From India

LESSONS ON GOOD LIFE

Venerable Chin Kung

LIFE IS NOT PREDESTINED, LEAD IT IN A NOBLE WAY

Be good and do good; sufferings will be minimised that way. Practice kind deeds and cultivate virtue and humility with determination and courage. Good fortune would bless you. Our own thoughts and actions affect our life. It is said in Dhammapada, that if we think and act in a good and noble way good happenings would be with us like our shadow.

HOW TO BUILD A PURE LIFE, EARN MERIT

I should cultivate myself day by day and be mindful of my conduct at every moment, ensuring that no wrong is done. I should accumulate merit, be aware of my faults and attempt to change. I should work towards correcting my faults and persevere in developing good character. I should be cautious and careful in whatever I do. I can be pure in thought, speech and action.

WAYS TO CULTIVATE GOODNESS

Merits can be attained through performing kind deeds. Doing good will always have its reward and doing evil will always have its punishment. To do things with the intention of bringing benefits to others is good and to do things for the sake of ones self is evil. A persons arrogance will bring him harm; and his humbleness will bring him benefit.

DEEDS BASED ON LOVING KINDNESS

When doing kind deeds one must be true and sincere, and not seek any rewards, or act with falsity. If one is kind hearted, then his every gesture would indicate steadiness and solidity. Fate cannot bind those who cultivate great kindness All the fields of merit are within ones own heart, One seeks from within and it may be given.

3 conditions for reform:

One must feel shame,

One must know fear,

One must have determination and courage

3 methods to reform:
Changing through action
Changing through reasoning Changing from the heart

WAYS TO CULTIVATE KINDNESS

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Supporting the practice of kindness

Harboring love and respect Helping others succeed

Persuading others to practice kindness

Helping those in desperate need

WAYS TO CULTIVATE KINDNESS

1.

Developing public project for the greater benefit

of the people Giving through donation Protecting the proper teaching

2. 3.

4.
5.

Respecting our elders

Love and cherishing all living beings