THE THREE STEPS TO WISE ACTION: OBSERVE, REFLECT, AND ACT
Master Jun Hong Lu: Life is as such: First, observe; second, reflect and third, act accordingly. Firstly, assess the environment. Secondly, carefully consider whether an action is appropriate; and only after a thorough evaluation, should you proceed with it.
As Buddhist practitioners, you should first study the Buddhist texts and understand the principles. Second, you should stay calm when things happen because wisdom arises from a mind that is calm. Lastly, you must be crystal clear that the action you take will not create any new negative karma before you proceed with it.
Life failures often stem from being blind to one’s own flaws, which leads to the loss of wisdom. As your Master, I sincerely hope each of you remains dedicated to your Buddhist practice and gains clarity about your life’s path. In a world governed by karma, it is essential to understand that every action carries its consequences.
We must keep in mind that everything we do today will have consequences. By doing so, we become more mindful of the causes we create. If we act like ordinary beings who ignore issues and act impulsively, we may only realise our mistakes when the repercussions arise – by then, it will all be too late. Thus, a Buddhist saying reminds us: “Bodhisattvas fear the causes, while sentient beings fear the consequences”.
If you can always bear in mind that every action you take has a corresponding effect, you will be mindful of the ‘action’ you take. Conversely, if you are no different from those mortals who do not hesitate to act when things happen, unfortunately, when the negative karma catches up with you, and you have to pay a price for it, it will be too late by the time you realise your mistakes. Hence, the saying in the dharma realm, “Bodhisattvas fear the causes, while sentient beings fear the consequences”.
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s World Buddhist Fellowship Meeting, Singapore, 24 April 2016