◉ Both the seeking of good karma and the creating of bad karma keep us in the six realms. Good karma will result in our going to the three good realms and bad karma will result in our going to the three bad realms. Instead, we can accumulate pure karma from diligently doing kind deeds while not asking for any rewards. We can then dedicate the merits from these kind deeds to being born into the Pure Land.
◉ If we can let go of our greed, anger, ignorance, arrogance, doubt and improper viewpoints, we can transcend the cycle of birth and death. But when we once again desire something, the cycle again arises.
◉ When we know and understand the suffering of life, and believe, accept and practice the teachings, we can transcend the cycle of birth and death.
◉ We need good roots, good fortune, good affinity and virtue to encounter the proper teachings.
◉ Practice strengthens understanding. Understanding strengthens practice.
◉ When our thoughts are proper our body will return to its healthy state. How do we do this? Bu studying and practicing the Buddha's teachings, improper thoughts will be replaced by proper ones. This will then be reflected throughout the universe.
◉ In order to achieve we need to constantly observe ourselves and refrain from wrongdoing.
◉ When we adopt the vows of the Earth Treasure Sutra, we are Earth Treasure Bodhisattva. When we adopt the vows of Universal Worthy Bodhisattva, we are Universal Worthy Bodhisattva. When we adopt the vows of Buddha Amitabha, we are Buddha Amitabha.
◉ How long does it take to reach achievement? From history we know this can be accomplished in three years.
◉ Without the presence of filial piety, Buddhism cannot take root.
◉ Buddha Shakyamuni lived a simple life, one meal a day, three clothes, sleeping under a tree at night, yet he lived a happy, content life. By following his example and living a simple lifestyle we can reduce our attachments and likewise lead contented lives.
◉ A practitioner who cannot achieve concentration will not attain enlightenment. All they can do is just plant the seeds for future lifetimes.
◉ To achieve true understanding, use intuition not thought when listening to lectures. Do no attach to either the words or the speech.
◉ The mind at peace, the mind in stillness will help us to gain insight.
◉ If we cannot apply the principles to our daily lives we will not reach achievement. We will just become a Buddhist scholar.
◉ If we are awakened, we use our mind of wisdom. When not yet awakened we use our mind of delusion and our emotions.
◉ It is said that in the first year of our practice, the Buddha is right before our eyes. The second year he is in the distance. The third year he is as smoke in the air.
related post: Part Two: Questions and Answers (2)
Source Of Information:
《To Understand Buddhism》, by Venerable Master Chin Kung, translated by Silent Voices, distributed by: Persatuan Penganut Agama Buddha Amitabha Malaysia, 90 & 92, Jalan Pahang, Gombak, 53000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.)
*** The information provided above does not contain personal opinion of this blog.
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