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The First Step to be a Buddha By Venerable Master Chang-lyu The Founder of Cheng-Te Charity and Education Association

Published by Buddhist Cih-yin Magazine Press What is a “monk”?...... 55 CONTENTS The three kinds of Buddha-natures: the secular of wisdom, pity, and awakening...... 64 The Three Major Doctrines for Cultivating Wisdom...... 69 【Preface1】The first step to be a Buddha ...... 04 What is mercy? ...... 83 【Preface2】 is not a religion. It is education of wisdom pity and awakening...... 05 A Touching Story at Tatu Bridge at Changhua...... 86 【Preface3】The utilitarian religion...... 06 Poor Student Saved Money and Starved himself to Save People...... 87 【TEXT】 You can not say it is your resolves to do good but it is your duty...... 90 If you want to get away from pain and distress in your life, it is sensible The Prime Minister Fan, Zhong-Yan in Song Dynasty was the greatest to believe in Buddhism...... 08 philanthropist in ...... 93 The truth about life...... 10 Andrew Carnegie-the greatest philanthropist in the world...... 95 How do the Buddhist cultivators see your life?...... 12 What is awakening?...... 97 Buddhism’s enlightenment...... 15 Rely on the is the First Step to be a Buddha...... 101 Aspects of Buddhist practice-contemplation, deep meditation and fulfillment The tragically heroic bicentennial religious war between Christianity ...... 17 and Islam...... 107 The real purpose of learning Buddhism...... 18 The deeply grievious history of invader Islam’s butchering Buddhists Buddha’s spiritual world...... 20 ...... 112 What’s Buddha...... 23 Relations between Buddhism and other Disciplines in the World...... 113 Buddha’s wisdom (Prajna)...... 23 A Study of the Relationship between Jungian Psychology and Buddhist Thought...... 121 Buddha’s mercy...... 27 Father of nation said, “Buddhism can patch up the bias of science Buddha’s awakening...... 29 because it is the mother of philosophy.” ...... 149 Buddha’s causes of coming to this world...... 32 Postscript ...... 158 Buddha was very clever when he was little. He knew all the knowledge The Cheng-Te Temple promote “Do less misdeeds and recite Buddha’s very well...... 37 name More” campaign...... 180 The holly names of Buddha ...... 42 A message from the author...... 185 Buddha’s Physical Look and Appearance...... 45 The Ven. Master Chang-Lyu’s words...... 186 What is dharma? ...... 53 Buddhism is not a religion...... 187 The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

【Preface1】The first step to be a Buddha 【Preface2】Buddhism is not a religion. It is education of wisdom pity and awakening The first step to become a Buddha is to realize the spirit, thinking, and doctrine of the Triratna (Buddha, Dharma and ). In order ■ Buddhism is the education of wisdom, pity, and awakening. to establish our faith, only with faith can a person get on the right path Buddhism is a scientific, rational, and logical education. to seek enlightenment (heart of Tao). Before convert to the Triratna, a Buddhism is the knowledge that includes all the knowledge in the person should understand the basic principles and spirit of Buddhism. universe and the world, covering science, medicine, philosophy, astronomy, psychology, biology, physics, nature studies, eography, etc. Likewise, believing in the Triratna in Buddhism will be meaningful and ■ Buddhism is the education about life that can purify one's heart, achieve virtue; just participating merely in ceremonies will not help to smashing superstitions completely. It can also inspire people's understand the thinking and manners of Buddhism. It is a mere formality. conscience, giving people the wisdom to distinguish right from wrong, Believing in Buddhism and becoming a Buddhist in such manner, it is benignity from malignity, saint from devil; therefore, the dark force meaningless, without any actual benefit. Nor can it lift you from distress. cannot harm people and repay them with distress. In addition, people In addition, it is unable to elevate you to the spiritual and moral level, not can learn to have pity and to get rid of the pain in life, leading all the to mention the change of one’s destiny. people to learn about Buddhism and become benignant. Consequentially, From my observation over these years, I discovered that many all lives can find the way to eternal happiness. Buddhist temples just convert their disciples out of formality. Hardly any ■ Religion is a kind of authoritative education, a kind of education mixing of them spend any time in answering the basic principles and manners reason and superstition. It is a non-scientific and illogical education. of Buddhism. Consequentially, many followers are still ignorant of Buddhist temples are just like universities. Meanwhile, the Buddha is the Buddhism, losing the basic spirit of the religion to educate people. It is a university president with sound knowledge. The are just like pity indeed. the textbooks in different disciplines. The monks and nuns are like the Considering this problem, for the past 20 years, whenever we sponsor teachers in the school and the people who come are the students. All of any ritual at Cheng Te Temple will uphold the Buddhist’s moral. With them constitute a perfect education system. a responsible attitude, we will spend half a day to perform the basic Now, there are less and less people that believe in Catholicism and rituals of Buddhism as well as instruct followers with the basic Buddhist Christianity in the West. Meanwhile, there are more and more people that believe in Buddhism. Some of them even become monks and doctrine for 3 hours, to enlighten the followers on understanding of nuns. More importantly, there are even more Westerners, scientists, the Buddhist thoughts. Likewise, they can discipline themselves in and philosophers that study Buddhism in profound manners, because accordance with Buddha’s preaching to reform their lives and to get rid of Buddhism can be proved by science. The are a million their distress. In this way they can fulfill happy lives and create a bright times more than the texts in any other religions. If we can study future by themselves. Buddhism in a scientific manner, it is possible for us to discover The contents of the lectures (or book) I spoke to participants at the Buddhist texts to be complete and profound, the most complete and t ceremonies for taking three refuges and the contents from recordings into he greatest knowledge in the world. books, with the intention of serving as a reference for all temples, it is hoped that Buddhist masters can instruct the temple disciples before they convert to the Triratna. Likewise, they can learn a very good lesson on the morals and virtues in Buddhism and in life, so that Buddhism can be consolidated in everyday life. And it will be the blessings for all lives; the good fortune for the country and the society. ．． ．． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

【Preface3】The utilitarian religion the preaching are numerous, then Buddhism can flourish and people’s hearts and morals can be elevated. This can be seen from the Westerners The famous Swiss psychologist Carl Gustav Jung, the founder of who go to church on Sundays regularly, regardless of their wealth, social unique psychoanalysis, mentioned “Religion plays a very significant status, and power. All of them go to mass on Sunday, therefore their role in a human’s psyche. For inaccurate religions, they can corrupt humanity and morals are prosper and sustained.If the people in people’s mind and do harm to people.”Unfortunately, the religions can go to the ritual assembly in temples or churches every Sunday to in Taiwan get lost in utilitarian religious belief and thought. It just listen to the preaching of either the monks or the pastors, they can have complies with Jung’s theory of malignant religion. It also highlights their wisdom enhanced. Listening to the Buddha’s preaching, the people the phenomena that although religion in Taiwan is in bloom, but can understand the way of all things and have their mind and heart people’s hearts and morals are deteriorating. The main reason of it is strengthened. Likewise, they can distinguish right from wrong, with the unimaginable for it does not follow the logic and rational of religion. malignant habitual temperaments purged. In such a manner, people can For example, the Muslims can ascend to heaven easily if they die have pure hearts and will not do misdeeds. Understanding the mutability in a holy war. However, their terrible religious beliefs cannot coexist of life and the emptiness of all things, without any obstinacy, then each with others peacefully with love and can destroy the human race. person can have a piece of in his or her heart. Then, life will be For example, for Buddhists and Taoists, they participate in the ritual bright and fortunate. Eventually, people can escape from the barrier of assembly and pray for the dismissal of disasters and solve the hardship life and death in the Samsara of fortune. for the sake of participation. However, the religions, which are utilitarian in sense, believe in not teaching their followers to discipline Spring 2005, Master Chang Lyu in America their bodies and hearts. Religions like this can actually corrupt people. These religions are the origins of corruption, just distort the holy meaning of religious belief. Overall, there are 2,278 Buddhist texts with different levels of difficulties and dimensions. In fact, they discuss something profound and subtle concerning humanities, philosophy, hearts science of mind, and medicine, etc. It is a pity that the Buddhist texts were instructed in Taiwan are rather limited. There are some 20 Buddhist texts that are taught repetitiously. In addition, hardly any people can attend lectures on Buddhist texts continuously. On the contrary, there are many people who attend the ritual assembly to dismiss disasters and overcome hardships; their major purpose is to seek good fortune and longevity. Such an unhealthy religious belief can lead to the decline of Buddhism and morals. Likewise, the moral of Dharma and master go down to fade. The teacher’s status ceases to exist. The Buddha’s preaching is smothered. It is all because of the phenomena of this utilitarianism in religion. If there are many people teaching the Buddhist texts, the scope of the lectures is broad and profound, and the people attending

．． ．． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

If you want to get away from pain and distress in your In fact, all of you here have mental problems to some extent. The life, it is sensible to believe in Buddhism master has mental problems as well. The master has a mental problem about money. The master worries about money. Now, I want to build a Amitabha! Good men and good women big Buddha statute in Puli and a Buddhist cancer hospital but there is a Do you feel pain and tired? Although you feel pain and tired, do you shortage of funds of about a hundred million dollars. In order to raise the feel if it is worth while being a human? It seems negative from your faces. funds, the master is on the verge of a mental breakdown and can’t sleep The ancient sages said: “It is painful to be a layperson or a monk.” at night. However, laypersons’ pain will not pay off while the monk’s pain will People, more or less, have mental disorder, some of them get sick likely pay off. The difference between laypersons and monk is that because their husbands are not considerate enough, likewise, they have the latter do not have to worry about their families, work, careers and a husband syndrome. Some of you have problems in your jobs and children but their physical vigor. Laypersons feel mentally agonizing. have got a career syndrome. Some of you have problems in maintaining In fact, all of us will feel physical pain. But in spirit, monks usually feel harmonious relations in your family and have a family syndrome. Some richer, meaningful and eased while laypersons usually feel agonizing, of you canÕt get the love you want and have a love syndrome. If any depressed, helpless, vexed, gloomy and troublesome. of you is immersed in one of the seven kinds of emotions and six kinds On many occasions, when people are exchanging words from their of desires, such as wealth, amorous relationship, fame, profits, you are hearts, people can feel that every person has more pain than joy in their likely to suffer from the related psychosis. If you cannot alleviate such life. Even if there is joy, it is momentary and ephemeral, It fades in no symptoms with proper means, you may suffer from central nervous and time. In this world, everything is illusive and misty, unreal. How many autonomic nervous system disorder. Once your nervous system suffers people can realize the truth at home? Most of them get lost in the five from a disorder without any proper means of therapy and control, you dusts of organ sense and six kinds of desires, in which they are lured may experience schizophrenia, mental breakdown, psychasthenia, etc. and trapped and they cannot escape from it. Therefore, in order to get rid Therefore, modern people suffer from many different kinds of mental of all the pain and distress in life, we need to believe in Buddhism. To diseases, which are the causes of an increasing number of suicides. believe in Buddhism is to get rid of the pain and distress that cannot be Indeed, these diseases can be alleviated with the teachings of Buddhism. purged spiritually. Therefore, we take an oath to convert to the Triratna (Three Precious Overall, many modern people cannot have the proper means to soothe Ones) of Buddhism. To become a Buddhist is not to participate in the their burden spiritually so they feel sad and painful. Many people believe assembly for mere formality or believe in the masters. What can you get? that they are happy and fortunate because they are rich and powerful, with Today, the master hopes to guide you with ideas and to come to know beautiful wives and great cars, with awesome mansions and tremendous about communication and Buddhist teachings. If you understand these, wealth. In fact, it is the wrong outlook of life. Money isn’t everything. you can have your pain and distress purged. In the future, you can solve Money cannot buy real happiness and relief in your heart and mind. the problems and transcend with Buddhism when you encounter distress, In the sanatorium, there are many doctors, professors, teachers, setbacks, frustration, etc. Then, you will not feel pain mentally, and then and presidents of big enterprises living there the pain and distress will be eliminated. You can see that in Kaohsiung Kai-Suan Psychiatric Hospital, many of the patients are high ranking officers, powerful people, etc. Even they need to live in a sanatorium. Their problems are not related to material ones, but are schizophrenia. They cannot have their spiritual problems alleviate.

．． ．． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

The truth about life For a cultivator, he knows the mutability of life and the changes in everything, and then you can be a happy and free person. You should know that common people might encounter some 8 kinds (In this paragraph, I would like to say a few words to encourage people.) of distresses and 20 kinds of calamities. If you want to get away from The pleasure of life pain and seek happiness, you should discipline yourselves. Saintly People should treat everyone and everything with gratitude, and they will people can transform adversity, meanwhile, common people are changed naturally become open minded and comfort. by adversity. The one who puzzles is a common person; the one who Always to forgive everybody and everything, and then the life is naturally awakes is a sage. All these ways are related to the heart. Those who use with joy and cool. their hearts are great. It is important for people to pursue their career. Meaning of life However, it is more important to have a happy heart than a successful If you can understand the meaning of life, you will not be distressed career. It is even better to be healthy physically and mentally than have a because of walking towards the end of life. happy heart. Fate In your whole life, you may become an entrepreneur, educator, To commit alms deeds all the time and work diligently always, miserable statesman, etc with your own efforts to demonstrate the fruits of your fate will become prosperity. ability. But, it is not better than a “cultivator”. Experts are busy for other The most tragedy in life people without enough time for reflection. You are so busy in getting The most tragedy in life is not calamity, nor the pain and sickness of the fame and wealth, but you have forgotten whom you are. Worry will body, it is not even death and parting. But when life ended and food eaten up, still one cannot elevate one’s personality and sublimate one’s soul. become your companion. The famous Japanese writer Kawabata Yasunari Four kinds of lives died of suicide. The famous German historian Liszt shot himself dead. He who is wealthy and wise but learns to be virtue and to be a Buddha— Huang Chin-chou in Vancouver shot all his family. All these people are he has a satisfactory life. He who is poor and unwise but learns to be very pitiful indeed. For a cultivator is free and easygoing. Like a wild virtue and to be a Buddha—he recreates his life. He who is wealthy and crane, it doesnÕt have any particular kind of food so the universe is open wise but falls down and does evils - he has a regrettable life. He who is for it. poor and unwise but falls down and does evils - he has a miserable life. For a cultivator, he can be free from distress, with no worldly burden. Conditions of life Minimizing his desires, he can be peaceful and free. With no strong desire The destiny of life, whether it is rich or poor, painful or joyful, is not towards wealth and fame, with no quarrel and demand, he can enjoy life important at all. The life is brief, as spring dew, ephemeral. One must not and know the meaning of life. If a person can be free and independent, fall back into the six directions of reincarnation after death although one then he will be permeated with Dharma’s bliss. is poverty in all life, it will be a very miserable life indeed. If a person can live a tranquil and simple life, then his affliction will be Eternal release purged naturally. If a person does not contend or request, his taste will be Human life is ever changing and short. There is much pain, worry and refined. Therefore, in the heart of a cultivator, there are three virtues but sorrow. Why does one only seek for happiness in one’s life? One ought not three poisonous thoughts. to seek for the freedom from the eternal life. For people, no matter if they are happy or sad, a day is a day. In this Escape from the sea of bitterness of transmigration (Samsara), universe, life, success, or failure is mutable. If you understand that Cease all stubbornness, Let’s practice Buddhism and do mercy, Ascend to Buddha’s world everything is empty, then you can be free from obstinacy and distress. together.

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How do the Buddhist cultivators see your life? are inseparable. Sharing luck and happiness with everybody, you can achieve real happiness and luck. When the Buddhists encounter misfortune and are framed by wicked It is impossible for any kind of worldly happiness to bring us the real people they will take the adversity at ease because they know that all lucky sense of it our hearts. If we get dissatisfied because of selfishness, the things happen to them now are the results of the power of karma to then all happiness is ephemeral and illusive. As the rare and brief produce good and evil fruit. They can see that their selves do not really blooming of the night blooming cereus, it appears briefly and fades away exist. In addition, they will not complain because of the pain yielded very soon as the cereus and leaving no trace. If we can have some tiny from self-discipline. On the contrary, they can release themselves from change in our way of treating people and seeing things, then our lives their hearts and transform the disaster into the additional assistance of and the world will change completely. It is obvious that the heart plays an adversity in the lessons of the souls. They can even encourage their hearts important role in people’s success and failure, hardships and happiness in to release and liberate themselves in order to improve their conduct and people’s lives. transform themselves. By eliminating the distress at heart, they are ready The major purpose of practicing Buddhism is to transform our internal to welcome their glorious future, because the past has already happened, being. By expanding our hearts to liberate the space of freedom, it is but the future has not developed yet. With wisdom, you can still rewrite possible for us to create a perfect personality. Meanwhile, the purpose of the script of your life, with which you can perform a better image of the scientific research and development is to invent some phenomena, whose future. purpose is to serve us and improve our living environment. Likewise, it Wherever, there is Buddhism, there are ways out. It depends on can be more comfortable and convenient. However, if the quality of our whether you are to change or not. If you are willing to change, you can life is improved and promoted, then our life will lose its meaning. change it. There is an English saying, To practice Buddhism, we can see the poisonous thoughts, such as “Whatever you think you can or you think you can’t. You’re right.” greed, hatred, foolishness, ignorance, jealousy, arrogance, obstinacy, As all people are seeking happiness and good fortune in their lives, prejudice, etc, more clearly in our spiritual road. It is necessary for us to getting away from misfortune and getting close to good fortune are their examine and change ourselves to liberate us from the ignorance of self- wishes; luckiness is not just the feeling of being happy. On the contrary, centeredness. It is the goal of practicing Buddhism. It is real wisdom. (In it is a feeling of complacency without a sense of greediness. It is people’s this paragraph, I would like to say a few words to encourage people.) deepest Buddha-nature. Life management and planning In fact, luckiness and happiness contain wisdom and meditation. If Before 50 years old, if people want to manage their lives well, they have there is a lack of wisdom, the continuous sense of dissatisfaction will to work hard, struggle for careers, and pursue wealth and fame, likewise, occupy our personality of purity. Likewise, we cannot conquer poisonous their lives will be sparkling and colorful. After 50 years old, if people thoughts, such as greed, hatred, foolishness, ignorance, jealousy, want to manage death well, they make endeavor in reciting Buddha’s arrogance, obstinacy, prejudice, etc, in your heart. All these poisonous name and practice Buddhism, don’t pursue wealth and fame anymore, thoughts originate from excess self-centeredness. likewise, you can enjoy the state of eternal bliss and infinite lives after The real source of luckiness and happiness originate from mercy your death. and altruism. It is what the Buddha said as fourfold embracing virtues- Brief life almsgiving, affectionate speech, conduct profit to others, and cooperation In a brief life, don’t be obstinate in everything, otherwise, life will with others- the four kinds of altruistic behavior. If all the friends and become shorter. relatives around us are in pain, how can we be happy? It is necessary for Life is trivial and open mind personal luck to be related to the happiness of other people because they Although people always say, “Life is trivial and open mind,” It is easy to

．12． ．13． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha say, but it is difficult to accomplish. If you can act with your words, you Buddhism’s enlightenment can get away from pain. Momentary life Cultivating in Buddha dharma is a process of purifying the mind; Firework in the dark sky brings about beautiful spark momentarily, purifying the unoriginal possessed five poisonous things: desire, greed, although it is spectacular, it is so temporary. The beautiful things in life ignorance, attachment, and delusion. On the other hand, we usually are just like firework in the sky, they disappear all of a sudden without a conceal our profound and noble Buddha-nature. Cultivating is a mind- trace. training program. Socrates proclaimed that “The true learning is not One third of life the acquisition of factual information from external sources but a If we deduct the time that we spend on eating, sleeping, youth of remembering of truths stored in the immortal portion of the soul—truths ignorance, and old age of too weak to work, the time left is much less are recoverable by those who live in harmony with themselves and who than one-third of our lifetime. are strenuous and do not faint in the effort. During the living, the false How to use this one-third of time to do something meaningful is thought knowledge, opinions, and mentality can cover up your pure human over by the wise. nature.” Open mind The enlightenment from Buddhism’s cultivation is to discover our In life, one should not pursue after empty things such as wealth and internal wisdom instead of rebelling against the world, it means not to be fame, lust and family affection, it is essential to see everything with an a slave of anything of the world. The world does not intend to be vicious, open mind, then, you can enjoy peaceful life, otherwise, the pain of the it’s we perceive things in the mistaken views. In fact, you are not bound transmigration will bind you. by the varied phenomena of the world, you are bound by any types of attachment. However, the five turbidities(defilements) of the Saha world as Buddha indicated is a world of filth, viciousness, and affliction, compounded by ignorance and greed. We wander and wander from life to life in this Saha world, and unable to withdraw from it. We are entirely stuck and dragged by our karma from previous generations, and unable to autonomously control it. So-called Karma is traces or results of our behaviors from the previous lives. What we seed is what we cultivate which does not result from any enforcement to accept specific types of Samsara. Only the result of our own accumulated behavior including our virtuous and vicious thoughts, words and deeds, we now undergo the outcome of our past behaviors in any time. Now, our thought, words and deeds are shaping our future life. Until the dead time has come, our past actions will resolve the type of the next life. Especially, the moment of death is assimilated to a photo negative that develops our whole life of vice and virtue includes all deed in past life, so it determine the type of next life. How good and bad in the future next life is taken by one’s responsibility. “The present is the result of our past,

．14． ．15． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha and future is controlled by our present.”-—this seizes in our own hands. Aspects of Buddhist practice-contemplation, However the concept of vice and virtue, right and wrong are not deep meditation and fulfillment absolute concept. Our thoughts, words and deeds regarded as vice and virtue are based on the motivation either for helping or harming people. The practice of Buddhism consists of three aspects: The determination is set based on the result of others’ joy and affliction. contemplation, deep meditation, and fulfillment. Observing the mind For example, white lie or poisoned medication. (In this paragraph, I is the profoundest recognition yielded from the exploration, thinking, would like to say a few words to encourage people.) scanning, and analyzing of a person’s nature and all phenomenon of life. Transmigration Deep meditations allows such recognition blend into the river of The human being was going through the transmigration, life only changes consciousness, transforming such conscious of surpassing oneself to an appearance. Then you can no longer know yourself, and that you do become the personality of being open and generous, in order to terminate not cultivate Dharma hard. You’ve got to know that life and dead are obstinacy and distress.Fulfillment, which is the enlightenment acquired just a matter of breath. Don’t be lured by the worldly wealth, fame and through contemplation and deep meditation, is the manner of speech kindred affections, or you will fall into the painful sea of transmigration and behavior expressed in the outer world. Then wisdom, mercy, and again and never return. awakening will be cultivated naturally. Pushing hands of the transmigration For the people who have their eyes of wisdom opened, they can Only if the malign thoughts arise, they will push the wheel of have clearer view when contemplating all the things with illumination. transmigration. Understanding the truth of the cause and effect of all things, without indulgence and doubts, obstinacy and tenacity, then they can how to know open, protect, hold, and violate. In addition, they know when to act and when not to act. Everything will become clear. In the matters of learning the Dharma, they can have their morals augmented, benefit all lives and leaving pain behind to accomplish merriness. They can even bring happiness to all the people anytime. We learn Buddha, thought outwardly we Buddhism can open up people’s vision in patience, free of delusion, release, tranquility, and liberation, selflessness, self-confidence, etc. are wasting away, yet inwardly we are Likewise, it is a kind of mental science. It helps everybody seek peace in being renewed day by day. their heart to accomplish the wisdom of generosity naturally. The miraculous part of Buddhism can be found in the prayer for dying people. Rare and special phenomena that are beyond the explanation of medical science happen from time to time. Praying for dying people teaches them how to face the fear of death. Suddenly people can release themselves peacefully allowing perfect death to be the perfect ending of life. It also leads life to the loftiest place of belonging, running to other no descensional routes of the Samsara and the world of eternal life and infinite light in both time and space.

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The real purpose of learning Buddhism Principles in practicing Dharma Never envy those who are rich and noble. The purpose of learning Buddhism is to inspire the conscience in our Never complain about poverty. mind, bring us more wisdom to distinguish right from wrong, benignity Never be greedy for fame and wealth. from malignity, righteousness from evil, not to do malevolence to harm Never do the killing.Never develop the idea of lust. people, bringing oneself painful reward. In addition, they can have the Never take side in dealings. mercy in their heart developed to liberate people from pain and rescue Never treat people in acridity. people from pain and convince them to learn Buddhism, becoming kind. Never do things against the law of nature. Likewise, all people can have an eternal and fortunate life. Never create all evil karma. Learning Buddhism, you can be the cleaner of your heart and soul, Does all good deeds. achieving the goal of purifying yourself by cleansing the dirt in your Pupils of the Buddha heart. By doing so, your heart will not become the slave of the sensual People learning the Buddha should watch out their words and behavior. world. You will not feel pain because of carnal pleasure in this sensual They should be more modest, pitiful, and righteous. world. You will not be a moth flying towards the fire again, to be lured Cultivation by fire and be burnt. A person that is free from the tenacity of sensual Cultivating Dharma is to practice good character, and to get rid of bad habits, also with mercy to care about the living beings in suffering. pleasure can enjoy all the marvelous (wonderful) deeds in the world and Regard every living being as your own father, mother and brothers, and share them with all. In addition, he gives concern to people in pain and then your heart of mercy and gratitude will naturally reveal. in need with his infinite fully developed mercy. Likewise, he will no Learning to be a Buddha longer be the plaything of emotions and the slave of desire. It is because Learn to be a human being before learning to be a Buddha.You should Buddhism is the education of learning internal exchange. It can help be a tactful person before practicing Prajna.Prajna has to be gained from people cultivate the basic temperaments such as pity, keeping the law, constant cultivation of Dharma. patient, vigor, reaching the ultimate beyond emotion and thinking, and Confidence, wish, and actualization wisdom, allowing people to be the masters of their hearts and the servant It is necessary to build up your confidence in everything, confidence will of tending their own wishes. Therefore, they are able to subdue their wild become power for virtue. thoughts and negative emotions, eliminating obstinacy and fancy in their It is necessary to make wishes in everything, wishes will become power hearts. for felicity. If a person is willing to regard Buddhism as lifelong spiritual food, It is necessary to actualize everything, actualization will be reward with then he should practice it diligently and learn it ceaselessly. As boring virtue and felicity. wood begets fire, once the fire of wisdom is lit up, it can light up the dark Three kinds of deferen ce and four virtues to learn the Buddha hole in his heart, which has been dark for a long time. It can also light up Three kinds of deference: defer to the Buddha, defer to the , and other people’s hearts. Likewise, every person can enjoy brightness. (In defer to the monks. this paragraph, I would like to say a few words to encourage people.) Four Virtues: precept, virtue, wisdom, and mercy. Purpose of practice the Buddha The purpose of practice the Buddha is to internally gain wisdom and get away from troubles, pureness and freedom. Externally one should practice the path of liberation to educate all the living beings for cultivation.

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Buddha’s spiritual world suffer from greed and desire. If we purge our desire and greed, we will be free from distress. For those who are avaricious, they have low tastes. The suffering world of all lives is not devilish and dirty. For an For those who want nothing, they have high tastes. I hope everybody can enlightened Buddha, the suffering world is pure and perfect forever. In understand this doctrine. the eyes of Buddha, all lives are the incarnation of the future Buddha. Buddhism communicates our spiritual implication. It expects us to In the eyes of common people, common people are always evil. Shortly put things down and handle the worldly affairs with disinterestedness. after his epiphany, the Buddha said, “In fact, all the common people Without stubbornness and fancy, the principles of Buddhism mean to possess BuddhaÕs wisdom and virtue, so illusion and attachment that elevate our spiritual levels and liberate us from spiritual pain. Yen Hui, one can not realize the truth. Meanwhile, the truth that I found transcends the student of Confucius, is described as “With a single bamboo dish of all the knowledge in this world. As dew, it is profound, pure, simple, and rice, a single gourd of drink, and living in his mean narrow lane, while glorious.” The Buddha’s epiphany transcends all the mental capacity of others could not have endure the distress, he did not allow his joy to be all the common people, it is absolute truth, without obstinacy, illusion, affected by it. Admirable indeed was the virtue of Hui!” We should learn and ignorance. It is the greatest and last awakening. Yen Hui’s spirit of being independent, complacent, and free of desire. Buddhism tells us that the nature of all lives is perfect and flawless, What he gives us is an inspiration, wisdom, and an awakening. It is the existing in the deepest part of people’s hearts. However, it is concealed monksÕ to teach you these principles. It is called “dharma”. Of course, by greed, anger, stupidity, arrogance, and suspicious. Only if we are it is impossible to interpret all the principles and spirits of Buddhism in a will to peel our ignorance layer by layer and get rid of the negative few words. emotion created by ignorance, our perfect nature will be manifested. For Therefore, the purpose of learning Buddhism is to enlighten your ignorance, it is not a part of Buddha’s nature but it blocks such nature. As wisdom, be merciful, seek enlightenment, purge distress, etc. Distress all lives come to this world through the Samsara repetitiously, they tend originates from avarice, hatred, ignorance, arrogance, suspicious, and to forget the gems inside, falling into the miriness of negative thinking false views. Therefore, we should “discipline ourselves frequently, to and the dichotomy of benignity and malignity, without realizing that such purge avarice, hatred, and ignorance.” By doing so, wisdom flows freely. negative thinking will transform into negative speech and conduct. It In the sutras, Buddha say: creates pain for himself and other people. Greed, anger and ignorance are the symbol of three evil paths When the inner Buddha nature has been forgotten, greed, anger, Greed is the symbol of hungry ghost, if people have too stingy and stupidity, arrogance, suspicious, attachment, and selfish will appear in greedy, they will become hungry ghost after death. your heart completely. Then, a strong feeling of condemnation, which Anger is the symbol of hell, if people have too much anger and hatred, arises from extreme self-centeredness, bombarding negative emotion they will fall into hell after death. in your heart, and severe pain. One day, when we discover our internal Ignorance is the symbol of beast, if people have too much delusion, they Buddha nature, we will understand that it is perfect and flawless. will fall into the beasts’ life after death. Therefore, we need to excavate the smothered gems of Buddha nature in Arise greed then commit a sin our hearts for a long time with endless practice and introspection. All the sins originate from greed, People in this material world are greedy Who is the freest on earth? for wealth, lust, fame, and profits, What people are the freest? Those who want nothing in their hearts are When they are not satisfied, they will be morose and sighing, stir hate and the freest people. The people desire nothing in their hearts, therefore they be self-abandonment, are the richest and the freest. Those who persist in anything, the more Once they are unable to attain something, they will lose their temper, they desire they have, the more the distress and pain. The people with pain will make bad relations with others, and ultimately they will incur a curse.

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The greed of people What’s Buddha People are greedy for wealth because they enjoy consumption, People are greedy for lust because they enjoy pleasure, What kind of supreme enlightenment did Buddha open up? Buddha People are greedy for fame because they enjoy honor, opened up three ways only. They were wisdom, compassion, and People are greedy for food because they enjoy taste, awakening. Indeed, Buddha means a sage with boundless wisdom, People are greedy for sleep because they enjoy comforts, boundless pity, and boundless awakening. When a person accomplishes The five desires which we are greedy for, once taken away, will raise such degrees, we call him Buddha. Buddha is neither a god nor a hatred. Since hatred rises, all the evil things will be done and eventually fairy. He is a saint with boundless awakening. The wisdom, pity, and they will fall to, the evil path and suffer unlimited pains. awakening are boundless. Likewise, he is called Buddha. According Hungry ghost to the , a Buddha is a great saint that can awaken himself and the If one is too frugal without alms for the slightest intention of helping others to accomplish the procedure, or discipline, of the attainment of people, and always scold people with bad-temper, building up malignant enlightenment for self and others. Likewise, he is the great sage that is relationship, then one would be hungry ghost after death. omniscience and completely enlightened. Hatred Buddha’s wisdom (Prajna) Hatred is like a sharp sword which may destroy you and people around you. Temporary anger Buddha’s wisdom contains three kinds of wisdom-(1) Sravaka and Temporary anger will make us lose our ration to hurt others and harm pratyeka-Buddha knowledge that all the dharma or laws are void ourselves. It will also cause long-term suffering, regret and self- and unreal, (2) Bodhisattva-knowledge of all things in their proper condemned. discrimination, (3) Buddha-knowledge, or perfect knowledge of all things The fool’s wealth in their every aspect and relationship, past, present, and future. A fool may think his wife and children are his property, however, even What is Sravaka and pratyeka-Buddha Knowledge? he himself is not his own property, not to mention his wife and children, The Diamond Perfection of Wisdom Sutra has a line that goes: “All why bother to get trouble? appearances are false and unreal. If one sees all appearances as no appearances, then one sees the Tathagata (one of the highest titles of a Buddha).” All things being produced by causes and accessory conditions donÕt have their own nature, therefore they have no reality. One who realizes the principle has this kind of wisdom, which can bring illusory or misleading views and thoughts to an end, and attain the state of full A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, attainment of . It is wisdom of arhat. What is bodhisattva-knowledge of all things in their proper discrimination? but a enlightened man delight in practice. It means the wisdom of realizing the noumenon having form of all things produced by causal conditions. All things are incomprehensible entity and non-existent. Those principles having no reality in themselves are possessed of this kind of wisdom. It can discontinue the illusions as numerous as dust and sand (minute illusions), and attain the state of Bodhisattva. It is wisdom of Bodhisattva. It can realize the principle of different characteristics and whole characteristics of all things which

．22． ．23． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha mean it can realize all natural changeable phenomena of the universe and life. wisdom of “all things are annihilated by causal conditions.” The path means all changes of principles and all things’ reality. The Omniscience denotes bodhisattva-knowledge, the different kind means all principles and all things. The different characteristics characteristic of the second kind of wisdom of “all things are produced mean the different phenomena of all things’ changes. The whole by causal conditions.” characteristics mean the interlinked common phenomena of all things. In the Buddha’s personal enlightened realm of mind, void is having Take all things in the universe, stars, mountains and rivers, a person or form, and having form is void, i.e. like the sayings in the Heart of Prajna a thing’s forming for example, their variational processes of formation, Paramita Sutra: “Form does not differ from emptiness, emptiness does varieties, and nature are different. not differ from form. Form itself is emptiness, emptiness itself is form.” Take human being for example, it has blacks, whites, and yellows. If one can understand the principle of undivided non-deflected mean of Each human being has its own characteristic. Each person of a same void and form, he can enter into the truth. It is the supreme wisdom and race has different personality. People have different personalities due to Buddha-wisdom realizing the truth of void is having form, and having different educational environments. For another instance, it has east, west, form is voidness. It can cut off the primal ignorant delusion, and reach south, and north in the world, and the climates and soils are different the state of . everywhere. It has different animals and grows different plants. There are Buddha-one who has omniscient wisdom, and has all the three kinds of various animals and plants, which have distinct individuality and growing above wisdom. processes.The whole characteristic of human being-death, The different Bodhisattva-one who realizes the principle of “all things are produced characteristics of human being-different personality, moral integrity, by causal conditions,” however, his wisdom is not thorough or complete interests, and thoughts.The whole characteristic of flowers-withered, The yet. He holds firmly to the second kind of wisdom. different characteristics of flowers-different colors, categories, sizes, and Arhat-one who realizes the principle of “everything arises from void,” scents. however, his wisdom is not thorough or perfect though. He holds firmly The Sravaka and pratyeka-Buddha knowledge is absolute void but to the first kind of wisdom. not empty. Bodhisattva-knowledge is mysteriously existing but not real. Buddha can cut off the Misleading views Misleading thoughts Il- Therefore, understand clearly about all things’ reality and lusion and temptation Basal illusions and temptations (Pundarika essence of life and the world. They also comprehend all minute principles sutra Volume 5) of the phenomena of the process of unreality’s growing, development, Illusion is a radical worry arisen from greedy, anger, and ignorance. and changes.Producing by causal conditions-different characteristics of Misleading views-worry caused by confusing about all things’ aspect all things (whatever has form). of principle (discriminating mind of all things). The nature of the emptiness -the whole characteristic of all things Misleading thoughts-worry caused by confusing about all things’ (emptiness). aspect of phenomena (attachment to the objects of the five senses). What is Buddha-knowledge, or perfect knowledge of all things in Immense llusion and temptation through the immense variety of duties their every aspect and relationship, past, present, and future: in saving men-immense illusions as numerous as the sands of the Ganges It means the wisdom of realizing the noumenon of all things is neither which hinder the Bodhisattvas from teaching and converting all living voidness nor having form. All things neither immaterial nor material, creatures and cause worry. It is also called illusion of hindrance of the neither existing nor empty. All things arise from conditional causation way. and their nature is void. All things are produced and annihilated by causal Basal illusions and temptations that arise from failure philosophically conditions. All the doctrines are interlinked.All means Sravaka and to understand things in their reality-worry caused by all living creatures’ pratyeka-Buddha knowledge, the whole characteristic of the first kind of affliction and transmigration. ．24． ．25． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

The Buddha has 10 different kinds of wisdom (according to Avatamsaka Buddha’s mercy Sutra) 1.The bodhisattva wisdom of knowing other’s thoughts-know the Buddha’s mercy is to concern about and relieve all beings from any psychological conditions and behavior of all lives suffering and then guide them to the without birth and death, or 2.Wisdom of heavenly eyes-the superhuman observation power. transmigration based on the spirit of great kindness to the known and 3.The bodhisattva wisdom of probing into the past and boundless unknown, and great compassion for all. The unconditional great love fatalism- to understand the habits, behavior, psyche, and causality of all is that Buddha will salvage anyone known or unknown to him with lives. great kindness. The great compassion for all means that Buddha treats 4.The bodhisattva wisdom of envisioning the future- to understand the every being’s body and spirit like his own without any difference. He changes and the future phenomena of all things. regards beings’ suffering as his and can take across all of them with great 5.The unhindered wisdom of clearing the heavenly ears-can hear the compassion. voices at any distance clearly. In order to fulfill his compassionate wish to take across all living 6.The bodhisattva wisdom of fearless to stay peacefully-the ultimate beings from suffering, the Buddha gave up his throne, wife and son, wisdom and peacefulness of can enlighten incredible power and glory and wealth. He risked his life practicing the asceticism for six and enable the communication with gods. years. After he had found the path to enlightenment through inhuman life, 7.The wisdom of clarifying speech and sound-know all the animals’ he went about various countries preaching his sermon barefoot during language and understand their meanings. the hot weather all his life without rest. He preached Buddhism teaching 8.The wisdom of fulfilling infinite forms and dignity-the Buddha has a his disciples and various beings until his 80. He even taught his disciples dignified, royal, and grand appearance and look. and gave tonsure to a left-home one at the very moment before he entered 9.The wisdom of realizing the truth in the dharma-understand all the nirvana. Buddha is the greatest and most merciful educationist phenomena and their causes of formation, the process of development, and the results of all things. Buddha spent 49 years in this world preaching 12 divisions of the canon in more than 300 assemblies. He journeyed to 14 10.The wisdom of the emergence and the fading of all the laws-the countries’ cities, villages, high mountains, lakes, and rivers summers and Buddha is great at the method of being knowledgeable of Zen (Chan) winters without rest persuading 1,250 left-home disciples and numerous meditation and purging the misery of life and death. civilians to take with the Buddhism. Buddha taught all beings, including the rich and the poor, the noble and the humble, and the wise and stupid equally. He used skillful teaching We very careful to anything, then, how you live- methods and was never tired of instructing. He treated everyone who learned from him equally and taught them by personal example. not as unwise but as wise, making the most of He taught kings how to run the countries well, he taught soldiers how to direct military affairs, he taught the rich how to give alms, he taught every opportunity, because the days are evil. the poor the principle of cause and effect.He taught married women how to be good wives, he taught married men how to be good husbands, he taught children how carry out filial piety, he taught senior citizens the principle of mutability, he taught businessmen how to run business. He taught the youth how to make friends; he taught non-Buddhist the correct dharma; he taught bhiksus the way of nirvana.

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Buddha was good at instructing people according to their potential. He Buddha’s awakening took across all beings in the ten directions universally. He may be called the greatest and most merciful educationist. To awaken means to observe all reasons of misery and suffering, Buddha has four immeasurable profound states of mind (Mahap- without being bound by them. Likewise, one can understand the way to rajnaparamita Sutra of Treatise on the Great Wisdom Perfection, purge pain and misery, getting rid of the barrier of temptation and the Volume 20) barrier of the known. Consequentially, one can understand the truth of the Immeasurable mind of loving-kindness: It’s an infinite state of dharma clearly. loving-kindness for giving all beings happiness. Barrier of temptation-the error people encountered in thoughts and Immeasurable mind of compassion: It’s an infinite state of comprehension. Due to stubbornness, barriers and misery arise. It is the compassion for relieving various suffering of all beings. pain and misery caused by “clinging to the ideas of the self.” Due to Immeasurable mind of joy: It’s an infinite state of joy produced by people’s clinging to the idea of the self when perceiving the phenomena, dharma joy due to seeing all beings doing good deeds, or leaving misery arises. In addition, due to erroneous thoughts and understanding, distress behind to embrace happiness. it brings endless misery. Therefore, we should discipline ourselves to Immeasurable mind of equanimity: To the above three states of purge the erroneous idea of the ego and clinging to the ideas of the self. mind, they can be renounced without attachment; to treat Then, misery will disappear in no time. all beings equally, including the hate and affection; the mind If we cling to the ideas of the self and ego because of emotions, is free from particularization of love and hate. wealth, and amorous relationship, then greed, hatred, and ignorance Buddha has 3 kinds of compassion(Mahaparinirvana Sutra, Volume will appear, causing pain, uneasy, and constraint. That is we cannot feel 15; , Volume 5) easy no matter where we are. It is the barrier of temptation. It is because Compassion derived from the reason of that all beings are like the barrier of temptation blocks the wisdom to cause ignorance and the helpless infants: Buddha regarded everyone as his father, mother, w i f e , lack of knowledge. Because of the feeling of extreme constraint, we child, or family dependant. It’s the mercy of relieving all beings from feel severe pain, unable to purge the misery of life and death. If only suffering and bringing them happiness. It’s the mercy of ordinary people. we can purge distress, we can get rid of the misery of life and death, to Compassion derived from the reason of Buddha’s knowledge of all accomplish the state of self- and independence. laws and their consequences: It’s the mercy that Buddha enlightened The cause of reincarnation is affliction. The people that cultivate the beings on the truth of “Nothing has an ego” and originated from regarding beings as himself. It’s the mercy of arhat. way of Buddhism should find the way of getting rid of life and death, in Compassion without external cause: It’s the mercy derived from order to understand Buddhism. It was Buddha’s purpose of eradicating absolute equality to all beings without discrimination. It’s the mercy of reincarnation to cultivate the way of life, in the process of which he was Buddha.Buddha has spared and attached to nothing taking across infinite awakened to the truth. beings over a long period of time. He does not think it a hard work nor Barrier of the known-it means to cling to limited understanding and sense his compassionate deeds. prejudice. As the wisdom is blocked, it creates affliction. It is also known as knowledge attachment. Due to desire, anger, stupidity, arrogance, and doubt, it obstructs the dharma. In other words, it is affliction that obstructs the wisdom of knowing. It is formed because of holding to things as reality. Buddha possessed such wisdom of being awakened. In order to cure affliction and two kinds of obstructions, he developed knowledge that all

．28． ．29． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha the dharma, knowledge of all things in their proper discrimination, and virtue of wisdom of Tathagata - those people that take the absolute way the knowledge of all things in their every aspect. They can also enlighten of cause and effect, and attained to perfect wisdom. Because of erroneous the people into awakening. Likewise, they can be used to discipline thinking and the cling to things, he cannot attain it.” Due to the clinging oneself or convert others. When a follower of Buddhism can examine the to the idea of self and the clinging to false reasoning, he has the trouble dharma exhaustively, he can become a Buddha. of erroneous thinking. Therefore, the result is such a painful life. (In this Buddha is a completed enlightened one who can enlighten self and paragraph, I would like to say a few words to encourage people.) others (stated in the Mahasamnipata Sutra Volume 17) See through A Buddha’s own or natural enlightenment: It refers to that Buddha When we see through the truth of life and death clearly. Then we can was enlightened oneself has Buddha’s nature originally. He realized understand all the happiness in life is brief and mutable. the principles of permanency and of all things in the ten Enlightenment directions and three periods of time of the world. He understood the real If one can perceive the truth of pains, void and mutable in everything, not nature is really void, and the unreality of illusory or misleading views and being persist in wealth and emotion, it is regarded as enlightenment. thoughts. He attained the wonderful Buddha-wisdom, realized his way and completed enlightenment. That is why it is called enlightenment for self. Buddha is the saint of mercy, the wisdom, A Buddha’s enlightening of all others: Suddha came to understand the Buddhist dharma he cultivated, and he also would like to make all the enlightenment, the way, the truth . beings understand the Buddhist dharma. He exerted compassion without No one come to Buddha’s world except external cause to make all beings be aware of the impermanence and no individuality in all things. He would like to help beings to be divorced through Dharma. from suffering of birth and death, and attain bliss of nirvana. A Buddha’s complete enlightenment: It refers to that Buddha totally removed the three illusions and has all virtues, Discipline, meditation, and wisdom. His practice came to perfection and has both felicity and wisdom. An arhat has his own or natural enlightenment, a Bodhisattva has both natural enlightenment and enlightening of all others; a Buddha has three kinds of enlightenment. Buddha completely removed three aspects of perplexities, i.e. illusions from imperfect perception, illusions and temptation through the immense variety of duties in saving men; and illusions and temptations that arise from failure philosophically to understand things in their reality. You may refer to the explanation of the three delusions on page48 Therefore, the purpose of Buddhism is to enlighten one’s wisdom, seek awakening, purge the affliction, and stop the two hindrances: affliction and knowledge attachment. Buddha said, “All the people possess the

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Buddha’s causes of coming to this world kalpas. I accumulated virtue in many kalpas. I scolded myself every life for passing through five destinies. I was not greedy for money and other There were much auspiciousness when Buddha was born valuables. I would not cherish my body but discard it to others. Then We talked about the leaders’ spiritual implications in the last section. all these causes result in my being a prince. When the stars appeared at Now we are talking about our spiritual leader-the Buddha. Shakyamuni midnight on the eighth day of April, I was born on the earth. Soon after Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, was born a prince of Kapililavstu in that, I made seven steps and raised my right hand saying that “Between central and northern ancient India (now in southern Nepal) 2,500 years the heaven and the world, the greatest thing is the inherent Buddha ago, around the eighth day of April, 470 B.C. (according to Master Yin- nature.” I should be the peerless teacher of devas and men. shun’s calculation, it was said B.C. 556), and was named Siddhartha. The earth quaked greatly when the prince was born. From the four His mother, Queen passed away seven days after his birth. He was -kings of the first desire-heaven to the king of Trayastrimsas of brought up by his mother’s sister. the Brahmadeva, each of them used twelve fragrant water and various According to the sutra named Madhyamagama (the middle Agama great flowers to bathe the prince. When the prince became a Buddha, he Sutra), when the Buddha was born, the earth shook, the world yielded a preached his sermon to save all the people. The Buddha told all the devas radiant glow, and there was a shower of cool and warm fragrant rain from that all the Buddhas of the ten directions were born, leave home to enter the sky to clean his body. Numerous various colorful lotus blooms from the mountains to learn the truths, became Buddhas, and enter Nirvana at the sky scattered on the ground, all the flowers, plants and trees were midnight on the eighth day of April. exuberant, all the flowers were in full bloom, and all the animals looked Buddha explained the reason why we used the eighth day of April as toward the direction of his birthplace. Soon after the Buddha came to the Buddhas’ birthdays. Because during the period from spring to summer, world, he made seven steps toward four directions, and lotus bloomed there wasn’t any calamities and crimes, all things grow, poisonous air was under his tiny feet. Then he said a verse: “Between the heaven and the not circulated, and it was not cool or hot. It thus was suitable season for world, the greatest thing is the inherent Buddha nature.” Buddhas to be born. All the good men and good women should resolve When the Buddha was born, it stated in “The Records of Unusual their minds with the infinite power of Buddhas’ merits and virtues. They Events” of “The History of Jhou Dynasty”: “When King Jhou-Jhao was should bathe the Buddha’s image as the Buddha was alive so that they going to the court to summon courtiers, suddenly, the earth quaked, and will obtain boundless felicity. lofty brightness glowing from the sky. The king was frightened and asked The first volume of the Middle Agama Sutra elaborates on various the historiographer (officer), Su-you, what strange signs they were. Su- auspicious signs when Buddha was born you answered and predicted that a saint was born in the west whose name I have heard that when the Buddha realized he was born, the heaven was Buddha, and his holy teaching would transmit to China one thousand and the earth quaked. The great subtle light illuminate all things in the years later. Then the king command people to place inscription recording world, including deep and remote, obscure places and the nether world. the fact outside the town of Luo-yang.” The stele was excavated during I have heard that as soon as the Buddha was born, he walked seven steps the King Han-Ming dynasty. and observed everywhere without any fear. I have heard that when the The Sutra of the and Virtue of Washing Statue of Buddha Buddha was born, the cold and warm rain fell from the ether alternately spoken by the Buddha(colletive sutra Division3) bathing the Buddha. I have heard that when the Buddha was born, all the At that time, the Buddha told people in all the Mahasattva devas, and devas played drum-music and performed by the female musicians, and they listen to the Buddha with one mind. The Buddha said: The human blue lotuses, red lotuses, white lotuses, shining flowers were dropping body is difficult to gain, so is the inactive way. It is difficult to live at the from the devas, and fine sandal-wood incense-powder was scattered over age when Buddha was on earth. I had been a layperson since innumerable the Buddha. ．32． ．33． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

In the Abhiniskramana Sutra, Volume 8 of the Original Conditions prince’s mother) in the garden. The Bodhisattva’s mother scooped up Division, it says: water from them to use as she pleased. Then again, there was a shower of Forced by suffering of birth, all living beings have to be formed and cool and warm rain from the sky. It was used to bathe the Bodhisattva’s move around in mothers’ wombs before they are borne. However, a body. It’s a rare and unusual event of a Bodhisattva. Bodhisattva is not the case. He enters the upper part of his mother’s right When the Bodhisattva was born, all devas and the others were holding side and stay there. He would not move in there. When it’s about time, he a golden bed for the Bodhisattva to have a seat. After the Bodhisattva sat will be borne from his mother’s upper right side without any pain. It’s a down, Bodhisattvas bathed his body. He was upheld by devas although he rare and unusual event of a Bodhisattva. was a human being. It’s a rare and unusual event of a Bodhisattva. At first, the Bodhisattva (the prince before he became a Buddha) was When the Bodhisattva was born, the great brightness was emitted, born with proper mind from the right side of his mother’s chest. At that which blocked all other light. It’s a rare and unusual event of a time, an illuminating ray was sent out all over the universe, including all Bodhisattva. devas, humans, demons, pure Sramana, Brahmans, etc. All of them asked When the Bodhisattva was born, his body had beautiful complexion each other where it is and why a being was born suddenly. It’s a rare and with a radiant glow, which obstructed the sunlight, as stars in the daytime. unusual event of a Bodhisattva (a respectful form of address before the It’s a rare and unusual event of a Bodhisattva. prince became a Buddha). When the Bodhisattva was born, all trees and medicinal herbs bloomed When the Bodhisattva was first born from his mother’s right side, the at any moment. It’s a rare and unusual event of a Bodhisattva. four deva-kings holding the Bodhisattva showed his mother and asked When the Bodhisattva was born, the devas from the heavens of the the Lady Maya if she was happy about her giving birth to a child. Seeing upper realm held their white canopies that the handles were made by true someone was born a person, all devas would praise for it joyously, not to gold and they were as huge as wheels of vehicles. It’s a rare and unusual mention the human being. It’s a rare and unusual event of a Bodhisattva. event of a Bodhisattva. After the Bodhisattva was born, he stood on the ground looking up at When the Bodhisattva was born, all devas from the heavens held their his mother’s right side and saying that: “I would never have the form of white brushes respectively. The handles of those brushes were made by my body again. I was inside my mother’s right side instead of lying in her various jewels. They were whisking above the Bodhisattva. womb. It should be my last life and I shall be a Buddha.” It’s a rare and When the Bodhisattva was born, the sky was clear and clean without unusual event of a Bodhisattva. any smoke, cloud, dust, or fog but the thunder. After the Bodhisattva was born, he walked around on his own. He When the Bodhisattva was born, there wasn’t any cloud and fog but took seven steps toward every direction. Great lotus bloomed under his tiny drizzle and pure perfume replete with the eight merits, which made tiny feet as he made his every step on earth. After he took seven steps, he all living beings feel happy. looked around without blinking his eyes, seeing the east, saying the right When the Bodhisattva was born, subtle wind, which was refreshing and speech and proper words with four-character line of a gatha (verse): “I pleasing, was rising from the sky in the four directions. All directions were am the highest (best, foremost) in the world. This is my last birth; now clean and brilliant without obstacles of smoke, cloud, or dust to one’s eyes. there is no renewal of being for me.” It’s a rare and unusual event of a When the Bodhisattva was born, natural wonderful Buddhist sound Bodhisattva. was from the sky playing by no one. After the Bodhisattva was born, all his family members would like to When the Bodhisattva was born, various music from the heavens and look for some water, however, they ran around all directions and could all kinds of sound of singing were sounded naturally up in the sky. All not obtain any eventually. Suddenly, two basins of water, one was cold kinds of celestial flowers with various fragrance were raining down. and another warm, gushed in front of the Bodhisattva’s mother (the They would not wilt under the merciless sun. These are rare and unusual ．34． ．35． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha events of a Bodhisattva. Buddha was very clever when he was little. He knew When the Bodhisattva was born, each of the devas in heavens held all the knowledge very well. countless blue lotus, red lotus, yellow lotus, white lotus, and varied various. They also brought varied subtle fragrance, jewels, and garlands The prince was intelligent by natural endowments. He was proficient to cast on the Bodhisattva again and again. in all knowledge, such as language and literature, (mathematics invented When the Bodhisattva was born, five hundred celestial devis from the by Indians), medicine, philosophy, and logic when he was little. He heavens holding fragrant oil made from various divine flowers, divine excelled in all fields, whether it was academic learning, the art of warfare, incense or scent, divine jeweled delicate garment, divine precious stones sports or games. His martial arts are consummate, and his strength was and chaplets, and divine subtle sound to come to the Bodhisattva’s amazing. He took the Princess Yasodhara of a neighboring country as his mother respectfully. They stood in front of her comforting and bowing to wife when he came of age. Though Prince Siddhartha came from nobility, her, and saying that “Bodhisattva of Sujata (well born, of high birth, also he recognized the extreme disparity between the rich and the poor, and tr. of Susambhava, a former incarnation of Sakyamuni, are you tired?” the inequality in the four Indian castes. The weak are the prey of the When the Bodhisattva was born, the earth possessed eighteen strong among living beings. He also realized the sufferings of , appearances and six shakes. All living beings were also joyful. Not a old age, sickness and death, and all kinds of impermanence of life. His single being had lustful heart, hatred, ignorance, arrogance, or fear. Not compassion and great aspirations thus grew and spurred him to decide to a single being was making evil deeds. All ill people were healed. All leave the palace and search for the truth that would relieve mankind from hungry people got food, and thirsty people got drinks. They were all full suffering. up without lack of diet. All drunken people were sobered up. All crazy In order to purge the affliction of birth, age, sickness, and death, at the people became normal, the blind could see, the deaf could hear, and the age of 29 (some say 19), on February 8 of the Lunar Calendar (according imperfect in body and mind became normal. The poor had money and to sutra, it should be April 8), the Buddha left the palace at night. On the prisoners were released. The beings in the hell could stop suffering, Snow Mountain, he cultivated the way of religion for six years. Each the animals got rid of all frights, and the hungry ghosts were all fed with day he just ate flax and wheat. Passing all sorts of trials and suffering, he enough food. subdued (conquered) all the demons and understood the Buddha nature There were such innumerable rare and unusual things happened when thoroughly, purged erroneous thinking and ignorance. Eventually, on the Bodhisattva was born from the right side of his mother. December 8 of the Lunar Calendar (according to sutra, it should be April 8), under the clear sky and starlit night, seeing the origins and the ends of all phenomena in the universe. In addition, all phenomena neither emptiness nor existence, he was enlightened and became the Buddha. After becoming the Buddha, the first sentence he uttered was: “In fact, all the common people possess Buddha’s wisdom and virtue. So illusion and attachment that one can not realize the truth.” Becoming the enlightened, Buddha began to preach Buddhism to five followers at Sharnath. He turned the Dharma-wheel thrice to explain the four dogmas. It means he explained the four dogmas three times. He instructed 5 monks the first time. From then on, the Triratna of Buddhism were completed. Likewise, Buddhist groups began to form and flourish.

．36． ．37． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

The three turns of the law-wheel of the when the The Buddha preached for 45 years during his lifetime. He still preached Buddha preached in the Deer Park-the “misery, aggregation, ex- when he was in his eighties with his followers in many different places. tinction of pain and reincarnation, and practice the way to realease When he was on his death bed, at the verge of nirvana, he still did not Samsara.” want to leave any lives behind. He even converted Bhadra, who was 120 1.Indicative, i.e. postulation and definition of the four noble truths- years old then, to become a monk. “The misery or pain is compelled, the aggregation is causative, When the Buddha entered nirvana, his followers were very sad. But the extinction if provable, and the way is practicable.” Buddha enlightened his disciples, “If you can’t behave in accordance with 2.Hortative, i.e. the suffering should be diagnosed, the aggregation my preaching, what’s the purpose of my living a long life for hundred should be discontinued, the extinction should be proved, and the way thousands of years? If you can follow the disciplines, it is the same as me should be cultivated.” living in this world forever. You must stay firm in your belief and conduct 3.Evidential, i.e. I have overcome the suffering, I have ceased the yourselves in accordance with Buddhism, not to believe in any heresy. aggregation, I have proved the extinction, and I have You must study Buddhism by heart to purge your suffering. If you can practiced the way.” maintain peaceful hearts, they you are my real disciples.” My interpretation of “misery, aggregation, extinction and the way”: At last, the Buddha told his disciples to regard the dogmas as teacher Now, we bear our misery. and the way as guidelines. With the four objects, their sensations should In the past, we gathered all the malign causes.In the future, we have to dwell. To subdue the wicked people, silence was the best policy. It was practice the bitter fruits of life and death.Now, we have to practice Tao, appropriate to establish everything at the beginning of the Buddhist texts, for the benign causes. as I have heard. Likewise, people would trust you. The Buddha reminded Buddha spent 45 years (some said 49 years) in this world. He preached the disciples again, the most important point was to be the exemplar of in some 300 assemblies, preached Agama for twelve years preached mercy in their behaviors. They should utter merciful words all the time. Maha-vaipulya Sutra for eight years, preached Prajna Sutra for twenty In addition, they should have merciful thinking as well. two years, preached Pundarika Sutra and Mahaparinirvana Sutra for eight After the Buddha had entered Nirvana, he body was burnt, leaving years, with the preaching of these holy texts, he enlightened many lives. 4 Buddha’s teeth, Sarira, Buddha’s relics amounted to 84 pecks. These In ordinary times, the Buddha taught all the people without any Sarira were divided into 8 parts, which were taken by the eight kingdoms differences. In addition, he was skillful in observing the appropriate in India at that time. They built a tower to worship the Sarira. Meanwhile, chances to teach and demonstrated the Way with convenient means. With one of the Buddha’s teeth was worshipped in this world. One of the teeth upper, middle, and lower means, he taught all the followers, who had no was taken by the Dragon King to be worshipped in the Dragon Palace. difference in nationality, race, wealth, caste, religion, identity, status, etc. The other tooth was taken by the Heavenly King to be worshipped in He also enlightened the leaders in different sects to believe in Buddhism. heaven. One was worshipped in Ceylon (Sri Lanka). The disciples he had enlightened included kings, officials, princes etc. The Buddha was strongly against the caste and thought that all lives and moved them to become monks and nuns. In addition, he also taught were equal and possessed the Buddha nature. Buddha could respect life the prostitute, the barber, the scavenger, the dung carrier to believe in and human rights. The buddha was born in an extremely unequal society Buddhism. He even preached Buddhism to the dumbest person and in india. the serial killer, who eventually believed in Buddhism. With kindness, In his 45 years of experience preaching, he converted those who should the Buddha convinced the people, with Buddhism, he led the people, be converted. For those who could not be converted, he left benignant with wisdom, he taught the people. Throughout his life, the Buddha causes. Although the Buddha had left this world, his mercy, wisdom, and enlightened and converted many people. perception remained with us. Likewise, Buddha was our loftiest and most ．38． ．39． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha sacred exemplar, the mentor of the three realms (). In addition, Therefore, we can listen to the preaching of Buddhism now. It was his was the teacher of the heaven and the people, as well as the savior of what Buddha exchanged with his life. So we have to thank Buddha for all lives! his grace. In addition, we have to thank the Brahmas for his request to the Sometimes when we browse through history, we have to take a pause. Buddha to beg him not to enter nirvana. Likewise, we have Buddhism to Imagine that Sakyamuni was passing a luxurious and peaceful life, with follow now. All lives can be awakened to leave suffering behind and to affluent wealth and abundant food. In order to understand the way of embrace happiness. life and death, he forsook such affluent life in the palace. Enduring the (In this paragraph, I would like to say a few words to encourage people.) danger he might encounter in the mountain, he pursued the truth. In The pain of life and death ancient times, there were tigers, vipers, beasts, etc. in the mountains and Life after birth is limited, though you have to suffer much of pains, it wilderness. Therefore, those beasts swallowed many of the seekers of soon passes away. the Way. At that time, the Buddha endured the danger and the heat in the Life after death is infinite, you have to suffer the pain for a long time, and dangerous environment for 6 years to get the epiphany of the way. it cannot be abated. After he understood the Way, Buddha thought, “the truth I have found Only through enduring cultivation, one can acquire eternal happiness was different from the worldly standard. The joy and desire that people after death. indulge in, according to my understanding, is the origin of affliction. Wealth, amorous relationships, fame, and profits, according to my understanding, are illusive. The truth I have found is the ultimate truth but people do not believe in it. All lives are immersed in the abyss of Trust in the wisdom with all your heart and not lean on your greed and ignorance. How can they understand this amazing truth that own under Buddha or gods; in all your ways acknowledge it, can liberate them? As all lives get lost in heresy, it is difficult for me to teach them. If I live in this world, I can hardly contribute anything to it. I and wisdom will make your paths straight and light. choose to enter nirvana!” On the third day, the Mahabrahma begged the Buddha for help, “If there is no truth light of Buddha, the world will be in the dark for ever. If food for awakening is absent from this world, all lives can no longer be liberated from suffering. Buddha, please bring Buddhism to the world for the sake of saving all lives, allowing the lost souls to return and land on the shore of awakening.” Gladly the Buddha accepted the BrahmaÕs request and gave up the thought of entering nirvana. With all his life, he helped those who could be helped. In 49 years’ time, he visited all the kingdoms in India to enlighten people, with his footsteps left in central and northern India. He enlightened people when chances came, without choosing any particular objects, regardless of their wealth. He preached Buddhism elsewhere. The perception of the Buddha could help all lives to purge all the unknown miseries and awaken their Buddha nature, leaving distress behind to embrace happiness. ．40． ．41． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

The holly names of Buddha death, and will never sink into the ocean of miserable transmigration. Therefore, the Buddha is called “The Well Departed,\” which also means “The Tathagata (Ru-lai, Thus Come One)”-The Buddha rides wonderful gone. on the way of truth in incarnation to rescue all beings, leave by the “The Knower of the World (Lokavid)”-The Buddha has the wisdom way of truth, and attains nirvana. “Ru” implies the Buddha’s embodiment of realizing all universal truths thoroughly. He apprehends all worldly and of Truth and Law that is all over the ether and Dharma-realm and stay transmundane reality-nature clearly. Therefore, he is called “The Knower motionless. “Lai” implies the Buddhas’ transformation body which of the World.” is incarnated for saving beings. “Ru” is a static state, while “Lai” is a “The Unsurpassed/PeerlessNobleman”-Among all things, Nirvana is dynamic state. Within the Buddha’s motionless body of the dharma, he unexcelled. Among all stages of attainment, the Sambodhi (the wisdom appears at will and in any form to come to the world saving beings out of or omniscience of a Buddha) is supreme. Among all beings, Buddha is his mercy. That is why he is called “Thus Come One.” peerless. Therefore, the Buddha is called “The Unsurpassed Nobleman.” ”The Worthy of Worship (The Worshipful, The Worthy of “The Teacher of Devas and Men (Sasta, Devamanusyanam)”-The Offerings)”-The Buddha accumulates the causes of felicity and wisdom. Buddha has characteristics of great mercy or compassion, wisdom, and He reaches the ultimate state of Buddhahood that attains perfect three enlightenment. Therefore, he can tame and teach cultivatorsÕ mind- kinds of enlightenment and all virtue. Thus he may accept the nature with various adroit expedient methods to make them attain the from devas and men. right path towards nirvana. The Buddha is a guide or teacher of devas “The Omniscience (Of Proper and Universal Knowledge, and men. He shows beings what to do and not to do, what is good or not Samyaksambuddha)”-The Buddha can be completely enlightened on good. All beings could free themselves from worry if they could depend everything, unlike the mundane people not to be awakened or the disciples on, practice, and not giving up Buddha’s teachings. That is why the of other religions’ hallucination. The Buddha is called “Omniscience” Buddha is called “The Teacher of Devas and Men.” because he can understand universal knowledge by his wisdom. ”The Taming Heroes (Purusa-damya-sarathi)-The Buddha tames ”The knowledge-conduct-perfect (Vidya-carana-sampanna)”- and controls a wild elephant or horse as a master does, or as he brings the The Buddha has the perfect three insights and knows the five lines of passions of men under control, hence he is termed “The Taming Heroes.” conduct. The three insights indicate supernatural insight into future ”The World Honored One (The World’s Most Venerable, The Lord mortal conditions, insight into the mortal conditions of self and others of Worlds, Lokajyestha, Lokanatha)”-The Buddha is the world’s most in previous lives, and nirvana insight, i.e. into present mortal sufferings venerable because he has the ten titles above and cultivates his virtue. so as to overcome all passions or temptations. The five lines of conduct This title, The World Honored One, indicates ease and free, majestic, indicates saintly or bodhisattva deeds, arhat or noble deeds, deva deeds, dignified, reputably, honorable, and propitious. A Buddha is a sage who children’s deeds (i.e. normal good deeds of men, devas, and Hinayanists), can enlighten for self and others, and has perfect enlightenment and sickness conditions, e.g. illness, delusion, etc. Attaining the three insights accomplishment. is obtaining complete wisdom, and the five lines of conduct the complete ”The Doubly Perfected Honored One (The Most Honored among felicity. The Buddha cultivates both felicity and wisdom. All above are Men and Devas, The two-legged Honored One)”-The Buddha is the the reasons why the Buddha is called “The Knowledge-conduct-perfect.” most honored among bipeds or men. The two-legged also means the ”The Well Departed (Gone as He Should Go, Skillful in Leaving Buddha is a sage of having both felicity and wisdom. the World through Liberation, Sugata)”-The Buddha is a great “The Great Hero”-The Buddha has great wisdom that has power over enlightener who has attained to perfect enlightenment (the supreme demons. That is why the is also called “The Precious bodhi). He has transcended the binary opposing positions of life and Temple of the Great Hero.” ．42． ．43． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

”The Great Lord of Healing”-The Buddha is skilled at differentiating Buddha’s Physical Look and Appearance varieties of living beings’ diseases. He understands the properties of medicines. The threefold body of a Buddha is called , i.e. the Samb- The reason why he is called “The Great Lord of Healing” is because he hogakayaya, Dharmakaya, and Nirmanakaya medicines living beings according to their physical or mental illnesses. All the noble names above are the respectful titles named by worldly 1. Sambhogakaya (a Buddha’s reward body): Sambhogakaya is given by parents. BuddhaÕs physical look and beings. From these titles, we can understand that the Buddha is a great appearance are round and perfect, with 32 kinds of glorious attributes person who has an insight into all universal truth, all principles and and 80 kinds of magnificent signs. Adorning his body, observe all beings phenomena of all things. We can also realize how sublime and great the with the eyes of wisdom. As the wise people admire him, their hearts Buddha’s virtue is. When chanting the Buddha’s name, disciples of the will be comforted and pleased and the three karmas will be purge clearly, Buddha should admire and practice Buddha’s virtue of great wisdom and and variety attributes and signs was form from thousand fo felicity. This enlightenment to repay his kindness. The Sutra of the Contemplation on Mental State says: The Jewel of body is received from the result of ninety-one ’s cultivation. “The Buddha has six subtle merits and virtue Sutra Of Adorning With One Hundred Blessings” indicates that each sublime attribute is received through every hundred kalpas’s cultivation. 1.It has the supreme great fields of merit and virtue. 2.It has the supreme great fields of kindness. Therefore, it says: “It takes three countless eons (three great Asamkhyeya 3.It is the noblest among the footless, the biped, and the multiped. kalpas) to cultivate felicity and wisdom, and it takes one hundred kalpas 4.It is very difficult to encounter as the flower. (eon) to cultivate a dignified attribute.” 5.It appears only in the three great chiliocosms. Arthaviniscaya Sutra, the thirty-second volume of the Middle Length 6.It makes the worldly and transmundane merits and virtue come to perfection. Agama Sutras, the twenty-eighth volume of the Nirvana Sutra, and the With the six subtle merits and virtue, the jewel of Buddha can always eighty-eighth volume of the Mahaprajnaparamita Sastra (Treatise on the benefit all beings. Thus all beings obtain inconceivable favors from the Great Wisdom Perfection) say: A Buddha possesses thirty-two signs of jewel of Buddha. perfection and eighty minor marks of excellence. An ordinary person (In this paragraph, I would like to say a few words to encourage people.) with one of Buddha’s thirty-two signs could be an emperor. Humble and lofty A Buddha’s 32 attributes and the reward of a golden People in this world, there should be no lofty and humble. Only there body:(Arthaviniscaya Sutra, Sutra-collection Section 4) is humble and lofty in people’s mind. Sakyamuni said: All the Buddhas achieve the golden reward bodies All living beings possess the Buddha’s nature of these thirty-two signs because of their cumulative practice in all good Although people are different in their intelligence and stupidity, deeds, and in their final existence they became endowed with the 32 main everyone possesses the nature of Buddha without the differentiation features/signs as follows: of wisdom or stupidity, this is what we call the lowest people with the All Buddha and the most venerable, enduring the immeasurable time, supreme wisdom, they practice to accomplish the way or discipline of the Bodhisattva. Learning Buddha and practicing Dharma we should not be persist in our Therefore, they can live peacefully by abiding to the teachings and own intelligence or stupidity.As long as we are vigorously cultivate Dharma the principles, and remain calm in giving up the average difficulties in and put it into practice, the day of enlightenment will eventually come. practicing. Due to firmness and universality, they feel the sign of flatness Pursue fame and profits and roundness at the soles (1).For afflictive beings, it afflicts us. It is To pursue fame, one shall pursue the fame of virtue in the world. convenient to safe and protect. It is necessary to respect your parents. To pursue profits, one shall pursue the profits of all thehuman beings. Gloriously adornment and almsgiving never make you hesitate or forsake.

．44． ．45． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

Therefore, you can feel the sign of thousand-spoken wheel (2). infinity (14). Serve the venerable ones. Anoint and massage their bodies. Help them Buddha gives food and drinks to the people, to allow them live bath and change the clothes. The adorned body never makes you hesitate complacently. Then he feels the sign of being perfect in seven places of and forsake. You can feel the sign of being soft on the limbs (3). his body (15). With four embracing virtues, it is good to enrich the all sentient being. All the emotions arise from nowhere casually. He behaves according to Considering everything the same, and guarded and cared for, there will be no dharma so he can be the leader of all. Getting away from arrogance and difference. Then, in between the fingers and toes, gold nets will grow (4). anger, he can do benefits to all. Therefore, he feels the sign of his upper With obedience and respect, one serves his elders. With love to torso being like a lion king (16). everything, it is possible to protect all the living, with the wonderful law Buddha is prompt in making decision’ therefore, he feels his shoulders of truth. Therefore, you can feel the sign of being long and slim in your being round (17). His armpits are perfect (18). His appearance is fingers and toes, round and perfect (5). solemn, adorable, with a round, and broad body (19). With the wisdom of using skillful means, it is useful to exhort the all Buddha can protect himself from sinning in his speech and thought. sentient being, so that they can practice benignity. Without hesitating and When he sees sick people, he gives them good medicine. When he forsaking, you can feel the back of the feet and the heel to be symmetric sees something unfair, he can never take it. He can persuade those who (6), and the back of the feel full and round (7). disobey to practice Buddhism. Therefore, he feels the sign of his body being Concerning the right doctrines of Buddha, if you can receive them and round like an Indian fig-tree (20). Around his body, light shines (21). understand them as they are, you are able to teach them to the others and Buddha teaches people to get away from maligned friends and as guide to the others. Then, it will reward you buttocks round and full, relatives, to get away from alienating language. Buddha can heal the as the sign of deer king (8). misunderstanding with pleasant language. Therefore, he feels his forty In practicing good deeds, Buddha is very diligent, without being lazy. teeth (22) to be neat, clean, and tight (23). Therefore, all his wisdom and knowledge grow, therefore, his both Buddha practices great mercy and meditate the meanings of dharma hands are below the knees when put down (9). therefore his teeth are sharp and white as snow (24). When he sees somebody in fear and distress, he can extend his helping Buddha helps all the people actively before they come for help. He heals hands. When people feel guilt and shame, he never criticizes people. their sickness by giving them care and medicine. Then he feels his mouth Instead, he conceals their shames and guilt in front of other people and let filled with saliva all the time, making all food taste excellent (25). them ponder about their misdeeds; likewise, Buddha’s private parts are Buddha gets far away from killing and treats people with a benign concealed in his body, giving the sign of the dragon elephant king (10). heart. Practicing Dharma, his conduct is righteous. Then he feels a flesh Buddha is able to observe the wise, the virtuous, the joyful, and lump grow on the top of his head (26). His tongue is broad, thin, and merited ones. By enlightening them with dharma and bid them to long, when extending, it can reach the hairline on his forehead (27). discipline themselves, hair grows from all the pore on his skin. The Buddha always teaches people with kindness and pleasant language. hairs are soft and bright, spiraling to the right (11). As the hair is soft Then, he has got the Brahma voice (28). and bright, growing to the right, it gives the sign of spiral seashell (12). Buddha rhetoric is convincing and elegant, pleasing all the listeners. He gives happiness and the joy of dharma to people. He also gives After listening to his preaching, the people are enthusiastic to practice people household utensils, horses, and clothes to the people in need. He his preaching, clearing up the barriers they find in the way. Therefore, in also gives them all sorts of daily necessities, to free them from ignorance blue color, Buddha’s eyes are sharp and keen (29). His eye brows are and stupidity. Then his body appears to be golden color in (13). His neatly grown, like the ox king (30). skin is delicate and tender, without any dust, giving the sign of When Buddha sees virtuous people, he praises them as they are. He ．46． ．47． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha honors their goodness. Then, he feels the sign of his face being round 19.The Sramana Gotama’s countenance is solemn, acceptable, unique, as full moon (31). and peerless. His eyebrows are just like the king’s bow, with white hair in 20.The Sramana Gotama’s body is always perfect clean and unblemished. between, spiraling to the right. It is white and shiny as if wearing 21.The Sramana Gotama’s body is clean, limber, healthy and elastic like white silk and satin (32). a baby. The 80 Sub-characteristics of Buddha (Arthaviniscaya Sutra; Ma- 22.The Sramana Gotama’s body is tall and upstanding like the hanging hasatya Nirgrantha Sutra Vol. 6) (Pundarika Section) banner of the lord of the thirty-three heavens. The bhiksu asked the Buddha again: What are the eighty minor marks 23.The lines between Aramana Gotama’s pores are delicate. His body is ruddy, spotlessly white, and lovable, demonstrating his superb felicity. of Buddha’s body? The Buddha said that they were: 24.The Sramana Gotama’s muscle is tough, skin soft and sleek. 1.Sramana Gotama’s head is upright and dignified, and the upper part and 25.Every part of the Aramana Gotama’s body is perfectly full. the lower part are well proportioned. His appearance of bearing is 26.The Sramana Gotama’s entire body is august, beautiful, and nothing to stately. His deportment is majestic. be complained about. 2.The shape of the Sramana Gotama's head is round and full like the fruit 27.The Sramana Gotama has a very strong, vajra body like Narayana of Madona ( term). His forehead is broad and very clear. (hero of divine power, or vajra). 3.The Sramana Gotama's beautiful hair is long as black silk. It’s neat and 28.The Sramana Gotama awe-inspiring bearing is demonstrating in a tidy, very soft, and sleek. proper way. 4.The Sramana Gotama’s hair is orderly and well-regulated. 29.The Sramana GotamaÕs body is the model of perfection, beauty to 5.The Sramana Gotama’s hair is clearly and clockwise. behold for all sentient beings. 6.The Sramana Gotama’s hair color is lustering and deep blue like a jewel. 30.People doing evils can be rejoiced at seeing the Sramana Gotama’s 7.The Sramana Gotama’s eyebrows are long and slender like the new moon. appearance. 8.The Sramana Gotama’s eyes are large like blue lotus petals. 31.The Sramana Gotama has elegant demeanor when walking, that 9.The Sramana Gotama’s ear are long hanging down his shoulders, and people always love to see. his earlobes are beautiful like pearl screen. 32.When the Sramana Gotama turn around and look back, it is as graceful 10.The Sramana Gotama’s nose is straight and perfect. His nostrils are as an elephant King. concealed. 33.The Sramana Gotama’ walk has the respect-inspiring qualities of a 11.The Sramana Gotama’s mouth air smells fragrant not to be tired of lion King. smelling to everyone. 34.The Sramana Gotama’ appearance is staid and not frivolous at all. 12.The color of Sramana Gotama’s tongue is a perfect red like thin 35.The Sramana Gotama can appear a show of unimaginable huge body cuprite plate. as he wishes. 13.The Sramana Gotama’s tongue is thin, soft, and long enough to cover 36. The Sramana Gotama’ body is extensive and long instead of short and his forehead upwardly. small. He acts nimbly, and his appearance is elegant and graceful. 14.The color of Sramana Gotama’s lips is red like the fruit (like apples) 37.It has a halo around the Sramana Gotama’s body radiating about 3 of the Binba-tree. and 1/3 meters near him. 15.The Sramana Gotama’s teeth are perfect white and bright looked on his face. 38.The Sramana Gotama’s brightness of his body shines upon the ten 16.The Sramana Gotama’s face is rosy, shining, and composed like a mirror. directions of the universe. 17.The Sramana Gotama’s upper and lower face is well-proportioned in 39.The Sramana Gotama’s appearance is so dignified and flawless that breadth and length. makes him respectable and subjugated to those who see him. 18.The Sramana Gotama’s looks is round and complete like a full moon. 40.The Sramana Gotama’s skin is fine, delicate, and always shining.

．48． ．49． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

41.The Sramana Gotama’s skin is even and smooth, without a wrinkle. walks composedly and leisurely. 42.The Sramana Gotama’s appearance is very bright and glistening that 67. The Sramana Gotama’s walk has the smooth and gentle qualities of a makes living beings could not see him squarely. swan King. 43.The Sramana Gotama’s appearance keeps shining day and night. 68. As the Sramana Gotama walks, his (feet) thenars will not touch the 44.The Sramana Gotama’s pores always emit delightful wonderful fragrance. ground, thus he won’t hurt any beings. 45.The Sramana Gotama surpasses all living beings in features, awe- 69. All of the Sramana Gotama’s arteries, veins, and his blood circulation inspiring bearing and character. are unimpeded. 46.The Sramana Gotama’s veins are not visible through his skin. 70.The Sramana Gotama’s abdomen is small, flat, and solid. 47.The Sramana Gotama’s joints are firmly connected. 71.The Sramana Gotama’s navel is deep and round. 48. The Sramana Gotama’s hairs through his body are very thin, tender, 72.The Sramana Gotama’s voice is harmonizing and very euphonious to and clockwise. listen to. 49.The Sramana Gotama’s color of his hairs is as shining as pure gold. 73.The Sramana Gotama’s voice is deep and carries far distances like 50.The Sramana Gotama’s hand and feet are as white as convolvulus. thunder. 51.The Sramana Gotama’s hand and feet are neat and tidy, and always 74.The Sramana Gotama’s speech is very pleasant to listen to because he burnished and supple. delivers teachings as all sentient beings wish and in a manner that 52.The Sramana Gotama’s ten fingers are fine, long, round, mellow, full causes them to admire his kindly countenance and enjoy Hearing those and great. teachings. 53.The Sramana Gotama’s ankles are smooth and full, with no bony 75.The Sramana Gotama’s intonation, volume, and the content of his protrusions. speeches are perfect. 54.The Sramana Gotama’s bones are firm and solid, and the lengths 76.The Sramana Gotama delivers teachings according to the sentient are just right and perfect. beings’ capacities without errors. 55.The Sramana Gotama’s hands and feet are smooth and full without 77.The Sramana Gotama is proficient in all kinds of language and can inequalities. follow local customs to deliver teachings in varied dialects. 56.The Sramana Gotama’s fingers are very supple that can hold things 78.The Sramana Gotama can make all kinds of sentient beings inversely. understand his teaching in one single beautiful speech. 57.The Sramana Gotama’s palm creases are very deep, thin, and clear. 79.The Sramana Gotama can teach various sentient beings according to 58.The Sramana Gotama’s palm creases are straight, clear, and orderly. their respective causes. He guides them from the easy to the difficult 59.The Sramana Gotama’s palm creases are long and never broken. and complicated, in an orderly manner and with skill andpatience. 60.The Sramana Gotama’s fingernails are thin and florid. 80.The Sramana Gotama manifests good fortune (auspicious) markings. 61.The Sramana Gotama’s body remains straight without tilt when standing. on his chest symbolizing his stately infinite virtues, which attain from 62.Whenever the Sramana Gotama walks, stands, sits, or sleeps, his body his practice of dharma over numerous kalpas. remains steady without wavering. 2. Dharmakaya (a BuddhaÕs absolute, spiritual or dharma body): 63.The Sramana Gotama’s walk has the respect-inspiring qualities of a It means BuddhaÕs true body, which represents the unparalleled lion King. dharma-nature of omniscience, completely enlightened, and universal 64.The Sramana Gotama has the qualities of a great elephant King when knowledge realized by himself. It is called dharma body because a he turns about and looks during his walk. Buddha takes the right dharma-nature as his body. This kind of body is 65. As Sramana Gotama walks, his steps and body follow a straight path quiescent, uncreated, without form, purity, or contamination, and like the without wavering. void being full of all dharma realm of the ten directions. 66. The Sramana Gotama has the qualities of an elephant King when he 3. Nirmanakaya (a BuddhaÕs body in its various incarnations): ．50． ．51． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

For rescuing beings from suffering, a Buddha changes and shows What is dharma? various bodily forms anywhere and anytime. It is more convenient for him to take the beings across, and relieve them of their suffering and Broadly speaking, “dharma” can be divided into the “phenomena” procure happiness. Like the Avalokiteshvara’s (the Mercy Buddha) and the “existence.” Phenomena imply all things in this universe, with 32 incarnations, which show anywhere once being entreated. (In this different shapes and sizes. They include everything your eyes can see, paragraph, I would like to say a few words to encourage people.) such as the things as big as the sun, moon, stars, topography, land, Richness, dignity, beauty and ugliness mountains, ocean, rivers, people, animals and body gestures, and things Your heart breeds your appearance, your heart makes your life, your heart as small as insects, creatures, dust and sand. For “existence,” no matter just arises a concept, and you creates the fortune at the moment.Rich and how big or small they are, they are beyond the visions of the eyes. It is poor, beautiful and ugly, the causes and effects are obvious, all happens people’s wisdom, spirit, concept, understanding, language and even a in such manner. thought. They can all be called “Dharma.” Smile feature Dharma is causally-produced and causally-destroyed. It doesn’t have Always display the face of merciful smile, and then you will easily have self-nature. Its real nature is empty, neither created by the Buddha nor good popularity and heart of joy. by others. The dharma permanently exists anywhere in the universe, it Majestic appearance is neither (to be) born nor ended, no matter the Buddha comes into the Beauty does not to show on the clothing and appearance, But as in the world or not, or his nirvana. A Buddha universally exists with his dharma decent behavior, elegance and gentleness, and no gossips. body in the dharma realm of the ten directions. It absolutely won’t change The bright side throughout infinite kalpas. Likewise All livings have the pure “Buddha If you always watch bright and beneficial affairs with your eyes. nature,” therefore, it is necessary to search within one’s heart when If you always listen to bright and Buddhist voice with your ears. learning Buddhism. Don’t look for it beyond. If you always say the bright and merciful words with your mouth. The universal characteristics of dharma: birth, age, sickness and death If you can always persist in doing such virtues, your body and soul can (the process each person has to go through).The different characteristics be pure and bright. Language of smile of Dharma: the pain which results from not receiving from disappointed Smile can solve all the bad predestination and establish good popularity. hope, meeting with what we hate, parting with what we love, and all Smile is the most polite body language, also is an alms either. the ills of the five (the blessed reward is different for different person in accordance to their practice of Buddhism). The Sutra of the Contemplation on Mental State says, “Dharma- treasure, i. e. the Law or Buddha-truth can crack the prison house of life and death. Dharma-treasure can lighten path for the ignorant lives as sunlight. Dharma-treasure can share the joy with all lives. Dharma- treasure can guide all lives to the other side of the shore. Dharma-treasure can subdue the devils and prove the supreme bodhi. Dharma-treasure can cut the tide of life and death, in order to be free from their shackles. Dharma-treasure can safe all lives from the burning house. Dharma- treasure can light up the dark way of three paths.” ”Dharma” is the truth sought by Buddha through enlightenment. “Buddhism” means Buddha’s teaching. Buddhism Study implies all the

．52． ．53． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha truth discussed in Buddhism. In Buddhism Study, there are Tripitaka and What is a “monk”? twelve divisions of the Mahayana canon, and some eighty-four thousand wisdom of Buddha for practicing. Likewise, it is a rich and profound The common goal of those who leave home to become a monk or nun discipline of study. In addition, the Buddhist practitionerÕs conduct and is to continue BuddhaÕs wisdom-life, shoulder BuddhaÕs duty, and speech should be consistent, putting equal weight on interpretation and preach BuddhaÕs teaching as business. They teach all lives to practice behavior, applying Buddhism onto the interrelation in everyday life. It is Buddhism therefore there way of life and conduct should follow the not just tongue in cheek, enchanting the sutra, and spelling with charms discipline. They must practice Buddhism according to the law and reality or attending assembly for worship. without breaking the disciplines. They are called monks or nuns. They Dharma is the eternal truth in the universe and in life. If one follows are not just people with their hair shaved. As a person put on the monkÕs this practice, one can get rid of ignorance and stupidity, and purge the gown, he is a monk. affliction in this world. Then, he can get away from misery and get close Monk means “Buddhist Sangha”, a group or an assembly. Narrowly, to joy. Converting from the lost one, one can surpass this world and it is a monk or nun group living simple and chaste life. According to become a sage. Proving the Prajna, one can become neither born nor the discipline, it needs four monks to form a Sangha. Broadly, there are ended, terminating the misery of the wheel of life and death forever. The different kinds of monk groups: the “left-home monk group” and the “at truth must be universally so, necessarily so, originally so and eternally home monk group.” For long, in Buddhism, sangha means the left-home so. For example, if there is life, there must be death. It complies with the monk group. truth of universality, necessity, equality, and eternity. The people who have left home means that they have to follow the discipline of Buddhism in the aspects of food, clothing, lifestyle and conduct, possessing the four respect-inspiring forms of demeanor in walking, standing, sitting, lying. If they are the same with the common people in the aspects of food, clothing, lifestyle, and conduct, then they are not qualified as monks or nuns. Alternatively they are regarded as false monks or nuns. For the people that have left their homes, they must eat vegetarian food, live in the temples, wear monk’s gown, behave in according to dharma, and speak in righteous words. In addition, they do not talk nonsense and gossip. They speak in solemnly, with modest manner. They never get into crowded places, cinema, and department stores. Not living in common people’s home, they never pretend to be grand without any virtue. Their hearts remain to be clean and complacent all the time. Then, they are qualified as authentic religious mendicants. Otherwise, they are just like common people. For those householders that practice Buddhism at home without becoming monks, they have to maintain the Triratna (Three Precious Ones). Abiding to the three “formulas of refuge” and the five commandments, they have to practice the ten excellent karmas resulting from practice of the ten commandments. Without gossiping and profaning the Triratna , they safeguard the Triratna . With proper knowledge of

．54． ．55． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

Buddhism, they are qualified as authentic that practice Why don’t we call masters is teachers? That is because masters teach Buddhism. you Buddhadharma throughout your lives. They teach you how to free The authentic virtue of the Buddhists that have left their homes, instead from various worries. At you dying hour, they even guide you how to let of following the disciplines of simple and chaste life, is they have to be go everything and chant Buddha’s name leading you towards the bright knowledgeable. With lofty conduct, they should have wisdom and the world of Buddha and never suffer the pain of transmigration. capacity to be enlightened. With religious thoughts and feelings, they Master is also like a father, who takes care of your spirit during your have to be modest and polite, behaving in a modest manner. Perfect whole lifetime, and even leads you to Buddha’s world, avert from falling in interrelationship, they must have pity to all living. In addition, they into evil paths. Only parents can do these jobs. School teachers can teach should never be greed, ignorant, stupid, arrogant, and haughty. Without you at most until your graduation but in all your lives. Masters are just obsession in one’s own thinking, they never obsess and self-determined. like your parents, who care about, look after and instruct in your spirit They never behave weirdly, without pretending to be virtuous. Overall, throughout your lives. They give guidance to your spirit until you go they have to maintain a chaste and tranquil heart. Then, they become the to your future lives. Therefore, masters carry out parental and teacher- real monks, with a simple and chaste lifestyle. like duties acting like teachers and fathers, and that is why we call them In ancient times, there were prime ministers, general officers, and masters. intelligentsia that had awakened to know the impermanent way of being When people die, it’s impossible for them to be reborn in the Bliss because of hardships. Then, they gave up their fame and status, to live World (Pure land) of Amitabha on their own because they could not get away from people anonymously. Entering the door of nirvana, they left themselves in hand, and need Buddhist masters’ leading, instruction and home and practice Buddhism, for seeking the way to truth and escaping chanting sutras to rescue them from the wheel of transmigration. Friends, from life and death. They left the fame and high status, and gave up what teachers, parents and your sibling can not help you to be reborn in the they had learned, worthy as our exemplar. Pure land of Amitabha but the Buddhist masters. The people who have left their homes should be pure and chaste in the From we convert to the Triratna to our death, we all need to rely on six sense organs, and empty in the four realms. Knowing everything to be Buddhist mastersÕ direction and guidance. Since masters’ take more, illusive, mutable and unreal, it is distress to get entangled in the wheel of pertinent, direct and longer care of your spirit than your parents, shouldn’ life and death. Forsaking everything, it is the proper way of entering the t we call them “masters?” I think you have the preliminary concept of door of nirvana for liberating from the all the transmigrations. Without “masters” now. these conducts and insight, one is not regarded as an authentic people that Modern Buddhist monks and nuns have high educational have left their homes. backgrounds. There are doctors, judges, prosecutors and For the people that have left their homes, if they still pursue after professors, who resolved to leave their home lives pleasure and profit, they have not left their homes. To leave the home, In the past, people thought Buddhist masters only specialized in one has retained nothing. For every bit of food and each mouthful of chanting sutras for the dead. Nowadays, monk have much enhanced drink, a needle and piece of thread, they should be supplied by the labor quality. In the old times, most Buddhist masters were not highly educated of the people who stay home. The people that have left their homes are due to the environmental factors while present monk are totally different just like beggars. If they do not live on people’s donations, and seek fame that much of them earned doctorate or master degrees in the U. S. or and profits through the appearance on media, and befriend to the rich and possess college education. There are professors, teachers, doctors, famous, or high rank official, they are regarded as shameful! prosecutors, judges, chairmen of large enterprises were leaved home Why do we call the monk is masters? lives. There is even a temple in central Taiwan, whose masters living

．56． ．57． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha there all have college education. One of my monk disciples was a doctor, lection (the Saddharma Smrty Upasthana Satra)says: There are who would rather follow me to spread Buddhadharma than receive her thirteen things that obstruct bhiksus’ (monks’) sitting in medita- high pay of two hundreds of thousand dollars a month. Current monk have tion and recitation of sutras extreme high quality, and thus they can really understand Buddhist sutras. It means that there are thirteen things that prevent bhiksus from sitting The Buddhist monks and nuns are just like teachers. They teach you in meditation and recitation of sutras and . It will hinder their knowledge. Basically, they need backgrounds of some knowledge benefits and attaining nirvana. If a bhiksu does not give up these thirteen to understand the Buddhist texts better. Because Buddhism are very things, he will cry and regret for his illness, aging and death. Also, he profound. It is difficult for a person to understand Buddhist texts with can not get away from being a mortal or the inferior unenlightened. This a minimum of high school or above. In the past, we had the impression kind of bhiksu does not actually leave the home-life. His body, mouth that Buddhist monks and nuns were people praying for the dead. Now, and mind do not act properly. He lacks for diligence and zeal (vigor or they are totally different. They are elites in qualifications, level, and progress). He does not know how to sit in meditation or recite sutras and background. It is a good phenomenon. It can help Buddhism flourish, vinayas, and becomes fearful and foolish. The thirteen things are: teaching all to understand Buddhism. It is the reward for all. We should 1.Likes to talk, 2. Cures the illness, 3. Good at painting, 4. Praising celebrate and cherish it. mournful or evil things, 5. Studying the stars, 6. Engaging in divination, When all lives understand the theory of Buddhism, they can believe in 7. Greedy for diet, 8. Seeking for treasure, 9. Getting close to kings or the Buddhism and get rid of their pain spiritually. Likewise, they can enjoy nobility, 10. Expecting invitations from others, 11. Not to ask for advice, their luck. When a person can release and liberate himself spiritually, he 12. Delighted in acquiring various knowledge, 13. Getting along with will not persist in error and can distinguish between good and bad. He wicked persons. can convert the environment with his heart. None of the environments These thirteen things really hamper ShramanasÕ (bhikshusÕ) can affect his spirit. In addition, he will not feel distress even if he does meditation (sit in dhyana or contemplation) and recitation of sutras and not eat well or wear beautiful clothes. He won’t feel distress at all. vinayas, and harm their interests. Because of failing to advance their The Sutra on All Fields of Blessedness of Virtues (Volume Three of interests, they will be born in the hells (or purgatories), become the Sutra-collection Section) says: There are five virtues of purity (hungry spirits), or animals. Such persons are neither left home life nor for people who taking leave of their families maintain the householder life. The Buddha told the king of devas: There are five virtues of purity, Buddha said: A bhiksu does not associate with bad men and people whose which are called fields of blessedness, among numerous Buddhist monks. natures are tainted by objects of the five sense organs (the five dust of organs) People who make offerings to Buddhist monks will obtain blessedness, Buddha said again: What kinds of people a bhiksu does not associate and then become a Buddha. The five virtues of purity are: 1. Resolving with? Those people are bad friends who are contaminated by objects of on leaving the mundane life because of yearning for ways of attaining the five sense organs to which they cleave. They could not distinguish Buddhahood, 2. Not caring about their good looks for wearing dharma things seen, heard, smelt, tasted or touched, arising from the objects of garments, 3. Leaving their beloved ones for eliminating pro and con, the five senses. They are slack and foolish. 4. Contributing their human bodies to practicing all good, 5. Aiming at A bhiksu should live apart from these people.A bhiksu should not Mahayana because their objectives are the salvation of all the people. associate with sluggish people, sycophant and deceitful people, greedy Having these five virtues is called the field of blessedness, which is real people, merchants, slaughtermen or hunters, jealous people, people good and virtuous. People who make offerings to these monks will obtain with perverse views, people who do not examine the axioms or truths, felicity and long lives. egotists, rich people, gamblers, drunkard; not go to liquor shops, not get Volume forty-eight of the Sutra of Sublime Dharma of Clear Recol- close to people who likes to see women, panders, people who store up

．58． ．59． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha sundry goods to sell, chefs, prison guards, bird-catchers, people who like leave their homes, his virtue is not yet perfect. That person is born to the to have meaningless argument, heretics, and people who are disliked by heaven as king most of the times, enjoying the joy of heaven and people. everyone. A bhiksu is not supposed to near these people, including living, If there are any people help people leave their homes in the samano and talking or walking with them, etc. All of this is to avoid being doubted by always cultivate the cause of helping others to leave their homes, in the public. A purified man who is free from faults ought not to associate life and death, he is always happy. I am almost one hundred years old. with these doubtful people. The same to a bhiksu, and not to mention Speaking of the blessed virtues, it is limitless.” associating with the rulers, which is shallowest and most ignorant The Buddha told Anada, “If there is any person who destroy people behavior. to leave their homes to be a monk, i.e. plunder his immeasurable felicity, Why should not a bhiksu associate with the kings? A bhiksu who due to his sins will be fall into the hell, suffer blind and pain for long get near to a king will be detested by laypersons and will not receive term. If fall into the beasts and hungry ghost realm, also suffer blind too, offerings from them. Those bhiksus who associate with the kings instead and suffer from the pains of three evil paths, be impregnated with blind of monks seek for assets, cities or villages. They likes to pursue property when before born to human, I am almost one hundred years old. Speaking without satisfaction. It will be in vain to get close to the kings, and hinder of the evil retribution, it is limitless.” them from meditation and recitation of sutras if they are not chasing The Buddha told Ananda: Listen carefully, I will now expound on up something from the kings. These kinds of bhiksus made resolves it with similes. It is like in the four quarters or continents of the world to practice the way of extrication but turn out to return to the way of which are full of as many as rice, hemp and forests. A devoted bondage. Therefore, a bhiksu should not associate with a king. being who offers clothing, food and drink, medicine, houses or sheds, The Sutra on the Merits of Monks (Volume Three of the Sutra-collec- and bedding to arhats, even until those arhats attain nirvana, will receive tion Section) says: Going forth from the layperson life into monk life merits. The devoted being who builds monasteries, offers various has immeasurable merits, and those who help people to became treasure, flowers, incense, necklaces of jade and pearls, flowery canopies, the monk and nun has infinite merits as well dancing and music, hanging precious bells, cleaning, and perfume to The Buddha told Anada, “As monk that have left home for a day and a arhats plus praising them with hymns, will receive merits. night, for 20 aeons, he won’t be cast into hell to become a starving ghost A person who leaves home life and undertakes commandments for and beast. They become devas and men, enjoying the natural blessings. pursuing nirvana, even in a day and night, will receive merits. However, For the last turn, they are reborn into wealthy and happy families. With his merits are much more than those in the former examples. For this much wealth, they have passed their maturity. As all the senses are reason, a good man should leave his home life to become a monk and mature, they feel distress about life, age, sickness and death. Weary keep the pure precepts. All of this needs to have merits. Instead of making of the world, they left their homes and practice Buddhism diligently. it difficult for those who wants to left home life, people who seeks or Understanding the dharma and causes, they become pratyekabuddha receives good dharma should persuade and assist them in attaining their (solitary realizer or self-enlightened one), shining out light and glory. goals. The World’s most venerable, if there are people who want to leave From the Sutra, it is understandable that the virtues of the people that their homes, they are allowed to do so. If there are people that have left have left their homes are infinite. Even if a person, who has left his home, their homes, they are given to liberty to do so, then they are rewarded without any remarkable conduct, his virtue is millions of times greater with virtues. If there are people who destroy other peopleÕs chances of than common people. Therefore, it is not right for us to refute the people leaving their homes, they will be repaid for their sins. The World’s most that have left their homes. According to the Ksitigarbha sutra, it says “for venerable, please explain it to me. the people who defame the Triratna , they will be cast to hell and endure The Buddha told Anada, “If there is any person who allow people to boundless misery, without being released forever.” ．60． ．61． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

In sutra of slander Buddha, Buddha says: The crime will be infinite 5.Obtain fearlessness of everything, for the people that resent the monks. It is more serious than killing 6.Never be slothful, tens of thousands of people. Refuting the monks is as serious as 7.To be loved and respected by everybody, defaming Buddha. 8.Have great felicitous reward, If one sees a monk that breaks the discipline, one should not be angry 9.To be reborn in the heaven at the end of this life, and speak out. In addition, that event may be just gossip heard from 10.Attain perfect rest before long. somebody. If a person commits the sins of prick the eye of all live and In the Sutra on Difference of Karma-retribution, Buddha said: One he is angry with monk, his sins will be many times greater than all the will obtain ten merits in offering clothing to the Triratna as follows: previous sins. 1. Have solemn and dignified appearance, Like the sins of ending the all lives, if one hates a monk, then his sins 2. Have fine skin and flesh, 3. Never tainted by dust and dirt, will be many times greater than the previous one. One in a hundred does 4. Have sufficient wonderful clothing, not mean all. One out of thousand does not mean all. One out of million 5. Cover his body with subtle bedding, does not mean all The reason is that any libel to the monk is the libel to 6. Have garment of sensitiveness to the shame (the monkÕs robe), Buddha. 7. Loved and respected by whoever sees him, If a person is able to support Buddha, he should support the master. If 8. Possess great amount of money and valuables, he has the ability to give to Buddha, he should give it to the master. If one 9. To be reborn in the heaven at the end of this life, wants to worship Buddha, he should worship the master. 10.Attain perfect rest before long. In the Sutra on Difference of Karma-retribution (Karmavibhanga Sutra), Buddha says, “If there is any person that has converted to Buddhism and left his home, he enjoys their virtues rewarded.” What are the ten virtues? 1. get away from his wife, 2. never greed, He who ignores discipline despises himself, 3. enjoy tranquility, 4. all the Buddha are pleased, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding. 5. get away from the demons, 6. get close to the Buddha and listen to the preaching. 7. get away from three evils, 8. respect heaven, 9. the end of life is determined by heaven, 10. eternal rest In the Sutra on Difference of Karma-retribution, Buddha said: One will obtain ten merits in offering food and drink to the Triratna as follows: 1.Obtain long life, 2.Obtain good form of body, 3.Obtain strength and ability, 4.Obtain unhindered or unlimited bodhisattva powers of interpretation, or reasoning, and feel ease in mind,

．62． ．63． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

The three kinds of Buddha-natures: the secular order to be safe. A person should learn to be patient, not to rely on one’ view of wisdom, pity, and awakening s physical courage and fight with others. Don’t go to the places of sex and violence because one may loose his life there easily. Buddha will not What is wisdom? protect a person who doesn’t obey to traffic regulations or abide to laws I would like to explicate the ideas of pity, awakening, and wisdom in so that they will be safe and peace when they go out. view of the secular world. In BuddhaÕs view, wisdom is to observe the In the Sutra Buddhist Medicine, Buddha said: There are nine causes truth of everything, not to be deluded. I would like to explain BuddhaÕs for the premature, unexpected end to human life as listed below: wisdom in the easiest and comprehensible terms. Simply, wisdom is to 1.Eating what should not be eaten: which refers to eating things repugnant to find the true self. It is invalid in borrowing the software of God or gods, the senses, eating out of balance with the seasons and ating directly to change your life, the hardware. It is not working. Buddha said that it after finishing a meal. needs people’s power of discipline and practice as a guide to create life, 2.Immoderate eating: a habit of over-consumption, or eating beyond what not to subdue destiny. one needs. In the past, when we encountered mishaps or disasters, we would 3.Eating contrary to custom: which means eating at odd hours and eating blame our fate to be malignant. Yes, it is right! As a person is born, there too much of a strange food in an unfamiliar culture. is the compass of fate to control all the deeds in our lives. But it is just 4.Failure to discharge the old before the arrival of the new: which means a common belief in determinism or fatalism. In Buddhism, we do not heaping more food on top of undigested food. believe in fatalism but the belief in changing and managing one’s life. 5.Intentional retention of digested food: which means preventing the Buddhism teaches all living things to establish oneÕs self-confidence and normal release of stool and urine, preventing a belch, vomit or wind. to be filled with hope. Through the practice of virtue, it allows us to face 6.Disregard for the principles of proper conduct. 7.Cultivation of bad acquaintances. the glorious future. It is not appropriate for us to be stubborn and lament 8.Untimely appearance and unseemly behavior in the streets. over the mishaps in the past or the unfortunate life. Only if we purge the evil 9.Failure to avoid that which should be avoided. The above are nine and pursue good by changing our bad habits, we can be reward with good causes of untimely death. deeds because of our benignancy. Eventually, we can change our destiny. Crafty and smart men should know that and avoid that. If so, the men Common people would beg for god’s help, Buddha’s blessing, and will have two kinds of blessings: one is obtaining longevity,and the other even God’s help when they encounter anything they cannot solve. In fact, is being able to hear Buddhas’ teaching and good words, and follow the it is not right. For example, there are many candidates sitting for exams in Buddha-truth permanently. July. They just put their examination permit on the worshipping table to Then, let’s talk about peace in the family. Parents play important roles beg for Buddha’s or bodhisattva’s blessings in order to pass the exam and in having a peace and harmonious family. If the parents get along with enroll in the ideal universities. If you are a person that “Òdoes not work each other well, the family will be in a harmonious mood. If the husband hard in ordinary times and just hold the Buddha’s foot fast when needed,” and wife always quarrel with each other and cannot tolerate each other, do you think bodhisattva would help such kind of people? If a person how can a family be peace? Why do the husband and wife cannot live wants to pass the exam and enroll in good school, they have to rely on together harmoniously and even intend to get divorce? Does everybody their diligence in ordinary times. There is no such thing to worship God ever try to find out the reasons? Some of the reasons cannot be forgiven. or Buddha to bless your children and help them get high grades. Some of them are avoidable. Both the husband and wife come from Almost everybody would like to beg Buddha or bodhisattva to bless different families with different backgrounds, environment, and education him or her so that he or she can be safe and peaceful when they go out. level, how can they be harmonious with each other? If even the children However, it needs a person to abide to the laws, traffic regulations in are the closest people to you and they cannot live harmoniously with you, ．64． ．65． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha how do you expect husband and wife to achieve such a goal? Because of these 10 causes, people may get sick. Therefore, a person’s How do a husband and a wife establish a harmonious family? It is health is decided by himself or herself, not the Bodhisattva’s blessing. very simple: just to tolerate and accept insults meekly. There is no other In sum, Bodhisattva will never bless a person who does not work method but to “tolerate.” Try to think of the bright side. Think of the diligently, abide to promise, not follow the regulations, take care of merit of the other half and treat him or her with a thanksgiving heart. the body, and take insults meekly to help them make profit in business Then, the quarrel and misunderstanding between husband and wife operation, work smoothly, make them healthy, and give them peace in can be solved. This is the best prescription for managing a family. No everything. It is something impossible. Otherwise, there will be no causes other medicine can make the relationship between husband and wife as and effects. harmonious as this. Therefore, people have to make innovation throughout their lives. If For example, Prince Charles and Princess Diana of U.K. was one of one can repent to start a new life, the Bodhisattva will answer to his or the most admirable couples. At first, people thought their marriage to her worship. Buddha says it is wisdom. In , Buddha says, be so perfect. However, with the media’s report, we began to know they “If all living things see me from my appearance or abide to my teachings were not as perfect as we thought. The husband and wife could hardly only, then they have believed in heresy. Likewise, they cannot see Rulai, satisfy the other half. According to surveys, eight out of ten couples are i.e. the Buddha.” not satisfied with the other half. Only one or two couples live together If a person kneels down in front of the Buddha or Bodhisattva to beg happily. Therefore, I think it is necessary for a person to be patient. Then, for health, peace, making money, and longevity, Buddha says, this person the family can be peace. Without patience, the family can never be in is not a follower of Buddhism. If a person never learns to be benignity peace. It is nonsense for you to request it from Buddha or gods. and try to accomplish the goal with tricky means, this person is the If we offer high quality service and good credit in business operation, then follower of devil. The Buddhist disciples should follow the Òeight correct the business will be fine. If you want the work to proceed smoothly, then you waysÓ to reform one’s life to approach the holy realm of enlightenment. have to work very hard and seriously. From time to time, many people request It is real wisdom. guidance from the master when they fail in their business. The master always What are the “eight correct ways”? teaches them how to operate business with the laws of Buddha. For those It is also called eight saintly ways, i.e. eight basic principles of Buddhism. people that operate business with the laws of Buddha, most of them can have 1.Correct views-accurate understanding of all things. prosperous business operation. It is not necessary to request it from gods or 2.Correct thought and purpose-correct thinking. ask for fortune telling, but to follow Buddha’s teachings. 3.Correct speech-speak in the proper manner. If you want to have a healthy body, it needs the care of the self in 4.Correct conduct-pure and correct conduct. ordinary times. Then, you need to have a regular lifestyle: enough exercise, 5.Correct livelihood-correct and proper occupation. sleep and get up early, eat regular in regular amount, avoid drinking and 6.Correct zeal-make progress in correct manners. smoking, and eat less meat and more vegetables and fruits. It needs the care 7.Correct remembrance-correct thoughts and memories. 8.Correct meditation-correct and proper deep meditation of self to keep your body fit, not to request it from the gods. If a person practice this eight correct ways diligently, he can obtain the In Buddha’s Medicine Sutra it says, there are 10 reasons for people’s stage of attainment of “arhan.” sickness For people who have been practicing Buddhism for three years 1. They sit for a long time without eating. without changing their fate and obtaining a bright and self-regulat- 2. Do not eat enough. 3. Sadness. 4. Extremely tired. ing life, there may be some problems in knowing. 5. Holding the bowels. 6. Holding urine. 7. Indulging in sex. If a person that has been practicing Buddhism for three years and 8. Anger. 9. Holding yawns. 10. Holding wind. ．66． ．67． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha supposes he is wise enough, his life will be bright and fortunate, perfect The Three Major Doctrines for Cultivating Wisdom and free, without any obstacles. No matter who that person is, he will be 1. Worship the Buddha. smooth and complacent. 2.Listen to the Preaching of the Sutras. If a person has been practicing Buddhism and he still feel distressed, 3. Delve deeply into the sutra-pitaka. then, it conveys that this person does not have enough wisdom. Without wisdom, one will tend to create karma. If a person uses his wisdom in From the above passage, we know that the Chinese and Western ways their future life, then there will be no obstacles on the road to the West. of the interpretation of wisdom are the same. How can we cultivate Therefore, wisdom can be used in two different ways: for living or future wisdom? In this place, I would like to raise the examples of three major life, both of which can achieve perfect results. Wisdom can be used to doctrines for your references: end this life and purge death. To end this life means to get rid of the For people sitting below, many of you have been practicing Buddhism entire affliction in this life, all of which can be solved completely. To for 20 to 30 years. However, some of you still cannot accomplish these purge death means to get away from the flesh and the body, to enter the three goals because of lack of wisdom. If you have wisdom only and bliss in the Land of the Utmost Bliss in the West smoothly without any just know how to make money and how to make your career prosper, barriers. You will not fall into the six wheels of life and death (six paths such kind of wisdom always contains karma power. If you have wisdom of Metempsychosis) anymore. but without any factors of karma power, they you can have wisdom and The English politician Walpole once said, “This world is a comedy to knowledge but without any affliction. those that think, a tragedy to those that feel.” Some people have been practicing Buddhism for many years. In order In America, the philosopher Emerson once said, “Nothing astonishes to follow famous teachers, they procure themselves to learn Taoist magic men so much as common sense and plain dealing.” and follow heresy. They practice religion for no purpose. Even when they For these people, their appearance is solemn, peace and lofty, making donate, they tend to donate to huge and famous temples. If they donate people feel pleasant when seeing them. When a person possesses huge sums of money, they can be a committee member, a director in the wisdom, represented in his appearance, he seems self confident. It makes administration board, etc. If they sponsor some big institutions, they may people filled with hope when seeing them. As the Buddha says, wherever be known by more people and get famous easier. If they prefer to become he goes, people love to see him there. It seems that all the problems can a disciple of a master, they prefer to follow a famous one. This is lack of be solved immediately. When people see Kuanyin Bodhisattvas, they wisdom. seem to see the savior? Why do people who see Buddha and Kuanyin The master has many followers, whose economic status was just feel pleased? It is because both Buddha and Bodhisattvas have boundless well-to-do when they began to believe in Buddhism. After practicing wisdom. Buddhism for many years, they have made a lot of money in business. If people have wisdom and a strong sixth sense, they can be awakened In addition, they want to sponsor bigger groups and follow famous into understanding many ways of life. Therefore, they will not have any Buddhists because they think it is more suitable to their social status. distress and create karma. Likewise, the wisdom discussed in Buddhism However, hardly anyone of them knows that a famous teacher is not is about cleverness and cultivation. The cleverness in this world may equal to a teacher with wisdom! not imply cultivation. If people possess wisdom, they will be solemn Don’t pursue emptiness and appearance because they are mere and adornment. No matter where they go, their speech and conducts will appearances in this world. In The Sutra of Sublime Dharma of Clear make people feel that they are lofty. Recollection, the Buddha has illuminated this issue, it discusses the virtue There is a saying, “Zeal without knowledge is fire without light.” of “twelve kinds of almsgivings.” These kinds of almsgivings are virtues rewarded. In addition, there are twelve kinds of filthy almsgivings, of

．68． ．69． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha which no virtue is rewarded. In the seventh almsgiving, the Buddha you should “worship Buddha.” It is the most effective way of increasing says, “For those who give with the purpose of fame and reward, this is a oneÕs wisdom by practicing Buddhism. In the past, there were many filthy almsgiving, which rewards you with no virtue.” He mentions if the people that worshipped Buddha regularly but they could not accomplish almsgiver’s mind is bounded with particularization and give for fame, any good results. The reason was that their methods in worshipping these almsgiving will not reward you with virtue. This is why we discuss Buddha were not right. We need to use wisdom to worship Buddha. that there should be wisdom in almsgiving because it rewards you with Why do you worship Buddha without being rewarded with no virtues virtue. It can clear your hindrance (karma) eventually. and are unable to purge obstructions? It is because most people think There are many people that donate millions of dollars to build too much when worshipping Buddha. As they fancy too much, they will temples by giving and practicing good deeds. They have been practicing not rewarded with virtues even if they worship Buddha. Such method Buddhism for many years and their career is still a failure, shouldering of worshipping Buddha will not bring you any virtue. The method of lots of debts. In addition, their family is disharmonious and their worshipping Buddha with 10 spells the master is going to teach you to afflictions are endless. The master has come to many believers, who be free from fancy. In addition, you can worship Buddha with a peaceful asks the master why their businesses are still failures even if they have mind and at an easy pace, allowing your heart to become quiet. donated millions of dollars to charities? They are in heavy debt and have If you want to be rewarded with virtue by practicing Buddhism, to run away from the debtors. It also leads to unrest in their families and you have to perform it with your “heart.” , the sixth Patriarch unhealthiness in their bodies. Can these performances of good deeds of Deep Buddhism said: the discipline of your mind and conduct are reward them without benediction? This is the result of giving without virtues rewarded. That is, “If you discipline your mind, it is merit. If you any wisdom and forethought. Therefore, it is really a pity for people give discipline your personality, it is virtue.” If you fancy too much when without wisdom. worshipping Buddha, how can you be rewarded with virtues? The master Why are there so many people that have been practicing Buddhism cannot understand most of you have been worshipping Buddha for a long for many years and their families are still disharmonious? And their time and worshipping Buddha frequently, why are there so many problems afflictions boundless? And everything goes wrong? The reason is that you cannot solve? Why should you come to beg the Bodhisattva or ask the there are flaws in their process of practicing Buddhism. It is because their master for help? You worship Buddha and pray regularly. But you still cannot minds and intentions are not correct. They are not practicing Buddhism be free of afflictions. Is it that the Buddha does not protect or bless you? Or with wisdom. They are practicing Buddhism with the mind of sheer luck is it that your ancestors do not protect or bless you? What is the reason? It is and taking chances. When they come to any distress or disaster, they because you don’t know the proper method of worshipping Buddha. will beg for this and that. However, they do not observe and follow Five The method of worshipping Buddha with 10 spells and Qigong is Commandments, the first commandments and perform the ten virtues. the best way to increase one’s wisdom In addition, they have strong inclinations towards attachment, anger, Now I would like to tell you the method of worshipping Buddha with ignorance, pride and envy. Not performing Buddhism from their hearts, 10 spells: Proceed slowly. Allow your heart to immerse in the , they request worldly rewards from within their hearts. How can they “putting together, composing the mind, intent contemplation, perfect enjoy a bright, lucky, and merry life? If Bodhisattva answers all requests absorption, union of the mediator with the object of meditation.” Then, will there be any virtue rewarded and crime punished? This is the wisdom you will be rewarded with boundless virtue and have your wrongdoings of practicing Buddhism. purged by worshipping Buddha. It is closely related to the virtue The First Doctrine of Increasing Your Wisdom: the Method of rewarding in worshipping Buddha. On page 218 of my book, Life and Worshipping Buddha with 10 Spells and Qigong Death in China, the master has discussed this matter. Then, about the In this place, I would like to tell you how to pursue wisdom. First, 10 Buddhist spells, you have to do each movement when chanting each ．70． ．71． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha spell. After you kneel down and complete the movement of worshipping As we grow older, our body organs begin to deteriorate and our Buddha, then, raise up. After you are finished with chanting the 10 spells, memory begins to fail. In addition, our thinking ability and judgment you complete the worshipping movements. All of these spells allow you ability will become weaker. However, the people that worship Buddha are no other space to fancy. One spell, one movement. Before you kneel different. Their judgment and memory will become better. People can see down to worship Buddha, take a deep breath. When you kneel down that those old monks that have been awakened and enlightened for a long and worship Buddha, you use up all the air. This is called the Qigong time are getter wiser and smarter, with very good memory. Their eyes are worshipping Buddha method. sharp and their movements are agile. However, for common people, they The meaning of the virtue rewarded in worshipping Buddha in this get more and more stupid when they grow older. Their eyes become faint manner is that when you kneel down and rise up, inhale and exhale, and backs crooked, with sicknesses all over their bodies. you can relax all the muscles in your body through discharging all the Worshipping Buddha can strengthen your bones, and prevent arthritis, air in your body to reach the realm of the unification of body and soul. bony spurs (osteophytes), heart disease, and high blood pressure In addition, with the movements and the action of the blood when In addition to the promotion of brain function, increase of your wisdom worshipping Buddha, your blood will flow back to your heart rapidly. and development of your ability to be awakened and enlightened, it Then, each cell of your body can get enough oxygen, allowing each cell can also help curing your body pain, such as bony spurs, nerve pain, to bathe in the joy of dharma. stitching shoulder, and other nerve diseases. It is because worshipping Your body can produce negative ions when worshipping Buddha. Buddha has the functions of curing vertebrae nerve pain, enhancing It can activate you brain cells, increase your memory, and prevent body organs functions, and increasing the cells’ ability to carry oxygen. Senile dementia. Its result is marvelous. For modern people, most of them suffer from nervous tension, stress, With a similar theory, when we are taking a shower, we spray the lower muscle contraction, etc. In addition, people sit at a desk for a long time part of our bodies wet, as the water gushing down from a waterfall. With without enough exercise, leading to vertebrae stiffness. Therefore, they such acceleration and momentum, there is oxygen as well as negative can not bend their bodies easily. When people are worshipping Buddha, ions in the water. The negative ions are very beneficial to our bodies. their heads will touch the ground naturally. In addition, their necks and It can enhance our immuno-competence and antibodies. Naturally, it vertebrae will be stretched cord by cord. Their hands and knees will can help expel the toxic substances in our bodies. It is because when be bent and straightened repetitiously, soothing the tensions of all the we are worshipping Buddha our bodies change from standing position joints, activating the back, the vertebra, and the joints. Therefore, it will to crouching position, with our bodies fully bent, touching the ground. prevent bony spurs, arthritis, nerves pain, etc. naturally. In addition, it can Likewise, the blood will flow to our brains rapidly. With the action of regulate the heartbeat and prevent heart disease and high blood pressure. acceleration and momentum, our bodies will produce negative ions. Normally, people will get confused between neuropathy and psychosis. These negative ions are much more effective than those in water. They Obviously, their names are very different in English. From the root can help promote our brain functions and develop people’s ability to “neuro,” we know that it belongs to the nervous system. Meanwhile, awaken, allowing our brain cells to activate. Even our pituitary gland from the root “psyche,” we know that it belongs to the mind and heart. will be activated as well. It can further stimulate our sympathetic nervous They are very different. When we say psychosis, we refer to a person system and our sub-sympathetic nervous system, activating the entire as a lunatic, insane, mental disorder, schizophrenia, etc. Meanwhile, nervous system. As the nervous system is activated, the body functions neuropathy is something related to the nervous system, such as toothache, will improve. Therefore, it can enhance a person’s memory. It can cure headache, sciatica, etc. These are body pains. Worshipping Buddha headaches, dizziness, senile dementia, memory loss, etc. Of course, it can cannot not only cure psychosis, but also neuropathy. It is because it enhance our memory as well. can help people have unique mental conditions, sharp and clear minds, ．72． ．73． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha helping people to promote their memory and avoid senile dementia. In The joy of dharma obtained from worshipping Buddha is not the kind addition, it can help cure body pains, bony spurs, stitching shoulders, etc. of joy you get from making big money, passing big examinations, and In the preaching the master delivered on Sunday at the Grand Hotel, getting married. The joy of dharma can penetrate deep into your heart. I have mentioned that in the service record of Lienshe, it indicates that Such joy is beyond words. Worldly happiness cannot really get into the first killer for the people in Taiwan is cancer. One out of four people your heart. It always accompanies sadness. How should we say this? die of such disease. The ratio is too high. We can say cancer is the first For example, a couple gets married, happily undergoing a magnificent killer. The second is stroke. One out of six people suffer from stroke. The ceremony. In appearance, they are happy. But from the moment of third is heart disease. One out of seven people suffer from it. This record getting into the bridal room, we should know that, they are not free is from our prayer for the deceased every month. This record is highly individuals anymore. From that time on, they have to begin shouldering reliable, worthy of all our attention. responsibility. They have to know from that time on they are not young Worshipping Buddha can increase our immunocompetence, prevent anymore. All the unbridled freedom and passion will be gone. They have cancer, cure illness, strengthen our bodies, and bring longevity. to shoulder the accompanied responsibilities. Where does happiness come Worshipping Buddhism can help preventing high blood pressure, from? Such kind of joy is accompanied with worries secretly. stroke, and cancer. In addition, if you can follow the movements of 10 When a person achieves wealth, he has to worry about how to spend spells worshipping Buddha method closely, you will feel sweaty all the money. He will worry that the interest rate will be too low when over your body in a matter of a few moves. Then, the toxic substances putting it in the bank. He will worry that people will not return them the in your bodies will be discharged. As the toxic substances in your money if he invests it somewhere else. If he buys stocks and securities, body are lowered, cancer can be cured naturally. After worshipping he will worry the price will fall. Everyday he is immersed in endless Buddha, people can feel the joy of dharma and be comfortable all over worries. Worldly happiness is just like this; it is ephemeral. Joy always their bodies, accomplishing the goals of worshipping Buddha and accompanies worries. Therefore, all the worldly joy cannot be perfect, strengthening your bodies. It can be regarded as the best exercise. It which can be obtained from the joy of dharma only. It is because the joy is rather special and unique because both your body and heart can be of dharma is pure, absolutely without any flaw. If the joy of dharma is not released and strengthened to a great degree. complete, we won’t call it the joy of dharma. When people’s minds are under the conditions of being busy and There is a saying, “If we worship the Buddha once, it is possible to distress, their breath will be affected. It will become short and paused, purge our sins, as many as the grains of sand in the river.” Buddha says, causing the dirty air unable to be exhaled. If this situation persists, the if we worship 53 Buddhas or worship all the Buddhas, it is possible to body will absorb too much waste air, causing the cells to have not enough purge serious crimes as the five rebellious acts and ten evil doings, or the oxygen and thus lead to cancer. Worshipping Buddha can help your sins accumulated in past lives. Just imagine, if we worship Buddha once, respiratory system to be smooth, discharging the waste air in your bodies we can purge the sins accumulated in our past lives, and the serious sins and absorbing huge amounts of oxygen. It can cure your disease, bringing of five rebellious acts and ten evil doings. In this world, the most serious you health and longevity. sins are the five rebellious acts and ten evil doings: murder the father, According to medical research, when people are happy, their brains murder the mother, murder arhat, shed Buddha’s blood, and disrupt the will secret a chemical substance, endorphins, which can increase the T harmony of the community of monks. Sins as serious as these can be cells (lymphocyte) in the body. It will eliminate the viruses that cause purged. Therefore, worshipping Buddha cannot only strengthen your cancer, achieving an anti-cancer effect. Therefore, worshipping Buddha bodies and cure your diseases but also increase your wisdom and eliminate and enchanting Sutra is the best way to make your bodies healthy. your karma. With that many advantages, would you worship Buddha! The Joy of Dharma Obtained from Worshipping Buddha If you own wisdom, the matters inside and outside this world can be ．74． ．75． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha perfect as you wish. If everything in this world is not perfect, not as If one brings his palms together respectfully toward Buddhas, one you wish, and is flawed, you are not handling the worldly matters with will obtain ten benefits of it: wisdom. This is why I request you to “worship the Buddha” with wisdom 1.One will have surpassing felicity. as the first priority. 2.One will be born among superior clan. In addition, there are many rules to follow when worshipping 3.One will have perfect appearance of body. Buddha. As you bow your head to worship Buddha, you should chant 4.One will gain the pleasant voice of Brahma. the Dedication Of Merit once. Of course, you have to follow “Buddha, 5.One will have wonderful canopy. dharma, and monk.” Then, you return to yourself. This is the rule written 6.One will have extraordinary ability of expression. in the Sutra. The process of worshipping Buddha will be different in 7.One will be totally relied on and trusted. different temples. Anyway, the master teaches you in accordance to the 8.One will hold precepts perfectly. 9.One will hear and be well-versed in many sutras. Sutra together with the 10 Buddhist spells. You must be perfect it in your 10.One will gain marvelous wisdom. virtue, wisdom, and longevity. Then, everything in this world is fortunate Worshipping the Buddha’s statue can give the virtue of reverence. as it happens as you wish. Seeing the Buddha’s statue, in some of the people’s hearts, the sense In The Sutra of the different reward of dharma, Buddha says: If the of reverence is aroused. In addition, there are some people crossing their people worship Buddha, they can be rewarded with 10 virtues: hands to worship sariram. After their death, they won’t fall into hell and 1.can have a good voice and great looks. enter the wheel of beasts or hungry spirits. After their death, they will 2.can convince people with one’s speech. ascend into heaven. They will pass away peacefully in heaven. In their 3.can become fearless. 4.can be loved by heaven and people. next lives, they will be born into the families of the rich and powerful. 5.can have enough power and influence. Likewise, the virtues rewarded are numberless. One can enter the way of 6.can make people have awe of one’s power so that they all come to nirvana. follow you. The Second Way to Increase Wisdom: Listen to Preaching In Sutras 7.can have great rewards in virtues and good fortune. of The Sutra of Sublime Dharma of Clear Recollection, the Buddha 8.can after death will ascend into heaven. says, if people listen to the preaching, they can be rewarded with 7 9.can get close to Buddha and Bodhisattva. kinds of virtues: 10.can achieve nirvana rapidly. 1.Listen to the sacred preaching that they have never heard before: they If one recites Buddha’s name with one mind, one will obtain ten ben- can listen to unique preaching, interpretations of Buddhism, and a way efits of it: of life that they have never heard of before. Therefore, they can increase 1.One will eliminate the desire for sleep. their wisdom . 2.One will startle and horrify the deva-maras. 2.What you have listened to is solid: the Buddhist dharma can elevate 3.One’s voice will be spread all over the universe. your spiritual realm and consolidate your confidence in Buddhism. 4.One will not be disturbed by interfering noise. 3.Forsake all the wrongdoings: if a person listens to Buddhist preaching 5.Sentient beings in the three lower destinies will be free from suffering. frequently, he will have his wisdom increased naturally. Then, he will be 6.One will practice Buddhas’ teaching with great vigor. bright and free, able to distinguish right and wrong. 7.One will please all Buddhas. 4.The sages are glad to see it: The people that always listen to Buddhist 8.One will not lose his undistracted mind. preaching are those that are glad to depend on and get close to all the 9.A degree of samadhi in which the Buddhas will appear to the one. 10.One will be born in the World of Ultimate Bliss near the end of his life. Bodhisattva, all the benignant gods, and fine knowledge. As people get

．76． ．77． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha close to all the Bodhisattva, all the benignant gods, and fine knowledge, The major Sutras have been translated into Chinese. The total is 2278 their hearts will be bright and free naturally. Therefore, the people who Sutras. Of course, there are still many Sutras that have not been translated listen to Buddhist preaching always will become the favorites of the sages into Chinese. In The Sutra of Sublime Dharma of Clear Recollection, of Bodhisattva. Therefore, these people can have their wisdom and luck The Buddha says, listening to Buddhist preaching, people will be increased, and obstructions eliminated. On the contrary, those people that rewarded with 32 virtues. Among them, in item 25, it says, listening to are favored by wicked people or demons, their karma or the hindrance of Buddhism one can enhance his memory. In item 27, it says, listening to past karma and disasters will be endless. Buddhist preaching one can have his fortune and wisdom increased. In 5.Believe in and respect Rulai with all your heart: the people that addition, the Buddha says in the sutra of The Sutra of Sublime Dharma listen to Buddhist preaching always will respect and have confidence of Clear Recollection, if the people can listen to the Buddhist preaching and sincerity in the Venerable Siddhartha Rulai and all the Bodhisattva. temporarily, they can sooth their arrogance and stupidity, and be rewarded In addition, they will obey sarvadharma, or all the laws instructed by with boundless fortune. Buddha. As they keep making progress in their belief without retreating, In the sutra of The Sutra of Sublime Dharma of Clear Recollection, then they can respect all the Buddha and Rulai. it says: “The people who listen to Buddhist preaching in a short 6.Enjoy longevity: for the people that listen to Buddhist preaching time that can purge away their arrogance and fancy, be rewarded frequently, their hearts will be filled with the joy of the dharma, without with boundless virtues and have their wisdom awakened.” negative emotions as affliction, sadness, and pain at heart. Therefore, The Buddha told Aananda, “There are some people who are inclined their hearts will have no obstructions and be happy all the time. Then, to be kind. When they listen to the Buddha’s preaching, they can always their hearts will be pure and quiet naturally. Therefore, “There may listen to it with all their hearts. If they can listen to the preaching for a have thousands of diseases, there is only one kind of mental illness. If whole day, they will listen for a whole day. If they can’t listen to it for a the heart is sick, diseases will come. If the heart is cured, thousands of whole day, then they will listen for half a day. If they can’t listen to it for diseases will be cured.” Therefore, for the people who always listen to the half a day, then one hour will be fine. If they can’t listen to it for an hour, preaching of dharma, their hearts will be filled with the joy of dharma. then half an hour is just fine. If they can’t listen to it for half an hour, a Then, their bodies will become healthy. moment is also good. Then, their blessings will be boundless, leaving 7.Misfortunate lives will ascend into heaven: for the people who nothing to be criticized.” always listen to Buddhist preaching, their hearts will be filled with The Sutra on the Different reward of Karma. In the Sutra, Buddha dharma. Then, the obstructions will be cleared. In addition, if one does says: There are ten excellent karmas that can help the people ob- not commit any wrongdoing, is diligent in practicing Buddhism, give tain the reward of correct knowledge and do good deeds, obey the disciplines, respect the Triratna, practice 1.Ask the monks problems related to wisdom. Buddhism in accordance with the dharma, then his or her virtues will be 2.Manifest the excellent dharma. perfect. After he or she passes away, he or she will ascend into heaven 3.Listen to the preaching that guides you to be good. and will not fall into the way of evil. Therefore, people should listen to 4.See and speak of the convenient dharma. Exclaim the excellence of dharma. Buddhist preaching frequently. 5.Joy in speaking about the excellent dharma. I hope that people in Taiwan can be like Westerners. All the people can 6.Get close to people with correct knowledge. go to the temple and listen to Buddhist preaching on a particular day each 7.Protect the correct knowledge. week. Then, the social moral and social good will be intensified. Society 8.Practice Buddhism diligently and listen to preaching always. 9.Stay away from heresy . will be peaceful with a low crime rate. When family, friends, and relatives 10. When you see stupid or evil people, don’t dispise them as humble person. can go out peacefully, they can enjoy the freedom of having no fear. If you can observe these ten excellent karmas, you will be rewarded ．78． ．79． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha with correct knowledge. As you listen to the excellent karma, you will they are sincere enough, they can get rid of all kinds of distress promptly. get away from laziness and prove all knowledge. All the kind thoughts Dedicating this life, you can incarnate in a better place.” will be rewarded. If you practice the way of Bodhisattva, you will feel In the Sutra, it discusses that in the future if people do not pursue everything happens smoothly as you wish. In the future, you may become meditative concentration, wisdom, awakening, seek the way, they will Buddha. encounter disasters. For the people who encounter difficulties, disasters, The Third Method of Increasing Wisdom: Understanding Tripitaka sickness, poverty and afflictions, they should worship Ksitigarbha Closely the Wisdom is as Deep as the Sea Bodhisattva immediately to repent what they have done in the past. In the Sutra of the Questions Asked by the Immortal of Great Awesome In addition, they should vow to do good deeds with Bodhi’s heart and Lamplight, the Buddha say: Upheld by all the Buddha so deeply that it is enchant Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva’s title sincerely everyday. Then they the treasure of Buddha’s teaching of sutra. People are joyful always and will get away from the torture of all the difficulties, disasters, poverty and can obtain pleasure promptly. sickness. In the next life, they are able to incarnate in good places. The Buddha says, “If a person can copy and enchant the sutra, that The Sutra above is the master’s gift to you all. From the Sutra, we are person will invite Rulai to turn the wheel of dharma for him. Upheld by able to know the ways to pursue wisdom. In the past, Tripitaka was so all the Buddha so deeply that it is the treasure of Buddha’s teaching of difficult to understand. Now, after the master’s editing, the contents of the sutra. Likewise, that person will be joyful all the time and can achieve Concise Tripitaka are arranged into different categories. It can facilitate pleasure promptly. In the future, he will become Buddha.” reading and understanding. It is the way to pursue wisdom. Today, when we read the Sutra, it is just like Buddha’s turning of the (In this paragraph, the master has a few words to encourage the people.) Wheel of Dharma. If we read it long and close enough, we will get the Five kinds of wisdom meanings of Dharma. In the future, we can become Buddha. After we Alms cannot be done without wisdom; otherwise it will be hold the achieve the joy of dharma, we should receive and retain in joyful faith candle to the devil. with sincerity, to prove the wisdom. Just like the method to worship Precepts cannot be maintained without wisdom; otherwise it will be Buddha the master teaches you, you need to receive and retain in joyful reversed. faith with sincerity, to change your life. Then, you can explain it to other Insult cannot be tolerated without wisdom; otherwise it will be spoiled. people, helping them practice Buddhism indirectly. Likewise, you can Vigorously cultivate the dharma cannot be practice without wisdom, prove Bodhi. Bodhi means Prajna, wisdom, samadhibala, blessedness, otherwise it will harm the body. Bodhi’s heart, awakening, and to keep the commandments. In the aspect Zen cannot be meditated without wisdom; otherwise it will be interfere of dharma, they are summarized as wisdom and the ability to keep the by devil. commandments. Pursue wisdom In the Sutra on the Divination of the Effect of Good and Evil Actions, It is better to pursue knowledge than prosperity, pursue health better than longevity. the Buddha says: Recite the title of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva fre- It is better to pursue peace than prosperity, pursue wisdom better than peace. Mercy, wisdom and enlightenment quently and sincerely, and then you can get away from all disasters, Mercy and forgiveness can remove all the obstacles. poverty and afflictions. Wisdom and enlightenment can take away all the ignorance. The Buddha says, “For people in the future even if they do not request Holding precepts and tolerate insult can sweep all the troubles out. Deep meditation and wisdom to get away from their families, those Ration and emotion people that encounter distress and poverty should worship Buddha. They Only when we can balance our ration and emotion, then we can jump out should repent all the sins they have committed and make vows to do of the entanglement of struggle in the mind. good deeds and to enchant my title whenever and wherever they can. If

．80． ．81． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

Intellect What is mercy? The intellect will not be affected by people’s opinions and lose judgment. Unhappiness and suffering We have to be merciful to all living beings, not pointing at particular The reason for unhappiness is that we estimate too high of the happiness objects, for example, our parents, brothers, sisters, relatives, children, etc. of others. For them, we can give them mercy easily. On the contrary, for a stranger, The reason for suffering is that we estimate too low of the suffering of we can hardly give them any mercy at all. Such kind of mercy is a selfish others. one, with the sense of differentiation. The Buddha teaches us, we have to Suffering and enjoyment be merciful to those that have previous causes and relations to us or not. The environment of suffering and sorrow can inspire people to struggle, This is regarded as, “Without cause, great mercy; with the same body, to advance in the path to success. great pity.” The environment of ease and comfort can confuse people so that there In the Brahmajala Sutra, Buddha says, “All men are my father. All will be lost, without ambition and eventually fall to failure. women are my mother.” Sometimes, due to the loss of step of the Human and beasts generation and the changes of time, we may forget the ancestors’ images. The difference between man and beast is that man has ration, sympathy, We may not recognize our brothers and sisters in the past life. Therefore, mercy, and also can help others and practice a charity from heart. If man we only know to give selfish mercy to the relatives and friends we know. is not like that, then he is not different from beasts. Because of such strong selfish mercy, it brings us endless pain. Therefore, there is no wisdom in such kind of mercy. It is painful. Therefore, we should transform our mercy into great love. The love we Blessed is the man who does not learn the counsel of the wicked give to our family is small love. Meanwhile, the love we give to all lives is great love. We have to transform small love into great love. We should or walk in the way of sinners or sit beside the seat of mockers. not give mercy to our friends and relatives only. We have to give great love to all the people and treat them all as our friends and relatives. By But his delight is in the precept of the Buddha, and on his doing so, I believe the world will be warm, bright and fortunate. Then, this piece of land will become the land of purity in the world of the living. precept he meditates day and night. We do not have to go to the land of bliss in the Western world anymore. However, it is a pity that we can hardly express this kind of great love that is selfless. Therefore, Buddha teaches us how to perform real mercy. Buddha says that we are all entangled in the wheel of the Six Ways of causes in all our lives. All of us have had six relations of relatives: parents, brothers, and sisters. In the past, all of us reincarnate in this life because of some causes. Because of these causes, we gather together. Just think how big this universe is. What makes all of us to gather here and participate in the surpassing Ceremony for Taking Refuge sponsored by Cheng Te Temple? Are we in some sense related in our past lives? Therefore, we should treasure the causes and give all lives mercy without differences. Buddha is so merciful that he will not even harm a cockroach or

．82． ．83． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha mosquito. Buddha says that we should not harm any of the lives. We drink wine, forgetting the lesson. Eventually, she suffered from breast should have pity for all the living. We should imagine the pain of cooking cancer. She hurried to the eminent monk for help. The eminent monk our six relations of relatives in the pot. If you eat a piece of meat, you instructed her to release 100 lives each day for three months and not to eat should imagine you are eating your parents’ meat. Therefore, Buddhism meat and drink wine. After three months, her breast cancer disappeared forbids its disciples to eat meat, even bugs and worms. We do not even miraculously. This is a real story. It is obvious that the virtues rewarded harm an ant as well. for releasing lives are boundless. Therefore, you should never eat meat. How to accomplish longevity? The most direct way is to release the In addition, you should eat vegetables, release lives, practice Buddhism, living. Meanwhile, not harming any life is an indirect way. Many people and chant the Sutra frequently. say, they just eat but do not kill. In Lankavataa Sutra, it says, “Those (In this paragraph, I would like to say a few words to encourage people.) who slaughter will be eaten by other people. If people do not eat, there Cultivate in life won’t be killing. Therefore the sin of those who eat meat is the same as The cultivation should be practiced in life, which understanding and slaughtering.” It is clear that the sin of eating meat is the same as killing practice are both important. any life. The Dharma practice should not be practiced in misunderstanding, which We should not eat meat nowadays. Last year, the master went on a understands only but does not be practiced. tour to give a talk on “The Ways to Prevent Cancer.” I discovered that all Concern the meat now inject antibiotics and growth agent. In addition, they use If you want to walk out of the shadow of suffering and have a happy life, then you have to always care about others and help them to get rid of chemical fodder to raise the animals. For example, if a chicken is fed in pains. a normal ways it takes three months before we can kill the chicken for food. Now, if it eats chemical fodder, it just takes 42 days for us to kill it for food. It is the same for American beef. It is obvious that we have eaten many toxic substances. No wonder it is easy for us to be infected Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who with cancer. In the past, people ate meat but they would not get cancer because gathers money little by little makes it grow. all the livestock ate natural food. But now it is different. People inject themselves with antibiotics, hormones, etc. Not to mention religion, just think of your health. You may not have to eat meat. Otherwise, when you get really sick, it will be too late. There is a Caucasian in Vancouver, Canada. She was suffering from the worst bone cancer and had three months of life left. One day, an eminent monk enlightened her. He told her to release 100 lives each day for three months. In addition, she should not eat meat or drink wine. Therefore, she went to Vancouver Fishing Port and bought 100 fish or shrimp. She released them all each day. After three months, her cancer was cured without taking any medicine. All the doctors in the hospital could hardly believe it. It shocked the medical circle in Vancouver as well. In addition, local newspapers and magazines reported the event. After her cancer was cured, she was relieved and began to eat meat and ．84． ．85． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

A Touching Story at Tatu Bridge at Changhua Three months later, the construction of the safety island on Tatu Bridge was completed. For decades, no car crash and no casualties ever When the master was young, I did something of no great impor- happened anymore. I would like to ask you that the master’s contribution tance but I saved the lives of many people. was of no great importance. I just wrote a letter. For years, how many In fact, a monk should not tell people his conduct in saving people. lives have been saved? It is hard to estimate. Is the virtue great? There is However, in order to teach the disciples of Changhua to believe in Buddhist neither virtue nor reward. But it is really meaningful. thoughts and dharma, I would just like to share this old story with you: This story just tells us, for the people who believe in Buddhism should About 40 years ago, Tatu Bridge was the gateway leading from have a merciful heat all the time. We should give our care and concern to Changhua to Taichung. It was extended from a 2-lane road into a 4-lane the pain and pleasure of the lives living around us. A mere act may save one. After expansion, the speed of the cars driving through it was very people unnoticed. It is obvious that just to be considerate all the time, you fast. As there was no safety island in the middle of the road, there were may save yourself and your friends and families sometimes. only two thick yellow lines there, it led to many accidents after its After the construction of the safety island on Tatu Bridge was expansion and operation. Many people were injured and died. The most completed, the master measured it with a ruler in person. I discovered serious accident happened the seventh day after its operation. Two cars that the area of the safety island fit the length and width I suggested in the collided from opposite directions. Seven people died in that car crash. All draft. After that I discovered it to be a little bit narrower. Well, some civil of the dead were young engineers working for the government. It was a servants were rather stiff and lacked flexibility in handling things. Anyway, great loss indeed. The newspaper reported it broadly. they put it into practice. It was better than ignoring people’s safety. However, after this Tatu Bridge car accident, the number of car crashes Love did not diminish. For every few days, there was a car accident. Most of Love begins with the little things around you, them were collisions of cars from opposite directions. In each accident, Maybe, you can give that tiny bit of love, casualties were serious and death was frequent. However, related To light and warm up thousands of people around you. institutions did not have any remedial plan. Then, the master wrote a proposal to the Mayor of Chang Hua, Mr. Poor Student Saved Money and Starved himself to Save People Chen Shi-ying. In the letter, I employed a sharp and requesting tone, asking the Mayor, if the people on the bridge were your family members, When the master was a junior high school student, I starved myself what would you think? How could the Mayor guarantee his family in order to keep my lunch money to save an old lady and her family. members that no accident would happen to them when driving through I would like to share with you another touching story to encourage Tatu Bridge? I pleaded with the Mayor to consider people’s lives and you all. The story is about the master’s merciful heart when I was small. distress, as a public servant, he should build a safety island on the bridge It was totally naturally born. Nobody taught me this. Of course, I do not immediately without any procrastination. The master even sent him a intend to show off how merciful I am. As this story is instructive, I would draft of the safety island drawn by me, with the dimensions of height and like to share with you all and encourage you to be merciful and disregard width for the Mayor’s reference. my shyness. Mayor Chen Shi-ying was a considerate civil servant indeed. Receiving The master was born to a poor family. I did not have any fun when I a request letter from a junior high school student, he did not ignore it. was a child. If you ask something about the memory of my childhood, On the contrary, he replied to the letter immediately and ordered the I could tell you that it was a blank. However, I can only remember one Department of Engineering of the County Government to build a safety thing for it lies deep in my heart. The rice box of my family was always island on the road. In addition, he also praised my honorable conduct. empty. All the things that happened in my childhood were sorrowful.

．86． ．87． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

However, it cultivated my durability and determination. It is said that excellent and was popular among the classmates. There was a strange adversity can cultivate people’s will to struggle, encouraging people to rule at provincial school. At that time, the first in class would be the make progress and be successful. I would like to thank my childhood. The monitor; the second, vice-monitor. Therefore, at lunchtime everyday, the Bodhisattva gave me the environment to train me, without getting lost. He classmates would like to have lunch with you at the canteen. also cultivated me into leaving the family to become a Buddhist monk to As the old saying goes, “there will be no waves without wind. There will help and save distressed lives. It was really a great reward of virtue. always be thunder in a clear sky.” After this incident lasted for a half year When I was small, among my brothers, master was the most talented. or so, one day a reporter from a newspaper went to the school and wanted I was always the first in class at school. Therefore, I passed the to interview the master. When the Head of Discipline wanted to speak to examination and got into a provincial junior high school smoothly. At me, I knew that something bad happened. I could not help but tell him the that time, in my neighborhood, there was only one person, the master, truth. This reporter went to the old lady’s home and gave her his concern. who could manage to enter a provincial school. Therefore, my parents The old lady told him that a student from a school sent her a few hundred were proud of me. They expected great things of me and wished I could NT dollars every month to help her family. Tracing the address, he found accomplish something to glorify the family. the school. He wanted to make a special report on my benignant behavior. Although my family was poor, my parents still tried their best to save The next day, the master’s honorable act to help the poor was on the 5 NT dollars for the master everyday to eat a nutritious lunch at school, front page of the newspaper. At the morning assembly, the principal asked hoping my health to be better; therefore, I could perform well in studies. me to go onto the stage and receive encouragement from the students and In the future, perhaps, I could mange to be a government official or the teachers. From that time on, the secret was revealed. When the school something. For a poor family, NT$5 was quite a burden. When I think ended, my classmates rushed to my home, telling my worldly parents this about it, I feel sad. The love and sacrifice my parents gave to their honor. My result was a severe scolding by my parents. Then, my economic children is difficult to repay. sources ended. I bade farewell to 5 NT dollars a day. Everyday my parents One day, the master saw some sad news when I was reading the paper at would prepare a lunchbox for me. I knew their concern because they school. There was an old lady whose son and daughter-in-law died in a car worried that starving would deteriorate my health. It was harmful for an accident. The perpetrator escaped, leaving her four young children. In addition, adolescent that was growing up, studying hard and needed nutrition. her family was poor and she had no other economic income. Therefore, they The touching silly story ended like this. Actually, the master’s conduct had difficulties in filling their bellies. It hoped that society could help them. was not worth any praise. No parents in this world want their children At that time, the master was touched. I decided that I would not eat any to be starved. Especially, those children from a poor family, we needed lunch everyday and save the 5 NT for them. Each month, I sent them the people’s help sometimes. We even had to go to the church for milk money I saved, helping them buy food. In addition, I also started up a donation powder and flour every Sunday. Actually, I was not allowed to do this. campaign, raising funds from my classmates to help the old lady and her family. Now, I can understand my parents’ concern. This silly incident, “Poor Student Saved Money and Starved Himself Today, the master has told you this small story. I want to emphasize to Help the Poor” was carried out in secret. I feared that my parents and that we have to be considerate to other people that hunger as if we classmates would know the truth so that it would upset my economic sources. hunger, those who are drowning, as if we were drowning. We should give Everyday when lunch time came, I rushed out of the classroom and hid under them help and concern to make this world warm and heartfelt. The pure the shade of the trees secretly. I did not return until lunchtime was over. land on earth is built by you, me, him, and her. Today, you have helped My classmates always asked me where I went for lunch. Why didn’ other people. Today, if you face any difficulties, people will help you as t they see me at the canteen? I always made up some stories to lie to well. That is what the saying is, “people help those who help others,” let’ them. The master was the vice-monitor; my academic performance was s create the bright, peaceful and happy world each other collaboratively. ．88． ．89． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

You can not say it is your resolves to do good but it is your duty life is changeable. Everyone may encounter disaster or suffering through his life and he will need help from others then. It is the same for a nation, Although we are not in the corrupt Qing Dynasty, people in Taiwan even for an individual, to make natural resolves to help all people or are still in times of being dogged by bad luck, such as encountering the settle all things around in normal times. We can see the difference on that issues of identification of our country, armed force threatening from if one has wisdom or knowledge. Learning Buddhism is to learn wisdom. mainland China, etc. Therefore, everyone can not pursue individual We shall be a man of nobility instead of a mean person ideals or ambitions invariably without caring about the security of the Currently, most people pursue their ideals and happiness but nation, society, and civilians like before. If everyone doesn’t change their public welfare religious work that could benefit all living creatures. mindset, there won’t be anyone to stand up and help the country and the Nevertheless, they would appeal to the public welfare and religious society once our country is in danger. Of course there won’t be anyone to organizations when suffering affliction one day. It will not be a nice and help you then. As Buddhists, we should have the common consensus and warm society and miserable beings will have no way to ask for help if cognition. everyone is so selfish. The world of mortals becomes a monochromatic In addition, I would like to tell you that we should think of it as what and indifferent world. This kind of life is petty and low. we should do instead of saying that it is our resolves when we do good. When having mental problems, people usually solicit aid from the Everyone should care for our country, society and our miserable fellow religious people to enlighten them on religious dogmas to get rid of countrymen. It is essential sentiment for a man. Do not think of it as spiritual and mental suffering. The left-home people are often asked for resolve when you do good. If you have the thought, it is almsgiving with praying for the dead when people are dying. Supposing that there is no the idea of form. In the “Diamond Sutra”, the Buddha said: “Bodhisattvas one resolved to be a left-home person to relieve beings but pursuing one’s do not cling to their bodies or content in desires arising from almsgiving. future, fame and gain invariably, we would not find any monks or nuns to Bodhisattvas do not cling to their material almsgiving. These are called pray for and save us at the moment of departing from the world. And no real almsgiving.” It means that a person, who really wants to give alms, one would help people relieve suffering in peacetime. This is a lowly life. to dedicate himself to the public, to do things for the country and the Because many people are willing to sacrifice their ideals, ambitions, society, and to rescue civilians from suffering, should give alms without and time to establish charity and education associations, or shield and the idea of form or ego. He should think it is what he should do and there sustain Buddhist business of relieving the world devoting to rescuing will be no merit and virtue at all. beings, the poor beings can obtain help. And thus the social humane When people are suffering, we help them while people help us when quality will be promoted, the society will be more civilized, auspicious, we are suffering. This is exerting the love of fellow nationals to look after and warm. That is a life of dignity. each other. Do not think of that it is our resolves when we have done We should be a man of dignity but a man of lowly personality. We good, otherwise, it will be clinging to having the form, and you won’ should even encourage people to become monks or nuns. Therefore, I t feel at ease. Making resolves to do good is what one should do; being suggest that if you have more than two children, you shall urge one of a volunteer is also what one ought to do, giving alms of money is what them to be a monk or nun. Then your ancestors in the past who are still one must do as well. We do not do it neither out of our resolves nor our suffering in the three lower destinies will eventually be relieved someday. benevolence. Essentially, people should be concerned about each other, You will be more ensured to have chance of being reborn in the Western help resolve the country’s disasters each other, or aid people who are Pure Land when you are dying someday. It is like my mother’s decease suffering hardship. All of these are what we ought to do primarily. this time. She could be reborn smoothly in the Bliss World without any Some people think of themselves terrific and respectable when they obstacle when departing because of me, a Buddhist monk. It is really wise donate money or make efforts to Buddhist temples or charities. However, for you to cultivate your sons and daughters to be left-home people rapidly. ．90． ．91． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

Furthermore, speaking of filial piety, left-home children must be the The Prime Minister Fan, Zhong-Yan in Song Dynasty most filial one because left-home people understand more about cause was the greatest philanthropist in China and effect than ordinary people. They know more about filial piety. They can realize parental feeling and love the most. The Venerable Master There are two historical figures who influence me the most in my life. also said that the left-home people are the most filial children. One of them is Tao, Yuan-Ming in Jin Dynasty, who was the famous So it’s better not to merely think how to make your children to be Wang, ancient pastoral poet in China. I like his poems very much, which Yung-ching , doctors, or presidents. And don’t think merely to save have pretty artistic conception and are full of the nature of leisure and enough money during your whole lives to seek to buy some tangible carefreeness, and being vigorous and unrestrained. He had the mind houses for enjoyment by all means. You can not take any house with you of not clinging to the form and could put down anything coolly and in the long run. composedly. I was deeply influenced and reformed by this historical The reason why we want to have lives of nobility is to hope that our character. Another one is a great literary author in Song Dynasty, Fan, children can be monks or nuns to take across all beings and save our Zhong-Yan, who was also known as a famous Prime Minister in Song country and society. Or we shall make use of the rest of our lives to buy Dynasty. A passage in his Sketches of the Yue Yang Tower had deeply ourselves invisible houses, for we can only take the intangible wealth of influenced me and enlightened my bodhi-mind: ÒI worried about my merit and virtue we make with us. Anyhow, we need people to make great fellow countrymen when I was in the imperial court, and worried about resolves and sacrifice their personal ideals and ambitions for establishing the king when I lived far away in the hermitage. I had anxiety when I charity and education associations. We need them to dedicate their lives was in the court, and still had concern when I was not in the court. When to the work of saving people and the world with inherent mind. Thus those could I be pleased for a moment? I had to say: “One should first worry poor people can be rescued, and suffering people can be liberated from about the worries of the world, only later after everyone else is happy spiritual and mental problems. Then the popular quality can be enhanced, should one seek one’s own happiness.” Alas! Without this kind of person, and we will have a harmonious warm society with love and justice. whom should I go with?” I was extremely touched by these words. Fan, Zhong-Yan said that as a high official, he must worries about if his people had good lives, if they were amidst suffering. One had to be concerned about them actively. One should worry that if the king was well and had a benevolent administration to govern the country when Don’t not fret because of evil men or be envious of the wicked, resigning from the official post. What on earth should one be an official for the evil man has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked in the court or retire into obscurity? Either of them is a sorrow to him. Therefore, a person of noble character and integrity shall not be happy will bee snuffed out. with anything or feel sad for oneself. It’s proper for us to have this kind of bosom. The ancients had the thought of “first worrying about the worries of the world.” They were concerned about the worries of the world. They let people obtain happiness, and would be the last one to gain happiness. Where can we find such persons? Whom on earth shall I incline to if there isn’t such a person? Fan, Zhong-Yan could write such words concerning about the fate of the nation when he was degraded as an official of a prefecture. Where can we find a man with lofty ideals like him having the mind of “One should

．92． ．93． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha first worry about the worries of the world, only later after everyone else Andrew Carnegie-the greatest philanthropist in the world is happy should one seek one’s own happiness.” Such mind of expressing humanitarianism was all too clear and admirable. We can realize his In 1901, Andrew Carnegie, known as the King of Steel in the U.S, the compassion. From my point of view, among Chinese historical characters, richest man in the world, believed profoundly in the “Gospel of Wealth,” I think Fan, Zhong-Yan was the greatest philanthropist in the history of which referred to that men of wealth had moral duties considering all China. surplus revenues which came to them were best calculated to produce the Fan, Zhong-Yan lost his father since he was little. He followed his most beneficial results for the community. He gave away 99% of his huge remarried mother having a hard life. When he grew up and obtained fortune in bestowing charity, and left his only child 1% of his property scholarly honor, he had munificent official pay as he held the office of a and stocks only. He built more than 2,000 public libraries and over prime minister. But he used the pay to buy some a thousand hectares of 1,000 parks throughout the U.S. He founded the Carnegie Institution to land, named righteous farmland, to provide to the poor people in his clan provide research for American colleges and universities. He established for farming. He would not let his people beg for food in the markets or the Carnegie Teachers’ Pension Fund and endowed the fund with US$40 be hungry in the wilderness. He gave relief to many poor people over a billion in that day of US$400 million. long period of time. He used all his pay and took out all the rice in the Carnegie once said that: “A man who was obsessed with money is storehouse to aid the poor and famished populace when encountering unhonored. If I continue much longer overwhelmed by business cares and natural disasters or famines. Fan, Zhong-Yan contributed all of his with most of my thoughts wholly upon the way to make more money in handsome salary from the country to the poor civilians. Unexpectedly, the shortest time, it must degrade me. If I acquired a handsome fortune to he had not a bean just before he was dying. His posterity did not have a certain extent in the future, all my personal wealth beyond that required money but had to borrow money from other people to attend to his to supply the needs of my family should be regarded as a trust fund to be funeral affairs. administered for the benefit of the community.” What Fan, Zhong-Yan taught his descendants was the great compassion Therefore, we should be concerned about the community and the nation of “One should first worry about the worries of the world, only later after often. We should care more for others instead of all about us. By doing everyone else is happy should one seek one’s own happiness.” To think so, there will be hope and brightness for our country and society. Thus of others and be concerned about others before caring for self anytime, each of us will have great merit and virtue for being reborn in the Western be happy after everyone feels happy. This is why he was great. It is really Paradise in the future. This is what I would also like to encourage you worth learning and following his example. today. I hope my lecture today will be deeply engraved in all your mind. (In this paragraph, I would like to say a few words to encourage people.) Alms Alms giving are the best way to build up benign interrelationship, and can help unfortunate people to walk out of the sadness, then you will be reward with ascending heaven in the future. Mercy Treat everyone as your parents, brothers and sisters, and then you can naturally reveal mercy and gratitude. Selfless love Forgive every person same as you forgive parent, and there will be no one in the world whom you can not forgive.

．94． ．95． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

Love every person same as you love wife and children, and there will be What is awakening? no one in the world whom you can not love. Merciful will All of you here have undergone the process of childhood, youth, and When a man has good wills, the heaven will fulfill his wishes, how big middle age. In a very short time, you will be entering old age. You can the good will is that determines how big his power is and bliss will be too. take a quick look at your old pictures and you will find out that people Love in heart will not be that cute all the time. In the past, your figure was great and Those who are loving, merciful, tolerant will easily win popularity. They now you are old and ugly. It is mutability. In the past, your husband was are happy to get along with others and seem to situate paradise with bliss. nice and considerate to you. However, three years after marriage, he is No love in heart rude and bad to you. It is also mutability. Take your children for example, Those who have no love and tolerance in the heart and embrace hatred you took care of them carefully when they were small. However, after will have no good relations with others. Getting along with people is they have grown up and get married, they forget everything you did for suffering and it’s situated in hell with great pains. them, without giving you the concern and respect you deserve. It is also The most of people mutability. What else is troubling you? The truth of everything in this Who is the most wealthy? One does alms. world is the same: mutability. Nothing in this world can preserve its Who is the most beautiful? One is merciful. original look and form. Who is the most penniless? One is greedy. Now, elderly people have to take care of their three meals each day, Who is the most ugliest? One holds hateful. without any children and grandchildren to take care and serve them. In What is the most powerful? One has the power of tolerating insult. Lucky star the past, they gave them everything to raise them, leaving all the good You must became lucky star for others first, before others became a lucky things to them. For the children, they endured all the hardship, working star for you. very hard. After the children have grown up, they abandoned their parents You must solve the troubles for others first, before others solve the without giving them any care and concern. Therefore, all of you down troubles for you. there, no matter whether you are elderly or going to be elderly, you must Good words and abusiveness take my suggestions carefully. See into the truth clearly. Do not expect One good word helps a person to achieve Buddha, too highly from your children. You must give more and plough the Abusiveness cuts off the root of one’s virtuous nature. fortunate field more. If you perform good deeds often, your obstruction will be purged. After the obstructions are gone, good fortune will come. In the future, you can go to the land of bliss in the West, without entering the wheel of life and death and become human in the next lives, you do not have to endure the affliction of being human anymore. Nobody should seek his own good, Awakening means that you have to observe the details and nuance of all things. Everything in this world will perish and disappear one day. The but the good of others. earth, sun, moon and stars will explode one day. Scientists have predicted that the earth will explode billions of years later. In addition, each planet will explode too. They will become fragments and dust in the space, flying in the universe. Therefore, every single item, dynamic or static ones, will perish one day. Therefore, we do not have to insist on the relationship between parents

．96． ．97． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha and children, husband and wife. They will leave us one day. Our wealth and awakening. Buddhism is the integration of mercy, wisdom and may get lost. Our cars will be broken. Our houses will collapse. It is awakening. Buddhism can inspire our conscience, allowing us to mutability. Therefore, we should awaken to the truth of all things. Then, shattered superstition completely. In addition, it gives us wisdom to you will not insist on all the beautiful things. Nor will you be obstinate observe the truth of all things in this world to distinguish right and wrong, about love, wealth, fame and relationships between family members. The without doing any malignant cause and enduring the retribution for good one who loves you madly may not love you anymore three years later. It or evil deeds. Moreover, one will have the mercy to awaken and save all is mutability. lives that are in pain and distress. I sincerely hope all people can acquire In The Sutra of realize correct dharma, it says, “All precious items will the education of life with good fortune forever. (In this paragraph, I perish. Dharma can have their wisdom augmented. All worldly things would like to say a few words to encourage people.) will be broken. Dharma will last forever. Although the precious items The appearance of anything is void are good now, they will not last in the lives to come.” The real treasure There is impermanent in love and hatred. in this world is not gold and silver, but wisdom. It is the real treasure and Long-time association will be sure to separate eventually. virtue.” This mind and body do not belong to us. We have to learn to be merciful, wise, and be awakened after Buddha, Life is always in danger and fragile, which will not last forever. then, our lives will be bright, free, liberated and fortunate. Therefore, Rapid change fortune is not built on materials. It is built completely on spiritual The rapid change will makes people unable to seize the life and discipline. We all have to know that. We practice Buddhism to learn conditions in the next second, we have to cherish every second at this moment to engage ourselves in spiritual practice, lest we should have spiritual disciplines and values. Of course, in practicing Buddhism, regrets and pains after our death. we will have to discipline ourselves with different means to elevate Invisible wealth ourselves. The simple way, as we all know, is to chant the Sutra, worship Even though you possess a great amount of visible wealth in this material Buddha, chanting incantations and meditate. Only if you want to practice world, you are unable to take a bit with you after you die. Buddhism, you will follow the ways of Dharma. One day, as you The invisible wealth of merit, coming from alms deed and practicing accomplish such a realm, your wisdom will be elevated. Dharma, that is the assets ascending to the world of Buddha and will be With wisdom, we can observe things clearly, without being enchanted, with you forever. then, we will acquire Samyag-drsti (correct views) or self-awareness. The suffering of gain and loss Likewise, you can take things up and put them down at ease. And misery It takes lots of endeavors to gain nice things, thus there is suffering of will flow out of your heart naturally. Without wisdom, people will insist inability to gain. Once one has it, one is afraid of losing it any time, thus on all people and things. Then, boundless pain appears. You will be there is suffering of losing. He who is wise does not concern about the unable to have your mercy and awakening developed. Desire, anger, gain or loss. He has no suffering and no happiness. stupidity, arrogance, discrimination, prejudice, heterodox views, doubts, Temporary happiness etc. will arise from your heart. With wisdom, you will have mercy and Man usually asks for temporary happiness, but makes an exchange of awakening. It is the basic spirit of Buddhism. In addition, it is the first long-term suffering. step of becoming a Buddha. Realize the truth Buddhism is the education of mercy, wisdom and awakening People who cannot realize the truth, but are persist in and pursue zealously every day for the wealth, lust, fame and profits. Thus those who What is Buddhism? What is the spirit of Buddhism? Simply put, plant so many bad causes, if they do not relieve themselves, merely they Buddhism is the education of mercy, wisdom and awakening. Buddha will be tormented by all the troubles. is the incarnation of mercy, representing the incarnation of wisdom ．98． ．99． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

Forget the danger Rely on the Triratna is the First Step to be a Buddha When people are in enjoyment, they will have greed and attachment, they tend to think that enjoyment is permanent and forget the suffering The first step for the people that have decided to practice Buddhism of birth, old age, disease and death in life, when disasters come, they will is to rely on the triratna , which have endless virtues. Without relying fall into pains and start to regret. on the triratna, a person will not have self-confidence. Without faith, a Cherish body and love the appearance person cannot be awarded with the virtues given by triratna. In the Maha Asking what stuff is this worldly love? You cherish my body and I love Vibhasa-sutra (a philosophical treatise by Katyayaniputra), it says, “If your appearance, induce all floating in the sea of birth and death with there is wisdom without faith, heterodox views will grow. If there is faith suffering. without wisdom, stupidity increases.” In , it says, “Faith Cut off the love and lust is the origin of virtue, growing out of all good dharma.” With sufficient Love brings about desires, desires causes life. confidence, a person can understand the theory of Buddhism thoroughly. Life leads to death, after death, then one falls to the Samsara. After understanding, a person has to put the disciplines into practice in Cutting off the love, then one will have no desire, no desire causes no-birth. everyday life. Theory and practice are both important. By doing so, a One has no birth and no death, and then one will cut off the Samsara. person can understand the real meaning of dharma. Six Roots Today, you choose to convert the Triratna of Buddhism and practice Eyes should not be lured by lust, ears should not be charmed by sound. Buddhism, you vow to follow a spiritual leader - Sakyamuni, the spiritual Nose should not be tempted by the fragrance, tongue should not be leader of Buddhism. We follow the spirit of the spiritual leader; it is the attracted by tastes. Body should not be perplexed by sensual feeling, mind should not be spirit of Buddha. However, our spiritual leader no longer exists in this affected by environment affairs. world. We need a spokesperson for the monks to communicate Buddha’ All the six roots are tranquil and pure, both your body and heart will be dignity. s spirit to us, so that we can understand the meaning of his thoughts, understanding Buddha’s spirit, we can adjust, reform, revive, and construct our spirits. Only with a healthy psyche can we soothe all the pain in this world. Do you understand my words? If you can understand, If the willingness is there, the gift is your heart will be permeated with Dharma’s bliss. Convert to Buddhist Triratna acceptable according to what one has. Buddha means enlightenment. Dharma means wisdom. Sangha means kindness. For the Triratna of Buddhism, it is the belief in the enlightenment, wisdom, kindness in one’s nature internally. Externally, it is the practice of spirit, theory, and thoughts of the Triratna of Buddha, Dharma and the Sangha. To convert to Buddha is to learn Sakyamuni’s thoughts and spirits. To convert to Dharma is to fulfill the theory, knowledge, wisdom, mercy and awareness according to Buddha’s teachings. To convert to Sangha is to follow the speech, conduct and lectures of the masters. The truth apprehended by Buddha needs to be manifested through a spokesperson - a monk, who teaches you Buddhism, therefore, you need

．100． ．101． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha to learn Buddhism with a monk. elder and young brother, wife and children, senior and junior. People are The order of relying on triratna different from the six beasts. 1. First, repent. 2. Manifestation of Conversion. The unworthiness arisen from the retrospection of one’s sins is 3. Promise to follow Three Disciplines of Conversion. regarded as “shame.” When facing people, one feels discredited for the 1. First, repent sins one has committed, which is regarded as “disgrace.” If a person Before relying on triratna and becoming a converting to Buddhism, a does not commit any sin himself, it is regarded as “shame.” If a person person has to repent first. By repenting the sins committed in the past, does not teach other people to commit any sin, it is regarded as “disgrace.” you are able to purify your body and soul. Then, you can rely on triratna 2. Manifestation of Conversion and receive the embodiment of the commandments in your heart. After After repentance, truth will be manifested in the heart and accept the receiving the embodiment, a virtuous power will arise in your heart to conversion. Concentrate and imagine BuddhaÕs light shines over your entire prevent any further sins from happening. If we want to be the followers body, cleansing all the fancies, bad habits, and dirt in you. Just like baptizing of Buddha, we have to repent our sins. Do not repeat the wrongdoings in Christianity, you should recite the conversion chant three times: you commit in the past. First Time: The disciple somebody in my entire life, I will believe in In the Sutra on the Divination of the Effect of Good and Evil Actions, Buddha, rely on dharma, and follow the monk. Imagine Buddha is sitting the Buddha says, “those people who have karmavarana, or serious in the middle of the air, very solemnly, certifying our conversion. hindrances from their past life should practice the dharma of Second time: The disciple somebody in my entire life, I will believe in repentance” Buddha, rely on dharma, and follow the monk. Imagine BuddhaÕs body Buddha says, “In the future, if you want to purge life, age, sickness, is illuminating, shining on all lives and lighting up our way in conversion. and death, then you will begin to practice meditation and the wisdom Third Time: The disciple somebody in my entire life, I will believe in without form. The first thing we need to do is to observe the sins they Buddha, rely on dharma, and follow the monk. Imagine Buddha’s body is commit in this life and how serious these sins are. For the people that illuminating, with light shining on his head, injecting from the head to the have committed many serious sins, they should not learn Buddhist feet. We will feel our body and heart cool and transparent. mediation first. They should learn the dharma of repentance instead.” These are the most important part of conversion and receiving The difference between humans and beasts is that humans can know Buddha as our savior. Likewise, people can receive the embodiment of and feel. They can retrospect and repent. Meanwhile, repentance is one commandments and have the root of benignity manifested in our hearts. of the important dharma in Buddhism. If a person has sinned, repentance 3. Promise to follow Three Disciplines of Conversion: can not only help him purge those sins, but also cultivate the roots of First Disciplines: The disciple someboday is willing to believe in benignity. There is gossip everyday. If nobody listens, then, there will be Buddha. I would like to sacrifice my life and will never follow the no flaws. Every person can do it. If nobody looks at it, it is not there. independent deva-. I will believe in the authentic wisdom of Rulai In the sutra of Ekottara Agama Sutra, the Buddha says, “There are because of Buddha’s mercy. two wonderful laws-embracing the world”. Second Discipline: The disciple somebody is willing to believe What are these two laws? They are shame and disgrace. Monks! in Buddha. I would like to sacrifice my life and will never believe in Without these two laws, there would be no difference between father the heresy and rely on the all the Sutras in the twelve volumes of the and mother, elder and younger brother, wife and children, and elder and Tripitaka. junior. Then, people would be the same as six beasts, namely the pig, Third Discipline: The disciple somebody is willing to believe in Buddha. chicken, dog, cow, goat, etc. If there are these two laws, then embrace I would rather to sacrifice my life than convert to heresy. I will convert to the world. Then there will be differences between father and mother, the monk of pure field of blessedness because of Buddha’s mercy. ．102． ．103． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

The first discipline of converting to the Triratna cannot use the way we worship Buddha to worship the gods or demons, our ancestors, or Yu Huang Tati (The heavenly Emperor). In addition, According to the first discipline of conversion, you should rely in Yu Huang Tati once swore to follow Buddha and was one of his disciples triratna and shall not believe in heresy. You have to follow Rulai’s of triratna. Therefore, after you have converted into Buddhists, you will universal knowledge or omniscience. What is meant by not worshipping become Yu Huang Tati (The Jade Emperor)’s fellow students. Since other gods or demons? For example, Matzu, Cheng Huang (the City you are all Buddha’s disciples, according to precept law, you are equal. God), Tutikung (the God of Earth), etc. are regarded as other gods or However, his blessed reward is greater than yours. demons. What is the difference between gods and demons? Actually, Therefore, after conversion, when you passed by the temples or church, you they are of the same kind. For gods, they are more powerful and have the should not kneel down and worship the gods. All you need to do is to close ability to reward your requests. For demons, they are not as powerful to your palms and greet them by saying “Namo Omito Fo.” This is enumerated reward your request and commit to more sins. For Chegn Huang (the City in the disciplines of conversion. According to the disciplines, the disciples of God) and Yenluo Wang (the King of Hell) are regarded as the kings of triratna only worship Buddha, dharma and monks. You should not kneel down demon. Meanwhile, Matzu is regarded as a goddess to reward you with and worship The heavenly Emperor, dragon kings and devas, the pantheon virtue. In addition, Tutikung (the God of Earth) is also regarded as the of dharma-protectors, ghosts, and spirits because it is against the disciplines. god of wealth. Then, you will lose your precept-essence immediately and the conversion will For gods, they have their karma effects or inevitable retribution as well. be nullified. Moreover, you should convert again. When their blessed rewards have been used up, they have to enter the Worshipping Buddha is a way of showing respect to Buddha’s lofty spirit wheel of life and death and endure the six kinds of pains. Some of them and teaching. It is not to beg for God or gods. It is the expression of respect are reincarnated as humans or livestock. Meanwhile, some of them are to a sage awakened with the greatest wisdom, mercy and pity. It is just like cast into hell to tolerate pain. Likewise, they cannot escape from the pain the disciplines greeting Confucius or students greeting their teacher. of the three realms and six ways and the wheel of life and death. Today, However, greeting and showing respect to a person of wisdom, mercy we are going to follow Buddha, and practice the way to be liberated and and awakening is an act of being humble. It can help purge our arrogance, to become Buddha, without falling into the wheel of the six ways. After which will obstruct the manifestation of wisdom and mercy gradually, our lives end, we can go to the world of bliss in the Western World, to rendering us unable to purify our heart. It just forms five main points, finish cultivating the fruit of Buddha. You cannot get any benefits from indicating that we should purge our five poisonous thoughts of desire, worshipping gods or demons. Nor can you be rewarded with virtues. ignorance, stupidity, arrogance and doubt. We should transform the five These are superstitions only. poisonous thoughts into mercy, patience, wisdom, humility and abstract In order to liberate themselves from karma effects, the gods and meditation. When we get up, and glide back to ourselves, we should demons are cultivating themselves with the right practices as well. The make the oath: “I hope the pains of all lives will gather onto my body, to lives of the gods and demons are longer than that of people’s. Some of purge all lives with all the pains.” With such kind of wisdom and mercy them can live for thousands of years. After their lives end, they will be to worship Buddha, it can help our hearts to accomplish the deepest level reincarnated as humans. If people love to eat food cooked with the five of purification. Then, our hearts will be together with Buddha. We will forbidden pungent roots, then the gods and demons would like to get be rid of the common and ignorant self. Worshipping Buddha is the most close to them. Then, the blessed rewards of those people will decrease. convenient way to purge boundless obstructions. If we worship the gods in our homes, what should we do? You can invite For a Buddhism practitioner, each moment of life is very precious. them to sit by the Buddha table. In the middle, you can put the golden The practitioner can use the mental transformation of each moment to bodies or the portraits of the Buddha or bodhisattvas. In addition, we approach the way of awakening, even if we encounter all the physical and ．104． ．105． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha mental pain in practicing Buddhism, it will only stimulate us to meditate The tragically heroic bicentennial religious the truth of the things. For a Buddhism practitioner, any frustration, war between Christianity and Islam attack, difficulties, and pain are all the excellent adverse causes of attaining the Way. In addition, all the pain and distress can remind us the Christianity is an expelling religion. In 1095, when the Christians there are many people enduring pain now. It can cultivate our mercy and launched the Crusades, they began a series of robberies and conquered cleanse the afflictions in our mind. in the name of a Holy War. It eliminated Islam for about 200 years, not More and more Westerners Turn to Buddhism, Islam or other religions to mention a great number of deaths and casualties. Many heretics and The Christians always criticize Buddhists for “worshipping the idols.” innocent people were killed. In fact, Buddhists have their goals in practicing Buddhism. The idols can Although Christianity is built upon love and equality, for thousands of help inspire our confidence and our practice. Through looking at Buddha’ years the Church has been spending years killing the people that refuse to s saintly image, it can help collect our minds and correct our thoughts. believe in Christianity. On the other hand, they would put people that did Then, greed, hatred and fancy, etc. will be purged. If we worship the not share the same view with the Pope to death. In addition, the Church solemnity of Buddha, our conduct will be righteous naturally. We will even intervened in scientific problems that they did not have any ideas in. not indulge ourselves anymore. Like the peacefulness we obtain when In the debate about the earth being round raised by Galileo, the Church entering a Temple, the Buddhists should worship Buddha’s statue. The insisted on its ignorant belief. They even put the people holding scientific reason of the Buddhists’ worshipping Buddha is not to regard him as a facts to death. Fortunately, the scientists presented evidence repetitiously God, gods or sage. We only worship his wisdom and awakening because to prove the Church’s ignorance and arrogance. Buddha is the mentor of truth and the incarnation of awakening. Galileo invented the telescope and thermometer. He was born in 1564 In fact, many Westerners feel disappointed about the religion they in Pisa, Italy. He used the telescope to observe the heavenly body and believe in when they were born. Then, they turn to different religions watched stars tens of times than those watched by naked eyes. Galileo’ or beliefs, such as Buddhism or Islam. Many Christians and Westerners s discovery of about the heavens full of hundreds of millions stars and thought the Buddhism is not a religion because Buddhism is not a belief galaxies could not be recognized by naked eyes. From that moment, system that centers on God. Unlike different religions, Buddhism does a new era of astronomy took its beginning. Galileo was completely not have dogmas that cannot be questioned. In Buddhism, it expresses convinced of Nicholas Copernicus’s heliocentricism then. clearly that all the dogmas must be verified. They should be thought and In 1616, Cardinal Robert Bellarmine summoned Galileo secretly verified. We should not respect Buddha just because we accept the truth warning him not to believe in Copernican heresy, not to mention of the disciplines. We should experience and verify the truth in the self passing on to his students. Giordano Bruno, an Italian philosopher, was through a process, to approach the way of awakening. subjected to the Inquisition due to his support to the heliocentric theory, Today, in the eyes of the Westerners, Buddhism has a very positive and was burned to death at the stake on February 17, 1600. Therefore, image. For a long time, their attitudes towards Buddhism have been very Galileo took very cautious attitude. In 1630, he completed his research respectful, regarding its disciplines as pure, direct, and practical ones. on astronomy, and went to Rome attempting to obtain permission to In the eyes of religionists and philosophers, Buddhism deserves respect publish the Dialogue. He received permission from the Church under because it is good at analyzing the truth and can be accepted by people certain conditions in 1632 and published ÒDialogue Concerning the Two easily. Therefore, it fits into the standard of rationality in the West. Based Chief Systems of the World - Ptolemaic and Copernican.Ó Shortly after upon this standard, there are other aspects of morality and spiritual the publication, people scrambled for reading it. In the event, the Pope wisdom. In addition, it also fits into modern scientific concepts arisen in changed his attitude toward him. the Enlightenment and the age of rationalism in the 18th century. In 1633, Galileo was ordered to appear in the court in Rome. He was ．106． ．107． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha forced to recant advocacy of Copernican theory and was condemned to and changed his identity to an astronomer suddenly at nights. His “On lifelong imprisonment when he was near upon 70. In 1822, the Church the Revolutions of Heavenly Spheres” revealed that the Earth is simply cancelled the ban on Galileo’s Dialogue. However, “the Earth is not the an ordinary planet that revolves round the Sun. It fundamentally denied center of the universe” had already become common sense. the Church’s theory of “The Earth was arranged specially at the center of Fifty-seven years after the publication of Copernicus’ book, Giordano the universe by the God.” It symbolized an independent pronouncement Bruno, the Italian philosopher, intensely identified himself with made by the natural science circle contending with the Church. The Copernicus’s view on the motion of the planets, and delivered speeches natural science circle’s thought thus quit association with theology. The in French, English, and Italian, expounding that the Earth is one of the astronomy opened up the gate to the exploration of modern science planets. In 1600, he was accused of grave guilt and was interrogated thereby. It not only led people away from the dark ages of knowledge, but severely. After the rapid trial, he was sentenced to burn to death in the brought them into the realm of modern astronomy. square of the Church. Galileo Galilei, an Italian astronomer, was put Immanuel Kant, the German philosopher, said: “Copernicus changed under house arrest later because of spreading the heliocentric theory. the center of the universe from the Earth to the sun. It made people have a Nowadays, almost every primary school pupils knows that the great ‘Copernican change’ in the value of the Earth, and even of religion Earth can revolve on its own axis and revolve round the Sun. But and philosophy.” Today, it is inconceivable that the sun is the center of about more than two thousand years ago, many philosophers offered the universe. The sun is only an ordinary fixed star. Of course the galaxy various explanations and interpretation on observation of the universe is no the center of universe either. The more we understand the truth of and astronomic and atmospheric changes or phenomena at the initial the universe, the smaller we are. And Copernicus was the first one to stage of science. Most of these theories adopted the conception of “the realize it. Earth is the center of the Universe.” Aristotle, the most respectable In fact, the nature of religion is to create peace and stability on earth. Greek philosopher, used the conception of “the Geocentric theory of No matter where people are born and which race they are in, they should the Universe” (i.e. the Earth is the center of the Universe, a.k.a. the love and help them, not to kill them. They should allow every person to heliocentric theory) further to explain the astronomic phenomena at that enjoy the feast of life and listen to the peaceful music of life. It is not the time. Later in the second century, Ptolemy, an Alexandrian philosopher, nature of religion to expel differences and eliminate dissidence. It is not collected these theories and compiled a “Mathematike Syntaxis” which beneficial to the human race. integrated the essence of ancient astronomic theories and had complete Many religions claim to shoulder the mission of this universe, record of the results of every observation. It was the first systematic especially Christianity and Catholicism. In Greek, Catholicism means astronomic book in the history of science. Because Aristotle and Ptolemy “universal.” Therefore, it employed force and power to compel people to were authorities at that time, Ptolemy’s publication became the Holy Writ become Catholics. For Muslims, they also intended to become universal. of astronomy. They must use swords and spears to wipe out dissidence. In medieval times, the Church adopted Ptolemy’s writings and developed “the Geocentric Theory of the Universe” into the world view of Christianity. At that time, in order to control the medieval Europe, the Christian Churches’ obstinate and old-fashioned religious doctrines pervaded all over the Europe without any academic freedom and innovated thinking. Thus Aristotle and Ptolemy’s theories predominated in the circle of astronomy over one thousand years. Copernicus was born in 1473 in Poland. He was a canon and doctor, ．108． ．109． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

The deeply grievious history of invader Islam’s require a lot from other people and trespass the moral codes and ideals butchering Buddhists themselves. Only if a person possesses personal charm, will he enchant his believers with his own influence. Moreover, there will always be From 1000 to 1200, Islam had threatened India Buddhism for more people gathering around him and they will decide to become his slaves than 200 years. The Muslims used force to burn the temples, slaughtered without a moment of hesitation. Normally, heresy collages all sorts of the people, conquered their countries, destroyed Buddha statues, robbed religious elements that are devoid of any truth. They cannot even elevate their property, and killed many monks, nuns, and Buddhists, the Muslim peopleÕs minds. On the contrary, it makes people fall, breeding chaos countries such as Pakistan Separated from Indian countries and created and ignorance. conflicts and wars between Pakistan and India just because the difference If people want to be believers of these religions, they have to follow the of religion. The folk and religious wars created by different religions only dogma without questioning it. They have to accept that religion completely, bring turmoil and instability to the people. without any resistance or doubts. Otherwise, they will be punished. They The French philosopher, Professor Francois Revel said that the may be put to death as well. However, Buddhism never compels people to religions in the West changed their dogmas just to resolved the special subdue to their religion because it is humanÕs self-motivated mission, a needs. It is a trap as well, combining with political conspiracy. In the kind of civilized education to be spread to the entire world. West, many people are heretics, which believe in lies. They are even For the practitioners of pure spiritual disciplines, they must have two illegal. Heresy is the false copy of the pure spiritual tradition. If there was kinds of power of vow: first, self-awakening-he should sublimate and the chance, their true faces would be revealed and their religion would transcend his own personality. Second, awaken other people-help other collapse. Although heresy can attract many followers, their deceiving people dedicate themselves to purge peopleÕs pain so that their spirits essence is conveyed in their internal paradox, scandals, and incredible will be sublimated and elevated. It is just like following the BuddhaÕs facts. Like a monster, these heresies are extremely ridiculous. They footsteps of truth. We have to go forward gradually, to make a perfect mainly cheat people. It is just because some people are fanatical about personality inside. certain theories and the advocators are extreme in certain thoughts. In the If we want to be a real Buddhist, we have to follow Buddha. However, eyes of the followers, these advocators have important status. At the same we should not worship Buddha as a god or God. We should regard him time, they are liars as well. as a mentor of awakening. We follow and believe in BuddhaÕs teachings Ironically, some of the most brilliant minds may be cheated by these and dharma, not the dogmas because dharma is truth. ignorance talks. In America, there are many venerable doctors, lawyers, In addition, we have to rely on the monks or nuns of the Buddhist and professors participating in religions that are lies. For many years, they groups because they are the people that can guide us through the way. believe in them. They even dedicate and sacrifice for these religious groups. Buddhism will not compel nor change peopleÕs belief. Buddhism never Therefore, do not believe if there are scholars with high social status takes the position of a conqueror. On the contrary, it persuades people dedicating themselves to a religion sincerely, then that religion will be with spiritual influence. a pure one. In fact, it may be a heresy. Unfortunately, people have some Buddha says, “Do not believe my teaching because of your respect kinds of psychological inclination. They are enthusiastic to all sorts of to me. Verify it. Think about it. Prove it. It is because my teaching weird things. Likewise, they are cheated without knowing it. is not the words said by me. It is the natural truth existing in this The model of a person that practices spiritual discipline universe. Now, I allow you to discover its truth.” In Diamond Sutra, For a person that practices spiritual discipline, he has to exert strong Buddha says, “If people say the truth of dharma is something said by discipline to his speech and conduct. At the same time, he has to give Buddha, these people are libelous. Truth exists naturally. I have just people his greatest mercy and patience. However, in heresies, they pointed you to a road. Then, you have to find the road that follows.” ．110． ．111． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

The second discipline of converting to the Triratna Relations between Buddhism and other Disciplines According to the second discipline of conversion, you have to rely on in the World triratna until the end of your life. In addition, you should not study other The Buddhist sutras include Medicine, Pharmacy, Physiology, books of heresy, such as Feng Shui (geomantic omen), fortune telling, Bacteriology, Nutriology, Hygiene, Geography, History, Natural metoposcopy, heresy, mysticism, theology, spells, etc. You have to study History, Astronomy, Philosophy, Psychology, Futurology, Education & Buddhist Sutra only in order to be free from all the afflictions in this life. Educational psychology, Logic, Ethics, Politics, Jurisprudence, In Tripitak, the holy text of Buddhism, there are 12 volumes and Medicine 2,278 books of Sutra, recording all the knowledge in and beyond this Healing Sutra: It says that there are 10 causes for people to be infected world. It can be said that Buddhism is the knowledge that integrates all with illness. It also listed the food that should not be eaten in the four the knowledge in the world. If you want to study psychology, according seasons. In addition, there are 9 causes that need to be paid attention to to the studies of the psychologists and philosophers in the world, they but fail to do so. And the five merits of walking is also discussed. would recommend Surangama Sutra to be the most profound book on The Sutra on Metaphors for Medicine (Original Conditions Section, psychology. Meanwhile, Diamond Sutra is the most profound philosophy. Volume 2): It inspires the doctors in the manners of treating and When we talk about science, Vijnaptimatrasiddhi-sutra is the most diagnosing the illness of the people profound book on science. BuddhaÕs wisdom was obtained through his -: It analyzes that there are two major conditions practice throughout his life. of the patients conditions, difficult to heal or easy to heal. It also discusses About the relations between Buddhism and other disciplines, it is the patients’ psychological conditions and the demerits of oversleeping. discussed as follows: (The relations between Buddhism and other The Sutra about the Deep Kindness of Parents and the Difficulty in disciplines spent the master three years time in consulting 2,278 volumes Repaying it: It teaches how to distinguish the sex of the bones and the of Sutra in Tripitak and all the major disciplines in the world. It is really a growth of the baby in mother’s womb for 10 months. difficult task. I hope you can spend some time and read it seriously.) Sutra of the Nine Difficulties (Agama Section, Volume 2): It discusses the nine reasons of people’s sudden death. Volume 20 of : It discusses the way to cure Avoid godless chatter and dispute, drowsiness. Concise Tripitaka: It records the methods to cure headache, eyes because those who indulge in it will ache, ear ache, hemorrhoids, dysentery, expel mice method, snake bites, irregular menstruation, knife cuts, bruises, etc. It also teaches people how become more and more ungodly. to expel mice, prevent babies from crying, cure difficult birth, give birth to male babies, conduct a smooth birth, cure stuffy nose, etc. Buddha always used food therapy to cure his disciples. In addition, he also taught them how to prevent diseases from recurring. Pharmacy: Sutra on the Use of Medicinal Herbs for Healing by the Thousand- eyed, Thousand-hands Kuanyin Bodhisattva (Secret Section, Part 3): It points out that there are 46 kinds of herbs, plants, cereals, and ores that can cure many kinds of diseases that are difficult to cure, such as scorpion

．112． ．113． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha sting, poisonous insect, red eye, cataract, chest pain, torturing ghost The Sutra of realize correct dharma: It records the volume of the disease, corpse and ghost disease, stuffy nose, blocking ears, stiff limbs, sweat, saliva, urine, bone marrow, fat, water, bowels, and urine, the difficult birth, heart ache, tape worm, hemorrhoids, belly ache, insomnia, bones structure at different part of human bodies, and the number and fast when seeing ghost and unconscious and spitting saliva, sprout and distribution of tendons and artery. fruit tree disease, bruise, urinating or defecating difficult, babies crying Sutra of the Path of Stages of Cultivation: It records the names of some at night and unable to sleep, sores in babies mouth and difficult eating, eighty kinds of germs and the distribution of the organs in a human body. childbirth disease, frequent urinating, burnt, swell and ache, allergy, etc. Sutra of the Path of Stages of Cultivation and The Buddha Speaks the Sutra on Obstetrics Spoken by the Sage Kauyapa: It discusses the care Sutra about the Deep Kindness of Parents and the Difficulty in Repaying it: It for pregnant women. It also prescribes the medicine pregnant women records the development of the embryo of the babies at each day in detail. can take each month during the 10 months of carrying and protecting the Dharmaguptaka Vinaya: It says that there are five demerits from insomnia mother and the baby. caused from a messy heart. It also talks about the reason of over sleeping. The way of Healing of Baby and Children’s Disease Sutra Said by Bacteriology Luomona: For all the children from birth to the age of twelve, as their The Sutra of realize correct dharma (Volume 64): It closely records all spirits are not full the ghosts will take chances. There are 12-constellation kinds of germs and the position, name, and quantity in different organs female ghosts wandering in this world, seeking all the opportunities. Day in the body. For example, there are the brain bug, bone bug, hair bug, and night, they take the convenience to scare the babies and make them eye bug, ear bug, nose bug, tooth bug, tongue bug, tongue bug, fat bug, behave abnormally. In addition, they will suck the babie’s and children’ and many different kinds of germs. In other organs, there are 10 different s spirits to make them sick and weak. In this Sutra, the way of curing kinds of bugs that will lead to sickness, such as the throat bug, vein bug babies and children at different ages is clearly written. (sleep bug), and liver bug, vagina bug, penis bug, bone marrow bug, Sutra of the Most Honored King, Sutra of the Great Buddha-corona urine bug, etc. In addition, there are 48 kinds of winds in the body. All Wide Assembly of Treasure of Fearless, and Transcript of Fragrant these winds and bugs are the causes of diseases. Medicine: Many kinds of Chinese medicines and herbs are recorded in Nutriology: them. Their characters and functions are discussed in detail. Ten Recitations Vinaya and Dharmaguptaka-vinaya: It tells the five Nirdeua Sutra: It describes how Buddha heal the people. kinds of roots, shoot, and leaves and five kinds of cereals and fruits that Treatment for Meditating Illness (Volume 3 of Sutra-collection are nutritious and edible. It tells five kinds of root medicine that are good Section): The 72 method to cure A-lian RuoÕs messy heart disease for health maintenance. It tells eight kinds of nutritious congee. It tells (madness and mental disorder). the 10 advantages of eating congee. Ten Recitations Vinaya (Volume 26): It talks about the therapeutic Mahasanghika Vinaya, Vol. 29: It teaches the disciples how to cook effects of four digestive medicines, they can cure difficulties in adapting nutritious and tasty congee. It teaches how to cook, bake cakes and to new environment, indigestion, cholera, diarrhea and vomiting, biscuits, and make juice. It also tells the 14 kinds of edible juices. overeating, etc. Surangama Sutra and Lankavatara sutra: It tells the five disadvantages Dharmaguptaka-vinaya (Volume 42): It discusses the five medicines of eating meat and five forbidden pungent roots. It also tell the and many kinds of cereals and tree juices monks and nuns can take to disadvantages of drinking milk and eating eggs. cure cold, temperature, headache, etc. Sutra of the Kingly Arrangement of All Dharmas and Merits: It Physiology encourages people to eat cheese and non-glutinous rice. Mahaparinirvana Sutra: It separated the organs in a human body into Sutra of the Most Honored King: It tells what kind of food to eat in 36 parts. different season to facilitate the health of body and heart. ．114． ．115． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

Hygiene Buddha and his disciples in practicing Buddhism, as well as the history Arya Anityata Sutra: It teaches the way to clean the corpse and other of India. The stories told by Buddha are numerous and vivid. They are ways of keeping hygiene. inspiring too. Ten Recitations Vinaya: It teaches the disciples how to excrete and Natural History urinate, clean the nose and spit, bath and toilet, eat and sleep. It also tells The Sutra of realize correct dharma (Volume 67): It records the names, them how to maintain the living environment and the guideline for hygiene. shapes, usages, and the growing processes of some ten kinds of flowers, Surangama Sutra: It tells the disadvantages of eating the five forbidden trees, plants, rice, fruits, etc. In addition, it records the names and sizes pungent roots. It also says that eat raw food will make people angry, and of the birds, animals in the mountains, rivers, and the fishes in the sea cooked food, desire. Then, the good gods will be far away from you and closely. Moreover, it records the types and sites of the ores and gems. the wicked gods will be around. Astronomy Dharmaguptaka-vinaya and Ten Recitations Vinaya: It teaches the Sutra of the Great Conflagration: It talks about the time and process of disciples five ways of cooking the food (we should peel off the skins of the creation, the past, the bad, and the void. some fruits, we should dry some food, etc.), how to maintain the hygiene Abhidharmakosa Sastra: It talks about the formation of the earth and of the environment, how to keep the body clean, donÕt eat too much, or the time of creation. The earth is made up of steam, the atmosphere, and the take a bath with the stomach empty, etc. space in proper order. It also discusses when humans and creatures were Madhyama Agama: It records the proper ways to take a rest and sleep. born. It uses “kalpa” to tell the duration of time, the earth, and the kingdom. The Sutra on Bathing and Cleaning oneself in the Bathhouse: It tells Treatise on the Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra: It records the the advantages of taking a bath. It also tells people to pay attention to the diameter of the earth and the moon, and the distance between them. mouth, hands, etc. It reminds people to take a bath, cut the hair, cut the The Close Sutra and the Sutra of Constellations and Luminaries: It nails, clean the earwax, wear shoes, sleep, eat and drink, toilet, and clean records the 12 constellations, which complies with the discovery in the environment. Even more, it records the hygiene of cleaning the nose, modern astronomy. It also talks about the orbits of the seven planets, as spitting, sneezing, yawning, etc. the sun, moon, Venus, Jupiter, etc and their relations to the humans. The Sutra on the Meaning of Reproval (Volume 4 of Sutra-collection The sutra of Prince Uardula-karma and the Twenty-eight Constellations Section): It talks about the advantages of not eating in the afternoon, the and Mahasamghata Sutra : It talks about the appearance of the 28 reasons of over-sleeping, and eight ways of not sleeping. constellations, their orbiting time, and the number of satellites around Dharma Garden and Pearl Grove, Vol. 92: It talks about the 10 them. It complies with the discovery in modern astronomy. disadvantages of eating meat. Philosophy Geography: In philosophy, we analyze the phenomena, the complicated truth among The Sutra of realize correct dharma (Volume 70): It records all the the creatures and human beings with an objective and rational mind. In names of the kingdoms in India. In addition, it records the name, number, addition, philosophy is also a discipline of creative concepts. However, position, and the area of the mountains, rivers, lakes, cities, and tribes concepts are not merely the knowing holding by oneself but rational in the kingdoms. Moreover, it closely records the shape and color of the creation. Philosophy does not only include literature and history but also flowers, herbs, trees, plants, fishes, birds, etc. science and politics. It is a discipline as well as a kind of wisdom. It is the Longevity, Mahaparinirvana Sutra: It introduces the names, length, and art of living linked to the ethical system. width of the eight major rivers in India. For common philosophers, concerning the issues of world view, History ontology and dichotomy, they tend to deduce them from imagination Original Conditions Section, Tripitaka: It records the conducts of the and speculation. Therefore, there will be deviation and discrepancies. ．116． ．117． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

Buddhism is not philosophy, however, all the philosophers admit that themselves from time to time. Although the philosophers’ concepts are Buddha is a great philosopher. According to BuddhaÕs knowing, infinite, they can hardly have any effects on their lives. They cannot metaphysical thinking is difficult to be determined. All the dharma and elevate one’s spiritual realm completely. phenomena change at different time and space. It is because subjective Western philosophers all agree that Buddhism is the greatest speculation and discussion concerning the finite and infinite, eternal or philosophy ephemeral of the universe are all prejudice and bias. They are not helpful Buddhism attracts western philosophers and people gradually because to practical life and the development of the mind. it teaches people how to control their emotions. Then, people can learn The truth understood by Buddha is a kind of awakening reflected upon to control their own minds, emotions, and thoughts. In other words, they the hearts of the nature of the phenomena outside. They are the empirical are in control of everything related to life. Such conduct arises from results of penetrating into the phenomena. It is hard to understand by internal discipline and metamorphosis. It is the conduct of a wise person, philosophical or knowledge concepts. This kind of truth is inspired from a classical pattern of the ancient philosophers, worthy of our learning. within, only to be accomplished by a superb practitioner. In is the natural In his book, Why Philosopher, Mr. Jean, a well-known French manifestation of the internal wisdom. philosopher, talks about the Western philosophers after the 19th century. He From time to time, Buddhism is mistaken as the philosophy of pain, In thinks that they all betray the truth of modern philosophy and humanities, fact, the closer we get to the road of practicing Buddhism, and the more creating great shock to the philosophy. It verifies the truth of selfless in possible we can transform pain into joy, which is regarded as the joy of Buddha’s dharma. However, all the philosophers in the world recommend dharma. It will fill up our hearts. From the very beginning, Buddhism Diamond Sutra because it is the profoundest philosophy in the world. acknowledged that the world in the gathering of pain. However, However, the void of all dharma and phenomena, neither empty nor Buddhism can tell the origins of pain clearly. Through deep meditation, full, discussed in Diamond Sutra is the only way to understand the the reaching of a certain realm through meditation, observation, and BuddhaÕs characters and the ultimate truth of Rulai. It seems that the practicing, it is possible to heal all the afflictions. Buddhism is not the philosophers have mistaken the meanings of Buddhism. Therefore, not all philosophy of pain, as most philosophers thought. experts in Buddhism study agree that Buddhism is philosophy. The philosophers’ conceptual world is alienated from the meaning of Psychology life and reality, therefore, it is not contributive. If we want to transform If the famous psychologists in the West as Freud and Jung ever studied the spiritual realm, we should actualize it through practices. Modern Buddhism, their research would be more fruitful. It is a pity that the Sutra they philosophers tend to ignore actual practices. From time to time, they read was English translation that mistook the meanings of Sutra. Likewise, it indulge themselves just to allow their concepts flood into the infinite was unable for them to have a glimpse of the essence of Buddhism. Like the plain. They love to play complicated games of knowledge. In fact, their blind man touching the elephant, they can hardly know the truth. usages are very small. The Sutra on the Meaning of Reproval (Volume 4 of Sutra-collection There is great discrepancy between the conceptual world of the Section): There are causes of people’s good and bad dreams. There are philosophers and the actual humanistic life. The discrepancy is so great four good dreams. that the philosophers do not need to regard their conducts as exemplar Vibhasa Uastra: It discuss the five causes for good dreams. for other people. However, people accept all these corrupted acts. A The Sutra about Ten Affairs Dreamed by the King of : Buddha philosopher or a scientist can indulge in personal distress and unbounded interprets 10 dreams for the king emotions. However, a Buddhist practitioner is very clear about whether Sutra about Ananda’s Seven Dreams: Buddha interprets seven dreams his internal wisdom, the power of abstract meditation, degree of for his disciple Ananda. tolerance, and personality have grown or not. In addition, they can adjust Mahaparinivana, Volume 24: It talks about the relations between ．118． ．119． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha psychological impacts and physical changes. A Study of the Relationship between Jungian Psychology Surangama Sutra: It explains people’s subconscious. It also discusses and Buddhist Thought the filing of the chaotic signs, images, people, thought, psychological form, intuition, and the repressed memory in the past. It is impossible to This thesis aims to examine the relationship between the analytical be conscious of these phenomena, however, these phenomena will exert psychology of the famous Swiss psychologist, Carl Gustav Jung, certain influences on our psyche. When we encounter different scenes, and related theories concerning psychology. Jung, a famous Western phenomena, and things with our senses, we may miscalculate them; psychologist, was the founder of analytical psychology. With sound therefore, fancy and obstinacy will be formed. knowledge in theory and practice, he was able to break away from According to psychoanalysis, the subconscious is similar to the habit tradition and shatter the taboos of Western psychology. With profound discussed in Buddhism, belonging to the psychological aspect. Although study in Indian Buddhism, Chinese philosophy, theology, religions, etc, they are not manifested in the subconscious, they will affect our behavior he was able to broaden the realm of his psychology. More importantly, and judgment power. These psychological tendencies are not originated from his endeavor in study was really remarkable, and deserving respect. childhood, but past lives, which help contributing the formation of Jung’s Jung believed that treatment of mental illness was not the goal of archetypes and instincts, both of which constitute collective unconscious. It is psychiatry, which should be the development the patients’ creative regarded as eight kinds of conscious, “eight knowing fields.” potentials and complete personality, not the therapy of the symptoms. In fact, archetype is the eighth conscious, “alaya-vijnana” in He said, “the major purpose of psychiatry is not to lead patients to an Buddhism. Meanwhile, instinct is the seventh conscious, “klista-mano- impossible state of luckiness, but to help them establish the patience and vijnana.” Instinct is necessary for impulse, which is of animal nature, determination to face hardship.” similar to the instinct the animals’ returning to the nest after hunting. It Concerning how Jung came into contact with Buddhism, he said, “what is what Confucius said, “Food and sex are people’s nature.” Eating and first leads me into the world of Buddhist thought is neither history of having sex are people’s instincts, which control the animal behaviors. religion, nor philosophical research. My duty lies on the concern for the Meanwhile, archetype determines our patterns of knowing, the active pain yield from sickness and its therapy. Owing to this reason, I have to function of the conscious. Both instinct and archetype are the functions understand the great mentor Buddha’s truth and theory on causality as of collective conscious, they are universal and natural. Such as “alaya- ‘life, old age, sickness, and death. Sometimes people may not get what vijnana” is a kind of knowledge treasure, i.e. concealment. It conceals they expect. When people leave their beloved, they may encounter hatred all the thoughts of good and bad, the phenomena of all things, and the and the eight pains arisen from the senses.’ These allow me to understand process of changing. It is a kind of obstinate self-conscious, waiting to life better. Reading the Buddhist texts, I am greatly enlightened in the control instinct, and the action and direction of “klista-mano-vijnana.” research of psychology because it can train people to view pain with an Although, the famous psychologist Freud says that if we believe we optimistic attitude. Concerning the origins of everything, we can adopt a can break through this barrier with common knowledge, it is definitely a general perspective.” fancy. However, it is possible to observe such realm by deep meditation. Although Jung’s theory still cannot illuminate the essence of Buddhism, he Through introspection and mind discipline, it is possible to purify the injected novel ideas into psychology profoundly. Regarding Western trained mind, to nullify these habits. The psychologists cannot reach the realm. psychologists that hope to delve deeply into Eastern spiritual therapeutic Therefore, Buddhism is the profoundest psychology in the world. (There manner, Jung’s introduction to Buddhism is an important bridge. are certain relations between psychology and Buddhism. For those who In this thesis is research the subject to study Jung’s enlightenment are interested in it can consult the master’s MS thesis “The Study of acquired from Buddhism. Moreover, I would like to compare and contrast Jungian Psychology and Buddhist Thoughts.”) the similarities and differences between JungÕs system of thought and ．120． ．121． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

Buddhism. Then, I would like to examine how some of his thoughts from personal experience which is not acquire after but before birth. I are correspondent with those in Buddhism, including his innovation call this level “collective subconscious”. I choose “collective” because “collective consciousness”, and “Alaya Virnana and Manyana.” such conscious is not individual but general. Different from personal Of course, the correspondences are not necessarily the same. Base on psychology, it possesses all the contents and behavioral patterns of an the assumption that JungÕs psychology and Buddhism may have many individual. Therefore, it constitutes the foundation of this trans-personal differences in their perspectives, implications, and realms. However, psychology and exists in each of us. through interdisciplinary study as such, it will be illuminating in the Concerning the difference between Jungian collective conscious and manner of thinking for both . The researcher Freudian personal unconscious, Jung believes that personal consciousness believes that it will create a symbiosis of sorts. With the sorting, is found in collective consciousness, belonging to the surface structure. comparison, and deduction, it is possible to understand the contents and However, regarding collective consciousness, it is the same in general similarities in both fields. Moreover, through understanding of different before birth. To take an island as an example, consciousness is like “spiritual therapy”, it may bring a more thorough understanding in the the part protruding above water. For the major part that is hidden study of emotions and nature. under water, unseen regardless of ebb and flow, is called the collective Concerning the nature of Western psychology, it is different from consciousness. For all the isolated islands are actually connected deep Buddhism, which aims to pursue eternal liberation from the wheel of life under the sea on the sea bed. It is collective consciousness. This thought and death. However, it is possible to employ the perspectives of Western permeates Jungian psychology, rendering his psychological perspective psychology to understand the interpretations in Buddhism, likewise, divergent with that of Freud’s tremendously. not only helps us expand the realm of thinking, but also understand the Jung believed that like the long history of a person’s body, a person’ deeper level of psyche, helping us to “understand ourselves and other s psyche had a long history as well. He says, “there is a long lizard’s tail, people” in validating our “true face.” which is family, race, European and world history, following our psyche.” Among the intense fields Jung got involved in, Buddhist thoughts Since ancient times, after the continuous repeated experiences our occupy a large portion of them in the aspect of enlightenment. Jung ancestors encountered, these experiences precipitated a deep structure of said, “since the publication of Thotrol, it has become my best the human psyche. Like the primitive cave in Jung’s dream, it constituted companion. Not only did I acquire much stimulation and knowledge different levels of “collective consciousness” in psychological structure, from this book, but I also received much insight from it.” Likewise, some according to different individuals. Buddhist thoughts do bring inspiration and influences in the study of Jungian psychology. Section 2 The Implications of in Buddhism In the Tibetan language, Mandala means “altar, mass, gathering, wheel Chapter 1 Relations between Jungian Self Consciousness and with legs, sun wheel, and moon wheel.” It is used in Mandala in Buddhism to prevent demons from invading during meditation. Likewise, a monk Section 1 Framework of Jungian Psychology may draw a circle or square on the ground, build a mud altar and draw The major framework of Jungian psychology lies in analytical the Buddha’s image at the center, to render the temple clean and quiet for psychology. Concerning his early framework, they are mostly branches religious practice. For Tibetan Buddhism, they regard Mandala as place from the Freudian psychoanalysis. In “Archetypes and Collective of epiphany, for the observation and meditation of Buddhism. To do so, Unconscious”, Jung says “Doubtless, more or less surface consciousness they draw the scene of the Buddha standing in a roll for the purpose of possesses personal features. I regard it as “personal unconscious”, meditation and worshiping. As to the meaning of the icon, it signifies however, such unconscious depends on a deeper level, not originated that life naturally contains the wisdom for epiphany, benignity, and ．122． ．123． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha inclinations to Buddhism (Vol 1 Darijing). From 1918 to 1919, Jung drew squares and circles of different sizes to In Buddhism, regarding the discussions of realms concerning reflect his emotion and mental state. When his psychological conditions meditation and religious practice, it occupies a great part of the religious changed, the Mandala he painted changed as well. Lastly, he awakened practice. In the sutra of observe life are limitless, a famous Buddhist text, suddenly, with enlightenment. He said, “Gradually, I come to know what it tells a story about the Mandala world of Alsheshiwanzi’s father. In the a real Mandala is ”forms, metamorphosis. Eternal spirit, eternal creation” story, the interpretation concerning the practice of Mandala meditation is (Part 2, Faust). It is also “self consciousness and complete personality. the clearest and closest. The Mandala I drew were codes concerning the conditions of self- In the sutra of observe life are limitless, it says, when Siddhartha consciousness. When these codes flash into my mind everyday, they are Buddha evangelized Buddhism in India, there was a prince who believed new. In these codes, I see self-consciousness, my existence.” in the words of the demon. Attempting to usurp the throne, he imprisoned Eventually, Jung came to the conclusion that Mandala represents the his father in the cellar, trying to stave him to death. Owing to worries eternal creation of “form”, “transformation”, and “spiritual eternity.” and hatred, he almost collapsed. Luckily, the Buddha sent his disciples to Later, when Jung faced his patients, he paid attention to the images in the cellar, transmitting the message of Buddhism. The Buddha’s disciple primitive myth, legends, and art, which appeared in different civilizations, taught him to imagine and observe the Mandala’s picture of light from the races, primitive tribes, psychiatric patients, and children. For example, Buddha’s world in the west. Concentrating on the center of Mandala, like in religions, art, and dreams, images as flowers, crosses, wheels, etc. a sun wheel, in which the Buddha sat. It gave out light, shinning upon appeared. Jung regarded these images as “Mandala”. the king’s heart, allowing him to hollow his heart, without any obstinacy. Jung proved that in the rocks found in the Monolithic Age of Rhodesia, Likewise, he was able to understand pain, emptiness, and impermanence. there was an abstract pattern - double cross in a circle. “In fact, such Consequentially, he nullified the hatred in his heart, reaching an elevated pattern appeared in almost every culture. Nowadays, we cannot only state of peace and tranquility. With mind and spirit liberated, the king find it in Christian churches, but also in the monasteries in Tibet. It is died peacefully, with a smile on his face. regarded as the sun wheel, which formed in the age before people knew Attempting to define Mandala with one sentence, it is possible to say the function of wheels. Of course, it cannot be originated from experience that the phenomenal world people are living in shares the same space external to this world because in the process of drawing “Mandala”, with “Buddha from the secondary dimension of the Saint.” Speaking it would lead to internal changes at heart. This process is regarded as with certain meanings, macrocosm and microcosm are undividable space. individuation.” Mandala requires people to contribute themselves fully when the Buddha Jung said, “when I began to draw Mandala, I could see everything, are gathering. The basic nature of Mandala is Òsaintly realmÓ, it is to including the road I walked on. I always adopt all the procedures that lead create the particular space in the saintly realm with complete meanings. to a single point in the middle. Things get clearer and clearer - Mandala In Tibetan Buddhism, it is called “simabandah”. is the center, the representative of all roads, which lead to the center and In Tibetan Buddhism, after the followers are enlightened, it is essential individuation.” to give them special instruction in watching Mandala. This kind of Mandala possesses the function of psychological therapy. In “Over Mandala portrays the peace and quiet gods, as well as the wicked and Civilization”, Jung says, “Mandala appears when temptations and angry ones. It depicts the conflicts of the existing forces, with primitive disharmony occur. Therefore, archetype appears in the shape of a impulse and passion. It also depicts the holy light. All these exist in the horoscope, representing itself in an order pattern (such pattern resembles deepest part of the spirit, through which we can enter Mandala, allowing an engraved cross in four parts or the psychology of a circle, called a us to experience harmony and unity within conflicts. “reflective mirror” and overlapping confused mental states. It renders When Jung experienced depression, he began to draw Mandala. ．124． ．125． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha everything to fall into its place. Likewise, the chaotic mental state is opportunity to determine the direction and pattern of behavior regarding controlled by circles that possess a protective function. At the same time, instinctual consciousness (to hide the knowledge). they are the mysterious Yoga from India, a tool that can help people Like all the Tibetan’s sensual consciousness and subconscious, it restore their mental state.” collects the entire life of a person, thing, scenes, etc experienced by It seems to be obvious that Jung received much inspiration from a person during her life, and the behaviors that happen. Therefore, “Mandala”. Other than helping the soul elevate actively, paving the road some of them may appear in our dreams or in daily life. For example, to individuation, it can also prevent the soul from passive disintegration. if you meet a person for the first time, and you have the feeling that Helping the soul restore its order, it enables personality in resuming complete. you knew her from somewhere else because she gives you a feeling of affinity. Sometimes, if you go to a strange place for the first time, you Chapter 2 Relations between Jungian Collective Unconscious, and may have the feeling that you have been there. All these situations will Alaya Virnana and Manyana appear in conditions of Alaya (archetypal consciousness). Jung says that Section 1 Jungian Archetypal Consciousness and Instinctual Alaya is like a mental image, it projects itself from hidden archetypal Consciousness consciousness. Jung believes that like a horoscope, it may illuminate the Jung advocated that collective unconscious at its early stage was mental reality and foretell the situations like a prophet. formed by blending instinctual and archetypal consciousness. Regarding According to psychology, Alaya, “is a kind of subconscious or instinctual consciousness, it is essential in drive and instinct, possessing unconsciousness. Concerning the subconscious, it means it does not biological nature and resembling animal hunting and homing instincts. explain its function and purpose; it is a kind of hidden and inactive It is what Confucius, the Chinese Sage, regarded as “eating and sex mental power. Regarding unconscious, it means it is the mind without are people’s basic instincts,” because food and sex are people’s basic any conscious activities.” It is suggested that like the subconscious, Alaya instincts, they control people’s action. is hidden, concealed, and without any conscious activities. Likewise, there is another unconscious comprehension pattern Alaya is the Romanization of Sanskrit, it means “to hide the regulating our perception. These patterns are archetypal consciousness knowledge”, as well as including all the seeds of Buddhist thought (the that intuitively have accompanied us since birth. performance and unveiling of the conscious and feeling of illusion and Similar to instinctual decisions, archetype determines our understanding everything in this world). In the introduction to the three volumes of pattern, an active conscious functional relation. Regarding instinctual and Vijinatimatrasiddhi translated by Hsuan-Tsang, it says, “Reasons are archetypal patterns, the relations between which are general and natural, hidden in the way and method, the seeds for all knowledge, likewise, they both function as collective operation, related to each other! it is called Alaya.” It’s nature is equivalent to the conservation of the collective conscious of all the archetypes. Section 2 Similarities between Archetypal Consciousness and Alaya Concerning “Alaya”, it consists of two parts: one of them is Jung mentioned some conditions concerning understanding and “recognition”. It is the nature of “never born, never perish”. It possesses the control of the direction of action, such archetypal consciousness the function of paving the way to recognition. The other one is “not is what in Buddhism is “Alaya”, the eighth consciouness of the eight recognizing”, which gives people the trouble of birth and perishing. It consciousnesses, i. e. Manyana. It is a kind of willpower that can be is the contributing factor of the transformation of life and death in the hidden, implying all thoughts concerning malignant and benignant universe. These two parts contain everything in the universe, giving rise behavior, and the metamorphosis of everything. It is a consciousness to all things in the universe. that is obstinate about one’s self, i.e. to collect the consciousness created From the nature of “recognition” in Alaya, it facilitates the liberation outside with eyes, ears, nose, mouth, body, mind, etc. It waits for the of things. Moreover, its power is the nature of “recognition” of “self ．126． ．127． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha tranquility”, i.e. self-recognition. On the contrary, the nature of According to volume.4 Vijinatimatrasiddhi sutra says: This “recognition” is the “recognition” in trouble. In the nature of “not consciousness is the root of determinacy, which renders us to get recognizing”, it still contains the elements of awakening. In other words, entangled in the state of confusion to make the sixth consciousness to trouble is bodhi. commit vices. Likewise, it creates unfathomable trouble. Although this Jung says, “Subconscious is natural phenomena. Like nature, it is conscious is linked to my obsession, my view, my self-aggrandizements, neutral. It includes all the faces of humanity: light and darkness, beauty and my love, it will not grow after breaking, but will disconnect all the and ugliness, malignancy and benignity, profundity and shallowness.” malign seeds, allowing us to understand everything is indeed empty. Govinda shares similar perspectives towards Alaya, “It includes (Buddhist Lankavatara Sutra and Vijinatimatrasiddhi Sutra) divinity, as well as evil. It is kind and sympathetic, as well as cruel and emotionless. It is selfless and selfish. It is knowledgeable and demonic. It Chapter 3 relations between early Jung’s Individual Subconscious deeply longs for light and liberation, with blind passion and an ignorant and the “Six Consciousnesses” in Buddhism impulse of darkness.” Therefore, Jung’s “collective subconscious” and Section 1 similarity between Collective Consciousness and the “Six Buddhism’s “Alaya” include everything in humanity.” Consciousnesses” in Buddhism Regardless of the ideas, images, or illusions that arise from the Jung says that instinctual consciousness determines our action. unconscious, they are psychic realities, which can create psychological Meanwhile, archetypal consciousness decides our pattern of knowing. situations under certain conditions. The images that are created from Likewise, instinctual and archetypal consciousnesses are the center of the dreams are not only solvable, but for the psyche, everything is real collective subconscious. What Jung regards as collective subconscious because the psyche will not be confused by our scope and realm of reality. are actually the six consciousnesses of Buddhism: consciousness of eyes, From Jung’s interpretation of “collective subconscious”, we can nose, mouth, body and mind. That is why Buddhists say a person has understand that “collective subconscious” and Alaya share many six roots: they are the consciousnesses created by the eyes, ears, nose, similarities. However, the implications mentioned in mind-only mouth, body and mind. They are the leading consciousness of the seventh learning of Buddhism are broader than those mentioned by Jung’ consciousness , which is the prime factor that creates people’ s “collective subconscious”. For example, the “seeds” contained in s trouble of being obstinate. It also drives the seven consciousnesses Alaya include the “common seed” in the procreation of the mountains to execute the troublesome consciousnesses arisen from the six roots, and rivers, the “un-lacking seeds” that can render everything extinct, such as greed, anger, obsession, self-aggrandizement, suspiciousness etc. The abovementioned realms are not discussed in Jung’s “collective and malignity. It is also the origin that makes people commit malignant unconscious.” It may be distinguished between religion and psychology. behavior. The image created in the previous six consciousnesses will all input into the trouble consciousness in Manas, the eighth consciousness, Section 3 Instinctual Consciousness is Manas in Buddhism and store it there. It waits for the worries arisen from the external The archetypal consciousness mentioned by Jung determines the environment to trigger the action of the seven consciousnesses, by giving behavioral manner and direction in instinctual consciousness, which is the order to the six roots to commit those behaviors. Like a circle, the the seventh consciousness of the -Manas. eight consciousnesses produce>store>execute in an endless cycle. Manas means thinking, eternal thinking. All the consciousness stored in The six consciousnesses are the recognition capacity of the external the knowledge bank of Alaya are waiting for the opportunities to control environment perceived by the six sensual organs on our bodies: eyes, this knowledge in the warehouse, turning them into action instinctually ears, nose, body, and mind. by giving order to the sixth conscious eyes, ears, nose, mouth, body, etc Concerning the eye root, it is the consciousness of the eyes rendered by and launch into operation in the external realm.

．128． ．129． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha visual capacity. From the eye root, it reproduces eye dust, i.e. the trouble the message from the collective consciousness. Through instinctual and worry of obstinacy created by seeing the external environment by our consciousness, we execute and control external behavior. eyes. (Dust means troubles.) Concerning the ear root, it is the consciousness of the ears rendered Chapter 4 Study on Jungian Psychotherapy and Buddhist Therapy by audio capabilities. Further, it reproduces ear dust, i.e. worry of the Section 1 Jungian Psychotherapy obstinacy of pain and joy created by listening to the sounds in the When Jung was studying psychological phenomena, he did not external environment. approach the problem from an objective perspective, but from the Concerning the root of nose, it is the consciousness of the nose created perspective of a clinical therapist. Therefore, practical psychotherapy is by smelling capacity. Further, it reproduces nose dust, i.e. the worry of the foundation of Jungian psychology. It was also Jung’s purpose and the obstinacy of pain and joy created by smelling odor in the external motivation in studying different aspects of psychology by contributing his environment. endeavor. For Jung, if people can not lessen their pain, psychology is pointless. Concerning the root of the mouth, it is the consciousness of the mouth Jung was notorious for paying no concern to things that are not practical. created by the taste buds. Further, it creates mouth dust, i.e. the worry of Concerning Jungian psychotherapy, the theory that is widely accepted the obstinacy of pain and joy created by eating the food in the external is Freud’s influence on him. He believes that accurate therapy is not environment. achieved through a doctor’s “hint or direct influence”, but through Concerning the root of the body, it is the consciousness of the body solving the conflicts in the subconscious actively. It is to lead the feeling, created by the sensual capacity of our bodies. Further, it reproduces body thoughts, and impulse from the unconscious into the conscious to achieve dust, i.e. the worry of the obstinacy of the pain and joy created by our the goal of therapy. In other words, it is to lead archetypal consciousness bodies touching the things in the external environment. into instinctual consciousness. Jung emphasizes that all patients have Concerning the root of the mind, it is the consciousness of the mind their own personalities. Facing each patient, a therapist should surrender created by thinking capacity. Further, it reproduces mind dust, i.e. the any pre-supposed thoughts, to give the patient individual psychotherapy worry of the obstinacy of the pain and joy created by the changes of our in different manners. brain when thinking changes in the external environment. Concerning the technique of psychotherapy, it is possible to categorized Jung’s method into analytical and synthetic ones. Regarding the analytical Section 2 The Sixth Consciousness is totally Psychic Activities method, it is to employ the symptoms related to one’s childhood memory Owing to the contact between the six roots and six realms, color (forms to interpret and alleviate the pain. Meanwhile, regarding the synthetic of people, things, environment, etc in the world), sound, fragrance, taste, method, it is to dig from the symptoms the foreground factors obviously touch, method (the concepts towards everything), it produces six kinds of direct to future health. Likewise, Jung regards the interrelationship psychic activities, transporting them to Alaya, the eight consciousnesses, between psychoanalysts and patients as the key to therapy. for storage. Then, through the seventh consciousness, it produces Employing different methods and techniques, Jung attempts to help activities related to greed, anger, and obsession, controlling people to his patients connect the images arisen from dream fantasy and symbols commit benign and malign activities. Likewise, it creates all worries, joy, experienced with archetypes, to allow hypnotization, automatic writing, and obstinacy. It is actually psychic activities (Vol. 5 Vijinatimatrasiddhi Sutra and free association to unveil their unconscious heart. Maybe, through Vol. 2 Abhidharmakosa Sastra). drama, dance, painting, writing, singing, praying, etc, it can help alleviate Therefore, the archetype (Alaya) and instinctual consciousness (Manas) unknown pressure arisen from the unconscious, the process is helpful to advocated by Jung are the best dwelling for the collective consciousness individuation. (six consciousnesses). Likewise, the archetypal consciousness collects Jung tells that through his personal experience of drawing Mandala, ．130． ．131． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha archetypes can stimulate and adjust creative activities. Moreover, it is Jungian psychoanalysis focuses on the “structure” and “power” of the most effective. Jung developed a therapeutic process known as “active mind, which means consciousness and subconscious. The latter plays the imagination”, with which a patient can trace back to the center in her psyche. role of compensating the consciousness. If the attitude of consciousness Concerning the goal of psychotherapy, it is progressive. It requires appears to be over-obsessed, relative speaking, the subconscious will attention on the patient’s current conscious conditions. As therapy to one appear, to balance the imbalanced condition. Through the internal power psyche, psychotherapy is achieved through transference, on the one hand. of dreams, it can adjust itself. On the other hand, it is conducted through the honest relationship built Jung attempts to allow the patients to understand the symbols that between the analyst and the patients. In other words, it is achieved through trouble them. Fuzzy dreams and fantasy would release the archetypal mutual effort and mutual concern between the therapist and the patient. unconscious, regarded as transcendent function. The archetypal process would bring the contents in subconscious into consciousness, in order to Section 2 Application of Jungian Analytical Psychology restore the tranquility of the mind and restore a healthy balance. In other Jung claims that different from psychoanalysis, his therapy is analytical words, he unites people with God, like the unification of the collective psychology. Crowded by patients, many of them required further training unconscious, to allow the transcendent function operative in a therapy. to become psychoanalyists. Jung warns his pupils that it is not advisable to follow a single method. Moreover, they have to follow a 3 do’s and 3 Section 3, Buddhism Employs the Spirit Method in Therapy don’ts principle: Buddhism regards neurotic disorder as “spirit disease”, which needs 3 Do’s “spiritual medicine” for a cure. The method is to locate an accurate 1.In an analysis, it is essential to participate in a face to face manner, insight in accordance with the obstinacy through the 6 senses, sight, with sound memory of each case because each of them is particular, not hearing, smell, taste, and touch (resembling Jung’s archetypal recognition all common. Remember, only those that have been hurt are eligible to be pattern). Does not falls in the restrictions of the psychopath’s fantasy, a therapist. melancholy and chaotic thought pattern . 2.Surgeons have to wash their hands before operation; “therefore, you Concerning psychotherapy, Buddhism does incredible works, with have to remain mentally clean.” a curing rate of over to 80%. Further, the cured will hardly suffer from 3.He advocates conducting analysis on the psychotherapist in a training the trouble again in their whole life. Regarding psychotherapy provided manner. Moreover, it is necessary to conduct consistent monitoring and by Buddhist temples and monks, the preliminary step is to allow the follow-up, playing the role resembles “the one who listens to father’s patient to listen to the chanting of prayers, to accomplish the effect of and sister’s confession.” In other words, religion needs an object for their tranquilizing and unifying the consciousness. confession. Regarding the Buddhist monks’ prayer chanting, the melody is 3 Don’ts: sometimes like the rhythm of ebb and flow, with climax and depression. 1.Don’t ask the patients about their memories when they are babies. It Sometimes, it is like the murmuring of a stream, refreshing one’ seems that there is something more worthwhile to do than indulging in s mind. Other times, it is like the grandeur of a thousand horses and the past sins and self pity. cavaliers. Hearing such sound, people’s hearts can easily be shocked and 2.Don’t overlook spiritual problems. Many patients that receive therapy conditioned, appearing to be touched and excited, peaceful and tranquil. behave likewise after suffering middle age crisis because they neglect the At the very moment, consciousness will be lead to a peaceful direction, importance of the spirit in the first half of their lives. achieving a therapeutic effect. After the preliminary stage, most patients 3.Don’t forget the patients’ secret stories because each of them has an with neurotic disorder can reach a cured rate of 50% or even be total untold unknown story that is the secret stone a therapist needs to smash. cured, which will be discussed further in conclusion. ．132． ．133． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

Reaching the second stage, in order to help the patient acquire conditions, after this stage of cleansing, are recovered totally, with no spiritual tranquility, the monks would teach them the chants and chance to suffer from the illness again. Moreover, they are wiser than spells, worshipping the Buddha and reciting the Buddhist hymn by before, having keen and sharp judgment on things, with clear procedures. heart, to help them achieve spiritual tranquility. Regarding Buddhist Writing and chanting Buddhist texts can help the patients’ spirit calm spells, they are actually the Buddha’s secret chant, i.e. the chant to down, seeing into the nature of cleanliness and light. summon and communicate with the Buddha recited by laypeople. With Concerning Buddhist therapy, it is parallel to Jung’s psychotherapy. incredible power, they are the key to practicing Tibetan Buddhism, Jung employs different methods and techniques to connect images and incomprehensible to Western scientists. archetypal images arisen in the patients’ dreams and fantasies together. The kneeling and praying manner is different from the ritual practiced Through hypnotization, automatic writing, drama, dance, painting, poem in other religions. It is the highest form of worship, with the five limbs writing, to unveil the patients’ unconscious, to alleviate the unknown touching the ground. Such practice can help unify the patients’ spirit, pressure created by the unconscious, achieving therapeutic results. restoring harmony to achieve a therapeutic effect. Moreover, it can help However, beyond doubt that the recovery rate of Buddhist therapy the blood circulate, stimulating the activity of the brain, and stretch the is absolutely higher than that of Jung’s. Owing to the fact that Taiwan bone and muscle to achieve maximum exercise results. It can strengthen is a conservative country, the media do not have any interest in the our bodies and reinforce the immune system, with sound medical therapeutic results concerning neurotic disorder; therefore, they tend not references. I have mentioned such concepts in my book The Book and to report the topic. In this thesis, I would like to show the impressive Life and Death in China. (This book is one of the top ten best selling results concerning Buddhist therapy in neurotic disorder in the temples, books in Taiwan). in the following section. In stage three, the patients will be sent to execute environmental and plantation works, moping and cleaning the temple throughout the Section 4, Report on the Impressive Results concerning day, simple tasks such as: growing flowers, uprooting weeds, washing Psychotherapy by monks of Buddhist Temples on Patients suffering vegetables, cooking, etc. The purpose is to have the patients fully Serious Neurotic Disorder occupied in mind and body, leaving them no space for fantasy, and “Report on Lung Fa Tang temple’s Accomplishments in Curing helping them maintain a clean and clear mind. Many Serious Cases of Neurotic Disorder” In the fourth stage, they are required to practice Chinese martial arts. In southern Taiwan, there is Lung Fa Tang temple, a nationally It is an essential therapeutic process, however, most therapists neglect renowned temple, specialized in curing patients suffering from serious the importance of this process. Owing to the fact that the patients are neurotic disorder. For the patients that suffer from serious neurotic weakened mentally in a long-term basis; their bodies tend to be weak, disorder and that have failed to be cured by major hospitals, they are sent leading to diseases of many kinds. Affecting their concentration ability, it to Lung Fa Tang temple from time to time. The head of the temple is a may render the patients mentally distracted, unable to uphold themselves. kind Buddhist monk, who is willing to accept patients suffering from Therefore, practicing martial arts is an important issue in psychotherapy serious neurotic disorder. Through Buddhist therapy, he has cured many because practicing marital arts can help them restore their physical patients with impressive results, with a high reputation in Southeast Asia. conditions, strengthens their minds, reinforce their immunity, activate Each year, Lung Fa Tang has an intake of 800 people, with a cure rate of their brain cell functions, and assist the blood circulation. Being effective up to 60%. With remarkable results, the medical sectors are all impressed. in therapeutic process, it cannot be neglected. After interviews and serious study concerning Lung Fa Tang temple’ In the last stage, it is the time for reaping. The patients are taught s therapeutic method, I discovered their special manner. They employ a to meditate and write the Buddhist texts. Even the patients in serious ．134． ．135． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha method resembling Jung’s transference. Moreover, they utilize the cured Chapter 5 Nirvana in Buddhism and the World of Nirvana in Jung’s Mind patients as therapists. Section 1 Nirvana in Buddhist Thought The therapeutic method is to have patients listen to Buddhist text Nirvana means perish, tranquil, merry, non life, and liberated from chanting. Led by some monks, all the patients play simple Chinese trouble and pain. In Buddhism, when a Buddha and venerable monk musical instruments. Parading rhythmically, they reciting sacred texts. decease, we call it “entering the state of Nirvana”, i.e. breaking away Lung Fa Tang temple has found a music ensemble, teaching the patients from the wheel of fortune, going beyond life and death, and entering the to play percussion instruments and perform Buddhist songs. Further, the realm of saints of eternal living. Likewise, the soul will no longer suffer monks teach the patients to practice Chinese martial arts, to consume from the pain and hardship of the six Tao (realm of heaven, Ashura, realm their excess energy. Through exhausting the patients’ energy, they of human, beast, ghost and hell) and the wheel of life and death, so as to attempt to efface the illusions and depression appearing in the patients’ enjoy the joy of simple tranquility eternally, liberated from all pain. subconscious. Entering the collective unconscious, it can help the patients In fact, the authentic meaning of nirvana is becoming a Buddha. In the increase their appetite and absorb nutrients, to increase their energy. process of becoming a Buddha, accomplishing the Tao, the person will be In Lung Fa Tang temple, they have a huge farm. Under the leadership free of all trouble and pain, perceiving the truth of the life and death of of the monks, the patients take care of the pigs and chickens. In order to everything, disconnected from all fantasy and obstinacy, and entering a help them achieve the state of transference, they are encouraged to talk to tranquil state of the sages without joy and pain. Therefore, nirvana can be the animals. Some of them may help clean the environment, taking care distinguished from “excess nirvana” and “scarce nirvana.” of flowers and trees, and planting fruits and vegetables. Concerning excess nirvana, it means the heart has already broken The psychotherapeutic method used by Lung Fa Tang temple away from trouble and obsession, but the body still exists, remaining un- accomplishes miracles and breakthroughs in psychotherapy. Although the perished. Meanwhile, regarding “scarce nirvana”, although the body has method used by the institution is by no means traditional, not to mention perished, the soul has already entered the realm of the sages, without the any medical grounding, its high curing rate is incredible. In fact, there necessity of tolerating the pain of the wheel of the six Tao. Likewise, are some resemblances between Lung Fa Tang’s method and Jung’s the heart can enter the state of eternal peace and joy. In the heaven of psychotherapy. eternity in Christianity, a person can enjoy heavenly joy, and in the world Further, Lung Fa Tang also takes patients from other Asian countries. of Allah in Islam, etc, people can enjoy something similar to Nirvana of Likewise, the head monk always leads the Lung Fa Tang Martial Artist Buddhism. Team on a performing tour around Asia. Moreover, the Lung Fa Tang Vijinatimatrasiddhi Sutra say: The humanity is purity without dust in Choir always performs Buddhist text chanting elsewhere in Taiwan, origin as well as all Dharma is purity and tranquility, neither birth nor with high critical acclaim. With a high standard and skillful technique, death and through ten direction, neither increase nor decrease, make their performance is as good as any ordinary people. For me, I have been steady in tranquil realm, clarity without contamination, perfect without a monk for years and have cured many patients suffering from severe hindrance, i.e. nirvana neurotic disorder with the Buddhist therapeutic method, with a high cure According to Buddhist The Heart Of Prajan Paramita Sutra says:” rate and impressive results. Likewise, I have acquired some valuable When Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva was practicing the profound Prajan experience. Paramita. He illuminated the five Skandhas and saw that they are all empty and he crossed beyond all suffering and difficulty.Shariputra form (various material) does not differ from emptiness, emptiness does not differ from form, form itself is emptiness, emptiness itself is form, so are feeling, thinking, formation and consciousness. Shariputra, all

．136． ．137． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha dharmas are empty of characteristics. They are not produced and not unconscious has been replaced and controlled by the saintly Buddhist destroyed, not defiled and not purified, neither increase nor decrease, consciousness, allowing the disclosure of the instinctual consciousness. therefore, in emptiness there is no form, feeling thinking, formation, and It is the conditions of “heart is Buddha, Buddha is heart.” Likewise, the consciousness, no eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body and mind, no sights, spirit can reach the realm of Nirvana, saturated with loftiness, cleanliness, sounds, smells, tastes, objects of touch, and dharma, no field of the eyes, originality, nature, and joy of Buddha. up to and including no field of mind-consciousness, and no ignorance and ending of ignorance, up to and including no old age and death or ending Section 2 Nirvana in Jungian Thought of old age and death. There is no suffering, accumulation, extinction, In Buddhism practice, people emphasize the concept of “spiritual way, and no understanding and no attaining. Because nothing is attained, transference” because they may be affected by the experience and seeds the bodhisattva through reliance on Prajina Paramita is unimpeded in left over from their past life. In this life, they may also be influenced his mind, because there is no impediment, he is not afraid and he leaves by many other factors, to render them impure thoughts of greed, anger, reversed and dreamy far behind, ultimately Nirvana.” obsession, self-aggrandizement, and suspiciousness, confusing our mind The sutra of heart makes detailed explanation to nirvana, if one actually and soul and making our hearts roar, unable to be tranquilized. Therefore, can realize the truth that can sweep out all distress and release the birth it needs religious practice to purify our souls. Such wicked thoughts of and death of Samsara, and then enter the nirvana’s world of no birth and heart resemble the “shadow archetype” in Jung’s concept. Moreover, death forever. the “shadow archetype” also resembles “non-recognition” in “Alaya”. The ultimate goal for practicing Buddhism is to liberate oneself Alaya consists of two parts, one is “recognition”, i.e. the nature of “non- from worldly matters and pursue epiphany of life and death, in order life and non-perishing”, which functions to lead people to the road of to become a Buddha and help people. As an old saying, “Put down the epiphany. The other one is “non-recognition”, i.e. the trouble of “life and slaughtering knife, and everybody can be a Buddha”, if we put down the perishing”, which can lead people to walk towards the wheel of life and knife, such as greed, anger, and obsession, that can cut our wisdom away, death. In spiritual practice, it is not to refuse the “non-recognition” of and the obsession of concern, love, hatred and vengeance, we can re-find Alaya, “hit the thought until dead”, but to transform the “recognition” the Buddhist nature granted to us at birth. Chopping off all the trouble, into the “wisdom mirror of the big circle”. it is possible for people to become Buddha, enter the state of Nirvana Jung believes that in order to cultivate introspective meditation without life and death. From nature, any religious practices are the basic capacity, to experience the solidity of the great mysteries and the transformation of the conscious. In other words, it is the existence from universe, it is to be conducted through spiritual contact. Psyche is the tool body to spirit, a symbolization of life and rebirth. In Jung’s psychological for transformation. He further believes that psychotherapy is supernatural jargon, it is the sacrifice for the sake of self-purging. exploration. Based upon this grounding, Jung meets Tibetan Buddhism. In different Buddhist sects, their ways of perceiving the spirit, such What they insight, transform are the same spiritual entity. as “heart perception” in sect, “chanting Buddha’s name” in pure Jung believes that, “if anyone can observe the light and dark selves, he land sect, “meditation” in Zen sect, etc, are the transformation and the can see both sides of himself, likewise, he can grasp the . It is metamorphosis of the life power buried deep in people’s psyche. The core the Asians’ attitudes, their secret way of life. Observing the contradictory of practice, as heart perceiving, chanting Buddhist text, meditation, unites selves allow the Asian to understand the nature of “Maya”, which flashes and harmonizes in people’s hearts, it is a dynamic and yet static process. illusion into the reality. At the back and in the middle of the fearful In this process, concerning the selfless state of the heart perceiving, self symmetry, the authentic reality exists-it can see and understand the entity- forgetting of Buddhist text chanting, the self of meditation, these are through the true self, the experience of “self” can help transcend the the abandonment of collective consciousness. Likewise, the collective illusion, and transcend the game of fearful symmetry.” ．138． ．139． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

Jung knows that the world is made up of light and darkness. Only speaking, the profound psychic study in the East is beyond compare for through the mediation of both sides can we release ourselves from them, the West. There are wide gaps between the two. I say God is fair because grasping their extreme nature and reach the middle ground. Likewise, He gives Westerners high-tech and offers Easterners profound psychic we are no longer situated in fearful symmetry.” In religious practice, it study. Likewise, the world can work seamlessly and in balance. It is said is not essential to break away from all thoughts because it will lead us that both the spirit and materials develop in parallel lines, creating the to Òobstinate emptiness.” Instead, we need to forget the past. In sutra of bright and beautiful earth. sixth senior master’s altar, it says, “Facing the external environment, the However, with my experience of being a monk, practicing Buddhism for heart remains unaffected. It is regarded as “null thought” upon thoughts. years, and studying Buddhism, Chinese philosophy, theology, etc, I deeply On self thoughts, we have to remain intact with the external environment, feel that Western psychology and philosophy, when compared to Chinese not allowing the external environment to linger into our hearts. If we do Taoism and Indian Buddhism, are rather shallow, beyond compare. not think of anything, thoughts will disappear completely. When thoughts Western psychology is mainly found on philosophy that is rather are purged completely, it means death, life will be elsewhere. It is a impractical. It cannot cope with the pace of the ever changeable space serious mistake.” Facing the external environment without being affected, and time of the human spirit. Concerning people’s psychology, as the maintaining it round and clear, and all the things will subdue, reaching living environment differs, in ancient, medieval and modern times, the state of Nirvana – “when we see things, we will not have any desire.” people’s psyche mutate frequently. Moreover, situated in different Buddhism believes that every person does possess the capacity of countries, environment, culture, and customs, there are different psychic knowing, however, owing to people’s obsession in wealth, sex, fame, consciousnesses. If we attempt to apply such limited psychological wealth, love, affection, family, etc, their heart breeds five basic troubles philosophy on the therapy of the ever-changing human psyche, it is to view such as greed, anger and hatred, obsession, self-aggrandizement, bias, the sky in a well and find fishes among the woods. This can be seen from etc, rendering the original clean and tranquil mind state cover with a thick the overthrow of Western psychology generation after generation. It is layer of dust and no light. Therefore, it is necessary to abandon the five obvious that the foundation of Western psychology is weak and shallow. bondages, to enable the heart clear and peaceful. Concerning conflict, Siddhartha Buddha, the greatest saint in the East, in The Diamond Sutra it is the origin of war, originated from strong obsession and fantasy. In says, “The way of everything is illusive. If one can see into the nature of order to reach the road of total recognition, it is necessary to have the appearance, we can see the way of Buddha.” Such a simple sentence can heart of leaving something behind and the heart of bodhi. Moreover, it is pierce into the secret of everything in this universe. The Buddha says that essential to keep practicing the six virtues, give, be patient, tolerate, be the mountains, land, sun, moon, stars, and everything in this universe are progressive, reach the Zen state, be wise, etc. After long-term refining without solid forms, from nil to empty, are void and illusive, ephemeral, of one’s heart and controlling one’s personality, it is possible for us to and ever-changing. As to the human psyche, it is ever-changing, without recognize, from “clarifying one’s heart” to reach “total recognition”, any constancy. In a moment, there are 84,000 thoughts transforming accomplishing the Buddha’s state of Nirvana – “supreme benignity and and changing in the consciousness. They cannot be stopped. Concerning recognition”. human desire, it is endless. When an idea perishes, others come, though after thought, non-stop. If we can understand such theory, without falling Conclusion: into the state of obsession and possession, the human consciousness can be Section 1 Difference between the Thoughts in Western and Eastern non-life and non-perishing, non-pain and non-joy, peaceful and tranquil. Psychic Study Likewise, we can never fall into the trouble of the wheel of life and death. The greatest difference between Western and Eastern countries is that Through vigorous religious practice, when a Buddhist monk the technology from the West is beyond compare for the East. Relatively reaches the state of total recognition, he is proved to be the psychic ．140． ．141． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha communicable. In other words he can read the mind and thoughts of each heard of things like this in Taiwan everyday, and these are no longer person, without any inaccuracy. Even more, he can see the disease of any amazing stories. organ in a human body. In Taiwan, in 1980, there was a venerable monk Now when families in Taiwan encounter a relative’s death, they invite known by all the people, Kuang Chin master, who could read people’ monks and Buddhists to help the deceased enlighten and reminisce. It is s minds. Even our late president consulted him several times. In Los a phenomenon known to all the Buddhists in Taiwan. Many people do Angeles, USA, in 1990, there was an internationally renowned monk, encounter the peaceful appearance of the deceased, including doctors, , master who possessed profound skills in psychic reading. professors, high ranking officials, lawmakers, etc. As the percentage Impressed by his religious practice, many PhD’s became monks and of Buddhists in Taiwan exceeds 90%, such help enlightens and the learned from him. Further, late American President Bush also consulted reminiscing practice is incredible, a widely known fact beyond doubt. him several times concerning state affairs. Whenever the venerable monk As the head of a temple for years and the founder of five herb medicine returned to Taiwan, he would excite all the people in the Buddhist sector. hospitals, I lead thousands of Buddhists to help the deceased enlighten People such as the President and high ranking officers would visit him and ask and reminisce, free of charge. I always enlighten the deceased by him for advice concerning national affairs, making a tremendous impact. chanting Buddhist signs and reciting Buddhist texts, so that I can witness There are many venerable monks like them in Taiwan, Mainland China, the peaceful appearances of the deceased and them recite Buddhist texts. and Thailand. All of them know the art of psychic reading, which is I have plenty of related experiences, with close delineation in my book beyond comprehension of the Western psychologists and philosophers The Book of Life and Death in China, which was ranked as a top ten because such practice cannot be explained in words. However, in the best-seller in Taiwan. Further, I also wrote books, and produced video Buddhist and Taoist sectors, many people know such practice. tapes, cassettes, and VCDs in related fields to record authentic pictures. Further, the confessions of the deceased’s families show their emotions Section 2 Miracles for the “Psychology of the Dead” when they see the deceased peaceful appearances. In such a process, I The Buddhist sector in Taiwan is now popular with the service of “help baptized many non-believers of Buddhism and moved many Christian reminiscing”, i.e. in the ten hours before or after the death of a person, and Catholic families to convict and believe in Buddhism. Further, there there are monks chanting Buddhist signs and interpreting Buddhist texts, were even fathers who believed in Buddhism immediately. to allow the deceased to nullify the fear of death and migrate to heaven In Silo county, central Taiwan, there was a western doctor, named and the Buddhist world, without any barriers. Such kind of assisting will Ping-Hsiang Huang, whose five brothers were all doctors and Christians. power is very prevailing, possessing incredible Buddhist power. After the His father was a Buddhist who died because of cancer. The monk from a deceased listens to the Buddhist sign and the interpretation of Buddhist temple led many Buddhist chants and interpreted Buddhist texts, his face texts, even harsh and cold dead bodies deceased for ten days, become became incredibly peaceful, shocking his neighbors. His father’s body softened immediately. The whiteness on the faces of the deceased turns was soft, with a pink face and peaceful smile. Further, his joints were pink; and their mouth shows a peaceful smile. For deceased with eyes flexible, without any stiffness, and there were no dead spots on his body. remaining open, their eyes will close naturally. After the alleviation According to Dr. Huang, who had been working with Yunlin District of people assisting the deceased, they will show many different facial Court in dissecting the dead for over twenty years, there must be dead appearances. All these phenomena are beyond explanation of science. spots on the dead, whose joints must be stiff, and the face purple. The More incredible, some deceased open their mouths reciting Buddhist peaceful appearance on his father’s face was regarded as incredible and texts. There are many Buddhists who have listen to the story concerning unexplainable by Western medicine. the dead reciting Buddhist texts. These are authentic, experienced by According to my research project Psychology of the Dead, which will myself. A monk never lies. Many people are ready witnesses. People be my PhD thesis and published, for the reference of the West, I really ．142． ．143． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha expect to promote such way of “assisted reminiscing” to the world, God did not make the devil, that latter must be self made. It implies that allowing the deceased to be free from the fear of pain of death. Moreover, God is not omnipotence. Therefore, the devil is made by the free will it can help nullify hatred and obsession, helping the deceased to pass into arisen from human’s consciousness. heaven or the illuminating world of the Buddha, and enjoy eternity. They In "Moses And Monotheism", Freud still grasped him to the religious do not have to tolerate the pain of entering the wheel of fortune of the six consistent view, the penetration revelation monotheism essence and the Tao. It is my life long wish as well. origin, he thought God was not the human, but was the human who is deified by the human after; The religious question so is by no means Section 3 Jung was the Greatest Psychologist of the West mystical is unsolvable, so long as opened its unreal veil, the people then Among the psychologists of the West, Jung is the one I admire the can discover religious the essence then lies in anaesthetizes human's will. most. It is hardly imaginable for a Western psychologist to jump away The Buddha says a wise sentence, “Upon and below heaven, I am from the bondage of Western psychology and dare to research the I-Ching, supreme.” The “I” in this sentence is the most primitive nature of the a book of prophecy in China, with profound study in Buddhism. What a soul’s consciousness. It is the loftiest in the universe. Concerning nature, great job! What can enable Jung’s psychotherapy to reach a certain realm it can be demonic as well as Buddhist. All is decided within a thought. is really the contribution of his practical psychotherapeutic practice. It can From the Buddhist perspective, in each religion people worship their enable a psychiatrist to heal the patients effectively, a major breakthrough God, Allah, and the like, in fact, it is only the projection of the images in in Western psychology. It also laid the foundation for his high esteem in people’s hearts. It is what Jung regards as the image of the subconscious. psychoanalysis, allowing psychology to be widely inclusive. Moreover, However, it is a pity that Jung did not understand Buddhism any better, Jung’s interpretation of religion also impressed me much, part of his with too much ideology injected in it. He does not seem to understand thoughts strike parallels with the Buddhist ones. Indeed, Jung is a real that all ideologies are illusive, ever changing. In The Diamond Sutra, the psychologist. Buddha says, “All the appearances are illusive, if one can see beyond the Jung contributed much to the religious with interpretations appearance, he can see the way.” He further says, ”All things have their Especially, Jung contributed much to the religious psychology with ways, as dreams, dews, and lightning. We should better see it that way.” incredible interpretations. Jung says that what is believed to be “religion” The Buddha says that everything in this world possesses experience, actually undergoes many stages of transformation. These religious people without any experience, eventually, they will become empty and illusive, that belong to different historical periods, share the same characteristic: without any solid forms. If we can understand that all appearances are psychic experience, which is supernatural. When Christians experience God not their own appearances, we see metamorphosis, which does not and voodoos listen the to voice of the spirits, both of them are the archetype follow any rule. Moreover, we can find the original perfect and boundless of the whole - the archetype of the self. The image of God will unveil. Buddhist nature that is perfect, wise, and round. We can further break Jung says that all religions assure the existence of “certain entities”, away from all obsession and fantasy. Moreover, all the ways (conscious, especially super consciousness, supernatural experience of “inner holy image and objects) will disappear and transform like a dream, bubble, spirits” and “internal voices”. What it really implies is the process of lightning, morning dews, etc. Nothing can remain unchanged forever. The individuation. Concerning the archetype of the whole, it appears in Diamond Sutra is regarded as the most profound and perfect psychology dream, myth, and fantasy, occupying a central status in the unconscious. in the world. It is a pity that Westerners have difficulties reading Eastern It is difficult to separate such subconscious from the archetype. languages, unable to understand the profound theory in Buddhism! Jung also mentions that the Faustian struggle with humanity by The most profound sentence of the Buddha, the most important truth in Westerners is actually originated from the same theological problem. Buddhism is that, “Strange! Strange! Every life possesses the wisdom of How can a perfect and benign God allow the existence of the devil? If

．144． ．145． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha the way, it is obstructed because of obsession, unable to be proved.” The The beautiful stars are expressing God's conscience; most joy is Buddha says that every human and animal possesses the great wisdom expressing the devil greed. This was expressing the human lives in the of knowing, however, because of excess obsession, we cannot refine our masculine and feminine elements opposition dual character: Namely wisdom and acquire epiphany like the Buddha for a perfect Buddhist indulges this shore, also longs for other shore. nature. In other words, all humans and animals can transcend all trouble How but does God regard the humanity? Goethe said in the Faust space by practicing Buddhism in each life, to reach eternal life without getting overture “Although he is ignorant to me, I will make him to enter the pure into the wheel of fortune. It is even greater than some religious beliefs boundary.” Human's natural disposition is originally pure, afterwards in that not everybody can become god because of religious practice. Maybe, order to persist in the human hobby and comfortable, only then permitted it is what Jung’s regards as “nature”. There may be some connection the devil the existence. Accepts the devil the enticement, the devil makes between nature and Buddhism. one have the mistake. But the final god will still guide the humanity to Remarks: Personally, I hope the American government can establish enter the pure boundary. a Buddhist Psyche Research Center, allowing the profound Buddhist Conde thought the devil is the existence, the desire not necessarily is knowledge to be taught to the American public. Blending the high-tech a misdemeanor, but the desire should obey the conscience the direction. and medical science of America, it is able to render the USA to shoulder God has the sovereignty to the devil. Goethe the viewpoint with Conde's the task of maintaining world peace, safeguarding global freedom by viewpoint is consistent. In other shore, died after Faust, the decision- shedding light and peace on the harmonious world. making power turns over to God, devil vanishing. The German writer Goethe, his poem play literature which spend 60 By Buddhism's viewpoint, the devil is expressing the formal world; years to creates “Faust”, its energetic connotation is one kind dares to God is expressing empty world. Human wander about the empty and practice, never satisfies, pursues the spirit of the promotion life value formal world, then understood form itself is emptiness, emptiness itself significance unceasingly, but pursues goal unceasingly, not only is the is form, live itself is death, death itself is live. Then Faust abandons the ideal spiritual life, should contain all human bodies, the perception, the pollution, has retrieved own natural disposition, retrieves God, God is the material joyfully with has enjoyed the infinite rich life way, individual natural disposition. development, happiness, desired with individual moral autonomy as well as the social harmonious request coordination thought. He has displayed Futurology the spirit which the Western civilization strives constantly for self- Futurology is found in Europe and America in recent times. However, improvement, also simultaneously has the wisdom which the East is rest as early as 2500 years ago, Buddha had already conveyed the messages content with one’s life by a quiet attitude. to us. The contents of his manifestation are even richer. The Faust spirit also since elaborated the human nature itself good The Sutra about Changes in the Future: Buddha foretells that at the last and evil, long-time all has been a natural personality which the human period of Buddhism the monks and nuns will corrupt and degenerate. The exists, is said in our heart has God, also has the devil, God was expressing book depicts the phenomena of their downgrading. humanity's conscience, the devil represents greed. Namely the human Mahaparinirvana-sutra: It foretells that a rural village will nature has the conscience, also has the dual opposition good and evil spirit. become a big city. It was actualized. Faust said that has two spirits to live in our heart, one must live Sutra of the Abiding Dharma Recorded Just Prior to Buddha’s Nirvana: together, another separation”. Also said that “one wallows in the blurred It foretells the rise and fall of Buddhism in the one thousand years after love wants, obstinately tenacious this mortal world; Another must depart Buddha’s nirvana. violently this world, speeds along to that lofty spirit boundary.” He wants to take Lotus Face Sutra and Sutra of Extinguishment of Dharma: It foretells off the space most beautiful stars, also wants to enjoy the ground most joy. that the miserable phenomena in the temples and the society (for ．146． ．147． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha example, sex liberation). a Woman Named Yuye: It discusses the proper manner in handling the Education and Educational psychology interrelations between children and parents, parents and children, students Mahaparinirvana Sutra: It discusses the development physical and to teacher, teachers to students, husband to wife, wife to husband, as well psychological education at different ages. It is necessary for giving as the manner people should treat their friends and relatives. In addition, special concerns and help to students in accordance to their mentality and it also talks about the moral and ethics children should have in serving personality. It manifests and analyzes all sorts of educational methods, their parents and the daughter-in-law in respecting the mother-in-law. strategies, and skills. In addition, it also discusses the norm, system, and The Sutra of Sagehood and Stupidity: In Buddhism it is emphasized the priority of investigation of education. It manifests Buddha’s highest that repaying one’s grace is the origin of ethics, therefore, it is important and perfect principles, with which he instructs with different methods to for children to respect their parents. It is also the fundamental aspect of students, with different talents, in education, education for all, teach in becoming Buddha. accordance to situations, use appropriate methods, teach the students in Treatise on the Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra and Madhyamagama: accordance with their mentalities. They mention the “three subordinations” and “eight proper ways of respect.” : With four basic principles, Buddha teaches his students to Ten Recitations Vinaya: It talks about the courtesy between the elder understand the meanings of dharma and be rewarded from learning. monks and the junior monks, and the “six points of reverent harmony or Sutra of the Lotus of the Wonderful Dharma: Before teaching the unity in a monastery.” students, Buddha would observe their aptitude and standard before The Sutra of Filial Children: It mentions the authentic way to respect. deciding to use different education methods, in order to allow the students As children, we should observe the “five commandments” and perform learn and grow, rewarded with wisdom and the joy of dharma. the “ten virtues.” In ordinary times, they should feed their parents The sutra of realize correct dharma: It talks about how Buddha teaches abundantly and awaken the parents to believe in Buddhism. Then, it is his disciples to transform their minds into healthy psyches. Buddhism the proper way to respect one’s parents. is a kind of intensive internal transformation education, which can help Politics people cultivate their basic qualities, as misery, abiding to the law, Sutra of the Most Honored King: (Correct Discourse on Royal Law, tolerance, progress, deep meditation, as wisdom, allowing everybody to Chapter 20): Buddha preaches dharma to the kings. As a king, if he cannot be their own master or mistress. Therefore, people can control the servant rule with proper laws, then he cannot rule the country harmoniously and of their own minds to suppress the wild thoughts and negative emotions, allow the people live peacefully. The sutra of realize correct dharma: to eliminate the obstinacy and fancy at heart. (Volume 54): Buddha inspires the king with 37 means of governing the The sutra of realize correct dharma Volume 61: It talks about the country. As a king, he should ignore eight kinds of vicious people. benefits of education, the respect to the teacher, and the teacher’s norm Jurisprudence and conduct. In Volume 63, it mentions 32 important points and benefits The Mahasatyanirgrantha Sutra: It points out that the proper conduct of receiving the education of dharma. and manner a king or ruler should have. In addition, he also discusses the Volume 4 of Sutra-collection Section: In this Sutra, it mainly records effective ways for jurisprudence and five ways to punish the criminals. how Buddha teaches the kings and princes of different kingdoms, rich Dharmaguptaka Vinaya and Ten Recitations Vinaya: Buddha has set people at different age, elderly, women, children, disciples and layperson, up many rules and disciplines for the monks and nuns. Most of them are etc with different methods and manners. His education is the education similar to the law in a kingdom. for all. No wonder he is a great educator. As the whole Tripitaka records all the knowledge in this world, what Ethics books should we read other than this? The Sujaata Sutra, Sutra on Upasaka Precepts, and the Sutra about ．148． ．149． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

All the Buddhist Sutras are collected in Tripitaka and Tripitaka includes Father of nation said, “Buddhism can patch up the bias of all the knowledge in this world. What other books should we read? All the science because it is the mother of philosophy.” knowledge is clearly written in all the Sutras. If you have read the Koran, the Bible (New and Old Testament), etc, you will discover that they are The Founding Father of the Republic of China, Dr. Sun Yat-sen written in prose. However, for five pages of contents written in literary interpreted the Sutra from the perspective of a medical doctor. He said, language from the Tripitaka, if they are translated into prose, it would “Buddhism can patch up the bias of science because it is the mother of be much longer than the original. Likewise, if we translate Tripitaka into philosophy.” How great Buddhism is! It is because you cannot read the prose, then it will be many times longer than any religious text, such as Sutra deeply therefore you are unable to understand the profoundness of the Bible. In addition, each Sutra in Tripitaka exceeds 700 pages and Sutra, therefore, it attracts many PhDs, masters, and bachelors to study there are more than 100 volumes of books in the Tripitaka. Concerning the Sutra. Some of them even leave their homes to become monks or of its contents, it is the broadest and profoundest. No religious text in the nuns. The master has many friends with high qualifications. Most of them world can be compared to it. become monks or nuns because they study Sutra profoundly. They plan to pursue for the ultimate knowledge in this universe. In Taichung, there is a temple, most of whose monks and nuns have the qualifications of bachelor’s or master’s degrees. Even, there is PhD from Harvard. Now there are more people with high qualifications leave their homes and become monks or nuns. You can choose to believe in Buddhism and study dharma, how great your blessed rewards are. You have to treasure it. You do not have to read any other religious texts. You can get all the wisdom you need by reading Sutra. The Sutra records all the knowledge you do not know. It is a pity that not many people can finish reading Tripitaka. Even lesser people can understand the Sutra thoroughly. Buddhism is so great and profound. When the master read the Sutra, I felt Buddha’s wisdom to be unfathomable. It is amazing that Buddha can teach knowledge that is broad and profound. Therefore, many Americans convert to Buddhism and study the Sutra now. Nowadays, there are more and more foreigners to become monk I had a foreign secretary to drive for me. He was a Canadian, graduated from philosophy department of Canadian first-class university. One day, after he listened to the explanation of Buddhist sutra expounded by a teacher who was a Tibetan lama, he was awed and moved. Then he went to Tibet with that teacher about three months. He started to be a vegetarian when he returned. He came to me when he knew I wanted a secretary. He recited sutras and worshipped Buddhas with me, and recited sutras with the masses. Therefore, I found him English sutras to recite. There are more and more foreigners like him.

．150． ．151． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

The master had visited Seattle, Washington. In the past, there were Gangers. Simply put, it is impossible to find the earth in the universe. many churches. Now there are not as many as in the past. When the Buddha also said that the earth has to undergo the four disasters Kalpa master visited them, I was amazed to discover that many churches were of creation, the past, the bad, and the void. At last, it will become dust. converted to temples. I would like to tell you all it is because many young Kalpa is the longest unit to measure time in India. In one mega kalpa, Americans believe in Buddhism now. Christianity is the religion of the there are 80 medium kalpas. In one medium kalpas, there are 20 mini elderly because the theory taught in Buddhism has been overthrown by kalpas. In addition, one mega kalpa totalled to 1600 mini kalpas, one mini science. kalpa is about 16.8 million years. one mega kalpa totalled 26.88 billion, It In Feng Chia University, Taichung, a student had just graduated from is obvious that the history of the earthÕs existence is very long. the university. One day, he came to visit the master and told me that all In sum, the contents of Buddha’s education of Buddha are broad, profound, his classmates had different religions, such as Catholics, Christianity, and beyond our imagination. Indeed, “to purge affliction, life, and death to atheism, etc. However, when they were about to graduate, they all accomplish perfect wisdom” is the most important teaching material. converted to Buddhism. If Buddhism is not that profound and inclusive, The third discipline of converting to the Triratna those Westerners and university graduates will not convert to Buddhism. According to the third discipline of conversion, after relying on the It is because no religion can stand the challenge the verification of science monk and master, one should not follow any heretical teachers and and logic. None of them can present satisfactory explanations. demonic leaders. In addition, we should pay attention to those that call Common religious classics do not comply with scientific verification. themselves the living Buddha. Now, there are many self-claimed living For example, the Bible says, the earth does not exceed 10 thousand Buddhas in Taiwan. Many of people have not even left their homes and years old. However, according to science the earth is some 3 billion years they claimed to be a guru. A guru has to practice Buddhism for a long old. The geologist can prove it by studying the uranium and minerals in time with a profound awakening, as well as know the Tripitaka by heart. the rocks. For example, in Catholicism it says, the earth is the center of If one has difficulty in following the Buddhist discipline, how many the universe. In addition, in the galaxy, there is a solar system and nine masters does he need to follow? planets. Although there is a solar system in a galaxy that consists of a Some misunderstands that after converting to and relying on Triratna sun and nine planets, the galaxy is made up of numberless planets. Our , one has to become a vegetarian and not eat meat anymore. Indeed, one galaxy is just one galaxy out of 3 million of galaxies. Although the earth can still eat meat after converting to Buddhism. However, one should try is big, it is just a part of the solar system. In addition, the sun is just a to eat less meat, smoke less, and drink less. Of course, the best thing is part of the solar system and the solar system is just a part of the galaxy. to quit eating meat, smoking cigarettes, and drinking wine, to make the Eventually, the galaxy is just a part of the Celestial Body. conversion meaningful. Likewise, one is able to elevate one’s spiritual Most of the space in the universe is null and void. When there is level. In addition, it can help us maintain our health. If one has converted substance in a place, there will be many illuminating planets, numbering to Buddhism without changing the bad habits in the past, then, it is a from billions to hundreds of billions. They gathered themselves into waste to believe in Buddhism. the galaxy. The galaxy with the sun in it is called the Milky Way. In the Before practicing Buddhism, we may have many bad habits or star system, there are three basic types. The Milky Way belongs to the demerits, such as being greedy and stingy, hot tempered and angry, whirlpool galaxy, in which there are hundreds of billions of stars. At its stupid and ignorant, proud and arrogant, biased and prejudiced, selfish center, there are many star clusters. The galactic space in the spiral arms and self-interest, preference to eat fish and meat, love to take advantages contains interstellar medium, i.e. the distribution of gas and dust. In the from other people, love to gossip, self-aggrandizing, smoking and Sutra, it says that the universe is null and void, with boundless size. In drinking, lazy and undisciplined, love to dispute, etc. After converting to addition, Buddha compares the earth to the universe as sand in the River Buddhism, we have to get rid of these bad habits. Therefore, practicing ．152． ．153． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

Buddhism will lead us to a bright way and increase our wisdom. This is of relying on Triratna. The blessed virtue emanated from Triratna is the first discipline for conversion. unfathomable. Practicing Buddhism, we have to use four major powers of vows Buddha never exaggerates. Therefore, if everybody here can rely After converting to Buddhism, we have to use the four major forces on and believe in Triratna, it will be the blessed reward you have been of vows to help us practice Buddhism without any hindrance. If all the cultivating for many lives. In the past, all of you were the blessed ones Buddha and Bodhisattva use their power of vows to accomplish karma, and good people, therefore you have the fortune to rely on and believe then the force will be as great as the power of vows they use. The greater in Triratna. Imagine, there are 6 billion people in the world and you force, the more blessed the reward will be. reincarnated in Taiwan. In addition, you come to Cheng-Te Temple to Living beings are boundless, I vow to save them. participate in the converting ceremony. If you did not accomplish any Afflictions are endless, I vow to cut them off. virtues in the past lives, it would be unable for you to enjoy such a Dharma-doors are limitless, I vow to study them all. blessed reward. However, you must rely on and follow dharma and know The Buddha way is unsurpassed, I vow to realize it. the meanings of it, if you convert to Buddhism. If you do not rely on and The blessed virtues and benefits of converting to Buddhism: believe in dharma and do not understand it, then the conversion will be There are many blessed virtues for practicing Buddhism. If a person can invalid. This is the reason why the master of Cheng-Te Temple spends 3 believe in and rely on Triratna , it is the great blessed reward cultivated hours explaining the meanings of conversion and the spirit of dharma. for many lives. As one converts to Buddhism one has already planted the The Sutra of Comparing the Merits says, “The four continents are benign root of Buddhism. In the future, he or she has to leave home and full of the fruits of two . Some people spend their lives cultivating become Buddha. In many Sutras, Buddha has mentioned the blessed virtues them. It is the reason for them to build towers. It is unknown which man of practicing Buddhism are boundless. Buddha never exaggerates. or woman says that. I rely on and follow dharma and have received an Sutra of Consecration: “For the people that have accepted Triratna, incredible amount of blessed virtues. Among them, the best are Triratna.” there are 36 benign gods and boundless relatives guarding that person to According to the Sutra, there are many blessed rewards in this world. guarantee them happiness.” The greatest should be conversion. It is even greater than the blessed According to the Sutra, it says that after converting to Buddhism, virtue you get from supply the arhat or building a tower. Among all the heaven will send 36 benign gods to protect you and ensure you to be blessed virtues in this world, the greatest blessed reward should be Triratna. peaceful and happy, without any disturbance of the demons and ghosts. Therefore, you all have received the greatest blessed reward today. But it does not protect those people who do not obey the law, even those The Samyuktagamas Sutra says, “If a pregnant woman can allow her who do not obey to traffic rules by running through the red light. baby in the womb to accept Triratna and allow it to accept Triratna after it The Sujaata Sutra says, “If a person accepts Triratna, the blessed is born, then the baby will be a wise person. Later, when he can know, it virtues he or she receives will be boundless, like the four treasures. In is time to teach him Triratna once more.” seven year’s time, the people of the whole country will have endless good According to the Sutra, if a pregnant woman can allow her baby to receive fortune. For the people that accept Triratna, his or her blessed virtues Buddhism and allow it to accept Triratna once more, then, this baby will have boundlessly exceed others.” great wisdom. When the baby has grown up, then, it is time to teach him or According to the Sutra, it says that after converting to and practicing her the meaning of relying on and believing in Triratna.” Buddhism, the blessed virtues a person receives are boundless, like According to the Sutra, if the pregnant woman worries the fetus’s the four major treasures: gold, silver, glauconite and ebony. It takes safety, first she can rely on Triratnat, then the fetus will be safe, when the people seven years’ time to move them but cannot complete the job. The baby is born who will be wise and healthy, and the benignant gods will good fortune for having these treasures is incomparable to the fortune bless this baby grow up smoothly. ．154． ．155． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

According to the Sutra, if the pregnant woman worries that they will BuddhaÕs power of vow. You should eat vegetables to bring mercy to the have a difficult birth, she can rely on and believe in Triratna. Then the children. Join the Buddhist assembly or mountain climbing, and light the baby will be safe. When the baby is born, he or she will be wise and lamps. When you are pregnant, try to be close to Triratna. healthy, with a good looking face. All the benignant gods will bless this It is not good for pregnant women to loose their temper. When they are baby to help him or her grow up. pregnant, if they loose their temper frequently, then the baby will have In each conversion ceremony sponsored by Cheng Te, there are always a bad temper in the future. If pregnant women love to watch exciting or pregnant women. After their babies are born, they will bring their babies violence movies, then the child will have a fierce look on his or her face. here and show them to everybody. The babies that have relied on and He or she will have a bad temper and always get into fights with people. followed Triratna are all nice and smart, with good health and little If pregnant women love to watch terrible movies, then their children sickness. It can prove that the blessed reward one gets from Triratna is will lack courage and self-confidence. If pregnant women are always boundless, beyond our imagination. distressed, then their children will be dull, unsociable, and unhappy. In fact, it is necessary to teach the children when they are still in When you are pregnant you must get away from these and maintain a the womb. If we teach them after birth, it is a little bit late. It is a very mild and pure heart. In addition, you should always look at the Buddha’ important lesson on education. When Chou Wen Wang, a great emperor s statue, worship Buddha, read the Sutra, listen to Buddhist chants, eat in Chinese History, was still in his mother’s womb, his mother was vegetables, etc then the child you give birth to will be solemn, wise, already a woman with many virtues. In addition, she was very learned, and merciful. In the future, you do not have to spend much effort in skillful in music, chess, poetry, and painting. Therefore, she could give teaching this child because he or she will respect his or her parents and be birth to a good emperor-Chou Wen Wang. It proves how important obedient. When they grow up, they will have a bright future! prenatal teaching is. Today, the master has told you the truth. I hope in the future you The issue prenatal teaching I tell you today is very important. The should tell your brothers, sisters, and relatives such truth. If all of you can master hopes that as parents you should plant the benign root in the baby’ practice Buddhist prenatal teaching, then, there will be many great people s heart when it is still in the womb. I believe that after the baby has grown in Taiwan. In Buddhist sects, there will be many venerable monks and up, he or she must be obedient, wise, merciful, healthy, and easy to teach. nuns. Then Taiwan will have more blessed rewards and be more stable. Dharma is boundless, you can prove it yourself. Even the doctors and We all count on you to educate your children about Buddhism! psychologist have proved that prenatal teaching is influential. Today, all of us here have abundant blessed rewards to listen to the How to practice prenatal education? First, the mother should not loose master’s teaching of such great and incredible Dharma. You can buy it her temper. In addition, she should not watch exciting and terrible movies with money. As the old saying goes, “It is difficult to buy the Way. It by keeping her emotion calm and peaceful. Moreover, she should chant is sold to people that have the cause.” Today, we can witness that the the Sutra, worship Buddha, listen to Sutra chanting, speak good words, children of our sisters are all obedient and smart, with neat looking faces. eat vegetables, etc. Then the baby will be very wise and have a good You all see it. They are the best proof for Triratna, which have boundless personality after he or she is born. When he or she has grown up, she will power. Today, all of you have previous causes to rely on and believe in be smart and clever, modest and courteous. In the future, he or she may Triratna. Your blessed rewards are really great. become great person as well. After taking the conversion, you should practice the following: Everyday, you can chant Amitabha or Bhaisajya Guru Vaidurya 1.You should pursue dharma and awaken the people: after conversion, Prabhasa (The Buddha of Medicine). In addition, you should worship you should practice Buddhism diligently and vow to become Buddha Medicine Buddha and recite Medicine Buddha Sutra because Medicine soon. In addition, you should spread the messages to all lives, helping Buddha is the wisdom, light, and health giver. All these are the Medicine them get away from affliction and get close to joy. ．156． ．157． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

2.You should observe the five commandments, you should keep meditate, and listen to the master’s teaching. Then you can have your practicing them without any negligence. The five commandments are: do obstructions cleared and wisdom increased. It is useless to lament at not kill, do not steal, do not have erotic thoughts, do not lie or exaggerate, home all day long. do not drink wine. These are the basic morals for people. As a Buddhist, The temple is just like a school and Buddha is just like a teacher. You you should practice them without breaking any. are all the students. Now you are the students that have accepted Triratna. 3.You should read more books on Buddhism and listen to Buddhist As students, you should return to school each week to learn and listen to preaching always: Listen to Buddhist preaching more, your wisdom will the teachers’ instruction and inspiration. Do not forget the duty of being increase. the disciples of Buddhism. It can help strengthen your mind of dharma 4.Schedule session for morning and evening practice. Worship Buddha without cutting the benign root. Do not get entangled in the trouble in and chant the Sutra always to clear the obstruction, to avoid enduring the this world and make yourself distressed anymore. Then, you can enjoy a pain of the wheel of life and death. bright, wise, and happy life. Today, I would like to end my teaching here. 5.Do not commit in any wrongdoings and engage in doing good I wish you all follow Buddha and accomplish dharma. Amitabha! deeds: After conversion, you should respect your parents more. If you do not worship your parents, it will not be rewarding for you to practice Buddhism. You should do good deeds and avoid wrongdoings. The master has decided to build charity hospitals with the intention of giving He who ignores discipline despises himself, but blessed rewards to you and your children. I have established the Western Lotus Associations is to help you clear the obstruction when you pass to whoever heeds correction gains understanding. the Western world and free from the fear of death after you deceased. By doing so, your families can save time, free from worries, and save huge money for burial. These are the things the government cannot do for us. If the master takes the lead in doing it, everybody can be benefited from it. Today if you help people in distress, tomorrow people will help you when you are in distress. Performing charity is just like joining the mutual help group. Therefore, doing good deeds is the duty of everyone. Indeed, it is not charity at all. It is for the benefits of your own children and for the community as well. All of you should determine to join in charity and persuade the committee member of charity founder to join to do good deeds. If we can benefit ourselves, then there will be more warmth and peace in this world. 6.You should decide to return and seek the pure land in this world: No matter how much afflictions you endure and how many good deeds you have performed in this life, you should decide to seek the world of living Buddha, never fall into the wheel of life and death again to endure the pain. Do not beg for wealth, a son, longevity, or anything anymore. 7.You should join the assembly every week: You should go to the temples to join the assembly and Sutra fellowship, worship Buddha, ．158． ．159． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

Postscript or , he can not eliminate his disasters or prolong his life. There would be no principle of cause and effect if one could remove from bad All disciple must read postscript after conversion, it can be upgrade karma and get felicity like that! your life for bright and wisdom. If anyone think he can disperse his calamities and gain felicity by

chanting sutras at dharma assembly, the idea is absurd. It is not seeking Three Ways to Change Destiny dharma from his mind and is denying the law of karma. He will not reach The destiny of Buddha and people originates from causes and results. his goal. It is erroneous views and will not gain wisdom and mental light For good causes, it brings good results. For evil causes, it brings evils if one does not cultivate himself internally, but pursuits for extricating repayment. If you do not work hard to cultivate the causes and blame the himself externally instead. One should realize that: destiny, then there will be no room for discussion. Eventually, you will sit Greed-the symbol of hungry ghost. If people are too stingy and greedy, there and wait for your destiny and fall into afflictions! they will become hungry ghost after death. As we just met natural and human disasters, due to economic recession, Anger-the symbol of hell. If people have too much anger and hatred, the people feel unrest at heart. At this moment, only Buddha’s power can they will fall into hell after death. help us. Now, I would like to propose three ways of changing our destiny Ignorance-the symbol of beast. If people have too much delusion, they for your reference: will fall into the beasts’ life after death.The purpose of attending Dharma 1.Contribute regularly: When you get your wage each month, donate a assembly is to repent our past sins, recite the sutras and understand regular sum on a regular basis as virtue achievement. meaning of them, and then practice them according to Buddha’s teaching. 2.Practice Buddhism regularly: When your heart is peaceful at dawn One should introspect all the time, repent of his bad karma, and cultivate and dusk, worship Buddha and read the Sutra regularly. by himself so that he can be enlightened, change his destiny, and create 3.Do volunteer jobs regularly: serve the people regularly during the his merit and virtue. It is of no use only knowing one’s faults but not weekend and your free time. improving them. And it will be difficult to eliminate one’s karma or If you can contribute regularly, practice Buddhism regularly, and do terminate the cycle of his birth and death. volunteer work regularly, then your destiny will be improved. If you request good fortune, good fortune will be with you. If you ask for A cultivator should follow severe teacher instead of famous teacher wealth, you will get it. Then the country will prosper and people can live The Venerable Master Guang-Chin (an abbot of a temple in Formosa in peace. The weather will be harmonious without any natural disaster all who was famous for ascetic practices) admonished his disciples year round. At minute scale, it can reform an individual and a family. At a that “There is no more real instructor (mentor) in Taiwan, the actual huge scale, it can change the country’s fortune. Hope to share these good teacher is right in your mind; the monastery is in your mind rather than words with you all. Just do it! outside of your mind.” With such a few words, it pointed out the truth straightforward and sonorously. It truly gives sharp advice for those who A Dharma assembly is to preach Buddhism to the masses love pursuing famous teacher and don’t cultivate honestly to wake up An orthodox Buddhist Dharma assembly is a gathering of discoursing from error. Buddhist Dharma. Nevertheless, it became assembly of chanting sutras Through my observation during my twenty years of left-home life, it is formally without bearing in mind or practice when it was spread to indeed like what the Venerable Master Guang-Chin said. Taiwan has no China. However, if one does not change his mind and characters-still is real instructor to rely on. However, because of the domestic development apt to greedy, angry, ignorant, arrogant, has evil viewpoints, creates ten of the media and pack aging technology in recent years, it has created bad karma, does not observe precepts, no matter how he recites the sutras many famous monkss in Taiwan. It is difficult to encounter even if ．160． ．161． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha there is real teachers in Taiwan. It is difficult to recognize even if you If people want to prosper Buddhist dharma in Taiwan, the intellects encounter a real teacher. It is also difficult to accept his teaching even should know that it’s hard to find real masters. One should cultivate if you can recognize one. That is because they all teach their disciples depending on a strict master to avoid wrongdoing or imperfections. with exceptional, unusual, and severe ways. Beings in the period of Thus one will have a strict master to teach or correct him in time when degeneration and extinction of the Buddha-law do not have enough virtue he violates precepts or does anything not according to Buddhist law, and wisdom. They have inferior natural capacities, don’t have enough and when talking frivolously. Then he will achieve perfect felicity and patience, and can’t endure hardships. Therefore, it’s difficult for them to wisdom as a monk without violating precepts, causing bad karma, and bear the severe teachings and excessive demands. suffering in the Hell. How sad it is that Buddhist places of enlightenment in Taiwan are It’s said, “It’s the teacher’s laziness, and also his/her fault if the just like barber shops! teachings are not severe enough.” A severe teacher knows the principle Real bhiksus who are pure in the precepts know it very well whether of cause and effect. He/she will teach his students without leniency there are true monks in Taiwan. Nevertheless, ordinary people are or slack. If the severe teacher only teaches one student and makes the obsessed and attached to pursuing famed monks habitually instead student to be a dragon-like person of great abilities, the student could be of cultivating genuinely. Cultivators, whether monks or laypeople, the example of human beings and devas, and take across immeasurable nowadays who are intellectual should depend on “severe monks” instead beings cultivating correct dharma. Then the correct Buddhist dharma will of “famous monks.” be handed down forever and flourished. Because the famed Buddhist masters are usually busy at general affairs Therefore, all severe masters can abide by the Buddhist rules and and have a host of disciples. they have no time to teach their disciples, won’t accept disciples indiscriminately. Thus they will have enough they can not even know each disciple of the mass of theirs. How can they time to teach their disciples strictly. It’s very easy for monks and nuns to teach their disciples strictly? It makes most monks or nuns cultivate, violate precepts and not to behave according to Buddhist law at the early live, and end their lives by themselves. It is no wonder that the quality stage of becoming monks or nuns. They especially need their masters’ of Buddhist monks and nuns in Taiwan is getting worse due to lack of instruction and supervision at any time so that they will not lose their severe masters’ teachings. It is getting serious that the monks and nuns do correct thoughts. A master could create many real masters and monks/ not act according to the Buddhist rules and break the precepts. There are nuns of great abilities in the future if Buddhist way-places could hold the more and more Buddhist monks and nuns resuming secular lives. These are principle of quality instead of quantity and realize that the quality will the consequences of cultivation by depending on pursuing famous monks. change when the quantity becomes large, and the master could only give Long time age, Buddha predicted that it will have such degenerate tonsure to a person once a year and teach him/her strictly. Thus correct problem in the dharma-ending age, thus he stipulated that a master can Buddhist dharma in Taiwan can achieve sustainable and blooming forever. only give tonsure to a person each year. Only can the correct dharma The dharma-wheel can be rolled onwards taking across limitless beings to be passed down if a master can teach a Buddhist monk of great abilities take refuge with the Buddhism. It will be all being’s and every country’s wholeheartedly within a year. Modern famous Buddhist teachers ignore felicity if all beings can cultivate themselves and learn Buddhism! what Sakyamuni Buddha instructed apparently. It makes the Buddhist monasteries look like barber shops. What a pity! Well-known masters are not necessarily good masters The Buddha said in the Sutra of Causes and Conditions Said to Monk Currently, many Buddhists are proud of taking refuge with famed Sangharashita: “There are many Buddhist monks in the Hell in the Buddhist masters or like to show off that. Even those celebrities and Dharma-ending Age.” It’s a great vigilance to those cultivators who like political personages thought so. There are few people taking refuge with to depend on famous masters. those masters who have virtues through cultivation but nameless. It’s ．162． ．163． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha really hard to help that the utterly decayed phenomena of relying upon famous master” and will finally be hindered from attain enlightenment. men, and not upon the dharma in Buddhist realm! Where to find the real masters? The reason why people like to take refuge with “famous masters” It is the real master when you hold precepts and bear the dharma in instead of “real masters” or “severe masters” is because people love name your mind. A saying goes, “When one is still confused, his teacher saves and appearance. That is the fountainhead of the booming or decayed him. After one is awakened, he saves himself.” and as it’s said “The . teacher leads you to the door, but cultivation depends on the individual.” What are real masters and famous masters? What is the difference They hide themselves in remote mountains undergoing rigorous ascetic between them? discipline if you ask where to find real masters. It’s hard to find one! Real masters: One who cultivates himself and get enlightened, has pure virtue of observing precepts, does not crave fame, does not publicize Meditation (Zen) and tragedy himself, is insociable, does not exploit secular situations, is bold to At present, there are so many various Buddhist spiritual products which made correct speech or reproval, does not flatter celebrities and the rich, are tried to be fanciful and original. Various names and appearances, and does not involve in politics, rely on the dharma, and not on men. For random and wild talk are concocted, which are like a tale of chivalry that instance, the Venerable Master Guang-Chin and the Living Buddha of startles the martial realm and makes a furor among a great many sects. Golden Mountain in modern times, the Cloth-bag monk, the Great Master Each figure in the tale has ambition to become the supreme leader of (Cold Mountain), and Shide (The Foundling) in ancient times, the martial realm, which makes people stare dumb-founded and keeps who are Bodhisattva or arhat’s transformations? They did not show their people’s eyes fully occupied! Take Zen for example, there are various Sen appearances nor have dharma names. They did not take pictures nor sects having bluffing and sensational names to attract bewildered curious exploit situations. people going after in a swarm so that they can attain renown for illustrious Famous masters: One who does not cultivate himself and has no unmatched Chan achievements! virtue, love to be well-known, advertise himself in a guise, associate Zen! Tragic! (Can!) The more people cultivate, the more tragic it is! I with high officials and notables, and take across celebrities and the rich have known too many people possessed by the Devil due to learning Chan to manifest his fame. He gives tonsure to people excessively. He has no improperly since I became a monk. It is more serious during the current time to teach his disciples but is busy at social intercourse, building big depression. It makes people and I feel distressed. Very distressed! temples, and holding dharma assembly. The real Chan (dhyana) is: not to attach to fame, not to attach to Relying on real masters: One can understand the Buddhist teachings appearance, not to be reversed, and not to be hindered. The Chan is and realize how to cultivate and attain enlightenment. One will not be that whose meditative mind is fixed on goodness and stillness, which subject to making mistakes. It will be easier to accomplish the virtue of can observe logic in everything rationally, attain perfect wisdom, and observing precepts. One can bear the dharma in his mind and extricate discontinue all faults and affliction. It is strange to have so many odd himself eventually. names and weird phenomena! How peculiar it is! How grieved it is! Relying on famous masters: It’s difficult for one to understand the Buddha instructed in “the Mahasamnipata Sutra (Great Collection Buddhist teachings. One does not know how to cultivate himself and Scripture)” affirmatively and clearly: “In the dharma-ending age, it’s rare attain enlightenment. One is subject to making mistakes. It will be hard to have one person attaining enlightenment among millions of people to for him to accomplish the virtue of observing precepts. He can not bear pracitced, the only way to ferry over the birth and death of transmigration the dharma in his mind and eventually depraves himself. and nirvana” It makes us feel refreshed suddenly and relates to direct A wise man cultivates himself depending on “a real master” and will mental vision. In the dharma-ending age, we can only remember Buddha’ attain enlightenment ultimately. A fool cultivates himself depending on “a s name to attain enlightenment. It’s impossible to be enlightened by any ．164． ．165． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha dharma approaches! It’s what Buddha said. It’s so clear and to the point. Gurus do all know the natural capacities and bad habits of people in Why are the living beings still unenlightened and astray? Why do they the dharma-ending age. Therefore, they still encouraged these people still want to cultivate the Chan methods created by those whose wisdom to practice the method towards the Pure Land concentratedly to make and virtue are inferior to the Buddha? It leads them to be possessed by the accomplishment. In addition, people should not practice heresy to avoid Devil and reversed. How ignorant and extremely unenlightened they are! regrets. According to my observation, the modern followers of Buddhism Be enlightened, all Chan meditators! Be awakened! Don’t make your cannot even concentrate on chanting “Amitabha” for ten minutes. They Chan cultivation more pathetic! still cannot purify their mind. They cannot even possess such basic skill In the dharma-ending age, practice only the way of pure land can in practicing Buddhism. They come to chant the sutra today. Tomorrow, accomplish something they will sit in meditation, and practice Tibetan Buddhism after that. They How should the disciples of Buddhism practice to make achievements? are really ignorant! In the samyuktagamas Sutra, Ten Recitations Vinaya, and Scripture for If there are people saying that it is possible to make accomplishment by Humane Kings, the Buddha manifested the following disciplines: practicing other ways, they seem to negate Buddha’s words. His wisdom 1. In the 1,000 years of pure or orthodox doctrine (one of the three and virtue are better than the Buddha’s. These people disregard Buddha’ periods of Buddhism), by keeping the commandments, one will s knowing and seeing. People should not believe in this kind of persons. accomplish. It is called the accomplishments of commandments. Buddha had said all the best words in the world. If we do not listen to 2. In the 1,000 years of resemblance to purity, by practicing Chan one Buddha’s words, whose words should we listen to? will accomplish. It is called chan accomplishment. 3. In the 10,000 years of decay of Buddhism, by following the Buddha said: Slandering on the monks is an irredeemable misdeed disciplines of Pure Land, one will accomplish. It is called the pure and harm your felicity accomplishments. All the national monks usually will be slandered, criticized and attacked Observing the beings in the dharma-ending age, their natural capacities by lay people unanimously every time when some of their misdeeds are are limited, and their virtue is shallow . Therefore, Buddha manifested reported. Some lay people even spit curses at the monks smearing them that the people in the dharma-ending age should follow the way to the utmost. It makes me feel the pangs of heart. Each group has its towards pure land to practice Buddhism. By concentrating on practicing villains. However, it will be beneath one’s honesty and kindness if one Buddhism, one can accomplish the karma of Buddhism which leads to does not think that “One swallow does not make a summer.” Buddhahood, be awakened and attain enlightenment. However, Buddha In a country, if there are many people smear and insult the left-home pitied the ignorant beings in the dharma-ending age that they do not people, they are committing grave crimes of evil karma produced by understand the Buddha’s intention and do not listen to Buddha’s teaching. the mouth. The people in the country will be dogged by bad luck in the They are curious about supernatural power, see themselves morally lofty, future. The four Chinese emperors of the historical incident of ruining and self-righteous themselves all the time. By practicing miscellaneous Buddhism made them die miserably due to their extremely slandering heresy, they ask for prompt accomplishment and turning the truth upside and insulting the monks. They also ruined their countires and made their down. However, they still entangle in the wheel of birth and death. It is people couldnÕt live in peace. Everyone must remember the historical really a pity! lesson, otherwise history will definitely repeat itself. Some Gurus of the modern times, such as the Patriarch Yin Guang, the In many sutras Buddha mentioned that those who do not respect or Venerable Master Xyu Yun, the Living Buddha at Gold Mountain and the slander the monks commit deadly sin which is severer than taking a Venerable Master Guang-qin, etc, all advocated that in the dharma-ending thousand lives. The deva shall bring floods and droughts on humans to age, people should practice Buddhism in order to find the moment. The cause famine. The Buddha said about it in the following Sutras: ．166． ．167． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

“The Sutra of Slandering Buddhas”: “The sins committed by those who still take across men and devas, all men and devas should guard and have hearts of anger or evil towards Buddhist masters are immeasurable support them respectfully. Lay people are not allowed to harm their and severer than killing ten millions of people. Slandering Buddhist bodies with whip, stick, or evil speech. masters is like slandering Buddhas.” ”Ten Recitations Vinaya”: If people who do not hold in reverence to “All sins will be gathered if taking all beings’ lives. Those who have hearts Buddhas and Buddhas’ disciples scold them in this life, they will fall into of anger or evil towards Buddhist masters will gather sins instantly. The sins the evil paths in next life. If people know how to respect Buddhas and gather the former sins and then become countless sins. Why is that? That’s their disciples, they will be reborn in heavens. because slandering Buddhist masters is like slandering Buddhas.” “The Mahasamnipata Sutra”: Men and devas should make constant ”The Mahasatyanirgrantha Sutra”: If there are people who tie and beat and sufficient offering to those who have their heads shaved and are those left-home people who observe or break the precepts now and then wearing kasayas (or cassocks), whether they observe or break the in a closed place, or slander them, or force them to resume secular lives, commandments. Such offering is just like make offering to me (Buddha). or kill them, they commit the grievous sins and will definitely fall into the In case those who are wearing kasayas and claim to be my disciples hell suffering brutal punishment without intermission. break the commandments, they still abide in the stage of non-backsliding. ”The Mahasamnipata Sutra”: If there are people who beat, scold, If someone strikes them (the monk), it is like striking me (Buddha). If slander, or harm those monks who violate or do not observe the precepts, someone insults them, it is like insulting me (Buddha said that insulting they commit grievous sins, which are severer than harm countless the monks is like insulting Buddhas)! Buddhas’ bodies. ”The Mahasmrtyupasthana Sutra”: If beings do evil deeds, are not ”The Volumes of the Dharma Garden and Pearl Grove”: Lay people should filial to their parents, do not respect sramanas, slander the monks, Vasuki, not be arrogant and proud; otherwise it will harm their future felicity. Taksaka, Rufalong, etc, make Punyamitra to be reborn in a lower stage of ”The Mahasamnipata Sutra”: If there are people who annoy or harm existence, annoy dragons or speedy dragons, etc, it will bring powerful those monks who do not observe the commandments unlawfully, they calamities to the Jambudvipa like abnormal rainfall, droughts, floods, destroy the bodies of the dharma and reward bodies (Sambhogakaya) of famines. The heaven will descend evil wind and rainfall to harm all food Buddhas of the three periods of time. They will fall into the three lower crops, which make the eaters ill or die early. destinies suffering retribution. It baffles me that lay people need the monks to chant sutra and release ”The Mahasamnipata Sutra”: If there are people who unlawfully annoy, the death from transmigration so that they will not suffer in the three lower harm, abuse, slander those monks who follow me but do not observe the paths. Why do they ordinarily smear and insult the monks? How could commandments, or beat and tie them with knives or canes, they destroy the they release from transmigration and be reborn in the Western Pure Land? true reward bodies of Buddhas of the three periods of time. They pick men Will Buddhas in the Western Pure Land accept someone who smear and and devas’ eyes, conceal all seeds of correct dharma and the Triratna. They insult the Triratna, who is ungrateful and create serious sins of speech? make men and devas can not acquire benefit from the Triratna and increase We suffer from being men and have grave sins. We don’t want to beings in the three lower destinies. be men suffering in next life. We are supposed to acquire more merit ”The Mahasamnipata Sutra”: even if the monks break the and virtue, pay respect and make offering to the monks. Why don’t we commandments, they can still expound the liberation methods, show cultivate merit and virtue instead of creating grave sins? Is it possible for the path of nirvana for all men and devas, make living beings believe in those who regularly slander, insult, or harm Buddhas’ left-home disciples the Triratna and cultivate Buddhism, and then extricate themselves from and do not listen to Buddhas on earth to return to the Buddhas’ world in the transmigration. They exceed ninety-five heretical sects and all lay people. West to eternally enjoy the bliss when dying this life? Such monks who break the commandments and have evil behavior can ．168． ．169． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

Two kinds of Buddhism learners Persons to output or input The first kind of people are those who love gossiping I prefer to be a person to output instead of one to input. It’s better for this kind of people not to come to the Buddhist temples Usually, when men and women get married, they become persons to to learn Buddhism. Once they enter the temples, they will be engrossed input, while men and women leave the home-life, they become complete in gossiping about the left-home or the temples. They often gossip about persons to output. their lotus brothers. Instead of coming to learn Buddhism, they are To support the families, married people have to work hard to make engrossed in producing evil karma of mouth, confusing what is seen and money for their homes. They will strive for anything benefited themselves heard by people. In the meantime, they cut off people’s roots of goodness, or their families. They compete with others for everything to acquire they make people recede in their progress towards Buddhahood and never what they want. This is called input. Our lives will fall into the myth of want to enter the temples to learn and believe in Buddhism. This kind of input rather than output once we have a family. people who disturb the Buddhism’s peace and quiet are inhuman. They For the problems of families, children, careers, work, economy, etc, destroy Buddhism which produces immeasurable sins. men and wives are full of the thoughts of input. Naturally, they have The second kind of people are those who cannot distinguish right the thoughts of selfish and ego. Once people have families and careers, from wrong with their ears they have pressure of living and competition. Of course they prefer to be This kind of people came to the temples learning Buddhism with inputs, and often think about how to fight for fame and gain, positions, sincerity and spared no efforts to support the Triratna. However, they trust and wealth. They always need others’ help, giving, elevating, and favors self and others, and rights and wrongs too readily and cannot distinguish to obtain more money, interests, and fame and position. If we always the true from the false of gossips. Therefore, they discontinue their have this kind of thoughts and want to be inputs rather than outputs at service and respects to the Triratna, and cut off their roots of goodness at moments, it’s hard for us to get bright and propitious mind. the same time. They retreat from their resolves for the Way and no longer Such people will always live in gloom and worry because every day enter temples worshiping Buddhas or learning Buddhism. They cannot they are inputs. It’s unlike us, the monks, always being outputs. Like my tell right from wrong and have no wisdom or samadhi. They are doomed preaching to the masses today, am I not an output? I frequently lecture to fall into the transmigration suffering. or preach to the masses everywhere, did I ask for any money or benefit from The first kind of people are quite pathetic and the second one rather you? That’s the principle of “Giving is better than receiving.” we always say. pitiful. Both are not recommendable. Being a luminary instead of an absorptive body Confucius once said: “Even the things I see personally are not All masters at Cheng-Te Temple have been so toilsome for dealing with all necessarily true, let alone the things I hear from others.” work of charity hospitals, cultural magazine, educational school, Western Lotus The ancients had a saying, “The one who discuss the faults of others are Association, and expounding Buddhist sutras for preaching the Dharma and the gossipmongers. A person of noble character and integrity would not talk benefit of the living. Are we outputs? We turn your donations immediately into about right and wrong of others.” The Patriarch Huineng said: “The real that benefit all beings. We are just gods of wealth passing by on your way. You cultivator would not see the faults of others. If he sees the faults of others, it is output it by donation, and we output it again. We all are outputs doing merit his fault. I don’t follow others’ faults, it’s my fault if I am wrong. Without the and virtue to benefit the living. How delightful and free we are! mind of others’ faults, I shall worry no more.” The Great Master Yin Guan Oftentimes, one become an output when he is more capable, has more money said: “Ordinary people usually cannot see their own faults, sages always don’ and mercy. Take the beggar for example, they can only go begging. Therefore, t say they have virtue. People who don’t see their own faults, they accumulate they are always poor. They only want input, being an absorptive body, a receiver. their faults like mountains. Sages who don’t see their own virtue.” We should be a giver not a receiver. It will be a miserable life if we always hope for benefits from others and have such coarse and crude thoughts. ．170． ．171． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

We should be luminaries rather than absorptive bodies. If you can put understand it and reveal their mercy, donate their fortune or do something down your families, careers, and love between people in the family, then to the best of their abilities to save the living, and then the society will be do it earlier and make resolution to leave the home-life preaching to stable and the country prosperous. benefit all beings. Being an output not to always be an input absorbing others’ light in your whole life, then the power of your capacity will The dead recite Buddha’s name magnify and benefit more people. Such life will be bright and auspicious, The deceased can open their mouth wide chanting Sutra. It is incredible and free and liberated at the moment and in the future. and beyond the understanding of medicine. In recent years, many temples in Taiwan have established assisting Noble life and humble life Sutra chanting groups. Whenever there are deceased they will chant the Currently, most people pursue their ideals and happiness but sutra for them willingly, guiding the dead to the bliss world in the West public welfare religious work that could benefit all living creatures. peacefully, without falling into the way of evil. Their merciful heart in Nevertheless, they would appeal to the public welfare and religious guiding the dead is really touching, worthy of our respect! organizations when suffering affliction one day. It will not be a nice and In Yuanlin Township of Changhua County, many incredible events warm society and miserable beings will have no way to ask for help if about dead people chanting Sutra happened. When the assisting chanting everyone is so selfish. The world of mortals becomes a monochromatic Sutra group chanted for the dead, they opened their mouth wide and and indifferent world. This kind of life is lowly. chanted Sutra after them. The fortunate phenomenon was incredible, The Republic of China and democratic nations in the world are attracting many people to gather around and see the amazing scene! founded by numerous youth and men of high aspiration who forsook Invited by the Chang Huei Charity Association, I delivered a talk at National their individual ideals and ambitions, and sacrificed their precious lives Yuanlin Senior High School. The wife of the Chair of the charity ground said to revolt against autocracy or monarchy. They make people enjoy free that her neighbor Mrs. Hsu deceased. The assisting chanting Sutra group went and democratic lives and free from the persecution and fear from the there and chanted for her. The deceased could chant after the group loudly authorities. Those dedicators’ lives are noble. in the coffin. For those people that had heard it, they all exclaimed it to be a People usually solicit aid from the religious people and Buddhist miracle. As the Chair Mr. Lin saw this event, he decided to practice Buddhism monks and nuns when having mental problems. The monks are often and converted into a Buddhist. He is a pious Buddhist now. asked for praying for the dead. It will be a humble life when nobody It seems to be miraculous for the deceased to chant the sutra. If we would make resolve to leave the home-life, no one could help you when examine the reason behind, it is possible for us to find out that after a suffering, and no noe would chant sutras for the dead. person died his conscious is still there, not leaving his body completely. Because many people are willing to sacrifice their ideals and ambitions We just call it as false death. Although his body is corrupted, his to establish charity and education associations and devote to rescuing conscious exists. There is no different from the living. They can hear and beings, the poor beings can obtain help. Thus the social humane quality see. When the Buddhists chant the sutra or manifest Sutra at that time, will be promoted; the society will be more civilized, auspicious, and warm. they can help the dead leave their love and wealth. Therefore, they will Those dedicators and philanthropists’ lives are noble. be free from pain and go to the west peacefully. Then, their bodies will If everyone is busy with one’s own ideas and ambitions, nobody is remain to be soft and natural, with smile hanging on their faces. So you willing to make revolution, no one would like to leave the home-life should not cry and try to hinder them with love to confuse them. Then, and preach the dharma benefiting all beings, nobody would devote to they are not willing to go to the West. Eventually, they will fall into the six charity, cultural and educational or other social work, the saha world ways and the wheel of life and death. It is really a pity! will be dark, sorrowful, and never be bright. I hope that all the people ．172． ．173． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

Eat Less Meat Save Our Country in the cavities, keep chanting mantras, or seek nirvana.” If the people in Taiwan do not stop eating meat, they can hardly ”Mahamati! People who eat meat will be distant from the devas They escape the disaster of war usually have halitosis. They don’t have nice sleep or dreams. and Now, many Taiwanese love to eat meat. Each year, they eat 200 malevolent spirits will take away their vitality. They are startled and don’ millions chickens (according to the statistics of Taiwan Livestock Disease t have enough diet all the time. They will get more illness and be easy to Control Center.) Together with the large number of cows, sheep, ducks, have skin ulcer and tinea.””Mahamati! The meat is not clean. It makes geese, fishes, shrimps, etc eaten, Taiwan seems to be the killing field of you produce sin and evil, lose your merit and virtue, and abandoned by animals. It is really shocking. sages. It produces infinite faults. One will receive great merit and virtue if In Taiwan, people eat about 1 billion livestock and seafood. In ten years not to eat meat anymore.” time, we shall have killed 10 billion animals. The spirits of these animals In the Nirvana Sutra, Buddha said, “Kauyapadhatu, today I stipulate will fly over the sky of Taiwan, with hatred unable to disperse. When it the rule that my disciples are not allowed to eat meat. Those who eat meat comes to the saturation point, it will become a huge karma, lingering over are not my disciples.” the sky of Taiwan, seeking the chance to take revenge on us. Then, the In Surangama Sutra, Buddha said, “For those people that eat meat, even country will have a cruel war. This is the unchangeable rule of cause and if they open their hearts and see samadhi, they see ghosts only. They will result. According to the old saying, “If you want to know the reason of be rewarded with entangling in the sea of life and death. Likewise, people the disaster of war, just listen to the sound in the slaughterhouse.” kill and swallow each other. They eat each other without halt. These are the In the Sutra on Karmic Reward and Retribution in Reincarnation in reason for people in the three realms.””In different worlds, for the people Five Destinies, the Buddha said, “The reason of short life and frequent and six ways, if their hearts do not want to kill, then they do not have to illness comes from killing.” “Wealth comes from giving.” entangle in the circle of life and death. If you practice Samadhi, you will In the Lankavatara Sutra, the Buddha said, know that everything origin from the trouble of this world. If they do “For the people that kill, they will be eaten. If people do not eat not purge their hearts of killing, they cannot leave this world. Even with animals, then there will not be any killing. Therefore, the sin for eating wisdom and deep meditation, if people do not stop killing, they will fall meat and killing is just the same.” into the way of ghosts, flying demons, malignant spirits, etc.” “There is boundless cause and effect. People should not eat meat. In the Sutra Buddha manifested that eating meat is serious sin. If there is All lives come from nowhere. They have been six relations as parents, only one person that eats meat, the sin is already serious. If all the people in brothers, friends, and servants. In other lives, they may be reincarnated as the country eat meat, the sin committed by them will be boundless. When animals. Thinking of our past relations, we should not eat meat.” karma comes, it will bring the revenge of killing. For the people who eat ”The beings will be frightened if they smell the people who eat meat. It is meat, they will be rewarded with short life, frequent sickness, and killing. like candala (violent and mean people) that abhorred and barked dreadfully This cause and effect is an unchangeable law. Everybody should repent. by dogs. Therefore, we should not eat meat.” “People who eat meat can not Therefore, all the people in Taiwan, they should stop eating meat, to accomplish their good deeds when reciting sutras and mantras. Therefore, avoid war and death. In addition, they can avoid the death of their six we should not eat meat.” “People who eat meat are smelly and filthy. They relatives. Moreover, there are many chemical toxics in meat. Over eating have bad breath and nightmares. It makes cultivators retrograde in the way it will lead to serious illness as cancer, stroke, high blood pressure, etc. towards Buddhahood, lost their compassionate hearts, and discarded by the The pain will be enormous! devas and deities.Therefore, we should not eat meat.” In order to avoid the country from encountering the disaster of war, all “Bodhisattva Mahamati! All good men and women who eat meat will the people should help themselves by promoting “Eat Less Meat. Save the be hindered and accomplish nothing even they practice under the trees or Country!” It is the urgent task for the people in Taiwan. Do not indulge in it. ．174． ．175． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

The Cheng-Te Temple promote “Do less misdeeds karma power will be accumulated there. Then, the people in that country and recite Buddha’s name More” campaign will encounter disasters and the lives have to endure endless afflictions! You have to know the reasons of these. Do not do evil karma anymore. Considering the fact that the people in Taiwan are severely corrupted, On the contrary, if the people in a country do lesser karma and perform they have fallen. The strange phenomena are the results of betraying the more good deeds and worship Buddha often, it will accumulate boundless cause and result, and ethics. It can be seem elsewhere. As people lament blessed rewards. Then, karma will be eliminated after a considerable the downgrade of the morals and peoples hearts are dangerous. If our period of time. The country will be prosperous and disasters will be morals and ethics keep deteriorating, from the perspective of cause and eliminated! result, the master worries that if the common karma of Taiwan appears in Therefore, I would rather expect you to do lesser karma than donate the future, there will be great disasters. more. Let’s promote the “Do Less Karma and Chant More Sutra” In order to twist this malignant flow and eliminate this roaring karma campaign. Let the disciples of Cheng Te to lead and promote this power, all the Buddhists should express their Bodhi hearts and practice campaign. When we meet, greet each other with “Do Less Karma and Buddhism diligently. By practicing Buddhism, we can change our bad Chant More Sutra.” Go and spread this slogan and chant it often. Let’ conducts to perform good deeds. Becoming the major force in the society, s say No to karma with courage. Let’s work for the good fortune and we can work together to purge the karma force. prosperity for the people, our families and friends. Let’s expand our Therefore, from now on the master will not persuade you to donate. conscience. Let’s join our hands together to make Taiwan the pure land of The most important thing is to convince people to do less karma. bliss in this world. Let’s accumulate blessed rewards for this piece of land Therefore, I would like to propose the “Do Less Karma and Chant More - Taiwan. Let’s all live peacefully without any disasters. Then, every one Sutra” campaign. I would like to persuade you not to kill, steal, do not of you can have boundless blessed virtue. Both you and I are benefited have any erotic wishes, do not lie or exaggerate, do not speak evil speech, from it. I would like to conclude with the famous line of an English do not gossip, do not speak unrefined speech, do not greed, do not get thinker and politician - Burke said, angry, no stupidity, no arrogance, no self-depreciation, do not hesitate, no “Among a people generally corrupt, liberty and peace cannot exist long.” heterodox views, do not disrespect parents, teachers, and elders, do not If general people in a country fall from virtue or turn corrupt, the give up supporting your parents, do not cheat, do not forget one’s grace, freedom and stability will not be maintained forever. etc. Especially, do not speak ill speech at holy places of Buddhism and In conclusion, I’d like to pray sincerely that the merciful Buddhas will do not slander Triratna because these are the serious sins of disrupting the bless Taiwan to be prosperous and the people are in peace. Beings with harmony of the community of monks. These are the biggest karma in this false views will return to the right way and vow to devote the mind to world. So we should: bodhi. With all the merit and virtue, may all beings in the six destinies be Do less karma, and then the virtues we have made by giving and reborn in the Pure Land obtaining rewards like Amitabha Buddha that is performing good deeds will be perfect and harmonious. majestic and has infinite life. Best wishes to all of you having boundless Do less karma, and then the virtues we have made by chanting the merit and virtue. Amitabha Buddha! Sutra can be perfect and free from obstruction. Do less karma, and then the sins we have repent by worshipping Buddha can be purge and cleansed. Do less karma, and then the virtues we have accomplished by practicing Buddhism will nullify the karma. If there are too many people doing karma in a country, then boundless

．176． ．177． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

In last, master has some dharma’s words to encourage everybody: When he is at peace, he can reflect. Upon reflection, he can obtain ◎The way must be practiced, if it is not practiced, what use is the way? what he wants. Virtue must be cultivated, if it is not cultivated, from where does ◎Living beings are boundless, I vow to save them. virtue come? Afflictions are endless, I vow to cut them off. ◎Enlightened. One is a Buddha. Confused. One is a living being. Dharma-doors are limitless, I vow to study them all. ◎Regard everything in the past as if you died yesterday. The Buddha way is unsurpassed, I vow to realize it. Regard everything in the future as if you were born today.¡ ◎I vow to be reborn in the Western Pure Land, The nine lotus grades ◎Even in a hundred thousand eons, the karma you create does not are my parents.As the lotus flowers bloom. perish. When the conditions come together, you must still undergo I will see Buddha Amitabha, reach no-birth, and liberate all sentient beings. the retribution yourself. ◎An inch of time is an inch of life. ◎For all the bad karma created in the past, based upon beginning ◎Cherish the things of the temple as if they were the pupils in your less greed, hatred and stupidity, And born of body, mouth and mind, I own eyes. now repent and reform. ◎The sounds of the brooks are all simply the vast, long tongue. ◎Rising up early in the morning, going to bed late, at night, for whom The hues of the mountains are none other than the pure body. are we busy? Living beings are hard to save, it’s pretty sad. Confused ◎Don’t wait until you’re old to cultivate the way. by the wearisome dust, their natures are upside-down. Boxing their The lonely graves are full of young people. ears and commanding them directly, there is still no way to teach them. ◎Age makes no difference in the realm of the living, ◎Thought after thought is true and sincere, thought after thought For people constantly meet in the realm of the dead. penetrates. Working quietly, there’s a response in the midst of the ◎This day is already done,our lives are that much less. quiet work. We’re like fish in a shrinking pond. what joy is there in this ? Go straight to the place beyond the mountains and streams, and Great assembly! We should be diligent and vigorous, as if our own you will be free to roam the Dharma Realm, going east or west as heads were at stake. you please. Only be mindful of impermanence, And be careful not to be lax. ◎When one wish is fulfilled, all wishes are fulfilled. ◎Think of those women who are elderly as your mothers, those who When we are at ease in one place, we are at ease everywhere. are senior to you as your elder sisters, those who are junior to you ◎Only after being sick do you realize, the body is suffering. as your younger sisters, and those who are young as your children. Only after dying do you realize, you applied your effort wrongly. Resolve to save them, and quell unwholesome thoughts. ◎When the horse is on the edge of the cliff, it’s too late to draw in the reins. ◎That which is called “good” begins with the mind, When the boat is in the middle of the river, it's too late to patch the leaks. That which is called “bad” also begins with the mind. ◎Cultivators should be careful not to doubt, once they doubt, they ◎With one enlightened thought, you are a Buddha. will be lost. With one confused thought, you are a living being. ◎When I see someone die, my heart burns like fire, it’s not burning ◎Offenses that fill up the skies are dissolved by a single thought of because of him, but because I know it will soon be my turn. repentance. ◎Every cultivator needs to have the three non-outflow studies of ◎The eyes contemplates the nose, the nose contemplates the mouth,the precepts, samadhi, and wisdom. mouth contemplates the heart, when one is concentrated, thereis an ◎When a person has concentration, he can be still. When he is still, he efficacious result, when one is scattered, there is nothing. can be at peace. ◎You can’t bring anything with you, only your karma will follow you. ．178． ．179． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

◎Sickness enters through the mouth, calamity comes out of the mouth. A message from the author ◎Just practice good deeds, and donÕt ask about the future. ◎My destiny is determined by myself, not by heaven. To all the Buddhist lay-disciples: I spent more than three whole years to compile and research ◎When the mountains disappear and the waters vanish, you doubt information to complete this book. It was really a very arduous task there is a road ahead. Beyond the dark willows and the bright flowers to research the correlation between Buddhism and various worldly is another village. disciplines. I could not make any rash decision of any of the specialized ◎If you can climb to the top of a hundred-foot pole and then take subject. From pp.236 to pp.310 were the most difficult and time- another step. The worlds in the ten directions will appear in their entirety. consuming parts for me to write this book. I had to look them up in 2,278 ◎When all the world knows what is fine, then what is bad already exists. sutras. When they know what is good, then what is not good already exists. When you read this book with satisfaction, you should know it took ◎Too tight, and it’ll break. Too slack, and it’ll be loose, neither tight me more than three years to choose every word with great care, and nor slack, and it will turn out right. type them with my head swimming and brokenhearted by myself. I have ◎In cultivation, don’t be afraid to go slowly, just be afraid of standing still. been in poor health, and suffered from serious heart disease and gastric ◎The moon appears in the waters of a pure heart, there are no clouds in disease. During the process of writing this book, I could not have a the sky of a calm mind. normal daily life and had to stay up very often. It was a great injury for ◎True wealth is stopping the mind and cutting off thought. True fields a frail man like me. It is hard for you to realize my toil and painstaking. of blessings are devoid of all selfish desires. Usually, the readers would not appreciate the author’s great pains and ◎As long as the hells are not empty, I vow not to become a Buddha. experience Only when all living beings have been saved, will I accomplish bodhi. I wish my hard work will pay off by this book preaching the correct ◎Truly recognize your own faults, and don’t discuss others’ wrongs. Buddhist dharma to benefit all of you, help you release from suffering, Others’ wrongs are just my own, being of one substance with all have happy lives, and eradicate worrying. I hope all of you could read it things is called great compassion. up carefully to increase your wisdom, mercy, and enlightenment. ◎May the merit and virtue accrued from this work adorn the Buddhas’

pure lands. Repaying four kinds of kindness above and aiding those suffering Shi Chang-lyu 2007.01.01 in the paths below. May those who see and hear of this all bring forth the resolve for bodhi. When this retribution body is over, be born together in the land of ultimate bliss.

．180． ．181． The First Step to be a Buddha The First Step to be a Buddha

The Ven. Master Chang-Lyu’s dharma words Buddhism is not a religion The author, Master Chang Lu has been practicing Buddhism for Mercy some forty years since he was a junior high school student. The master’ The affairs which we are afraid of being hurt, s conclusion on Buddhism is that Buddhism is the education of all the Do not hurt others either; wisdom, knowledge, mercy, and awakening in the universe. Therefore, The abusiveness which we afraid of hearing, it is not a religion. Buddhism is a profound spiritual science. It is also Do not abuse others either; a profound and extensive knowledge in this universe. Concerning the The affairs which we are afraid of seeing, Western philosopher comments, they all think that Buddhism is not a Do not let it be seen by others either. religion but a profound knowledge and spiritual science that trespasses science. Now, there are more and more Westerners, scientists, and Selfless love philosophers that have been attracted to Buddhism. Love every person as you love your wife and children, Master Chang Lu, the founder of the Buddhism education and cultural And there will be no one in the world you can not love. institution always persuade people with all his heart. He always spends 3 Forgive every person as you forgive your parents, And there will be no one in the world you can not forgive. hours of lecture to tell people the meanings of relying on and following Buddhism. With patience, he teaches the disciplines and customs of Serene and free Buddhism to all the people so that they can convert to Buddhism by When you take pleasure in enjoying material life , receiving all the disciplines truly. You should build up your own moral, In recent years, there are more and more people participate in the And enrich more spiritual food, conversion. However, in many temples their conversion ceremonies To make your life more comfortable. are mere formality. They do not emphasize on the instruction before the conversion. Likewise, the followers do not understand the basic The most of people disciplines and customs of Buddhism after the ceremonies. Who is the most wealthy. This book is written by Master Chang Lu himself. He interprets the One does alms. meaning of converting to Buddhism clearly and in detail. Its contents are Who is the most beautiful. broad and solid, with diverse and rich discussion. It illuminates the basic One is merciful. disciplines and spirits of Buddhism, the convergence between Buddhism and Who is the most penniless. other disciplines. In addition, he also discusses the basic duty of a Buddhist One is greedy. and the dharma and merits of believing in and practicing Buddhism in this Who is the most ugliest. book. For the beginners of Buddhism practice, their hearts will be filled with One holds hateful. the joy and confidence of karma. They will have no more doubts. With firm What is the most powerful. and stable steps, they will proceed to the way of becoming Buddha. One has the power of tolerating insult From the lines, it is able to see the master’s merciful heart of dharma. You can also feel the master’s sincere expectations, hoping the readers --Translated by the Ven. Master Chang-Lyu can have the correct way of knowing after reading this book. Likewise, converting to Buddhism will become the first step of becoming Buddha, creating a bright life with good fortune and wisdom.

．182． Series of Cheng-Te’s Buddhist books, CDs and VCDs Complimentary books given D o n a t i o n Complimentary books D o n a t i o n to donators for printing given to donators for printing Series of writings and lectures of the Ven. Master Chang-Lyu, Cih-yin (Merciful Words) Cih-yin (Merciful Words) Magazine (it has a circulation of As you like Magazine (it has a circulation As you like the inauguratoSeries of writings and lectures of the Ven. Master 150,000 copies a month) of 150,000 copies a month) Chang-Lyu, the inaugurator of the Buddhist Cheng-Te Chinese The World Bodhi (it Stories of the Cheng-Te (it shares contains efficacious stories Medicine Charity Hospitals, published during his 20-year monastic lifer the growth of the Cheng-Te NT$100 NT$100 people with you) of Avalokiteshvara or Mercy Buddha)

Donation Cih-yin (Merciful Words) Cih-yin (Merciful Words) Complimentary books given to donators Magazine (it has a circulation of As you like Magazine (it has a circulation As you like for printing 150,000 copies a month) of 150,000 copies a month) Three Major Doctrines for Cih-yin (Merciful Words) Magazine (it has a circulation of 150,000 copies a month) As you like Due Buddhist Courtesies NT$100 NT$100 Cultivating Wisdom

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Cih-yin (Merciful Words) Magazine (it has a circulation of 150,000 copies a month) As you like Everyone is welcome to any complimentary copy and donation for recording/printing. Complimentary books Donation Complimentary books Donation given to donators for printing given to donators for printing Obliged us with your help to circulating it extensively; Cih-yin (Merciful Words) Cih-yin (Merciful Words) Magazine (it has a your merits and virtues will be immeasurable. Magazine (it has a circulation As you like circulation of 150,000 copies a month) As you like of 150,000 copies a month) Refreshing Dharma Talks (it has Please contact each branch/chapter of the Cheng-Te, or remit at the post office Twenty Keys to Being Reborn in the Western Paradise NT$100 36 short stories of Buddhist NT$500 (account number: 41921869, account name: Cheng-Te Foundation) life) Service line for readers: +886-7-370-3456 Ext. 20 Cih-yin (Merciful Words) Cih-yin (Merciful Words) Magazine (it has a circulation As you like Magazine (it has a circulation As you like of 150,000 copies a month) of 150,000 copies a month)

Three Major Doctrines for Cultivating Wisdom NT$100 The World Bodhi NT$150 Cih-yin (Merciful Words) agazine (it has a Cih-yin (Merciful Words) agazine (it has a circulation of 150,000 copies a month) As you like circulation of 150,000 copies a month) As you like The Western Bodhi NT$100 The First Step to Be a Buddha NT$100 Cih-yin (Merciful Words) Magazine (it has a Cih-yin (Merciful Words) Magazine (it has a circulation of 150,000 copies a month) As you like circulation of 150,000 copies a month) As you like The First Step to Be a Buddha NT$100

Cih-yin (Merciful Words) Magazine (it has a Cih-yin (Merciful Words) Magazine (it has a circulation of 150,000 copies a month) As you like circulation of 150,000 copies a month) As you like Domestic Cheng-Te Western Lotus Association Cheng-Te Social Welfare & Charity Foundation Headquarters No.44-8, Benguan Rd., Niaosong Township, Kaohsiung County 83347, Taiwan (R.O.C.) TEL: +886-7-370-3456 FAX: +886-7-379-0532 Kaohsiung City Chapter http://www.chengte.org.tw No.253, Ersheng 2nd Rd., Qianzhen District, Kaohsiung City 80658, Taiwan (R.O.C.) E-mail: [email protected] (Kaohsiung); [email protected] (Taipei) Domestic and overseas Buddhist Cheng-Te Chinese Medicine Charity TEL: +886-7-537-1582 FAX: +886-7-537-1586 Chain Hospitals / Cheng-Te Social Welfare & Charity Foundation Pingdong City Chapter No.107, Gongyuan W. Rd., Pingtung City, Pingtung County 90073, Taiwan (R.O.C.) TEL: +886-8-734-6749 FAX: +886-8-734-6753 Xinying City Chapter Headquarters No.186, Minzu Rd., Xinying City, Tainan County 73046, Taiwan (R.O.C.) No.44-8, Benguan Rd., Niaosong Township, Kaohsiung County 83347, Taiwan (R.O.C.) TEL: +886-6-635-5819 FAX: +886-6-633-6664 TEL: +886-7-370-3456 FAX: +886-7-379-0532 Zhanghua City Chapter Kaohsiung Charity and Education Building No.56, Minsheng S. Rd., Changhua City, Changhua County 50063, Taiwan (R.O.C.) 12F., No.61, Jiuru 1st Rd., Sanmin District, Kaohsiung City 80766 TEL: +886-4-727-0006 FAX: +886-4-725-9407 TEL: +886-7-395-2085 FAX: +886-7-380-0708 Taipei City Chapter No.125, Minquan W. Rd., Datong District, Taipei City 10361, Taiwan (R.O.C.) Taipei Branch TEL: +886-2-2593-3658 FAX: +886-2-2597-7281 No.125, Minquan W. Rd., Datong District, Taipei City 10361,Taiwan (R.O.C.) TEL: +886-2-2593-3658 FAX: +886-2-2597-7281 Yonghe City Chapter No.50, Sec. 1, Xiulang Rd., Yonghe City, Taipei County 23445, Taiwan (R.O.C.) Zhanghua Branch TEL: +886-2-2232-7799 FAX: +886-2-2927-3377 No.56, Minsheng S. Rd., Changhua City, Changhua County 50063, Taiwan (R.O.C.) Yilan Chapte TEL: +886-7-370-3456 FAX: +886-4-725-9407 No.32, Jianmin St., Luodong Town, Yilan County 26543, Taiwan (R.O.C.) Xinying Branch TEL: +886-3-961-7617 FAX: +886-3-961-7529 No.186, Minzu Rd., Xinying City, Tainan County 73046, Taiwan (R.O.C.) Hualian City Chapter TEL: +886-6-635-5819 FAX: +886-6-633-6664 No.6, Lane 498, Zhonghua Rd., Hualien City, Hualien County 97047, Taiwan (R.O.C.) Yilan Branch TEL: +886-3-834-3188 FAX: +886-3-832-5637 No.32, Jianmin St., Luodong Town, Yilan County 26543, Taiwan (R.O.C.) Taichung City Chapter TEL: +886-3-961-7617 FAX: +886-3-961-7529 No.243, Jiande St., East District, Taichung City 40148, Taiwan (R.O.C.) Hualian TEL: +886-4-2215-1545 FAX: +886-4-2215-1547 No.6, Lane 498, Zhonghua Rd., Hualien City, Hualien County 97047, Taiwan (R.O.C.) Overseas Buddhist Cheng-Te Chinese Medicine Charity Chain Hospitals TEL: +886-3-834-3188 FAX: +886-3-832-5637 Canada Branch (Vancouver) Cheng-Te Puli Culture & Education College TEL: +1-604-255-3113 No.105, Lane 110, Fuxing Rd., Puli Town, Nantou County 54558, Taiwan (R.O.C.) Australia (Melbourne) TEL: +886-49-2930-923 FAX: +886-49-2930-711 TEL: +61-3-974-89895 The Chang-te Series The First Step to be a Buddha Writer: Venerable Master Chang-lyu (The Founder of Buddhism Cheng-Te Charity and Education Association) Edit: Buddhist Cih-yin Magazine Press Publisher: Chang-te templer Counselor: Mr. Wang Address:No.44-8 Peinkuan Rd.Niaosong Town Kaohsiungshire Taiwan Tel:07-3703456 Fax: 07-3790532 Website: http://www.chengte.org.tw/ First bilingual edition: 1/2007 Possessed of copyright Donation of printed cost: each book NT$200 Not-for-sale item