I received the following email from my dharma friend:
"I would like to share my experience with you.
Last week, I started to check your write-up on Chapter 48 of the Huayen Sutra as soon as I finished reciting the chapter, and it took me a good half hour to locate your quote. Obviously, that part didn't leave a slight mark in my mind. Amazing how true it is.... everything is out there, do you see it? Are you aware of its existence? ... (Well, I can also blame my level of sutra understanding and interpretation.)
Today, I recited Chapter 49. Again, I checked your comment afterward. In fact, as I came to reciting the phrase “the millions of obstacles that were encountered” (所得的百萬障門), it rang a little bell. But, when I checked your blog, it was the one which Jason Shi Xiong had commented on.... now I remember. The second time around reading it (especially after reciting the chapter itself), makes a difference. Now that I know the topic better through the reciting, I can better relate to your feeling (感受), and your learning (心得) becomes more beneficial to me. As I was reciting, I was impressed with each and every obstacle (障門)... even the slightest thing you do not think of can be a hindrance. As HeShang said that one must process a wholesome character (人格一定要健全), which is a pre-requisite for becoming a Buddhist.
Also, I have to confess that today I have made up my mind to be persistent (精進) ....wish this state of mind will be maintained consistently. If this slips off, please give me a kick.
Although my appreciation is beyond words, please accept 'thanks' from the bottom of my heart for your blog, for being so inspiring, and for being you. "
(July 9, 2008)
Original Posting: 華嚴心分享—百萬障門生
http://anuttara-huayen.blogspot.com/2008/06/blog-post_20.html#links
Showing posts with label wholesome character. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wholesome character. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Sunday, June 1, 2008
What are the prerequisites or resources for practicing Buddhism?
According to Master Haiyun there are three prerequisites in learning Buddhism:
1. A wholesome character
2. A normal or healthy life style of living
3. The urge to find out the Truth of Life.
When one character is indecent or badly twisted, one is not ready to start practicing. One needs to try to correct the indecency or flaws in one’s character first. Without a wholesome character, one does not or cannot reflect or introspect. That is why having Right Views and Right Thought is important.
Then one needs to have a health life style of living. For example people who indulge themselves in gambling, drugs or alcohol, there are voids or emptiness in their spirits that require patch-ups. For a Buddhist who pamper himself in any kind of obsession is unhealthy, it is a sign for improvement. People who do not get along with their family, colleagues and friends are not ready for serious practicing. Here is where having Right Speech, Right Action and Right Living come in.
With a wholesome character and healthy life style, one naturally has the desire to higher fulfillment, to improve the existing status quo or to find out the Truth about life. Here is where having Right Effort, Right Mind and Right Concentration come in.
Only when we have the three prerequisites fully attained, we are ready to walk the Bodhi Path. Otherwise we need to spend our effort in acquiring these prerequisites first.
Notes:
The Eightfold Noble Paths are: Right Views, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Living, Right Effort, Right Mind and the Right Concentration.
1. A wholesome character
2. A normal or healthy life style of living
3. The urge to find out the Truth of Life.
When one character is indecent or badly twisted, one is not ready to start practicing. One needs to try to correct the indecency or flaws in one’s character first. Without a wholesome character, one does not or cannot reflect or introspect. That is why having Right Views and Right Thought is important.
Then one needs to have a health life style of living. For example people who indulge themselves in gambling, drugs or alcohol, there are voids or emptiness in their spirits that require patch-ups. For a Buddhist who pamper himself in any kind of obsession is unhealthy, it is a sign for improvement. People who do not get along with their family, colleagues and friends are not ready for serious practicing. Here is where having Right Speech, Right Action and Right Living come in.
With a wholesome character and healthy life style, one naturally has the desire to higher fulfillment, to improve the existing status quo or to find out the Truth about life. Here is where having Right Effort, Right Mind and Right Concentration come in.
Only when we have the three prerequisites fully attained, we are ready to walk the Bodhi Path. Otherwise we need to spend our effort in acquiring these prerequisites first.
Notes:
The Eightfold Noble Paths are: Right Views, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Living, Right Effort, Right Mind and the Right Concentration.
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