UNITY SHOULD BE AT THE TOP OF EVERY BUDDHIST PRACTITIONER’S MIND
Caller: The third rule of the “Code of Conduct for Disciples” states, “Disciples should respect each other and work hand in hand with the Master to propagate Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door. As disciples, you should help people become spiritually awakened, be free from suffering and attain happiness”.
The first two phrases, ‘to respect each other’ and ‘to work hand in hand’, emphasise ‘respect’ and ‘unity’ respectively, which are two of “The Six Principles of Reverent Harmony”.
If a fellow practitioner within a group is endeavour to mediate conflicts among members and striving to resolve discord among fellow practitioners to foster unity within the group, can this fellow practitioner be considered to be performing a meritorious deed?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Absolutely! As long as he promotes positivity, his efforts are commendable. If what he does is not to inject positivity, but merely being skilful at maintaining good relationship with people, it goes without saying that it is a lower virtue. It’s only when you do it the Bodhisattva’s way, you are deemed to be of a high virtue.
Caller: Am I right to say that when we go about mediating others, we should focus on bringing people together to the Guan Yin Hall so that everyone is able to work towards the direction of spiritual cultivation?
Master Jun Hong Lu: That’s right!
Caller: Got it. Master, you’ve once compared the ‘Code of Conduct for Disciples’ to making a solemn oath. Coming back to the third rule, it is stated that as disciples, it’s our duty to earnestly safeguard the unity within our practice centre. Am I right?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Exactly! Because you must remember the principle of ‘fostering harmony in Sangha’. Even though we’re not monastics, it’s still crucial for us, as Buddhist practitioners, to be united among ourselves. This is in itself ‘fostering harmony in Sangha’. Do you understand?
Caller: Yes. Thank you, Master.
Source: Wenda20191227 52:07, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
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