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Many different roads lead to the Way.

To summarize them, they basically belong to two types: first is entry by reasoning, second is entry by practice. Entry by reasoning means recognition of the essence through studying. Those through studying reach the profound belief that all living beings share the same true nature, which is not apparent only because it is covered by delusion and appearances. Those who can return to reality from delusion, through concentration and meditation remove the distinction of self and others, achieve the oneness of mortal and sages, and remain unmoving even by words of the teaching are completely in silent accord and agreement with reasoning. Without distinction, without effort, this is called entry through reasoning. Entry by practice is also called the four practices. All other practices can be summarized into these four types. What are these four? The first is called the practice of suffering injustice; second is called the practice of causes and conditions; the third is called the practice of no desire; the fourth is called the practice of dharma. What is the practice of suffering injustice? When a practitioner encounters adversity and affliction, he will tell himself the following: In countless eons without the proper teaching, I abandoned the essential and attached to the trivial, wandered through all kinds of existences, creating many karmic offenses and limitless harm. Now, even though I do no wrong, Im punished by my past. Neither gods nor men can foresee when an evil deed will bear its fruit. I

accept it with an open heart and without complaint of injustice. The sutra says: dont be afflicted when faced with adversity. Why, because there is a reason for it. When this thought arises, it is in harmony with reasoning. By experiencing suffering from injustice you enter the path. This is called entry through suffering injustice.

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