpothers.Sometimelater,he
    lIeardtl1eghostsagain.Theysaid:<Tl1eprovincial
    sclolaromtheXufamilyisgoingtol1oldahigh
    positioninthegovernment.))Eventually,Fengzl1u
    becamethegovernorofZhejiangprovInce
    AnotherexampleisTuKangxiwbolivedin}iaxing,
    ZhejiangprovInceMr.Tuworkedintl1ecourtbouse
    andwouldspendnightsintheprisoncells,talking
    witbtheinmates.InsteadofmakinganamefOrhimself)hewouldwritesecretreportstotl1eministerof
    justice,tellinghimwhycertainprisonerswereinnocent.TheMinisterwouldthenquestiontheprisoner
    accordinglyandcleart}Iecases.TbrouglIMr.Tu>s
    effOrts,morethanteninnocentpeoplewerereleased

    andalloftl]emwereextremelygratefilltothejudge
    praisingtbeministerofjusticefOr}Iiswisejudgment
    SoonafterMr.Tumadeareporttotl1eimperial
    judgesaying:Ifinnocentpeopleareimprisonedhere,
    theremustbemanymoretl1roughouttbecountry.I
    4l5

    recommendt}1atinvestigatorsbesenttoclIecktl1e
    prisonsfOrinnocentpeopleeveryfiveyears.TlIesentencescanbecanceledtopreventtheinnocentfTom
    remaininginprison.,}TheministerMr.Tu>ssuperior,
    tooktlIereporttotheemperor)whoagreedwithMr.
    Tu)ssuggestion.Mr.Tuwassubsequentlycl1osenas
    oneoftl1especialagentsincl1argeofreducingsentencesfOrtl>osewl1owerefOundinnocent.

    Onenigbt,lIedreamttl1atal1eavenlybeingcameto
    himandsaid:Originallyyoudidnotdeserveasonin
    tl1islifebuttlIisactofreducingprisonsentencesfOr
    innocentpeopleaccordswiththewisl1esoftlIel1eavens.Youwillbebestowedwitl1tl1reesonsandtbey
    willallattainhighpositions.)>Hiswifelatergavebirth
    totlIreesonswboallbecameprominent.
    Anotberexampleofattaininggoodresultshom
    practicingkindnessisBaoPingwbolivedin]iaxing.
    Pingwastheyoungestofsevensonsoftl1emagistrate
    ofCl1izl1ou)AnhuiproVnce.Hemarriedintotl1eYuan
    familyinPinghucountyZbejiangprovmceandwasa

    goodfriendofmyfatberBaoPingwaslmowledgeable
    andtalentedbutalwaysfailedintheexaminations.He
    spenthistimestudyingBudd}IismandTaoism.
    Once,wl1iletravelingtoLakeMao,becametoa

    villageandsawatempleindireneedofrepairT}Ie
    statueofAvalokiteshvaraBodl1isattvawaswetfrom

    therainthatleakedtlIroughtberoofPingtookoutall
    lIismoneyandgaveittotheabbot,sotl1athecould
    restoretl1etemple.Theabbotreplied:(Itisama>or
    4l6

    prOject,IamafTaidtbisisnotenough)BaoPingtben
    tookoutallhisexpensiveclothesand}Iandedthemto
    theabbot.Hisservanttriedtopersuadehimtokeep
    hisbestoutfit)butherefUsed)saying;<Itdoesnot
    mattertome.AslongasthestatueofAvalokiteshvara
    Bodhisattvaremainsundamaged,IdonotcareifI
    lIavetogowithoutclothes))
    Theabbot,withtearsinhiseyesexclaimed:(To
    giveupmoneyandclothingisnotdifficultbutyour
    deepsincerityistrulyrareAfterthetemplewas
    repaired,BaoPingaskedhisfathertovisititandtogetl1ertheyspentt}1enightthereTl1etemple)s
    DbarmaProtector,Qielan)cameinhisdreamtothank
    bimandsaid:<Sinceyouhaveaccumulatedthese
    meritsandvirtues,youwillhavemanygenerationsof
    descendantswhowillreceiveimperialappointments.>)
    Hissonandgrandsonbothpassedhighexaminations
    andwereappointedasimperialofficials.
    ZbiLifTom}iashancountyinZl1ejiangproVnceis
    anot}1erexample.Hisfatherusedtobeaclerldntbe
    provincialcourthouse.Once)wlIenZl1iLisfatber

    learnedthataninnocentmanhadbeengiventhe
    deathpenalty,hetriedtosavetheman>slifeWhen
    theprisonerheardaboutthis,hetoldhiswife:<Iam

    greatlyindebtedtothismanwlIol1asspokenonmy
    behalfbutIlIavenowaytoshowmygratitude.Will
    youinvitehimtoourhouseandofferyourselftohim?
    Perl1apstl1iswillpleasehimandincreasemyclIances
    tolive.))

    4l7

    Tl1ewifecriedasslIelistenedtol1isrequest,but
    tlIerewasnootherwaytol1elp.Thenextdaywhentl1e
    clerkcametovisit,slIeoffbredl>imwIneandtoldl1im
    oflIerhusband)swishT}1eclerkrefusedbutcontinuedtodoallhecouldfOrtheman.\Ibenatlasttl1e

    pnsonerwasreleased,heandhiswifewenttotl1e
    clerk)slIousetotlIankhim.Hesaid:Onewitl1sucl1

    virtueasyoursistrulyraretl1esedays,howcanIshow
    mygratitude?Sinceyoudonothaveason,allowme
    tooffermydaughterinmarnagetoyou.Pleaseaccept
    fOrthisistheonlywaytlIatIcanrepayyou
    Theclerkacceptedandsoonafterwards,shebore
    lIimhisson,ZhiLi.Hepassedthehighestleveloftl1e
    imperialexaminationswbenhewasjusttwentyyears
    oldandlaterwasappointedtoanimportantgovernmentposition.HissonGao)grandsonLu,andgreat
    grandsonDalun,allpassedtl1eexaminationsand
    receivedimperialappointmentsaswell
    Thesetenexamplesalltellofthedeedscultivated
    bydifferentpeople.Althoughtheiractionsdiffered,
    theirintentwastl1esame-toperfOrmgoodness.Ifwe
    carefi1llythinkaboutgoodnesswewillrealizethat
    therearemanydifferenttypes-realandfalse,honest
    andcrooked,lIiddenandvisible,apparentandactual,
    properandimproper,fullandhalf,bigandsmall>and
    difficultandeasy.Tbesedifferenttypeseacbbave
    ))

    theirowncausesthatneedtobeunderstoodIfwetry

    topracticegooddeedsbutdonotknowhowtodistinguisl1betweenriglItandwrong>wemayendupdoing
    4l8

    morel1armthangoodandallofoureffOrtswilllIave
    beeninvain.

    Wbatare(realgoodness,and<<falsegoodness?)In
    tl1eYuandynasty>agroupofsclIolarswenttovisit
    MasterZhongfeng.Onesaid:<(WehearinBuddhism
    tl1atthekarmicrewardfOrgoodandbadis<likea
    shadow,fOllowingtl1efOrmwhereveritgoes.))ButwlIy
    isittl1ataltlIoughsomepeoplepracticegoodness)
    theirfamiliesanddescendantsarenotprosperous?On
    tl1eotherl1and,wlIileothersbehaveimmorally>their
    familiesanddescendantsdoverywell.Wl1atl1asl1appenedtocauseandeffect?Aretherenostandardsin
    theBuddl1a>steachings?)
    MasterZhongfengreplied:<Ordinarypeopleare
    blindedbyworldlyviewpointsandnothavingcleansed
    tlIeirmindsofimpuritiesareunabletoseeclearly
    Consequently,theylookuponrealgoodnessaswrongdoingandmistakewrongdoingasgoodness.Tbisis
    verycommontodayMoreover,tl1esepeopledonot
    blametl1emselvesfOrfailingtounderstand,andunfairlyblametbeirmisfOrtunesontl1elIeavens.
    Thescholarsquestionedhowgoodandbadcould
    ))

    bemistakenfOreachother.MasterZbongfengasked
    eachoftl1emtoexpresstheirthouglItsonwhatwas
    badandgoodOnescholarsaidthattoyellatandhit
    otherswasbad;torespectandtreatothersinapolite
    waywasgoodTl1emasterreplied>Notnecessarily.
    AnotlIersclIolarsaidthatbeinggreedyandtaldng
    anothersmoneywasbadwhilebeinggenerousand
    l9

    behavingproperlywasgoodMasterZhongfengagain
    replied)Notnecessarily/>TheremainingsclIolarsall
    eressedtheirviewsonwhatwasbadandgood,but
    MasterZhongfengalwaysconcluded,<<Notnecessarily))
    MasterZlIongfengthensaid:(TodotlIingsfOrthe
    benefitofothersisgood;todotlIingsfOrselfbenefitis
    badIfwhatwedoisfOrthesakeofbenefitingothers,
    thenitdoesnotmatterifweyellatorlIitthem;itis
    stillgoodBut,ifourintentionisfOrselfbenefit,tlIen
    regardlessofourappearanceofrespectandcourtesy
    itisbad

    (Practicinggoodnesssolelytobenefitothersisconsideredpublicbenefitandisrealgoodness.Ifweonly
    thinkofourselveswbiledoinggoodacts>thenthatis
    consideredprivatebenefitandisfalsegoodness.W}Ien
    goodnessspringshomtheheart)itisrealgoodness
    But,whenwedosometlIinggoodjustbecauseotlIers
    aredoingso,itisfalse.Whenwedogoodwithout
    eectinganythinginreturn,itisrealgoodnessBut,
    whenwepracticegooddeedsfOrsomepurposeother
    thantobenefitothersitisfalse.Tl1osewhowishto
    practicerealgoodnessneedtoconsideralltlIesedifferences.

    ))

    Whatare<<honestgoodness>}and(crookedgoodness)?Peopletodayoftenlookuponanextremely
    conservativeandnicepersonasgoodandkindHowever,tbeancientsagesandvirtuouspeoplelIave
    shownthattbeypreferredthosewhowereaspiringand
    420

    dignifiedAsfOrthosewhoappeartobecompliantand
    carefUlintheiractions,everyonemayliketbem,but
    sagesoftenspeakofthemas<thievesofvirtue/,From
    tl1is,wecanseetlIattl1eviewpointofordinarypeople
    ongoodandbaddiffersgreatlyfromt}Iatofsagesand
    virtuouspeople.
    Becauseoft}1is,ourjudgmentcouldbeerroneous.
    Beingsandspiritsofheavenandeartballlookupon
    goodandbadfromthesameVewpointasthesages
    andnotthatofordinarypeople.Therefore,whenwe
    wishtoaccumulatemerits,wemustnotgiveinto

    greedorbeaffectedbythethingsaroundus.Assoon
    asimproperthouglItsarise)weneedtobeawareof
    tllemandtl1enpurifytlIem.
    HonestgoodnessistoberespectfUlandcomesfrom
    thethoughttosincerelybelpallothers.Crookedgoodnessistoactwithoutsincerityandarisesfromthe
    tl1ougl1ttoflatterotherstoobtainwhatwewant.To
    loveotl1ersisl1onest,andtohateotl1ersandbejealous

    iscrookedTbeseallneedtobeverycarefullydifferentiated

    Whatare<<hiddengoodness>)andvisiblegoodness>)?
    Goodnessishiddenwl1ennooneknowsaboutitand

    visiblewhenourgoodactsarelmownbyotl1ersThose
    witl1hiddenvirtueswillnaturallybelmownbytl1e
    beavensandberewarded.Thosewhopracticevisible
    goodnesswillbelmownbypeopleandenjoyfame
    FameitselfisgoodfOrtunebutbeavenandeartl1sl1un
    fame.Thosewl1ol1avegreatfame,butlackthevirtue
    42l

    tosupportitwilleventuallyencounteroverwl1elming
    adversitiesTbosewhol1avenotdoneanytl1ingwrong

    butarefalselyaccusedwillhavedescendantsw}Iowill
    suddenlybecomeprosperousandsuccessfUl.From
    tlIis>wecanseehowimportantitistounderstand
    hiddenandvisiblegoodness.

    Whatare<<apparentgoodness))andactualgoodness))?IntheSpring-AutumnPeriodtlIecountryof
    LumadealawthatrewardedthosewhopaidtlIeransomtofreetheirfellowcitizenswhowereservant-

    slaves.AttlIattime)ConftIciushadaricl1student

    namedZigongw}1o,altl1oughlIepaidtl1eransomto
    fiFeepeople,didnotaccepttherewardfordoingso
    Uponl1earingthisConfuciuswasveryunhappy
    andscoldedZigong:<(Youactedwrongly.Whensages
    andvirtuouspeopledosomething>itistoimprove
    moralityandteac}1people}1owtobebave.Wedonot
    dosomethingfOrselfbenefitorreputation.InLuthe

    pooroutnumberthewealthy.SinceyourefUsedtl1e
    reward,otl1erswilltl1inkthatacceptingrewardmoney

    isbeinggreedyandifthishappensnoonewillpaytlIe
    ransomtofreeourpeople/)
    AnotherstudentofConfUcius,Zilu)oncesawa

    mandrowningintheriverandrescuedhim.Later,the
    mantl1ankedl1imbygivingl1imacow.WlIenConfi1ciusl1eardtbatZilubadacceptedthegifthewas

    happyandsaid:Intl1efuture>peoplewillbeeagerto
    helptl1osewhoaredrowning.)
    Intl1eeyesofordinarypeople)Zigong)srefusalof
    422

    therewardmoneywasgood,wlIileZilu)sacceptanceof
    thecowwasnotWbowouldhaveexpectedConfucius
    topraiseZiluandscoldZigong|FromtlIis,wecansee
    tbatthosewhopracticegooddeedsmustnotonly
    considertlIecurrentoutcomebutthatoftlIefUtureas

    wellNeitlIerslIouldweonlyconsiderourowngain
    andlossbutthinkabouttheimpactmadeonothers
    Whatwedonowmaybegoodbutintimemay
    proveharmfUlThus>wbatseemslikegoodnessmay
    actuallybebadWhatappearstobebadmayactually
    bavepositivelong-termeffects)turningouttohave
    beengoodafterall.Thus>whatseemslikeabaddeed
    mayactuallybegoodnessForexample,apparent
    responsibilitymaybeactualirresponsibility,apparent
    proprietymaybeactualimpropriety,apparenttrustwortlIinessmaybeactualuntrustworthinessand
    apparentkindnessmaybeactualunkindness.Weneed
    tocarefullydifferentiatetomakeproperclIoices
    Whatare<(propergoodness))and<(impropergoodnessI?LuWenyiwasaprimeministerintlIeMing
    dynastyWhenhegrewoldheretiredtohisl1ometownwherehewaswelllovedandhighlyrespected
    Once,adrunkenvillagerwenttohishomeandbegan
    toyellinsultsatlIim.Mr.Lucalmlytoldhisservant,
    Thismanisdrunk)don)targuewithhim.))Withthat)

    heclosedtl1edoorandignoredtbeonslaughtofinSultS.

    Ayearlater,thesamemancommittedagravecrime
    andwassentencedtodeathHearingtlIis,Mr.Lu
    Z3

    remorsefullysaid:<<IfonlyIhadtakenbimtotheautlIoritiesfOrpunislImenttbatday>perhapsalittle
    disciplinecouldhavepreventedthis.Atthetime,Iwas
    tryingtobekindbutIinadvertentlyencouragedhis
    arroganceandcrueltyNow,hehasbeensentencedto
    deathThisisanexampleofl1avinggoodintentions
    butdoingsomethingbad
    TlIereisalsoanexampleoftl1osewboaclIieved
    goodnessaltlIoughtheyhadactedfTomimproper
    intentions.Once,afteradevastatingfamine>people
    werereducedtostealingfOodinbroaddayligl1t.A
    wealtl1yfamilyreportedthistotheautboritieswhodid
    nothing.Asthepoorgrewmoredaringchaoswas
    imminent.Tbefamily)takingthelawintotheirown
    hands,caugl1tandpunishedtbetl1ieves.Intl1isway

    peacewasrestoredandthetbeftswerestopped.IftlIis
    badnotbeendonechaoswouldhaveerupted

    Wealllmowtl1atgoodnessisproperandwrongdoingisimproper.However,tberearecaseswberedeeds
    doneoutofgoodintentionsresultedinbadThisis
    calledtheimproperwithintheproper.))Therearealso
    deedsdoneoutofimproperintentionsthatresultedin
    goodTbisiscalledtl1e<properwithintl1eimproper.
    ))

    Wecanbenefitfromunderstandingtl1is
    Wl1atare<l1alfgoodness))andfullgoodness))?We
    readintl1eJCgPeoplewbodonotaccumulate
    virtuousdeedswillnotachievebonorwl1ilepeople
    wl1odonotaccumulatebaddeedswillnotbringabout
    selfdestruction.AndfromtbeBokfsmIywe
    4Z4

    learnthat<Zhou)whowasthelastemperorofthe
    SlIangdynastycommittedllorriblecrimes/}ThedynastyendedwithhisdeathItislikecollectingobjects
    inacontainerWithdiligence,itwillsoonbefUllbut
    ifwearelazy,thenitwillbeonlyhalffullThisisan
    exampleoffUlland}Ialfgoodness
    OnceawomanvisitedaBuddhisttempleand
    wisl]edtomakeadonationBeingextremelypoor,sl1e
    onlyhadtwocentsbutsbeunreservedlygavetheseto
    amonkTolIersurprise,tlIeabbothimselfcameto
    helpl1erregretfOrpastoffensesandtodedicateher
    merits.

    Later,shewaschosentoentertheimperialpalace)
    andobtainedwealthandprestigeCladinherriches,
    shereturnedtothetempletomakeadonation>this
    timebringingasmallfOrtune.Toherdismaythe
    abbotsentanothermonktol1elpdedicatehermerits.
    Sbedidnotunderstandandquestionedtheabbot:In
    tbepast,Ionlydonatedtwocents,yetyoupersonally
    helpedmeregretmypastoffenses.Today)Ihave
    broughtmuclImoneybutyouwilInothelpmeperfOrmmymeritdedicationWhy?))
    Theabbotreplied:<AlthouglIyougaveonlyalittle
    inthepast,itcamefromatrueandsincereheart.It

    wasnecessaryfOrmetorepayyoursinceritybypersonallyperfOrmingyourdedications.Today)your
    donationismuchgreater,buttheheartofgivingisnot
    assincere.TlIerefOre,itisenougbthatmystudent
    perfOrmsyourdedicationsforyou/)Thisisanexample
    25

    ofhowthousandsofsilvercoinsareonlyconsidered

    <<halfgoodness}andtwocentsare(<wholegoodness.)
    AnotherexampleisofQuanZhongli)animmortal
    oftheHandynastywhowasteachingbisstudent,Lu
    Dongbintl>eartoftransformingironintogoldThey
    woulduseittohelpthepoorDongbinaskedl]is
    teacberiftl1egoldwouldeverclIangebacktoiron.
    Zhonglisaid,Afterfivehundredyears,itwillreturnto
    itsoriginalfOrm.))Dongbinreplied<(ThenIdonot
    wanttolearnthisartfOritwillharmtlIosewhopos))

    sessthegoldinfivehundredyears
    Zl1onglisaid:<Tobecomeanimmortal,onemust
    completetl1reethousandvirtuousdeeds.Whatyou
    havejustsaidcamefTomatrulykindl1eartYourthree
    thousanddeedsarefulfilled),Tbisaccountisanother

    exampleofwholegoodnessandbalfgoodness.
    W}1enweperfOrmagooddeeditisbestnottoattachtowl1atwehavedone.Ifwepracticeinthisway,
    thenallofourgooddeedswillreachfulfillmentand
    success.But,ifwealwaysthinkofthegoodthatwe
    havedoneaswelookfOrarewardthennomatterhow

    diligentlywepractice)evenfOranentirelifetime,the
    deedswillstillbeconsideredhalfgoodness
    Forexample,whenwedonatemoney,wecanprac-

    tice((puredonation.>>Wedonotlingeronthethougl1t
    of(<Iwhoisgiving>ontheimportanceoftheobject
    thatisgiven,orontheonewl1ohasreceivedWe
    simplygiveoutoftruesincerityandrespect.Wl1enwe
    practicepuredonationonepoundofricecanbring
    426

    infinitegoodfortune,andthemeritsfTomgivingone
    centcanwIpeawaythetransgressionsofatlIousand
    eons

    But,ifwealwaysthinkoftbegoodtlIatwehave
    doneandeectrewardsforouractions,tlIenevena
    donationofonemilliondollarswouldnotbringustbe
    rewardofafUllygoodfOrtune.Thisisanotherwayof
    elainingwlIolegoodnessandhalfgoodness.
    Whatare<biggoodness),and<<smallgoodness>)P
    Once,animportantofficial,WeiZbongdawasledinto
    tlIeunderworldforjudgment.Whentherecordsthat
    tlIejudgehadorderedtobebroughtoutarrived
    Zl1ongdawasastoundedattlIecourtyardfilledwitlIhis
    badrecordsandthesinglescrollofl1isgooddeeds.
    TheofficialthenorderedthemtobeweigbedSurprisingly,thebadrecords,wbich}Iadfilledthecourtyard,
    werelighterthanthesinglescrollofgooddeedsthat
    wasasthinasachopsticldZlIongdaaskedthejudge:iI
    ambarelyfOrtyyearsold,howcouldIhavecommitted
    somanyoffenses?Thejudgeanswered:Whenyou
    giverisetoasingletl1oughttl1atisimproper,itis
    consideredabadoffensethereandthen;itdoesnot
    havetobecarriedouttobecountedasawrong
    Zhongdathenaskedthejudgewhatwasrecorded
    onthesinglescrollThejudgereplied:(Oncetl1e
    emperorplannedtobuildagreatstonebridge.You
    opposedtheprOjectduetothehardsl1ipsitwould
    causetbetensofthousandsofpeopleneededfOrthe
    workThisisacopyofyourobjection.Zhongdasaid:
    427

    Ididmaketheproposal,butt}Ieemperordismissedit
    andproceededwitbtheprOject.WhatIsaid}Iadno
    effectonthematter.Howcanitbearsomuchweight
    againstallmyoffenses?)}
    Thejudgereplied:Altboughtheemperorrejected
    yoursuggestion,youronethoughtofkindnessforall
    thosepeoplewasverygreatIftheemperorhadacceptedyourideathenthegoodperfOrmedwouldhave
    beenevengreater)>TherefOre,whenoneisdetermined
    todogoodfOrtl1ebenefitofallpeople,asmalldeed
    canresultingreatmerits.Ifonetl1inksonlyabout
    benefitingoneselftbenevenifmanydeedsofkindnesswereperfOrmed,themeritswouldstillbesmall
    Whatare<(difficultgoodness))and<easygoodness?
    Scholarsofthepastsaidt}Iatonew}Iowishestoconquergreedanddesiresbouldbeginwithwl1atismost
    difficulttoovercome.WhenConfi1ciustalkedabout

    ourcultivationoflIumanity,healsosaidtobeginwith
    wbatismostdifficulttopractice.Forexample,an
    elderlyteaclIer)Mr.Shuof]iangxlgavetwoyears
    salarytoapoormanwhoowedmoneytotl1egovernment.Iftl1emanhadbeensenttoprison,thefamily
    wouldl1avebeentornapart.
    AnotlIerexampleisMr.ZhangfTomHandan.He
    gavewl1athadtakenl1imtenyearstosavetoapoor
    manwboowedmoneytotlIegovernmentTl1issaved
    himfromgoingtojailandenabledhimtoremainwith
    hiswife.SuclIexamplesasMr.ShuandMr.ZlIang
    arerare,fOrtlIeygavewhatismostdifficulttogive.
    428

    WhatotherswouldnotsacriHce)theydidsowillingly.
    AnotherexampleisMr.>infTom]iangsuprovmce
    whowasoldandwithoutanysons.Hisneighbors
    offeredl1imtbeiryoungdaughterinmarriageso}1e
    mighthavedescendantstocontinuehisfamily.MrJin
    refusedtl1eofferandsentlIerl1ome.Thisisanot}1er

    exampleofbeingabletoovercomewhatismostdifficulttoconquerinoneselfThelIeavensshowered
    downespeciallygoodfOrtuneonthesethreemen
    ItiseasierfOrtl1osewhobavemoneyandpowerto
    accumulatemeritsandvirtuesthanfOrthosewl1oare

    poorHowever,ifonerefUsestocultivategoodness
    whentheopportunitypresentsitself)thenitwould
    trulybeashameForthosewhoarewitboutwealtbor
    status)doinggoodthingsfOrothersisverydifficult.
    However)ifonecan}Ielpothersinthefaceofdifficultiesitwillbeevenmorevaluable.

    Therearemanywaystohelpotherswheneverthe
    opportunitypresentsitselfThesecanbesimplified
    intothefOllowingtenimportantcategories.
    l.Tosupportthepracticeofkindness.
    2.Torevereloveandrespect.
    3.Tohelpotherssucceedinpracticinggoodness
    .Topersuadeotherstopracticekindness.
    5Tobelpthoseindesperateneed
    6.TodeveloppublicprOjectsforthegreater
    benefitofpeople.
    7.Topracticemeritsbygivingwealth
    8.Toprotectandmaintainproperteachings.
    42g

    9.Torespectelders.
    l0Toloveandcherisballlivingthings.
    ,,

    Whatdoes(<tosupportthepracticeofkindness
    mean?EmperorShunlivedduringtheYaoPeriod
    Oneday>befOrehebecameemperor,Shunwaswatcl1ingsomefishermenonLakeLeize.Henoticedthatall
    theyoungerandstrongerfisl1ermentookthespots
    wberethewaterwasdeepandtlIefishwereabundant,
    wbilethosewhowereolderandweakerwereleftwith

    therapidsandsl1allowwater,wheretherewerevery
    fewfish

    WbenShunsawthis)hesympathizedwitl1tl1eolder
    fishermenHejoinedinthefishingandwheneverl1e
    sawyoungerfishermengrabthegoodspots,besaid
    nothingButwheneversomeyieldedtoothers)}1e
    praisedtl1emeverywherebewentandemulatedt}1eir
    humbleandpolitemannerHedidtlIisfOroneyear
    untiltbefishermengotintotbehabitofyieldingtbe
    goodspotstootbers
    AwiseandcapablemansuchasShuncouldhave

    easilyinHuencedotherswitlIafewwords.Wbydidhe
    notsimplysaysomethinginsteadoftryingtochange
    othersbysettingagoodexample?ShunIspainstaking
    andgoodintentionswereliketheeertartisanship
    tlIatresultsomlongpracticeandhardwork
    Intoday)seraoflowmorality,socialbreakdown
    andlossofproperthinking,itisextremelydifficultto

    findagoodstandardofbehavior.TherefOre,when
    thosearoundushaves}Iortcomings,wedonotuseour
    430

    strengthstopointouttheirdeficienciesWhenothers
    areunkind,wedonotuseourkindnesstocompare
    ourselvestothem.Wbenotl1ersarelesscapable,we
    donotpurposelysurpassthemEvenw}Ienweare
    intelligentandcompetent,thesearetobekepthidden.
    Insteadofboastingweneedtobehaveevenmore
    modestly.Whensomeonemakesamistake>wetolerateanddonotrevealitThisprovidestheopportunity
    torefOrmwithoutthelossofself-respect
    Wl1enweallowotherstokeeptheirdignity,they
    willbeevenmorecarefuloffUtureactionsWhenwe

    seestrengthsorsmallkindnessinothers,wecanlearn

    fTomtl1emandpraisetlIemtoothers.Indailylife,we
    canreainomspeakingandactingwitIselfisl1
    intentions)butinsteadseektobenefitsociety.Wecan
    helpsetstandardsforotherstofOIlowThesearet}Ie
    qualitiesofagreatperson;someonewhothinksof
    publicwelfareasmoreimportantthanhisorherown.
    WhatdoestorevereloveandrespectfOrothers
    mean?Sometimesitis}1ardtotellonappearance
    wl1etbersomeoneisanhonorablepersonorafTaud)
    sincefTaudspretendtobehonorable.Thedifferenceis
    asobviousblackandwhiteAsMenciussaid,the

    differencebetweenbonorablepeopleandordinary
    peopleliesintheirintentions.

    T}Ie}Ieartofagenuinelybonorablepersonisfilled
    witlIloving-ldndnessandrespectfOrothers.Thereare
    thousandsofdifferenttypesofpeopleinthisworld
    someclosetouswhileothersarestrangers.Somehave
    43l

    prestigewhileothershavenone.Somearesmartwbile
    otbersarenotandsomearevirtuouswhileothersare

    corruptNevertheless,weareallhumansandaretl1us

    alloneentityWeshouldneitherlIatenordisrespect
    anyone

    Whenourheartsarefilledwithloving-ldndnessand
    respectfOrothers,itisthesameasifourbeartswere
    filledwithloving-kindnessandrespectfOrtl1esages
    andvirtuouspeople.Whenweunderstandandagree
    withothers,itist}1esameasifweunderstandand

    agreewiththesagesandvirtuouspeople.Wl1y?Becausealltl1evirtuouspeopleandsageswantpeopleto
    obtainwhattheywishfOr.IfwecanlIavelovingkindnessandrespectfOrpeopleandhelpthemto
    achieveintheirendeavors,weareactingasasageora
    virtuousperson.

    Whatdoes<l1elpingotherstodogoodmean?Ifwe
    tossedasideapieceofrawjade,itwouldremaina
    wortblessstone.Butifwecarvedandpolisl1edit,it
    wouldbetransfOrmedintoavaluableobject.Sowhen
    weseepeoplewlIomwefeell1avethepotentialto
    practicegoodnessortoworktowardsapropergoal,we
    canguide,support)praiseandencouragetl1em,thus
    helpingthemtosucceedIfotherswronglyaccuse
    them>wecantrytocleartbeirnameandsharetl1eir
    burdenofslander.Onlywhenwehavehelpedtl1em
    backont}IeirfeettobecomeafUnctioningpartof
    society,willwehavefulfilledourresponsibilityin
    helpingotherstodogood
    432

    MostpeopledislikethosewhoaredilferentfTom
    tlIem<Forexampletbosewboarebadfeeluncomfortablearoundthosewboaregood>Asthereare
    alwaysmorebadpeoplearoundthangoodpeople;
    thosewlIoaregoodoftenbavedi{ficultystandingon
    theirown.

    Goodpeoplehaveabilitiesandvirtuesthatenable
    themtobecomefamousTheyusuallypaylittleattentiontotbeirappearanceTheycaneasilybewrongIy
    accused,sostrivingtodogoodturnsouttobeacballenge.Whenthishappens)itisentirelyuptovirtuous
    peopleandelderstoprotectandhelptbosewhoare
    moraltostandontheirownT}Ieycandot}1isbyprovidingw}Iatt}IepeopleneedtopracticegoodnessThe
    meritsofthevirtuouspeopleandelderswbodothis
    wi>lbegreat
    Whatdoes((persuadingotherstopracticeldndness>
    mean?Ashumans,weallwanttobegoodandtobave
    aconscience,butchasingafterwealtbandfamebaS
    keptussobusythatwehavestoppedlisteningtoour
    conscienceThisistheresultofbavingtosurviveina
    worldfilledwithhardshipsWhenafriendisaboutto
    ignorehisorberconsciencetodosomet}Iingunworthy,wecanremindandwarntbisfriendhopingto
    wakehimorberfromdelusionItislikewaldngup
    someonew}IentheyarehavinganightmareItisupto
    ustos}IaketlIemintorealityWhenapersonisundergoingalongspellofdepression,wecanpullthispersonoutofitandhelptoclearbisorhermindWeare
    433

    mostvirtuousifwecantreatourfTiendswitlIsuch
    kindness.

    AsclIolarnamedHanyuoncesaid:<<Bywordof
    mouthonecanonlypersuadeandinHuenceothersfOr
    awlIile.Ifonecanpersuadeandinfluenceothers
    throughwrittenworks,oneIswordscanbepassedon
    fOrlmndredsofgenerationsaroundtheworld))Dependingonwhatisappropriateintl1ecircumstances)
    wecanuseeitberspeakingorwriting.
    Toencouragevirtue>wecanpersuadeothers
    throug}1speecborwritingComparedwitl1teacl1ing
    otl1erstlIrouglIbel1aviorthesearemoredirectand
    clearSometimes,wedonotl1avetimetoteac}1otl1ers
    througbbehavior.Tbenverbalorwritteneducation
    willbemoreeffective.However)ifwecanapplyitlike
    theriglItmedicinefOranillness,oftenitwillproveto
    havewonderfUleffects.TberefOrewecannotgiveup.
    IfwemaketlIemistakeoflosingaperson<itwas
    properfOrustoguidethispersonbutwedidnot>or
    wastingourwordsitwasimproperfOrustoper
    suadetl1ispersonbutwetriedto)weneedtothink
    andfindtbewisdomnottorepeattbemistake.
    Whatdoes(helpingtboseindesperateneedmean?
    PeopleoftensufferfTomseriousdifficulties.Ifwe
    meetsomeoneliketl1is,thenweimmediatelyl1elptlIat
    personasifweweretheonewhowassuffering.Ifa
    personl1asbeenwronglyaccusedorconvictedtl1en
    weshouldpleadontheirbehalfaswellasl1elpinany
    waywecanTlIescbolarMr.Cuioncesaid:Itdoes
    34

    notmatterwhetherafavorisbigorsmallWhatis
    importantisthatitisdoneatatimewhenotl1ersneed
    itmost.))Tbesearewordsofloving-Mndness.
    Whatdoes<<developingpublicpmjectsfrtl1ebenefitofotlIersmean>SmallconstructionprOjectsare
    neededfOrvillagesandbigconstructionjobsare
    neededfOrcities.Aslongastheyl1elppeople)they
    shouldbebuilt.PublicprOjectscanbetheconstruc-

    tionofsystemstoirrigatefarmlands,damstoprevent
    flooding)orbridgestofacilitatetravel.Also,wecan
    givefOodorwatertothosewhoarebungryorthirsty
    Wheneverwehavetheopportunity,weneedtoinspire
    otherstodotlIeirshareaswelltohelpaccomplislIthe
    prOjecteitherthrouglIthesharingofwealthorof
    labor.DonotbeafTaidofwl1atothersmig}Itsayor
    becomediscouragedwhenthejobbecomesdifficult.
    Donotallowtbejealousyandhatredofothersto
    wealKenourresolvetodowhatisvirtuous.

    WhatdoesaccumulatingmeritsandgoodfOrtune
    bygivingwealth))mean?InBuddbism)givingisconsideredtl1efOremostpracticeamongallthemetlIods.
    Wl1atisgiving?Givingislettinggo.Awisepersonwbo
    understandsthisprinciplewouldbewillingtogive
    awayeverytl1ing,eventotbepointoflettinggoofour
    attacbmentstothesixsenseorganswitl1in.Externally
    wecanalsogiveawaytlIatwhichwesee,hearsmell,
    taste,touch,andtlIink

    Wecangiveawayanyt}Iing.WlIenwefindour-

    selvesunabletodoso,wecanbeginwiththegivingof
    435

    wealthOrdinarypeopleregardtheirclothingandfOod
    asdearlyastbeirlives;therefOre,tlIeyconsiderwealth
    tobeoftl1eutmostimportance.Whenwegivespontaneously,wecancurestinginesswhile}IelpingotlIersin
    direneedHowever,fOrmanythisisverydifficultto
    do,especiallyatfirstBut,graduallytbemorewegive
    themorenaturalitwillbecome.Thisistl1ebestwayto
    cureselfislmess,andtoeradicateattachmentsand
    stinginess.

    Whatdoes<<protectingproperteacl1ingsmean?For
    millionsofyears,properteaclIingsbavebeenastandardoftruthandprovidedspiritualguidancefOrall
    livingbeingsWitboutproperteachingshowcanwe

    participateinandsupporttlIenurturingofheavenand
    earth?Withoutproperteacbings,l1owcanwehelp
    peopletosucceedintheirpractice?Howcanbeingsin
    alltherealmssucceedintbeirendeavorswitlIouta

    standardtoliveby?HowcanwebefreeoftheFive
    Desires,theSixDustsourdelusions,ourafflictions?
    Withoutproperteachings,howcanwesetastandard
    intheworldandhelppeopletranscendsamsara?
    W}Ieneverweseetemples,memorials,orpicturesof
    pastvirtuouspeopleorsages,orBuddhisttexts,we
    sl1ouldberespectfulIftheyareinneedofrepair,we

    sl1ouldrepairthem.Wecanpropagateandpassontl1e
    properteacbingsandbelpotherstolearntheirvalue
    Inthisway,wecanrepayourgratitudetotbeBuddba.
    Weshoulddoourbestandencourageotherstodoso
    aswell.
    436

    Whatdoes<<respectingourelders,)mean?Itisto
    malKeanextraeffOrttobeattentivetoandrespectful
    ofparents,oldersiblings,leaders,superiors,elders,

    andt}IoseofgreatvirtueandIearning.Wbentaking
    careofourparentsatlIome,wearetodosogently
    witblovingheartsandobligingdemeanorsWeshould
    notraiseourvoicebutmaintainapeacefulbearing.As
    wecultivatetbesevirtues,theywillbecomeapartof
    usandwewillcbangeintoagentle-}Ieartedperson
    Tbisisthewaywecantoucbthe}Ieartsofheaven
    WhenworkingfOroursuperiorsorthegovernment,
    wesl1ouldfOllowtberulesandnotdoaswepleasejust
    becauseoursuperiorsdonotknoww}Iatwearedoing.
    BefOreweconVctsomeoneofacrime,regardlessof
    whetherthecrimeisseriousornot,weshouldinvesti-

    gatecarefullyandbejustWeshouldnotabusepower
    orbecruelbecauseoursuperiorsdonotlmowwhat
    wearedoing.WhenwithourSuperv>sor,weshould
    showlIimorherthesamerespectasifwewerefacing
    tbeheavens.(Astheproverbsays))(<Tbisistbecorrect
    behaviorhandeddownfromourancestors.Itbasan

    importantbearingonourhiddenvirtuesLookatall
    tbefamilieswhopracticedloyaltyandfilialpiety.
    TlIeirdescendantsprosperedforalongtimeandhad
    brightfi1tures.WecanfOllowtheirexampleandpracticewithcaution.

    Whatdoeslovingandcherishingalllivingthings,
    mean?Acompacsionateheartmakesaperson.ApersonseekingtlIeVrtuesofloving-kindnessandcompas437

    sioncultivateshisorherbeartofcompassion.Apersonwl1owantstoaccumulatemeritsalsocultivatesa

    compassionateheart
    ItisstatedintheBooARs:Inanuary,when
    mostanimalsbeartheiryoung,femalesofthespecies
    arenottobeusedfOrsacrificialpurposes.),Mencius
    oncesaid:((Anbonorablepersonwillnotgonearthe
    kitc}Ien.))Tl1isistoprotectacompassionatel1eart.Our
    ancestorsdidnoteatmeatunderfOurcircumstances:

    iftlIeyl1eardthekillingsawtbekillinghadtheanimalkilled,orraisedtheanimalthemselves.Ifwe

    cannotstopeatingmeatimmediately,wecanbeginby
    fOllowingtl1esefOurguidelines.Inthiswayweare
    graduallyincreasingourcompassion
    WeslIouldnotonlyrefTainfromldllinganyanimals)butinsectsaswell,fOrtheyarealsolivingcreatures.Manmakessilkfromthecocoonsofsilkworms
    thatl1avetobeboiledinwaterwithtl1esilkworms

    insideWhenwecultivatethelandfOrfarming)l1ow

    manyinsectshavetobekilled?Weneedtobeaware
    ofthecostinlivesinvolvedinourfoodandclothing.

    WekilltoprovideforourselvessotowastefOodand
    clothingisasseriousanoffenseaskilling.Howoften
    l1aveweunlmowinglyharmedorsteppedonaliving
    creature?Wesl1oulddoourbesttopreventtl1isfTom
    happeningagainAnancientgreatpoetoncewrote:
    orloveofthemice,weoftenleavethemsomerice
    >)

    andinpityingthemothwewillnotlightthelamp.
    TbisiscompassionIcannotbegintotalkofalltl1e
    38

    infinitetypesofgoodness.Ifwecaneandtheten
    previouscategories,wecanmaket}1emintoamulti
    tudeofgooddeedsandvirtues.

    439

    TlIeFourthLesson:

    TlIeBenefitsofTbeVirtueOfHumility

    IntlIeJCgthehexagramfOrhumilitystated:T1e
    lawsofl1eaventakefromtlIearrogantandbenefitthe
    humble.TbelawsofearthbringHowingwaterom
    areastlIatarefUlltothosetlIatarelowerasitpasses
    byAndtlIelawsofspiritsbringharmtot}1osewl1oare
    arrogantandgoodfOrtunetothosewhoaremodest
    EventbelawsofpeopledespisetbosewhoarearrogantandprefertlIosewboaremodest.
    IntheJChnaonlythehumility}Iexagramcontains
    solelygoodoutcomesTbeBoAoTsmIyalsoex
    plains:(Whilearroganceinvitesdisaster,lIumility
    gainsbenefit.)>Ioftenwenttotaketheexaminations
    accompaniedbyothersandeverytimeIwouldmeet
    scholarswlIowereverypoor.IrealizedthatbefOre
    theypassedtl1eexaminationsandbecameprosperous,
    t}IeirfacesradiatedsucbhumilitythatIfeltIcould
    almostl1olditinmyhands
    Severalyearsago>tenofusfromtl1evillagewentto
    takethepreliminaryimperialexaminationT}1eyoung-

    est,Ding]ingyuwasextremelybumble.Itoldoneof
    theapplicantsFei}inpothat>ingyuwouldundoubtedlypasstl]eexamination.Fei]inpoaskedhowIcould
    tellandItoldbim:IIOnlythosewhoarelmmblereceivegoodfortune.Myfriend,lookatthetenofus.Is
    tl]ereanyoneashonest,generousanduncompetitive
    as}ingyu?Doyouseeanyonewhoisasrespectfill
    440

    tolerant)carefulandhumbleas>ingyu?Doyousee
    anyonelikebim,whowheninsulteddoesnottalkback
    orwhowbenslandereddoesnotargue?Anyperson
    wl1ocanachievesuchhumilitywillreceiveprotection
    omtbeearth,heaven,andspirits.Thereisnoreason
    hewillnotbecomeprosperous}Sureenoughwhen
    thetestresultscameout)Dingjingyuhadpassed
    OneyearinBeiiing,Istayedwithachildhood
    iendFengKaizhi.Alwayshumblehehadakindand
    accommodatingappearanceHewasnolongerthe
    arrogantpersonIhadlmownyearsago.Hisfriend,Li
    ]iyanwasverybluntandoutspoken)andoftenscolded
    himfOrbismistakes,butKaizhijustcalmlyaccepted
    theaccusationswithouttalldngbackItoldKaizhi:
    Tustastherearesignst}IattellofcominggoodfOrtuneormisfOrtune,wecanseethatprosperityor
    adversitycometothosewbohavecultivatedtheir
    causes.Heavenwillhelpthosewhoseheartsarehumble.You,myfriend,willdoubtlesspasstheimperial
    examinationthisyear!Later,hedidjusttl1at.
    Tl1erewasayoungmanomS1andongprovInce
    namedZl1aoYufengwbopassedtbepreliminarylevel
    oftheimperialexaminationsbefOrehewaseven
    twenty.But,tryasbemightlIecouldnotpassthe
    succeedingexaminations.Whenhisfathermovedto

    >iasbantoacceptanothergovernmentpostYufeng
    wentwitbhimandcametogreatlyadmireawelllmownscholarinthevillagenamedQianMingwu.
    YufengbroughthisworktoMrQianwl1opicked
    44l

    upl1iscalligraphybrushandmademanycorrectionsto
    theessay.NotonlywasYufengnotangry)hegratefully
    acceptedallofMrQian)scoITectionsandimmediately
    madetlIerecommendedchanges.TlIefollowingyear,
    Yufengpassedtheimperialexamination.
    OneyearIwenttothecapitaltopaymyrespectsto
    theemperorandmetascholarnamedXiaJiansuowho
    lIadallthequalitiesofagreatmanwithoutatraceof
    arrogance.IfelttheintenseauraoflIisvirtueand
    humilityWlIenIreturnedl1omeItoldafTiend:
    Wbenheavenwantsapersontoprosper)itfirstbestows}IimwitlIwisdomthatcanmakeapompous
    personlIonestandwelldisciplined]iansuoisgentle,
    kind,andgoodSurely>heavenwillnowmakehim
    prosperous.,Sureenougb,whenthetestresultscame
    out)>iansuohadpassedtheexamination.
    TherewasasclIolarnamedZhangWeiyanfrom]i-

    angyinwhowaswelleducatedwrotegoodessays,and
    waswelllmownamongscho>ars.Oneyear,wl1ile
    takinghisexaminationinNanjinglIestayedatatemple.WhenthetestresultswerepostedandlIefOund
    thatbehadfailed,hebecamefUriousandloudlyaccusedtheexaminerofbeingblindtoobvioustalent.
    ATaoistmonkwlIosawthisbegantosmile.Weiyan

    immediatelyredirectedl1isangertowardsthemonk
    whosaidtheessaymustnotbegoodWeiyangoteven

    angneranddemandedhowl1eknewitwasnotgood
    whenhehadnotevenreadit!TheTaoistrepliedtbat
    helIadoftenheardthattheprimaryelementinwriting
    442

    goodessayswasapeacefUlmindandalIarmonious
    disposition.Weiyan>sloudandangryaccusations
    clearlysl1owedthathismindanddispositionwere
    violentsohowcouldlIepossiblywritewell!Weiyan
    acceptedwhattbeTaoistsaidandaskedfOrhisadvice.
    TheTaoistsaidthatwlIetherornotonepassesdependsondestiny.Ifsomeoneisnotdestinedtopass,
    thennomatterhowgoodthepaperis,heorshewill
    fail.W}IentheTaoistconcludedthatWeiyanneeded
    tomakesomecl1anges,WeiyanaslKedhowhecould
    cbangedestiny.TheTaoistrepliedthataltl1ougl1the
    powertofOrmourdestiniesliesintl1eheavens)the
    righttochangethemlieswithinusAslongaswe
    practicegoodnessandcultivatehiddenvirtues)wewill
    receivewhatweseek

    WeiyansaidthatlIewasonlyapoorsclIolarand
    questionedl1isabilitytodopracticegoodnessThe
    Taoistelainedthatpracticinggoodnessandaccumu
    latingl>iddenvirtuesdependedontheheartAslong
    asoneintendedtopracticegoodnessandaccumulate
    virtues,themeritswouldbeinfinite!HeusedtlIe

    exampleoftlIevirtueofl1umilitytl1atcostnothing.
    Weiyanneededtolookwithininsteadofberatingtl1e
    examinerfOrbeingunfair.Weiyanlistenedtothe
    TaoistmonlKandomtl1enonsuppressedlIisarro
    gance.Everyday}Ietriedhardertopracticegoodness
    andtoaccumulatemoremerits.

    Onenight)threeyearslater,hedreamtthatl1elIad

    enteredaverytallhouseandsawabookwitl1many
    13

    namesaswellasmanyblanklines.Heaskedtl1epersonnexttohimaboutitandwastoldtl1atthenames

    belongedtotheapplicantswholIadpassedtheexaminationtl1atyear.WbenWeiyanaskedaboutallthe
    blanklines,l1ewastoldtlIatthespiritsoftheunderworldcl1eckedontheapplicantseverythreeyears
    OnlythenamesofthosewhowerefaultlessandpracticedgoodnessremainedintlIebookTl1eblanMines
    l1adcontainedt}1enamesofthosedestinedtopass
    butduetorecentoffenses,tlIeirnameshadbeen
    removed

    Thepersonpointedtoablanklineandsaidtbat
    forthepastthreeyearsWeiyanl1adbeenverycarefulandsodisciplinedthatl1el1adnotmadeany
    mistakes.Perl1apshisnamewouldfilltheblank
    HehopedtbatWeiyanwouldvaluetlIisopportunity
    andcontinuelIisfaultlessbehavior.Thatyear,
    Weiyanpassedtheexaminationandplacedone
    hundredandfifth

    Wenowlmowthatspiritsandheavenlybeings
    aretl1reefeetaboveourheads.Obtaininggood
    fortuneandpreventingmisfortuneisuptous.As
    longaswel1avegoodintentions,refrainfrom
    wrongdoings,donotoffendthebeingsandspirits
    ofheavenandeartl1,aretolerantandnotarrogant,

    thentl1ebeingsandspiritsofheavenandearthwill
    feelcompassionforusOnlytlIenwillwehavea
    foundationforfutureprosperity.
    Tl>osewhoarefilledwithconceitarenotdes4

    tinedforgreatnessEveniftheydoprospertlIeir
    goodfortunewillbeshortlivedIntelligentpeople
    wouldneverbenarrow-mindedandrefusetl1egood
    fortunetheyareentitledto.Thosewhoarelmmble
    alwaysincreasetlIeiropportunitiestolearnandin
    thiswaytheirgooddeedsareboundless!Those
    wl1owisl1tocultivateandimprovetheirvirtues
    cannotdowithoutthevirtueofhumility.
    TlIeancientssaid:(<ThosewholIavetheirhearts

    setonsuccessandfame,willsurelyattaintbem
    justasthosewlIobavetheirheartssetonwealth

    andpositionwillattainwhattheywishfor.))Apersonwhohasgreatandfar-reacbinggoalsislikea
    treewitl1rootsTl1eymustbel1umbleinevery
    tl1ougl1tandtrytorelieveother>sburdensevenif
    tl]eoccurrenceisasinsignificantasaspeckof
    dust.Ifwecanreachthislevelofhumility,wewill
    naturallytoucl1tlIeheartsofheavenandearth
    Iamtbecreatorofmyownprosperity.LoolKat
    tlIeapplicantswhosoughtfameandwealthIni-

    tiallytl1eywereinsincereandwbattheysouglItwas
    apassingimpulse.WhentlIeywantedsometl1ing,
    theysougl1titbutwhentheirinterestwaned,they
    stoppedseekingitMenciusoncesaid(toEmperor
    XuanofQi):Ifyoucanexpandfromtheheartthat
    seekspersonallIappiness>tosharingl1appinesswitb
    allyoursubjectsandmakethemjustashappyas
    youarethensurelythenationwillprosper!)Thisis
    alsotrueformeinseekingtopasstheimperial
    145

    examination.(Ialonecanseekandthuschangemy
    destiny)

    416

    TheTen-Recitati0nMethOd

    Thissin1ple,convenientandectivewaytopractice
    BuddhaRecitationisespeciallysuitablefbrthosewhofind
    thattheyhavelittletin1efbrcultivation.IthelpsustobE/
    InindfUlofBuddhaAInitabha.Itbringsusquietjoy.
    WebeginwhenwewakeupSitupstraightandclearl)/
    reciteAInituofb,,tentiIneswithacaln1andfbcusedn]ind,

    aloudorsilently.WerepeatthisprocesseightInoretiIes.
    eachtiInedoingoneroundoftenrecitations.Recitenine
    tiInesdailyatthesetiInes:
    UpoIwaMngIp
    BefrebreaMnst,lunch,aIddiIIer

    BefbreaI>dafter0IrIorIiIg,swork
    Befreadaero.aeroon,swork

    UpoIretiriIg

    Thekeyisregularity;disruptionofthispracticewillreduceitsectiveness.Whenwereciteconsistentlywithout
    inteITuption,wewillsoonelanincreaseinourpurityof
    Inind,wisdon1,andserenityDiligentpracticeofthis
    Inethod,togetherwithunwaveringbeliefandvows,can
    ensurefUlfillInentofourwishtoberebornintheWestern
    PureLand

    447

    NOTES

    UnlessindicatedotherwiseallnotesaretlIoseoftlIe
    writer.Notesinbracketsarethoseoftbetranslators

    andareindicatedbytheabbreviation<Trans.)
    lInthepast,befOrethegovernmentemployedsomeone,
    examinationswereheldfOrallthecandidates.Afterpassing
    t}Iefirstentryexamination,thestudentswouldtlIenbesent
    tovariouscountyschoolstostudy.(Oncethesystembecamestandardized,testswereheldeverythreeyearsInthe
    fal>candidatesweretestedintheir}Iomeprefectures.In
    thespring,tlIosewhopassedwenttotheMinistIyofRites

    inthecapitalfOrthemetropolitanexamination,andiftbey
    passedagain,theywereexaminedatthepalacebythe
    emperorThosewhopassedalllevelsreceivedtheJinshi
    degree,weregivenrankascivilofficials,andwereassigned
    togovernmentposts.)(MicrosoftEncartaEncyclopedia99
    l993-l998MicrosoftCorp)
    2<960-ll27>

    3CbmJbIserasIrbsincludes3450
    titlesin36,000volumesandcoversc>assicsandsutras,

    historygovernmentmanagementandliterature>

    1TheICmgisoneoftheWBCssisinConfUcianism.
    Itisnowusedasamanualofdivinationandhaspl]ilosophicalaspects.Tfans>
    5Attl1istime,LiaofanscousinbadafTiendwhowasteach-

    ingatsomeone)shomePerlIapsthispersonwasawealthy
    individualwhohademptyroomsinhishousethatwere
    usedasclassroomsandwhoemployedteaclIerstogive
    lessonstolIischildrenaswellasthoseofrelativesand

    friends.LiaofanbecameapupilofMr.Yuandbeganhis

    preparationfOrtheexamination.Inthepast,schoolswere
    notcommonliketheyaretodayBefbretheQingdynasty,
    <l644-l9l2>lessonswereconductedinbomeschools.
    Usuallytherewasonlyoneteachergivinglessonstotwenty
    8

    orthirtystudentsTherewerenohighschoo>s,onlypublic
    universities.Studentsstudiedveryhardwithaprivatetutor
    topasst}>eexaminationbefbreattendingagovernmentmanageduniversity.

    6<Acivilscholarwasequivalenttoahighschoolstudent
    andanimperialscho>arwasequivalenttoauniversity
    student>

    7Atthattime,thegovernmentprovidedhighschooland
    universitystudentswithanallowanceandsupp>emented
    t}Ieirlivingexpenseswithrice.SimilartoafOodration,
    excessncecou>dbeso>d.Aseveryregionhadasetnumber
    ofopenings,onlywhentherewasavacancycouldaperson
    beaddedtothe>ist.

    8Imperialstudentshadalloftheirexpensespaidbythe
    government;however,thestudentswereexpectedtowork
    fOrthegovernmentuponcompletionoftheirschooling.
    9ThesearetwooftheCsasofConfUcianismThe

    BboASmgBunderscorestheConfucianvaluationof

    lmmanfeelings.TheBboAfsmIypresentskingsipin
    termsoftheet}>icalfbundationfOrahumanegovernment.
    (EncyclopediaBritannica,BritannicaInc.,Copyrighted
    l999-2000)

    l0<ThefirstofMasterChinKung!sthreeteachers.>
    llSinceancienttimesinChina,theRdbIStJnH,the
    DmoIdSiJkmandthe5tJIHngama5iJn1ahavebeenac
    knowledgedaseminentliteraryworks.ThedbnStJn
    byMasterHuinengshouldnotbethoughtofassolelya
    sutraoftheZenschoolfOritisanoverVewofBuddhism

    andisessentiallyMasterHuineng)sreportofwhathehad
    learnedthroughhisstudyandpractice.
    l2<6l8to907>

    l3PromtheTaoistbookeXMdOJ,eeaAc-

    cozmReesMdRe,ojse
    49

    l4<Thefirstofthethreeseriousoffensesisfailingtosupportourparentswhentheyarealive.Secondisfailingto
    givethemadecentburialupontheirdeathThethirdisthe
    mostcritical-notproducinganheir.>
    l5<BuddhaAmitabhaistheSanskritnamefbrtheBuddha
    oftheWesternPureLand.Whenwearechantingweuse
    theClIinesepronunciation(<AmituofO.)}<<Amituo)isaname
    meaninginfinitelifeandinfiniteight,andomeans
    BuddlIa.>

    M<DoingthisplantstlIeseedfbrfUtureBuddhahoodandin
    thiswaysavestheirlifebyrescuingthemfromsufferingin
    thesixpathsofestence
    l7206BCAD229

    l8<TheBodhimindisthegreatcompassionateandsincere
    mind,witheverythoughttoattaincomp>eteself-rea>ization
    fOrselfandothers>

    l,Tai]iawasanemperorduringtheSbangdynasty
    <ca.l766-call25BC>.Whenhewasyoungheengaged
    inimmora>activities.After>isteningtotheguidanceofthe

    greatsageYiyinheamendedhiswrongbehavior.The
    abovequotewashisexpressionofgratitudetothesage.
    20<1368-l644>

    2l<MasterLianchiwastbeeighthPatriarclIofthePure
    LandsclIoolandwasMasterOUYisteacher.>

    22ThismethodprovidesuswithfburbenefitsFirst,we
    wou>dnotfOrgettl>eChineselanguage.Thisisespecially
    importantfOrthoseofChinesedescentlivingabroadasit
    wouldenabletlIemtoremembertheiroriginsSecond,we
    wouldbeabletounderstandChinesecharactersrI}]irdwe
    wouldbewe>lversedinc>assicalChinese,whichwould

    provideuswiththeabiitytoreadCbmPbIuoAbe
    fbJrZasJITs.Passeddownthroughfivethousandyears

    ofChinesehistory,thesebookscontaintbeessenceofthe
    wisdomandexperienceofpastsagesandvirtuousancients.
    450

    Fourth,wewouldbeabletoreadBuddhistsutrasthatserve
    asthefbundationfbrourpractice.

    23<<<NamoAmituofbisChineseandmeans<lTopayhomagetoBuddhaAmitabha/}>
    21ItistlIesameinBuddl1ismToshowtheutmostrespect)

    amonkornunisaddressedbythenameofhisorl]erway
    placeorlocation.MasterZhizhewasaddressedastlIegreat
    masterofTiantaibecausehelivedonTiantaiMountain.

    AnotherexampleisMasterKuijiwhowascalledCien
    becauselIewasfromtheCienTemple.

    25Althoughthisisnotaveryhighleve>ofachievement,
    attainmentofitshowedthatLiaofanwasproceedingcorrectlyandhadreceivedagoodresponse

    26<ThethirdstudyisskillsfOrmakingalivingandtlIe
    fOurthisthearts.>

    27AnotlIeroftheCssjsofConfucianismtheBboA
    oFRrswasconcernedwithprinciplesofconduct

    28EverydayLiaofanhandledpublicaffairsandservedasan
    inteITogatorinthejudicialsystem.Thisisunliketoday
    wherethejudicialandlegislativedepartmentsareseparatedInancientChina,themayormanagedjudicialand
    legislativecases

    29Buddl]ismflourishedduringtheMingandQingdynastiesseveralcenturiesago,whenmanymonksandnuns
    livedonthefOurfamousmountains.Thetenthousandwho

    livedonWutaiMt<symbo>izingManjusriBodhisattva>was
    actuallynotalargenumber.Themountainwiththemost
    peoplewasPutuo<symbolizingAvalokiteshvaraBodhisattva>witharoundthirtytofOrtythousandmonksand
    nunsinresidenceAndtlIerewereovertenthousandliving

    onEmeiMt<symbolizingSamantabhadraBodlIisattva>and
    ]iouhuaMt<symbolizingKsitagarbhaBodhisattva>.

    30TheBboAfsanotherofthef;VBCs5sof
    Confucianism,isacol>ectionofancienthistorica>docu5l

    ments.>

    3lAtimewhenChinawasundergoingmuchchange.

    32TheImgadAmAmmAanotheroftheyc

    CsssisanhistoricaccountoftheLuNation.Through
    outhislifetimeConfUciuseditedandcompiledthese
    recordsintoabook)whichhasbeenpasseddowntothis
    day.Tbisbookhascommentarieswrittenbymanypeople.
    ThemostpopularandwidelystudiedonehasbeenextensivelyfOotnotedbyZuoQiumingandiscaIledtheIg
    adAmdImals.TwoothereditionsaretheGOngng
    CbmmeIyandtheGmgCbmmeIraByfarthe
    rmAnaAisthemostaccuratebestwritten
    andfbotnotedAlthreeareintbeTeIAIcbIrCi

    eSeSbIrms

    33<GanzhuLivingBuddhawasastudentofZhangiiaLiving
    Buddha.>

    34<DanZhougongIivedduringtheZhoudynastyandis
    rememberedasanoutstandingregent.Heisconsidereda
    rolemodelfOrgoodpoliticiansYiyinwasafamousminister
    whohelpedEmperorZhouChengwangtooverthrowthe
    tyrannicalXiareign.>

    35<Thefiveabilitiesarec>airvoyance)clairaudience,know-

    ingonesownpastlifetimes)physica>abilities,andknowing
    themindsofothers.>

    36Inthepast,itwasaChinesecustomfOramantoalways
    leavebishaton)evenatthetimeofdeathTodootherwise
    wouldhavebeenadisgrace

    37<PiveDeadIyOffensesarepatricidematricide>tointentiona>lycauseaBuddhatobleed,toki>laBodhisattvaoran
    Arhat,andtodisrupttheSanghasunity.TenBadConductsaretokill,steal,commitsexualmisconduct)lie>use

    abusivelanguage,beartales,useenticingwords,}Iave
    greed,angerandignorance.>
    38Thus,mainhal>sinBuddhisttemplesarecalledtheHall
    45Z

    ofGreatHeroes

    39<EmperorShunwasahighlyrespectedemperorwholived
    overfOurtlIousandyearsago>

    40<Inotherwords>asgoodthoughtsarise,badthoughtsare
    replaced.>

    4l<MasterYuanyingwasaZenmasterwho>afteralifCtime
    ofspecializingint}IeSiJIHIJgama5tMm>recommendedtl]e
    PureLandmethod.MasterBaOjingwasaTiantaimaster

    andwasthestudentofMasterDinan

    2<Uponmarriagethehusband}sfamilywouldgiveadowry
    tot}]efami>yofthefUturebride.Familieswhodidnotknow
    betteroftenacceptedanofferofmarriagefromthewea>thiestfamily.>
    43<Regard>essofwherearepastancestorsarecurrently,if
    wearetrulyfilial,thenourgooddeedscanbringthem
    honorandrespectfromotherbeingsandwil>thusbenefit
    themeveniftheyarelivinginoneoftheThreeBad
    Realms.TherefOre,whenwemakeofferingstothem,they
    willacceptwhatwehavedone.>

    44Liaofan>sexampleswereonlyafewdecadesapartand
    werefamiliartoeveryoneofhistime.Heusedthemto
    encouragetbepracticeandaccumulationofgoodnessfbr
    thesewillresultingoodrewards
    WhenIwasyoungIlivedinianoufOrsixyearsand
    oftenwentwithmyschoolmatestoplayinwhathadfbrmerlybeenYangRong>shouse.Itwasofanancientstyle
    fil>edwithmanyantiquesandhadtwostonelionsoneit}Ier
    sideoftlIefrontdoor.Lanternswerealsohunginfrontof
    thedoor)similartothoseoutsideofatemple
    46Thefamilycouldnothaveearnedmuchmoney.Itwasan
    acceptedpracticeinFUjiantonotchargeasetfee.StudentsdidnotevenneedtopayButevenwhenpassengers
    didnothaveanymoney,theystillwouldbecarriedacross
    theriver.Asmal>containerwasplacedononesideofthe
    53

    boat,andpeoplewho}1admoney,putinwhateveramount
    theywished.

    47Atthetimeofthisincident,thecountymagistratealso
    handledjudicialmattersandservedasthejudge
    48<IntheCbineseculture,aprosperousfamilyisonethat
    basmanymaledescendantswhoarevirtuousandwhoare
    successfulintheirworkManydescendantsarecrucial
    becausethentherewillbepeopletopracticegoodnessand
    tobringhonortotheirancestors>

    49Atthetime,governmentofficia>sinlowerpositions
    receivedasmallsalaryandmanyofthemretiredinastate
    ofnearimpoverisbmentIfanofficialretiredwithagood
    amountofmoney,itwashighlylikelythathehadtaken
    bribesorembezzledduringhistermofofficeWhereelse
    couldthemoneylIavecomefrom?SclIolarswerenottaught
    howtorunabusiness.Ifonebecameahigh-rankingofficia>andcontributedgreatlytothecountry,thenhecou>d
    receiverewardsinthefbrmoffarmlandsandhouses.

    50Zicheng>stwosonswerebothintheDepartmentofCivi>
    Personnel.TheirranksweresimilartoavIce-minister.

    Usually,tlIerewasoneministerandtwovice-ministersone
    fOradministrativemattersandtheotherfOrgeneralmat-

    tersBothofthegrandsonswerewellknownfbrdoinga

    goodjobAcurrentdescendant,MrYangChuting,also
    he>dagovernmentpositionandwasknownfbrhishonesty
    andfairness.

    5lCommonsenseisneededwhentreatingapersonwith

    hypothermiaNorthernersarefamiliarwitbtheprocedure;
    however,southernersaregenerallynot.Insucbacase,use
    atowelsoakedincoldwatertogentlyrubthebodyinorder
    toletthecoldslowlyseepoutofthepores.

    52<TheZhoudynastytllatlIadseenthegoldenageofChi-

    nesephilosophy,lastedalmosteighthundredyearsand
    collapsedin256BC>
    5

    53TlIereareseveralbookswhichtellofsucl>accounts,
    suchasbsDmeCamLerbyJiXiaolan
    aCbckbIsbyPuSunglingBbo
    ObRecoIandARecoIdR6oIseaIdRnhJrbIfsofromthefirstyearoftheRepublicof
    China.Theseallprovidenumerousexamplesofthelawof
    causality

    54Att}Ietimewealthypeoplewhoownedalloftheland
    rentedittothefarmersMostofthefarmerswouldbeable

    tosurviveabadyearas>ongastheydidnothavetopaytlIe
    rent

    55Trialsusua>lybeganatthebreakofdawnTheatmosplIereintbedarkcourtroomwasextremelyfighteninglike
    beingheldfOrjudgmentinhellbefbret}IekingoftlIeunderworldMrTuworkedinthejudiciarydepartmenttbatis
    similartotoday)sSupremeCourt.Hisposition,roughly
    equivalenttothatofsectionchief,wasnothigh

    56Sincetheemperorresidedintheimperialcity,itwasthe
    bestgovernedandthemodelfOrtherestofthecountry.
    MrTuunderstoodthatifithadunjustlysentencedprisoners,thentheremustbemanymoresuchcasesoutsidetlIe
    city.

    57MasterZhongfCnglivedduringtheYuandynasty<l280l368.>Hisnamemaybefamiliartosomeofusbecausebe
    editedthezeaImgCbImoI1yBoOAtlIatweusein
    ourpractice

    58ThepurelandofeachBuddha-landismanifestedfrom
    thetruenatureBut,ifwepossessjustonelonging,then
    tbisisnolongerareflectionofthetruenature.

    59WecanseeanexampeofthisintheKMaIbAaStJn
    wheretheBrahmangirlcalled<(BrightEyes>>madeavowon
    behalfofhermother.

    60DuringancienttimesinChina,studentsusedtogive
    theirteachersmallgiftsduringholidays.Originally,the
    455

    giftswerestripsofdriedmeattiedintoabundle.Later,the
    giftsvariedandmaynotnecessarilyhavebeendriedmeat.
    Teacherstaugl]tathomeschoolsandthenumberofstudentsvaried.TWentytothirtywasagoodsizewhilethe
    smaIersclIoolsmighthavehadonlyadozenorsostudents,
    inwhichcasetheteacherwouldreceiveameageramount
    ofgifts.

    6lDuringancienttimesitwasanacceptablecustomfOra
    manwhohadnosonstotakeasecondwifetobearhiman

    heirtocarryontlIefamilyline
    62Inancienttimes,whensuchobjectswereoftenusedas
    tokensofapromise,themostpreferredshapewasround
    andf>atwithacircularlIoleinthemidd>e.Thiswascalleda

    biwhileotherswerecalledgJeiandangwiththesizeof
    agueigenerallybeinglargerthanazhang.Theywereused
    asremindersofsomethingimportanttobedone.Severalof
    thesejadeobjectsfTomdifferentdynastiescanbefOundin
    theNationalPalaceMuseuminTaiwanandhaveextremely
    highhistoricalvalue.

    63InancientChina,apersonwhorecommendedahig}Ily
    valuab>eindividualtotheemperorwou>dberewarded.
    Why?Becausewheneverthispersoncontributedtothe
    countryandcreatedbenefitsfbrothers)itwasallbecause
    ofanother|srecommendation.ThegooddeedstlIathave
    beendonebythispersonarethesameasthepersonwlIo
    recommendedhim.Therefbre)inancientChina,peop>e
    oftenrecommendedthosewl1oweregood,filia>lIonest,
    andtalentedtotheimperialpalacesothattruetalentcould
    becultivated

    64Maraistherepresentationofallthatisevil,ama>evolent
    beingwhotriestopreventusfromdoinggoodorachieving
    attainmentinourpractice

    65Thisisespeciallytrueduringawarwhenwemaybe
    fOrcedtosufferoverwhelminglossessuchasthatofour
    homesInsuchsituations,aswedriftfromoneplaceto
    456

    anotherwehavenoideaofwhatisgoingtobappennext
    TherefOresincetheageoften,allthechildreninmy
    familyweretaughttobeindependentandtotakecareof
    oursevesintheeventwewereseparatedomourfamily.
    Alsoweweretaughthowtosurvivealoneintbewoods.
    66<Laozica570-ca.490BC)isconsideredthefOunderof
    Taoism>abeliefsystemthatseekscomp>eteharmonywith
    nature.Taoismteachesustoabandonallstrugglingandto
    seekuttersimplicitythroughmattersofculture,nature,
    andmysticism.Zhuangzi,ca369-ca286B.C.,wasaplilosopherwhowasofgreatimportancetoTaoism.>
    67TberefOreBuddhistswoulddowelltoreadthefb<Ir
    BoB.Truthfullyspeakingwecanonygiverisetothe
    heartthatlovesthecountryanditspeopIeifwehave
    completelyreadthebrBooandunderstandChinas

    }Iistoricalculture.Today>theChinesehavefOrgottenabout
    thecountryanditspeopleduetopoorplanningofthe
    educationa>system.
    68TheheartandrootsofChineseculturelieinancestral

    memorialhallsandtheclassicalChineselanguage.Tl1e
    reasonC}Iinabecameacountrywithsomuc}>cu>tural
    historythatextendsovertbousandsofyearsisduetothe

    strongfbundationofthenormalhumanrelations}Iipsinthe
    Chineseethicaltradition.ClassicalChinesemustbepreservedbecausewithoutit)theCbinesepeoplewillsuffer
    horrendousadversities>andtheracecanneverberestored

    Also>wemustpreservetheMahayanateachings.Aslongas
    wecanpreservethesethreethings)thennotonlywillour
    countryandculturehaveabrigbtfUture,butthewor>dwill
    alsobenefit.

    69Inthepast)bookswerenotprivatelyownedsowritingin
    themwasfOrbidden.Theywerecarefullypasseddownfbr
    generationsAnyonewhowishedanindividua>copywould
    handcopyone.Thebookswerecherished,respected)and
    protected.Ifanyoftheseancienttextsweredamaged,they
    wouldbemended>copied>anddistributed,sotheywould
    57

    notbelost.Thiswasthegreatestmerit.

    70ThistraditionisstillpracticedtodayinTheravadaBuddhism.Atthetimetl>atBuddhismwasintroducedinto

    China,itwasconsideredthemostcivilizedcountryinthe

    world.Butthingshavechangedandinregardstoproper
    behaviortheCbinesearefarbehindothersbecausetbeir
    educationlIasfai>ed.

    58

    GLOSSARY

    affinity.Favorableorunfavorab>erelationshipswithothers.

    afHictionConditionorcauseofpain,distress,andsuffering
    whichdisturbsthebodyandmindTheycanbethoughtsof
    gainorloss,ofwantingtocontrolothers,ofcriticismorslander.
    Theymightbeworries)doubts,regretsetc.

    AlayaConsciousness.Ourkarmarepository>t}>ethoughtdatabasefTomallofourpastandpresentlives)goodandbad.
    Amitabha.ThenameoftheBuddbaoftheWesternPureLand,

    primarilymeaningInfiniteLifeandInfiniteLig}>t.TolIelpall
    beingsattainBuddhahood>AmitabhaBuddhacreatedt}>e

    WesternPureLand>anidealp>aceofcultivation.Shakyamuni
    BuddlIathehistoricalBuddhaofourworldelainedthat
    peop>einouragewouldbeimmersedinaff>ictionsandbad
    habits.Duetothis>virtuallytheonlyhopethatwehavetotranscendoursufferingsistoproperlypracticethePureLand
    methodandthusbebornintothePureLand

    AmmaJZm.OneofthethreeprimaryPureLandsutras
    ThewondersandadvantagesoftheWesternPureLandaredue
    tothemeritsofAmitabhaBuddhaandarisefromhisgreatvows
    andgreatdeeds.

    attachments.Thesearestrongdesiresorcravmgsfbrfamily
    iendspossessionssensuouspeasureserroneousv1ews,life,
    theideaoftlIeselfasanindividual,etc

    BodhimindThisisthegoalofMahayanaBuddbism>toultimatelythinkofothers,touncovertheinnatecompassionand
    wisdomofthetruenature,andtotranscendtlIecycleofrebirth
    toattainBuddha}Iood.TheBodhiMindisthecompassionate
    mindinw}IicheverythougbtistoattainSupreme,Perfect
    EnlightenmentfOrselfandal>others.
    459

    BodbisatIaOnewhobasvowedtoattainSupreme)Perfect

    nlightenmentfOrthemselvesaswellasfOrallbeingsWhile
    Buddhassymbolizeourvirtuousnature,Bod}Iisattvasand
    Arhatsrepresentthevirtueofpractice,withoutwhich,theinnatevirtuousnaturecannotberevealed.

    Buddl1a.BuddhaisaSanskritword,meaning<wisdomand

    enIightenment.}lABuddhaisonewbohasreachedsupreme
    perfectionbothinself-reaIizationandinhelpingotherstoattain
    rea>ization.TheinnumerableBuddhasarenotgodstobewor-

    shippedbutcompassionateandwisebeingstoberespectedand
    emuIated.

    causality(alsoknowascauseandeffect).Everythingthathappenstousistheresultofwhatwehavethought)said)ordone.
    Wbatweundergointhislifetimearetheconsequencesofwhat
    wehaddoneinourpreviouslifetimes,whilewhatwedonow
    willdeterminewhatweundergoinourfUturelifetimes.
    ConstantMindfulnessofBuddhaAmitabhaTbestatein

    whichwedonothavediscriminatorythoughtsandattachments

    Atthispoint)themindrememberstheBuddhaanddoesnot
    fbrgethim.Afterprolongedcultivation)weceaseless>ycontemplatetheBuddba.
    delusionPalsebeliefsandviewsnotunderstandingthetrue
    reality

    Dharma.l)TheteachingsoftheBuddha(generallycapitalized

    inEng>isb)$2)thingsevents>phenomenaeverythinginthe
    universe;and3)duty>>aw,doctrine.

    discriminatorythoughts.Discriminatorytboughtsandattachmentsaretherootcauseofwhywearesti>lsubjecttoreincar-

    nation.Discriminatorythoughtsoccurwhenweseeothersand
    ourselvesastwo.

    dust.Allthepollutantstha<contaminateourtruenature.They
    460

    includefOrm,sound)scent,taste)touch,andviews.

    enligl>tenment.GenerallymeansSupreme)PeIfectEnlightenment,theenlightenmentoftheBuddhas.Itistoseeone)strue
    natureandtocomprehendthetruereality

    filialpietyFiialpietyhasprofbundmeaningsinBuddhismIt
    meanstotakecareofparentspbysically,menta>lyandtofulfi>>
    theirwishes.Tofurtherextendandenhanceourrespectand
    carefOrourparents,wehavecompassionfbrallbeingsinthis
    world.

    FiveHumanRelationsbips.TheseprinciplestaughtbyConfUciusarefbundedontraditionalmoraprinciples.Teyinclude
    thosebetweenhusbandsandwives,parentsandchildren,siblings,friends)po>iticalIeadersandthepub>ic.
    fivepracticeguidelines.l)TheThreeConditions;2)TheSix
    Harmonies;3)TheThreeLearnings;4)TheSixParamitas;and
    5)SamantabhadraBodbisattva}sTenGreatVows.

    FivePreceptsTheFivePreceptsaretonotkill,steal(totake
    whatisnotgiven)>engageinsexua>misconduct,lie,ortakeintoncants.ThefirstfOuroffensesarephysicaItransgressionsof
    thetruenature.Wbetherornotwehavetakenthepreceptsit
    iswrongtocommittheseacts.ForsomeonewlIohastakenthe
    FivePrecepts)thisisadoubleviolation.However,totakeinto)dcantsisdifferent.Onlysomeonewhohastakentheprecepts
    andthentakesintocantswillhavebrokenthisprecept.

    fivePureLandsutrasandonetreatiselBaeaAs
    enirLXbAmmeJPnrEwJa;ad

    bBJmeeIAana5AooLbStJ;2

    AmiraaStJKH;3saaZDSiJnH;4Samantabhadra
    BodlIisattvasConductandVows,fromtheAZamsaa5tJZm;

    (5)iThePerfectCompleteRealizationofMahasthamaprapta
    Bodhisattvatl>roughBuddhaNameRecitationfromtheStzIHI>46l

    gamaStJnH;and6theRebbae

    fOrty-eightvows.DifferentBodhisattvasmakedifferentvows.
    DharmakaraBodhisattvamadefbrty-eightvowsbefOrebebecameAmitabbaBuddha.HewishedtocreateanideallandfOr
    a>lthosewbowisbedtotranscendrebirthwithintheSixRealms.

    TbesebeingswouldbeborninthePureLandasBodhisattvas
    whowouldneverregressintheirpractice.Theywouldlearnall
    thewaystohelpotherbeingstranscendbirthanddeath,andto
    attainBuddhahood.ThereasonwhytheWesternPureLandis
    sooutstandingliesintheperfectionofthesevows.
    fOurldndsofkindness.Triplejewelsparentsteachers>allsentient-beings

    goodfbrtune.Allthegoodnessinone>slife.Itmaymanifestas
    bappiness,friends)family>health,longwity,intelligence,prosperity,position>etcGoodfbrtuneisthebenefitofthehuman
    andheavenrealms)andcanbecarriedwithusfromonelifeto
    anotherbutitcannothe>pustotranscendreincarnation

    irLZm.OneofthethreepnmarysutrasoftbePure
    Landschool,theiLibStJnisoftencalledtheLoI1gr
    AmiraaStJZrH.Theshorterversioniscalledtl1edJjraaSlJ

    nH.TheAmitabhasutrasareunusualinthattheywereself

    spoken.Thiswasunusualbecausealmostalloftheteachingsby
    theBuddhaweretheresultofaquestionbeingraisedbyoneof
    hisstudents.ButsincethestudentsdidnotknowaboutAmi-

    tabhaBuddhaandbispure>andtheywereunabletoask>andso
    theBuddhainitiatedtheteachinghimself.
    karma.Adeed.Karmaisdividedintothreetypes:good,bad,
    andneutral>thatwhichisneithergoodnorbad.

    MahayanaOneofthetwomajorbranchesofBuddhism,itis
    theBodhisattvapathofhelpingal>sentientbeingstoattain
    Enlightenment.
    462

    meritsandvirtues.Meritsareaccumulatedbyse>f>esslydoing
    gooddeedswithoutwanderinganddiscriminatorythoughts,or
    attachments)andthecorrectionofourerroneousthoughtsand
    behavior.Virtuesarisefromdeepconcentrationandwisdom.

    OneMindUndisturbed.Thisisthetotal>yfOcusedmindwitl>outanyimproperthoughtswhichisthegoalinBuddhism.Itis
    thepuremindthatPureLandpractitionersachievebysinglemindedconcentrationoni(AmituofO/}

    OneTrueDharmaRealm.TheuItimatestateofBuddhahood

    withoutanydifferentiationbetweenrealmsfOreverythingisone
    Wit}Idifferentiationwewillseetenrea>ms;Buddhasknow

    thereisactuallyonlyone.

    phenomenaT}Iings,events,happenings:everythingintheentireuniverse.Noumenonistheprincip>eoressencewhilephenomenaistheeventorfOrm.Noumenonisperceivedtbrough
    intuitionorthoughtwhilephenomenaisperceivedthroughthe
    senses.Noumenonisthetheoryasopposedtothephenomena
    thatisreality.
    precepts.InBuddhismpreceptsarerulesthatwerelaiddown
    byShalqamuniBuddhatoguidehisstudentsfromerroneous
    thoughtsspeech,andbehavior.Howeveroneneednotbea
    BuddhisttouplIoldtbeBuddhistprecepts.Inthemoregeneral
    sense,preceptsarerulesorprinciplesthatprescribeaparticular
    courseofactionorconduct.

    puremindorpurityofmind.Themindwithoutwanderingand
    discriminatorythoughts>orattachments.Thepuremindhasno
    thoughtsoflikeordislike)favorableorunfavorable.Ithasno
    greed,anger,ignorance,arrogance,doubt,orwrongvIewsItis
    thecalmmindthatisnolongeraffbctedbytheenv1ronmentIt
    istlIesereneandnaturalstateofallbeings

    retribution.KarmicpunishmentfTomerroneousthoughts
    463

    words,ordeeds.

    rootsofgoodness.GoodqualitiesorseedssowninagoodlifCto
    bereapedlater.Theultimatebenefitofdeeprootsofgoodness
    fOrPureLandpractitionersisrebirthintheWesternPureLand
    samadhi.Properen>oymentUsual>ydenotestheparticularfinal
    stageofpureconcentrationandcontemplation.Therearemany
    degreesandtypesofsamadhi.
    samsara(alsoknownastheSixPaths).Threeupperrealmsare
    heavens>demi-gods)andhumans.Threelowerrealmsareanimals,hungryghosts,andhells.

    Sangl1a.AgroupoffOurormorepeoplewhoproperlypractice
    tbeBuddhasteachingtogether)especiaIlytbeSixHarmonies
    Sanskrit.AlanguageofancientIndia.

    sentient-being.A>Mngbeingthatisse>f-awareandtl>atcan
    experiencefeelingorsensation.
    SixHarmonies.TheSixHarmonies,tbesecondofourfive

    practiceguide>ines,arethebasisfOrharmoniousinteraction
    whetherinthefamily,theSangha<groupoffburormore
    peop>ewhoproper>ypracticetheteachings>atwork,etc.
    EspeciallyfOrpractitionerstheyare:l)Tosharet}Iesame
    Vewsandgoals>2)Toabidebythesamepreceptsandrules,3)
    Toliveandpracticetogetherharmoniously,4)Toaccordwith
    othersandnotquarrel5)Toexperiencetheinnerpeaceand
    happinessfrompracticingtheteachings,and6)Toshare
    benefitsharmoniously.
    SixParamitas.ThefOurthofthepracticeguidelines.BodhisattvasabidebysixguideIinesthatareca>ledtheSixParamitasor
    Perfections.Theseteachushowtoremedyourmajorafflictions

    Giving,moralselfdiscipline,patience)diligencemeditative
    concentration>andwisdom.
    464

    sixsenses.Sight,hearing)smell)taste,touch)andthought.External

    sutra.Buddha)steachings.
    TenGreatVowsofSamantabhadraBodhisattva.Samantab-

    hadraBodhisattvapersonifiesthevowsandconductofthe
    Buddhas.Heisusuallydepictedseatedonanelephantwithsix
    tusksthatrepresenttheSixParamitasthatarethefift}Iofthe
    practiceguidelines.l)Equa>lyrespectallbeingsandthings2)
    Praisethevirtuesandkindnessesofotbers.3)Makeofferings
    extensivelyandrespectfully.4)Feeldeepremorsefbrourfaults
    thatobstructusfromseeingourtruenatureandvownottorepeatthem.5)Reioiceineveryvirtuousdeedanddonotharbor
    jealousyorhinderothers.6)Requestthosewhotrulypractice
    towide>ypropagatetheteachings7)Askteacherstoremainin
    theworldandtoguideus8)Tire>ess>yupholdtheBuddha|s
    teachingsinoureverythoughtword)anddeed.9)Accordwith
    thosewhoareproperandpatientIywaitfOrtheopportunitythat
    allowsustoguidethosewhoarenot.l0)Dedicatethepeace
    andhappinessgainedompracticingtheabovedeedstoalliv
    ingbeings,hopingthattheywilIattaintheunsurpassedunder=
    standing.
    TenVirtuousConducts.TheTenVirtuousConductsarebasic

    toourpracticeofBuddhismtheBuddhagroupedtheTenVirtuousConductsintothreema>orcategories;physical)verbal>
    andmentaltoprotectthetbreekarmasofbody,speech,and
    mindPhysicallyweareprohibitedomkiIing,stealing,and
    engaginginsexua>misconduct.ThefOurverbalvirtuouscon-

    ductsprohibitusomlyingabusiveIanguagebearingtales
    andusingseductivewordsThethreementalvirtuousconducts

    prohibitusfromhavinggreed)anger>orignorance.

    Tl1eravadaBuddhism.ThepathofstrictlyabidingbythepreceptsTheobjectiveistoattainrealizationfbroneselfItisof
    465

    tencalledthepathoftheeldersandisprimarilypracticedin
    southernAsiaandthewest.

    ThreeBadPat}1s.PleaseseeSixRealms.

    ThreeConditions.The6rstofthefivepracticeguidelines.The
    firstconditionembodiesthepracticeofselfdiscipline.Thesecondconditionembodiesthepracticeofdeepconcentrationand
    tbethirdconditionembodiesthepracticeofwisdom.TheFirst
    Conditionisto:A)BefilialtoonesparentsB)BerespectfUlto
    one}steachersande>ders,C)Becompassionateandnotkillany
    livingbeings,andD)AbidebytheTenVirtuousConductsThe
    SecondConditionisto;E)TaketheThreeRefuges,P)Abideby

    theprecepts,lawsandcustoms)andG)Conductoneselfina
    properandappropriatemannerTheThirdConditionisto:H)
    GiverisetotheBodhimindI)Deeplybelieveinthelawofcausality])ReciteandupholdMahayanasutrasandK)Encourage
    otherstoadvanceonthepathtoenlightenment.

    threeDharmaagesTheDharmaperfectagebeganwith
    ShakyamuniBuddhasdemiseandlastedfivehundredyears,
    duringwhichenlightenmentwasoftenattained.TheDharma
    semblanceagebeganafterthatandlastedonethousandyears>
    duringwhichenlightenmentwasseldomattained.TbeDharma
    endingagethatwearenowinbeganafterthatandwilllastfor
    tentlIousandyearsduringwlIichenlightenmentwillrarelybe
    attained.

    threekarmas.Createdbyourbody)speech,andmind

    ThreeLearnings.Thethirdofthepracticeguidelines/Mbm/
    sesc4eorpreceptskeepingleadstoconcekmJ
    thatgivesrisetosI.TheThreeLearningsaretbefburthof
    ourfivepracticeguidelinesTopracticeaccordingtotheteachingsisselfdiscipline;wbenourmindsaresettledandfOcused
    ononemethodofcu>tivation,wewi>>havedeepconcentration
    466

    andwithdeepconcentration,wewi>>uncoverourinnatewisdom

    ThreeRelationsl1ips.Thesetbreere>ationshipstauglItbyConfUciusareamongbumans,amonghumansandspirits)and
    amonghumansandthenature.

    truenatureOuroriginal,trueselfthatwestillhave,butis
    whiclIiscurrentlycoveredbydeludedthoughtsandevi>karma.
    Inessence,sincewehavethesametruenatureasBuddhas
    have,weareequaltotheBuddhasOnceweeliminateourdelusion,wewilluncoverthistruenatureandattainSupreme,
    PerfectEnlightenment
    virtuesSeemerits.

    anStJH.ThetbirdoftheprimarysutrasofthePure

    LandSchool.IntlIeHsazakbnStkm,welearnthatwhen

    QueenVaidehisufferedfromoverwhelmingfamilymisfOrtune)
    shebitterlysaidtoBuddhaShalWamuni:LifCisfilledwitl]suffbring.Istherenotaplacewithoutit?Iwisbtoliveinsucha
    world.ShabamuniBuddbadisplayedfOrheralltlIeBuddha
    landsintl]euniverse.Afterseeingalltheworldsshechosethe
    WesternPureLandandvowedtoberebornthere.Concerned
    aboutthosewlIowou>dcomeafterherandbeunabletolearn

    directlyfromtheBuddha>sheaskedontheirbehalfhowto
    achieverebirthintothePureLand.

    wanderingthoughts.Aff>ictionsthatcloudourtruenature.To
    havenowanderingthoughtsmeanstohaveon>yvirtuous
    thoughtsnotthatourmindsareemptyofallthougl>ts.Asordinarybeings,weuseanil>usorymindt}Iemindthatarisesand
    ceasesandthathaswanderingthoughts.Awakenedbeingsuse
    t}1etruemindt}1atconstant>ydwellsontruth
    WesternPureLandSeefbrty-eightvows.
    67

    WaystoReachUs
    Australia<6l>
    AmitabhaBuddhistAssociationofNSW,Inc
    Tel;2-9643-7588Fax;2-9643-7599
    AmitabhaBuddhistAssociationofPerth
    Tel:8-9306-8l20Fax:8-9306-8366

    AmitabhaBuddhistAssociationofQLD
    Tel;7-3273-l693Fax:7-3272-0677E:amtb@amtb-gld.org.au
    AmitabhaBuddhistRetreatCentre
    Tel;7-4l7l-042lFax;7-4l7l-04l3
    E:amitabhacentre@hotmailcom

    e;n
    E:}eonel.tchia@palantir.com.au

    ejLnr:pureIandcyahocm
    ;nlmba

    www.amtb-aus.orgEpurelandcol>ege@iinetnetau
    Canada<I>

    AmitabhaBuddhistAssociationofOttawa
    Tel:6l3-723-9683Fax:6l3-723-63l6www.amtb-ottawa.ca

    jbn:E:mtb6hcanyahoca
    AmitabhaBuddhistAssociationofMontreal

    Te>;5l4-257-l770Fax:5l4-525-6846E:amtbmtl@hotpop.com

    dfnto

    BuddhiucatinFum

    Te>:l7l-586-6923Fax:I7l-794-8594
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    469

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    AmitabhaBuddhistSociety(Muar)

    Tel:06-9S4-2207

    iuPt
    AmitabhaBuddhistSociety(Karak)

    Tel;09-23l-2625

    j;s
    AmitabhaBuddhistSociety(Kuching)

    Tel/Fax:082-450-960

    ;cietyBu
    eammgCKucMng
    AmitabhaBuddhistSociety(Miri)
    Tel/Fax:085-4l7-844

    ;cietySabah
    AmitabhaBuddhistResearchCentreSabah
    Tel:089-6ll-622Fax;089-6ll-6ll

    ;l72;07307044
    PersatuanBuddhistYuen]ongMelaka

    Tel/Fax:06-335-4944

    Tel:6744-7444Fax:67477Eabssamtborg.sg

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    TelG7372630Fax:670877E:sblodgepacific.net.sg

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    Thailand<662>

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    470

    UnitedStatesofAmerica<l>

    700Fax:867988Emidaamtbhrg
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    AmitabhaEducationalCenter(Hawaii)

    Tel:808-262-5279Fax:808-262-4989

    :Ff7l3s42

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    DallasBuddhistAssociation

    Tel:972234440lFax:9722348342wwwamtbdbaorg
    Internet

    www.chinkungorg

    17I

    DedicationofMerits

    MaytheIneritandvirtues
    AccruedfiDInthisact

    AdorntheBuddhaIsPureLand,
    RepaythePourKindnessesabove,

    Andrelievethesuringof
    ThoseintheThreePathsbelow.

    Maythosewhoseeorhearofthis,
    Bringfbrththeheartof

    UnderstandingandcoInpassion
    And,attheendofthisli,
    Beborntogetherin
    ThelandofUltiIateBliss.

    47Z

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