Time : Saturday 2pm-4.15pm
Platform : ZOOM Cloud Meeting
Topic of Discussion : “WHEN ENOUGH IS NOT ENOUGH” – The First Poison in Buddhism: GREED
On 6 March 2021, Guan Yin Citta, Singapore held another online English Group Study. The session provided a wide coverage on various aspects of Greed and ways to overcome them.
During the session, the facilitator drove in the point about the importance of eliminating our Greed and the dire consequences of this negative emotional state – ticket to the hungry ghost realm.
When Greed goes into an overdrive, it can trigger the Hatred in us and lead us astray owing to sheer Ignorance.
Greed can rear its ugly head in many ways and some of the less typical forms of Greed are:
?Obsession with self-advancement,
?Desire to win every conversation,
?Parental expectations on their children,
?Hoping for returns from Buddhism practice, etc.
In a video replay Master Lu reiterates the ignorance of greedy people by saying, “Greedy individuals strive to obtain what they desire for at all costs. They will not hesitate to make selfish decisions that come at the expense of others, not knowing they are hurting themselves in the process.”
The participants were advised to adopt the following antidotes to quell the Greed in them:
? Practise the act of giving.
?Practise self-discipline by applying the Buddhism concept of “Morality (Precepts), Concentration and Wisdom”.
?Practise persistence and endurance in spiritual cultivation such that no temptation can seize you.
?Understanding your own shortcomings and avoid being the object of temptations.
?Accept destiny and predestined affinity as we get what’s rightfully ours.
?Comprehend the true meaning of impermanence in life.
Master Lu advised us to live by the philosophy: “I am blessed to have it and equally blessed not to have it” as this is the way to see through the reality of things.
In the upcoming session – scheduled on 13 March – the facilitator will share with us on the significance of Shakyamuni Buddha’s Renunciation Day and Guan Yin Bodhisattva’s Birthday.
? Let us now look at some comments from participants:
I really like the session because I learnt many ways to overcome greed and the situations and examples are relatable so I would definitely remind myself of it when I find myself in those situations.
The presenter gave examples on making excuses on not practicing Buddhism, the “not enough time, fo tang (practice centre) too far away”, etc., all these really makes me search deeper into myself.
I really really liked the session! The part on how to use morality, concentration and wisdom, on overcoming greed towards wanting attention where presenter explained in depth and how the situation would change was very useful.
?Join us in our next session
Please contact Loh SX (96978356) / Woan Yi SX (82182248) for more information
⏰ Date and time:
Saturday 13 Mar 2021 (2.oopm – 4.00pm)
Please click here to download the Summary Slides shared during the Group Study:
Summary Slides_“WHEN ENOUGH IS NOT ENOUGH” – The First Poison in Buddhism: GREED
WHAT ARE WE LEARNING TODAY?
< THE FUNDAMENTAL CAUSES OF HUMAN SUFFERING >
The Three Poisons : Greed, Hatred & Ignorance (贪嗔痴)
When things do not turn out as how you hadhoped or in contrary to your aspirations, you detest and get troubled by the outcome. This predicament makes you lose your rational mind, and you are perplexed. This is idiocy. The greed and anger you give rise to will obstruct your gaining of wisdom.
< What are the Signs of Greed that you may not be aware of? >
Buddhism in Plain Terms | Episode 25 (An Excerpt)
ERADICATING KARMIC OBSTACLES AND NURTURING WISDOM
The Buddha once said that human life is fraught with suffering, but do you know the root cause of human suffering?
The Buddha says, desire is the root of all suffering. Without desire, one is free from suffering.
On that note, covetousness is a sign of the greed syndrome (欲望过多一定会有贪的毛病). A greedy person, who is never content, will gradually degenerate and descend to a low state of mind.
An eminent monk once used the act of drinking salt water as a metaphor to depict the vicious cycle of human greed – the more salt water you drink, the saltier you taste, which drives you to drink even more.
When human greed goes into an overdrive, that is when they will gradually lose their rational thinking (理性). When this happens, we should know that our greed has gotten out of hand. In the madness of wanting something, we forget everything about ourselves and transcend the human sense of rationality (超越了人的理性). Our object of greed is placed above everything else in our life; we are ready to give up everything in exchange for that one thing we yearn for.
This phenomenon is a sign that one is going into a state of confusion (糊涂的开始) that will obstruct our key source of happiness and take us to an unhappy destination.
A wise person will never allow greed to take control of his life, as he knows truly well that all worldly pursuits are illusory and impermanent in nature (虚幻无常的东西). However, there are others who choose to remain entangled in this web, relentlessly pursuing and unwilling to let go.
Master Jun Hong Lu’s Public Talk
Melbourne, Australia | 8 Dec 2019
The Buddha teaches us, “It is not the man who has too little but the man who craves more who suffers”; Their desires render them “Psychologically Impoverished” (心理的贫穷).
A greedy person can be rich yet feels poor while a contented person can be poor yet feelsabundant. This tells us that we can be poor but at the same time, we can feel the abundance in our heart. Consequently, for some whose family is rich, they may feel miserable on the inside. It is all about one’s mental attitude.
(心态的问题)
Master Jun Long Lu’s Discourse
Question 241 (An Excerpt) | 26 July 2018
Question: I would like to know if greed includes aspects that are psychological (心理), behaviour-related (行为) and materialistic
(物质)?
Answer: There are various types of greed. For example, greed in the mind (意念中贪), greedy desires (欲望的贪), physiological greed (生理上的贪婪), psychological greed (心理上的贪), greed for good taste (口感舒服) and the sense of satisfaction that is derived from it, is regarded as greed.
Buddhism in Plain Terms Vol. 11 Chapter 4 (An Excerpt)
OBSESSION WITH PETTY GAINS IS ALSO CONSIDERED GREED 贪小便宜也是贪
The basic human needs include clothing, food, shelter, and transport (衣食住行). The word ‘transport’ here does not only refer to the motion of walking, it also denotes the importance for one to walk the right path (行正道) in life.
How is the ‘right path’ defined in the human realm? It means we should not seek petty advantages at the expense of others
(贪人家小便宜). Take a look around us, those who always try to gain advantage over others will tend to err and end up setting their foot on the wrong path in life (走偏道).
I’ve been reiterating this many times: Do not be obsessed with penny pinching (不要想着这里可以省几毛钱，那里可以省几块钱).
As your Master, it’s my responsibility to provide guidance so that all of you will get rid of your greed because if you continue to be so, you will end up becoming extremely petty and narrow-minded (心会变得非常地狭窄).
Wenda20170409B 49:54 | Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
DO NOT SUCCUMB TO LUST; COMMITTING ANIMAL ACTS LEAD ONE TO BE REBORN AS ANIMAL
不要贪色，人行畜生事会沦为畜生
Caller: How are you, Master? You have once said, “Greed is the ticket to the hungry ghost realm while hatred and ignorance lead one to hell and the animal realm respectively.” Can you explain how are these three poisons the root of our suffering?
Master Jun Hong Lu: It’s correct to say that greed, hatred and ignorance are the roots of our suffering; hence we shouldn’t engender them (贪瞋痴都不行). In this age of dharma decline (末法时期), I’ve been forewarning all of you about the consequences of succumbing to your lust, regardless if you are a man or a woman (不要贪女色，贪男色也不可以).
Those who commit animal-like acts will have their life taken away and they will be reborn as animals. Take a look around us, don’t you think animals are dying earlier than before? In the past, animals had longer lifespans compared to the present time. Now, they are slaughtered and served as food shortly after birth – they are killed, reborn, only to be killed again. That’s how it goes.
Wenda20200228 16:56 | Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
ALWAYS TAKE ONE STEP AT A TIME IN LIFE
Do not be OBSESSED with self-advancement. Make steady progress by taking one step at a time. At the end of the day, you will get what’s rightfully yours, and what is not meant for you, will slip right through your fingers no matter how strong you clench your fists.
Wenda20191227 01:21:01 | Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
TAKING ADVANTAGE OF OTHERS THROUGH SPEECH IS A MANIFESTATION OF GREED
讲话占人便宜也叫贪
Caller: How are you, Master? Would you be able to give me some advice please?
Master Jun Hong Lu: The main issue about you is greed.
Caller: In which aspect do you think I am greedier?
Master Jun Hong Lu: You are greedy for just about everything, even in your speech! You have the tendency to take advantage of others (占人家便宜) and like to win in every conversation. You have been like this in the past and you should start mending your ways now. Who else will reprimand you now?
Your unwillingness to heed the advice (不能听人家的话) of others or accept their opinions (听不得人家意见) is in itself, a characteristic of greed. If you think you are so good, how about heeding my advice and start working on correcting this shortcoming of yours? There’s no two ways about it. I’m very direct in my speech. Other than me, no one else dares to be so open with you.
Buddhism in Plain Terms Vol. 4 Chapter 1 (An Excerpt)
The objective of Buddhism studies is the cultivation of compassion and sympathy for others, and not to hold any evil intention. When you eliminate your desires, your worries will be put to an end. Desires include the expectations that parents have for their children, and havingsuch desires are not good.
Do not think, “Since I gave birth to you and raised you, you must treat me well and be filial towards me”. These are considered desires. Only when you are free from such desires are you able to lead a life free from worries.
Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhism in Plain Terms Episode 14 (Audio Recording)
Practise while harbouring Greed (贪心学佛) and Always looking for returns (心常望报)
To have greed on the path of spiritual practice is the main cause for deviation. In the past, it was referred to as “Practise with Greed” (贪心学佛).
Every day when you kowtow to Bodhisattva, you go, “Oh! Bodhisattva! You have to bless me! Hurry up! Bless me! I want things to get better, stat! my family, etc.,etc. ”.
This is greed – your mind is always hoping for returns from your practice. Those of you who are here today, please note that, this mentality is considered a type of deviation from the Right Path (走偏差).
Wenda20120120 50:28 | Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
PRAYING FOR GOOD HEALTH IS NOT GREED
Caller: How are you, Master? You have advised us to pray less for worldly blessings because it is unwise to expend our hard-earned meritorious blessings on illusory things in this world. Does that include our daily prayer for good health, wisdom, elimination of karmic obstacles and wishes coming true? Should we also seek less of these?
Master Jun Hong Lu: No, it does not. This is because only when we are in good health, are we able to continue our spiritual cultivation journey in the human realm (你才能在人间修行). Therefore, it is fundamentally alright to put forth such a prayer request. In fact, such prayers are meritorious in nature (有功德的).
Let’s illustrate this by using me as an example: Would you be able to see me if I did not assume a human form (没有这个肉身)? In the absence of a human body, I can only reside in heaven to bless and protect you, like all other Bodhisattvas. Please remember, it is perfectly fine to pray for good health. In fact, good health is a necessity. Hence, such prayers are not considered a form of greed.
< THE DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS OF GREED >
A Story on Greed: When you hurt others, you hurt yourself
Bodhisattva says, “We reap what we sow”
Therefore, if you treat others badly, you are just being mean to yourself. Greedy individuals strive to obtain what they desire at all costs. They will not hesitate to make selfish decisions that come at the expense of others, not knowing they are hurting themselves in the process.
— Master Jun Hong Lu’s Public Talk, Bangkok, Thailand – 24 Mar 2013
< THE DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS OF GREED >
Master Lu’s World Buddhist Fellowship Meeting, Malacca (An Excerpt) | 19 Aug 2016
Greed the root of our suffering – the cause of the arising of the othertwo poisons
When a person undergoes suffering, greed breeds in them. When you suffer, you tend to be greedy.
“Look at my pathetic living conditions, I’d love to have a bigger house!” When you get a bigger house, you go, “I’d like to live near the sea.” Isn’t that so? That’s greed.
When you can’t get what you want, that’s when hatred arises. Following that, you start to act out your ignorance, you contend, fight against others and do stupid things.
The Buddha says, the cause of our suffering is the aggregate of these causes. The “build-up” of these factors.
Master Lu’s discourse at Oriental Radio, Sydney 2009-01-31
NATURAL DISASTERS ARE THE MANIFESTATIONS OF HUMAN DEEDS
Master Jun Hong Lu: We all know that natural disasters and man-made disasters prevail. We also know about The Three Poisons, greed, hatred and ignorance, in each and every one of us.
But do we know the impact these Three Poisons have on our career, country and the world?
Little do we know that, a country with a lot of greed, so much so that they invade other countries, will be often hit by floods. As for a country with people full of hatred in them, they will suffer from calamities related to fire.
Last but not least, for a country whose people are ignorant, desiring for everything and wanting to be the king of the world, such a country will suffer from wind disasters.
Some people asked: How is it possible for one’s negative energy to affect Mother Nature? Yes, it is possible. Natural disasters are the manifestations of human deeds.
Like the idiom, ‘Right time coupled with favourable geographical and social conditions’(天时地利人和), and the saying, ‘human becomes an integral part of the nature’ (天人合一). As such, humans could influence the weather and nature, and vice versa.
When human’s evil deeds are too great, they may lead to natural disasters. Thus, we should always stay away from deeds that stem from greed, hatred and ignorance.
< WHY DO WE NEED TO OVERCOME GREED? >
FREE ourselves from Greed and we shall render the Greatest Demon Helpless!
Buddhism in Plain Terms | Master Jun Hong Lu’s radio program
Volume 2 Chapter 22
Those who are free from greed, the external phenomenal world will always be beneficial to them. Your high state of spirituality
(境界高) will render the demons helpless (无奈)and not able to defeat you.
Conversely, when your state of spirituality is low, you are allowing the demons to enter your heart. That said, if the Buddha resides within your heart at all times, there is no way the demons can succeed.
It is because of your mind which often corresponds with that of the demon realm (和魔境相同) and soiled by self-interests, that the demons can easily make their way into your heart. Therefore, we must not allow ourselves to be manipulated by the demons (不要被魔转). Only then we are able to find our path and make progress.
< HOW TO OVERCOME GREED ? >
1. Practise Giving
Buddhism in Plain Terms
Vol. 10 Chapter 16 (An Excerpt)
Humans are selfish by nature and do not appreciate the beauty of giving. They wish to be the receiver but never the giver (只知道要索取，不知道要付出). Hence, they need to practise giving as an antidote to greed (用舍来对治自己的贪念).
When we give, we are translating what we believe into actions. For example, we believe that we should help someone today, we need to sacrifice our time, money, and our love. We need to practise giving to wipe out the greed in us (用舍来对治自己的贪念).
Just like how we should be grateful to Guan Yin Bodhisattva for granting us so much skillful means to make our spiritual cultivation possible. Buddhism practice is not limited to practising the Four Sublime States of Mind (Loving kindness, Compassion, Empathetic Joy and Equanimity – 慈悲喜舍), we need to give our love, refrain from jealousy, and have the knowledge on how best to help others, these are all skillful methods (都是方便法门). It is the same with one’s wealth, partner, lifestyle, lodging and food, they are the means for you to practise giving (你舍的一个方法).
2. The Three Studies of Buddhism
(Discipline, Concentration and Wisdom) 戒 定 慧
Buddhism in Plain Terms
Vol.1 Chapter 4 (An Excerpt)
The antidote to the Three Poisons (三毒) is none other than the “Morality (Precepts), Concentration and Wisdom” (“戒定慧”). It all starts with practising self-discipline. With self-discipline, your mind can be settled, and you will be able to advance along the path of cultivation.
There will come a day when you will beawakened and see the true nature of things – this is the time when you gain wisdom, and the poisons will no longer be an issue to you.
Nevertheless, in the subsequent phases, the Three Poisons may just manifest themselves in the form of other temptations (以其它的诱惑出现). Just when you are able to let go of wealth, you are faced with the temptation of status.Once you have seen the illusory nature of status, you may be enticed by lust.
Once you have realised that the body is nothing but a mortal flesh, there comes the temptation of fame, and the list goes on.
3. Keep cultivating until no temptation can seize you
Wenda20150705A 29:35 | Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
WAYS TO AVOID BEING CHAINED DOWN BY GREED AND NOT BECOMING A VICTIM OF CIRCUMSTANCES
Caller: Hi Master, given our inherent Seven Emotions and Six Sensory Pleasures (七情六欲), we tend to be captivated by beautiful things, people and objects. When one recognises and enjoys the good qualities of the objects or person, but has no desire to possess them, will this arising of thoughts and movement of the mind (起心动念)result in the creation of karmic obstacles (业障)?
Master Jun Hong Lu: In this context, no karmic obstacle will be created. However, the recurrent pleasure will cause greed to arise in us (经常有这种欢喜心，就会有贪心出来).
Caller: I see. Sounds like we should still cultivate ourselves to avoid being tempted (不要动心).
Master Jun Hong Lu: That’s for sure. Keep cultivating until you are not tempted by anything in this world (什么都不动心). Let me ask you this question: If there is a man, say, your husband is always checking out beautiful girls, but he does not have any intention to make them his. Would you agree to his action? Do you understand what I am trying to say here? My skill in quoting examples is unparalleled, won’t you agree? The minute I quote an example, you will come to a sudden realisation.
Caller: You are indeed a great Master. On a separate note, I’d like to ask whether a person’s wealth is determined by the extent of his karmic reward (福报) in the human realm?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Certainly.
Caller: For those with a lot of karmic reward (福报), whereby they are blessed with good career, health and a happy family, how do they safeguard themselves against “drifting with the wave and going with the flow” (随波逐流)? How can they ensure that they are in constant control that they do not give rise to greed? I’d appreciate your guidance, Master.
Master Jun Hong Lu: How do we eradicate the greed in our heart? How do we ensure that we do not drift away with the crowd? The answer is very simple: First, maintain an unperturbed mind (心不要动) in all situations; second, do not get tempted by the wealth or fame of the human realm. The problem arises the moment you like what you see, and your mind starts to waver.
Many advertisers are good at capturing the consumers’ hearts. They have slogans like, “ACT on what your heart desire!” (心动不如行动) because they know very well, once your heart wavers you will start to act upon it. If your mind remains unperturbed, nothing will happen.
This concept also explains how two people start falling in love with each other. The moment you set your eyes on someone whom you like, your mind is tempted to act on this emotion. Given he or she isn’t your type, you wouldn’t take any action, would you?
4. Enduring Perseverance
Wenda20121109 09:48 | Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
Master Jun Hong Lu: Greed, hatred and ignorance reside in everyone’s heart. To exterminate (去除) these three poisons, we have to rely on the blessings of Bodhisattva, our resolve and last but not least, our enduring perseverance.
Without perseverance, you will be continuously assailed by your greed. In one moment, you may remind yourself, “I should not be greedy”, but the very next moment, you will find yourself succumbing to it. If you do not persist to make efforts to inhibit
(去除) this bad trait, you will find the perpetual surfacing of greedy behaviour in you.
5. Understand your weakness and avoid the temptation
Shuohua20181207 09:27 | Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
In overcoming greed, the key is to know our weakest point and avoid whatever that we are vulnerable to.
6. Accept Destiny & Predestined Affinity
2020 The enlightenment day of Guan Yin Bodhisattva
When you are infatuated with wealth, sex, fame, food and sleep and when all you could think of is money and material possessions, you have given rise to the mortal minds that exterminate your Buddha nature within (凡心乍起，佛性会灭).
One single vexation, or greed is all it takes to extinguish this inherent nature. It is only by cutting-off and bringing our mortal mind to an end (凡心断掉) can our Buddha nature emerge.
We need to live by the philosophy: “I am blessed to have it and equally blessed not to have it (有则我幸，无则我命)” as this is the way to see through the reality of things.
You are grateful for the things you have; as for those that you fail to obtain, you embrace your fate. It is only through this positive mental attitude that you are able to eradicate your mortal mind (这样想才能断凡心).
To accept misfortune as decreed by fate is a form of liberation (认命就是一种解脱). This is when you think, “I know I am not destined to have it (我这个人没这个命)”.
The truth of the matter is, you get what is rightfully yours as imprinted in your destiny and it all depends on whether you have sowed the seeds in your previous lives. With this understanding, you break free from the mortal mind (凡人之心才会断掉) and thus be unaffected by worldly phenomena, such as material possessions and fame.
Buddhism in Plain Terms
Vol. 11 Chapter 4 (An Excerpt)
To be free from greed (不贪不求) is when we are not covetous of small gains (不贪便宜).
We get what we deserve in life. Predestined affinity will grant us what is rightfully ours while insisting on having something that is not meant for us will only bring upon ourselves what’s most likely our negative affinity (恶缘).
Similarly, predestined positive affinity (善缘) will bring forth people who will befriend us. On the flip side, insisting on befriending someone who shows no interest in our friendship may well crystallise a predestined negative affinity (恶缘).
7. Contemplate Impermanence
Master Jun Hong Lu’s Discourse
Question 403 (An Excerpt) | 5 August 2020
Shakyamuni Buddha once said this to all his disciples,
“You must thoroughly comprehend the true meaning of impermanence (无常) in life. There are four “contemplation on impermanence” methods that can help exterminate human greed and attachment (贪爱与执著).
The first is Contemplate that Impermanence is the only Constant in life; (有常者必无常)
Second: Contemplate that Riches don’t last; (富贵者必不久)
Third: Contemplate that Parting comes after every Congregation; (会和者必别离)
and the last being, Contemplate that Death does not Discriminate even for the Strong and Healthy. (强健者必归死)
You must understand that in this world, nothing lasts forever.”
Wenda20171231B 47:53 | Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
THE MEANING OF “IMPERMANENCE IS THE ONLY CONSTANT IN LIFE”, “RICHES DON’T LAST”, “PARTING COMES AFTER EVERY CONGREGATION”, “DEATH DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE EVEN FOR THE STRONG AND HEALTHY”
Caller: Hi Master, the Buddha once said that there are four things that are impermanent in this world and I’d like to seek your guidance on them. Firstly, on the doctrine that says, “Impermanence is the only constant in life (有常者必无常)”?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Humans have the misconception that they will live forever in this world. Can you tell me, is there such a thing that lasts forever? When you were young, you might have thought that the desk you had then belonged to you. Likewise, you thought the same about your first office desk, and that it would be yours for the rest of your life. So, are they permanent? I would imagine that by now, you would have changed your office desk countless times!
Caller: Yes, that’s right. What about the second doctrine: Riches don’t last (富贵者必不久)?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Think about this: Do riches last in this world? It’s well cited that wealth does not last beyond the third generation.
Caller: That’s so true! What’s the reason behind this, Master?
Master Jun Hong Lu: The main reason is the lack of meritorious blessings (没有功德). If the current generation leads a life of dissipation (splurging on great food and expensive drinks, and indulging in vices like gambling and prostitution 吃喝嫖赌) and abandon oneself to a life of pleasure (吃喝玩乐), do you even think that the next generation will still be shielded (受到庇荫)?
Caller: That’s true. What about the third tenet that says, “Parting comes after every congregation (会合者必别离)”?
Master Jun Hong Lu: There is a Chinese saying, “In this world, all banquets will ultimately be dissolved (没有不散的宴席)” which basically means at one point, all good things must come to an end.
Caller: That’s correct. What about the fourth doctrine that says “Death does not discriminate even for the strong and healthy (强健者必归死)”?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Let me ask you this question: Will death come to those in tiptop physical conditions?
Caller: That’s for sure. One will still age.
Master Jun Hong Lu: No matter how healthy you are, it doesn’t make any difference. The final outcome remains unchanged and that is, death. This is an inescapable fact for everyone.
Caller: By putting forth these four tenets, theBuddha is trying to enlighten us on the impermanence of life (人生的无常) and that all things are temporal in nature (都是短暂的), and nothing lasts forever. Is that right, Master?
Master Jun Hong Lu: That’s right. Don’t ever think that death is not part of your equation,purely because you are in tiptop health condition. Even if you think, “This person and me, we have such a wonderful relationship, nothing will separate us, ever”. You know what? The Buddha says, “Separation is definite” (必分离). It’s as simple as that.
< Summary >
1. Today I learn that greed is like drinking salt water, the more salt water I drink, the saltier I taste, which traps me in a vicious cycle of wanting to drink more. Hence, I must never allow greed to take control of my life, because if I do, I know I will lose all rational thinking which is a sign that I am going into a state of confusion and this will obstruct my key source of happiness.
2. Today I question myself, am I entirely free of greed? I need to ask myself, do I have greed syndrome as follows:
- Am I petty minded or am I a penny-pincher?
- Or Lustful?
- Or Obsessed with Self-advancement to the extent that I forget that I need to take steady progress, one step at a time?
- Or Do I tend to want to win in all conversations and find it hard to accept others’ opinions or criticisms?
- How about Parental expectations?
- Or am I expecting returns from my Buddhism practice?
If I tick any of the above, I need to face the fact that greediness still lurks within me.
- Practise Giving. When I give, I am translating what I believe to be wholesome into actions. I also learn that whatever I have now in my life is the means for me to practise giving.
- Uphold the Three Studies of Buddhism (starting from self-discipline from which I shall gain concentration and wisdom).
- Continue to cultivate with enduring perseverance until no temptations in this world can seize me. I need to be mindful that once my heart wavers, action follows. Hence, it is important that my mind is constantly kept in an unperturbed state.
- Understand where my weaknesses lie (what tempts me) and make effort to avoid exposure to them.
- Accept Destiny and understand predestined affinity: I need to live by the philosophy: “I am blessed to have and equally blessed not to have. It is only by cutting-off and bringing my mortal mind to an end can my Buddha nature emerge.”
- Always Contemplate on the Impermanence of all phenomena in this world.
“I AM GOOD, I AM CONTENT”
We need to apply the concept of Golden Mean
(Middle Way) of Confucianism. Never allow ourselves
to swing to the wild extremes as you can only enjoy
what you are content with.
It is when you say, “I am good, I am content”,
happiness sets in. This is the essence of letting go.
Master Jun Hong Lu’s Public Talk, Los Angeles, USA – 11 September 2016
< Buddhism in Plain Terms < 白话佛法共修分享