Category: TLS Chapter 3

Episode 625 – Not Believing in Cause and Effect is Terrifying

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>> “Beings of the Five Destinies coexist with a mix of good and evil karma. With deluded karma, afflictions and deviant views, we deny the law of cause and effect. Everyone conceals seeds of cause and effect. Seeds contain an ocean of fruit; though hidden, they are not lost.”

>> “They were laying, nursing, procreating, each hiding and safeguarding [their young]. Yaksas were contending with each other to seize and eat them. Having eaten their fill, their evil thoughts became more fierce. These sounds of clashing and fighting were deeply terrifying.”

>> Birds lay eggs; this is laying. Beasts nurse newborns; this is nursing. This is analogy for the teachings of karma. That which gives birth is a cause. That which is given birth to is an effect.

>> Each hiding and safeguarding [their young]: Within causes, effects are hidden; this is hiding. They will never be lost; this is safeguarding.

>> Yaksas: With deviant views, people will deny the karmic law of cause and effect. This is like yaksas who fight each other to get human flesh and poisonous insects to eat.

>> Those who have eaten their fill are those who seek principles with deviant views. With their mixed-up and false views they do not believe in cause and effect. Thus they cut off their roots of goodness and help their evil thoughts become more fierce and their deviant views grow more extensive.

>> The sounds of clashing and fighting: In their hearts are evil thoughts and outwardly they express evil actions. With their speech they proclaim that there is no karmic cause and effect. This can lead listeners to fall into the Three Evil Realms. Thus it is deeply terrifying.

>> The view of deviant precepts is clinging to a deviant path as the correct path. This is called seeing the wrong cause as the cause. One example is taking cow or dog precepts.

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“Beings of the Five Destinies coexist
with a mix of good and evil karma.
With deluded karma, afflictions
and deviant views,
we deny the law of cause and effect.
Everyone conceals seeds of cause and effect.
Seeds contain an ocean of fruit;
though hidden, they are not lost.”

Spiritual practice is inseparable from our mind. We should know that we are currently living in a place where beings of the Five Destinies coexist, where positive and negative causes and conditions are gathered together.

Beings of the Five Destinies coexist here; we should all clearly understand this. What are the Five Destinies? The Five Paths, the heaven, human, hell, hungry ghost and animal realms. I hope everyone will constantly take these in, familiarize themselves with them and remember them. We are now living in the Three Realms and the Five Destinies are in the Three Realms. We are presently in the “human destiny,” which is the human realm. In the human realm, there is both good and evil.

Positive karmic causes result in positive effects. In the human world, some people enjoy great blessings, as if in heaven. They are like heavenly beings in the human realm. Negative karmic causes result in negative effects. Right now, in this world, people who commit evils stir up trouble and cause instability in society. We also see people we feel very sad for. They experience adversities time and again. They are born into a disagreeable environment, and all kinds of suffering seem to be concentrated in on them. Their life is one of suffering! We understand that the causes of suffering we created in the past result in the fruits of suffering we face today. We created causes of suffering in the past, but are we still creating karma of suffering and evil now?

Some people are poor, yet they remain diligent in the face of hardship. Though they labor all their lives, though things do not go as they wish, their hearts are still at peace. They do not create more negative karma. There are also people who are very wealthy, and everything goes smoothly for them. They are still kind and charitable in this life, continuing to give to others. Living a life of goodness, they still do good; these are people with blessings and wisdom. With past positive karmic causes and conditions, they are able to receive the fruits of blessings in this life; they reap blessings because of their karma. As they reap the blessings [of their karma], they create the causes for more blessings. Thus they strengthen their affinity to hear the Buddha-Dharma. This is how they cultivate both blessings and wisdom.

People with evil in them can also change if they created causes and conditions in the past. They were born in this environment, and this shaped the kind of people they became. Though they grew up with the deluded karma, afflictions and deviant views of that place, they can still encounter incredible affinities that allow them to change their ways.

For example, in Selangor, Malaysia, there is a diligent [volunteer] who has been dedicated to doing recycling work for many years. This volunteer is Mr. Chu Jinpeng. In the past, when he was young, he was born into an environment in which his family loved to eat, drink and gamble. Growing up in that environment, of course he also loved to eat, drink, play and gamble. He did all those things. When he drove on the streets, if there was a car in his way, he dared to drive right into that car. After running into them, he got out of his car to argue with them. He never felt like he did something wrong.

He was very loyal to his friends. If any of his friends was bullied, one phone call would bring him out [to fight]. So, he spent his days in the criminal underworld; he constantly argued, fought and yelled. Neither his speech, actions nor thoughts were kind. That was how he used to be. Then he began to wonder why his friends were dying one by one. Some passed away, some ran away, some went missing. He [did not want to continue in] this environment. So, in 1998, he left Malaysia and went to the United States.

There, he encountered a Buddhist organization. Someone gave him the book “Thus I Have Heard.” Through this book he came to learn about Tzu Chi, and about the founder of Tzu Chi. This came from reading that book. This was how he became involved with Tzu Chi in the US and how he devoted himself to recycling work. In 2000, he returned to Malaysia and found Tzu Chi volunteers in Selangor. He got involved and was thus able to put his mind at peace. He was very mindful when he did recycling work and was constantly giving; this made him happy.

His own child said, “My father was not like this before. He is now truly a kind father, very caring.” His mother also said, “He was very disobedient; now he is very filial.” His wife said, “My husband now is considerate and gentle. Before he only used to yell and curse. Now he speaks in tender and loving tones.” He completely turned his life around. Now, he is a certified Faith Corps member. In his now awakened life, he realized that his brothers in the underworld were either dead, missing or on the run. Life has no inherent [quality],

so when he was lost, he created deluded karma, but when he awakened, he walked the Bodhisattva-path. This all happened in the human realm, where beings of the Five Destinies coexist. He grew up in an [unwholesome] family environment and learned to live that kind of life. He had the karmic conditions to go elsewhere, which changed his life.

This is why lately I have been bringing up the Five Destinies, deluded karma and the law of karma. There is so much in life that is incredible. Everything arises from the mind. If we deny that there are positive and negative karmic retributions, then we will continue to commit transgressions and thus be unable to wake up. So, “We deny the law of cause and effect.” But, “Everyone conceals [the seeds].” In every one of us, “Seeds contain an ocean of fruit.”

The source of a great tree is concealed within a tiny seed. With the convergence of causes and conditions, when soil, water, sunlight and air come together, the seed becomes a seedling, which grows into a big tree that produces flowers and fruits. Then there will be an “ocean of fruit.” From this tiny seed comes countless fruit as this cycle repeats endlessly, as the tree bears fruit year after year. This is incredible. Thus, karma is “hidden but not lost.” It is all contained within us.

So, the previous sutra text already described everything from birds and beasts to goblins to monsters. All of this tells us that everything arises from the mind.

Next,

“They were laying, nursing, procreating, each hiding and safeguarding [their young]. Yaksas were contending with each other to seize and eat them. Having eaten their fill, their evil thoughts became more fierce. These sounds of clashing and fighting were deeply terrifying.”

“Laying” refer to birds. Birds are hatched from eggs. They lay and then hatch the eggs. So, “laying” refers to birds. “Nursing” refers to the animals who drink milk right after being born. Their mothers are “nursing.” Creatures that fly in the air or walk on the ground are all included in “laying, nursing, procreating.”

Birds lay eggs; this is laying. Beasts nurse newborns; this is nursing. This is analogy for the teachings of karma. That which gives birth is a cause. That which is given birth to is an effect.


Whether they are egg-born or womb-born, they are “each hiding and safeguarding. Each hiding and safeguarding” means that every kind of living being harbors habitual tendencies specific to its species, and each has its own inherent poison.

Several days ago I was saying that bees have their own kind of venom, and mosquitos also have their poisonous nature. Mosquitos are very small creatures that breed and live in filthy conditions. When they bite people, they can transmit germs to them. So in this way, these tiny insects are inherently born with the ability to spread the causes of illnesses. These [toxins] are harbored within them, to say nothing of snakes and bees.

So, among these countless kinds of creatures, there are many different ways of living, different ways of being born. This is an analogy for “the teachings of karma.” That which gives birth is the cause; “That which is given birth to is an effect.” All is concealed within what they give birth to. Their way of life, their body, etc. conceal both causes and effects. This is what “each [is] hiding and safeguarding.”

Each hiding and safeguarding [their young]: Within causes, effects are hidden; this is hiding. They will never be lost; this is safeguarding.

“Within causes, effects are hidden; this is hiding.” Every cause has an effect. Consider a tiny seed. Each seed has a shell that protects it encompassing the tiny thing inside; that is the kernel. Hidden within the cause is the effect, the way a great tree is hidden within a very tiny seed. Within causes, effects are hidden; this is hiding.

We talk about the eighth consciousness, which is also our storehouse consciousness. All the causes we have created are stored within this eighth consciousness. Causes created in past lives were brought with us, and along with causes we create in this lifetime, we bring them with us into the next life. We endlessly add to our storehouse consciousness, so lifetime after lifetime we continue to face the manifestation of our karmic retributions. This is the working of the law of karma and our storehouse consciousness. This consciousness is not only found in humans. All living beings have this storehouse consciousness within.

So, they will never be lost; this is safeguarding. [The karmic seeds] are protected. Whether we do good or whether we commit evil, there is a layer which is safeguarding us. When good or evil meet karmic conditions, when causes converge with certain conditions, the fruit will manifest. This is the wondrous working of karma.

“Yaksas were contending with each other to seize and eat them.” No matter how evil a creature is, there is another that is even more so. No matter how evil vipers or ferocious beasts are, there are [worse creatures] that come and go without a trace. These evil ghosts and yaksas still “battle to grab and pull.” We speak of them as well.

The yaksas mentioned here are an analogy for people’s deviant views.

Yaksas: With deviant views, people will deny the karmic law of cause and effect. This is like yaksas who fight each other to get human flesh and poisonous insects to eat.

If a person’s mind goes astray, then his mind will give rise to evil. Once evil arises, he is no longer pure in heart. Then he will deny the law of karma. He will not want to believe in the karmic retribution of good and evil, so he will have no concept of cause and effect. “As long as I like it, I can do whatever I want.” He shows off and fights and thus is

like the yaksas, who constantly “fight each other to get [things].” They fought to take things from each other, in the open and in secret, as if they were competing to get human flesh or poisonous insects to eat. Whether they want to eat humans or animals, they are always showing off and fighting fiercely. This is their state of mind because they deny the law of karma. Yaksas and evil ghosts seem far removed from us. Among people, there are those who do not fear the law of karma, and those who do not understand the principles. So, we see [examples] of this too. Therefore, “Having eaten their fill, their evil thoughts become more fierce.”

Those who have eaten their fill are those who seek principles with deviant views. With their mixed-up and false views they do not believe in cause and effect. Thus they cut off their roots of goodness and help their evil thoughts become more fierce and their deviant views grow more extensive.

See, they have eaten their fill. This is an analogy for those who seek principles with a deviant mindset, with their mixed-up and false views. People like this do not believe in karma, so they “cut off their roots of goodness and help their evil thoughts become more fierce.” Thus, the evil in their minds rages all the more furiously, and “Their deviant views grow more extensive.” The more extensive these deviant views become, the more their acts of evil expand and grow. Thus, the evil in these people grows stronger.

See how this leads to tragedy for so many. People are driven from their homes and blood is spilled everywhere; this is a result of human cruelty. This is what is meant by, “The sounds of clashing and fighting are deeply terrifying.”

The sounds of clashing and fighting: In their hearts are evil thoughts and outwardly they express evil actions. With their speech they proclaim that there is no karmic cause and effect. This can lead listeners to fall into the Three Evil Realms. Thus it is deeply terrifying.

These sounds of clashing and fighting alone will bring worry and fear to people. In today’s media, whenever something happens in some country or in some society, reports of it will become widespread. These clashes, fights and manmade disasters make people very nervous and unsettled.

“In their hearts are evil thoughts.” People with thoughts of evil will manifest them in their words and actions. With their body, they commit wrongdoings. With their speech, they cause many conflicts. So, they create karma of body, speech and mind. People like this do not believe in cause and effect. Thus, they will fall into the Three Evil Realms. This is inevitable in their future.

As Mr. Chu said, he saw that his friends were either dead or had run away, or else had gone missing. There were no happy endings. “Thus it is deeply terrifying.”

These are all analogies for how deviant views will produce many afflictions in sentient beings. They will flourish endlessly, continuing to replicate and spread. We share these deviant views with each other, so you and I both end up seeing things the same [mistaken] way. People pull each other down, to commit evils and give rise to deviant understanding and views. Some will say, “Fine, I want to practice!” But they deviate in their spiritual cultivation and walk a deviant path. These are mistaken forms of spiritual practice.

The view of deviant precepts is clinging to a deviant path as the correct path. This is called seeing the wrong cause as the cause. One example is taking cow or dog precepts.

In India, some engage in spiritual practices that involve precepts relating to dog and cow excrement. They want to use them to eradicate afflictions. Actually, true spiritual practice takes place among people. By going among people we learn to develop patience; we learn to open up our minds, and we learn to interact with others without being contaminated by their various afflictions. Being willing to give of oneself to others is the only way to truly engage in spiritual cultivation. So, I hope that everyone will contemplate this quite carefully and thoroughly. To do this, we must always be mindful.

Episode 624 – All Things Are Created Only by the Mind

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>> “All things are created only by the mind, which gives rise to deluded karma. Those with strength take from those without. The wealth, recognition, profit, authority and power that they desire and pursue, even if obtained, will never bring contentment.”

>> “This pack of canines battled to seize small bits. Emaciated by hunger and maddened by fear, they dashed about seeking food everywhere. They clashed and fought, grabbed and pulled, growling and barking at each other. This house was terrifying, having come to look like this.”

>> “All around there were goblins and monsters yaksas and evil ghosts, eating human flesh. There were all kinds of harmful insects, evil birds and beasts.”

>> All around there were goblins and monsters: This is an analogy for the afflictions of deviant views. Legends say the spirits who live in mountains and rivers are called goblins. Those who live in rocks and trees are called monsters. They are all spirits, invisible, yet they seem to exist.

>> “Yaksas and evil ghosts [were] eating human flesh.” Yaksas are also called [raksas] or “speedy ghosts,”

>> Evil ghosts drink blood and eat flesh. They have the strongest negative karma. They demolish the paths of goodness to the heaven and human realms. They do not respect the Three Treasures and deny the law of cause and effect. Thus sentient beings with deviant views are likened to creatures with ugly appearances or vicious dispositions.

>> There were all kinds of harmful insects, evil birds and beasts: Harmful insects damage crops. Evil beasts create hidden dangers. With venomous and treacherous schemes and stratagems, they all fight and clash with each other.

>> Deluded karma is accumulated and reproduced beyond calculation. We follow our karma as we come and go through the Four Forms of Birth in the Six Realms. Karmic forces can change our original appearance. The five chronic afflictions: All ordinary people have them. When humans do not follow human morality, they are no different from birds and beasts.

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“All things are created only by the mind,
which gives rise to deluded karma.
Those with strength take from those without.
The wealth, recognition, profit, authority
and power that they desire and pursue,
even if obtained, will never bring contentment.”

“All things are created only by the mind.” If our minds are oriented toward goodness, everything will be good. But if our minds are oriented toward evil, if we deviate towards evil, that slight deviation can lead us far off course. Once we give rise to a thought of evil, we will begin to create much karma. The more karma we create, the more deluded we become. By making mistake after mistake, we continue down the wrong path. “Deluded” refers to the state of ignorance and afflictions we are in, and “karma” is what we create in that state. Once we create karma out of ignorance and afflictions, we keep going and find it hard to turn back. This is the cause of suffering in our lives, and the reason that in this life, we are lost and cannot return to our nature of True Suchness. This is all created by our minds.

If we cannot turn back, what will happen? “Those with strength take from those without.” In international news, we see so many reports of [people] “giving rise to deluded karma” and of “those with strength taking from those without.” On a smaller scale, all of us get into conflicts for similar reasons. We go through each day, “working at sunrise, then resting at sunset.” This way of living slowly turns into a routine. Some feel that this kind of life is too ordinary, so they are determined to do something [greater], like making big business deals, etc. Then, as they develop more experience and establish their direction, they gradually grow from ordinary people into those who are more well-known, then into major figures. To achieve this, they fight with others and take from them.

So, we must not underestimate anyone. When a seemingly ordinary person expands his ambition and scope, he can achieve great power and influence; this begins with thoughts of greed and desire. Greed for wealth and material possessions is inseparable from recognition, profit, authority and power. People are greedy for all of these things. Desire for these few things alone can cause great havoc in the world. Desire for these few things can disrupt the peace of society.

The minds of human beings were originally very simple and straightforward, yet we create so many complications for ourselves. We never stop in our desires and pursuits, so we never feel content. But, with goodness in our minds, we will understand how, as we are born into this world, we need the earth’s material resources to live. Because these resources sustain us, we should try to give back to the world. This is how we nurture thoughts of goodness. Since the world nurtures our body, we must nurture thoughts of goodness. This is a cycle of goodness.

These past few days we have discussed the ways animals live and the ways humans think. The previous sutra text states,

“This pack of canines battled to seize small bits. Emaciated by hunger and maddened by fear, they dashed about seeking food everywhere. They clashed and fought, grabbed and pulled, growling and barking at each other. This house was terrifying, having come to look like this.”

There are people whose lives are very similar to that of animals. When we see humans interact with each other, sometimes we see the strong bully the weak, or the strong fight the strong, or people fighting openly and plotting secretly. Isn’t this how humans live? Some are relentless when they are in the right, while others keep fighting even if they are in the wrong. After fighting and getting what they want, people may still feel unsatisfied. Therefore, the Buddha felt very sad for us. Are our lives really that sad? Actually, we can all listen to the Buddha-Dharma, understand the principles and let go of our many negative habitual tendencies and quickly eliminate them. If we can remain pure in our body and mind, we can also walk the Bodhisattva-path; we can love others and be loved by them. We can do all these things. So, by turning around our state of mind, we can reach a different state.

I believe I have told this short story before. A dog happened to run into a room. This room had mirrors on all four walls. When the dog ran inside the room, he was surprised to see so many other dogs there, and he became afraid. Upon seeing the other dogs, he began barking at them. When he barked at them, they barked back. When he made any sound, he saw them make the same sounds in return. Then he became more and more panicked, so he wanted to show them he was dominant and ready for a fight. The other dogs all showed the same expression, as if they were ready to attack from all sides. In that room, he felt surrounded by enemies, so he kept turning around and around, ready to fight the dogs on this side and that. He turned and turned until he became exhausted. Finally, he was so worn out he could not breathe, so he died.

Isn’t this what our life can feel like? Where did those dogs come from? It was that dog himself who ran into the room and became aggressive, so the dogs on all sides became aggressive too. Did those other dogs exist or not? No, they were never really there. However, the dog kept fighting with these non-existent dogs. In the end, he was also left with nothing, not even his life. Isn’t this how people are?

No matter how much authority people have or how they exercise it, what are they actually left with in the end? Our lives end after we take our last breath. What do we bring with us? We bring karma with us. Isn’t this the same for both humans and animals? What is sad is when people’s states of mind contain the natural tendencies of animals. These animal tendencies can all be found in people’s minds.

The next passage of sutra text states,

“All around there were goblins and monsters yaksas and evil ghosts, eating human flesh. There were all kinds of harmful insects, evil birds and beasts.”

These are also analogies. These are ghosts, monsters and so on. In the world, there are many living things that we can see; birds, animals, harmful insects and so on. We can see the way that they live. There are also creatures that we cannot see, “goblins and monsters.” They are analogies for the afflictions of deviant views, which are things that we cannot see.

All around there were goblins and monsters: This is an analogy for the afflictions of deviant views. Legends say the spirits who live in mountains and rivers are called goblins. Those who live in rocks and trees are called monsters. They are all spirits, invisible, yet they seem to exist.

Goblins and monsters are in legends passed down from the ancients. Evil spirits in the mountains and rivers are called “goblins.” People in the past made up stories about the spirits in the rocks and trees or about how the animals that live there, like foxes and so on, would turn into spirits. All this is described in ancient texts, which speak of strange and odd things, such as demons, ghosts, monsters and so on. Actually, the worst demons, ghosts and monsters are inside our minds. Actually, outside of our minds, all these things are only mentioned in ancient legends; we cannot see them. People would talk about monsters who “who live in rocks and trees.” These are spirits in the rocks and trees. So, these are goblins and monsters. “Monsters” are “[spirits] who live in rocks and trees.” These monsters are also spirits. They are invisible yet seem to exist. From what we hear, they seem to exist, and. “It is better to believe in them than not.” That is what people used to say. I always say, “There are spiritual beings above us.” Having spiritual beings above us means that we should be very cautious as we go about our daily living. Though we may not see it, the law of karma still applies. It is because we created those causes in the past that we face these effects now.

When things do not go the way we want, we should promptly examine ourselves. We need not consult the spirits. Instead, we should ask ourselves, “Did I plant causes in the past that led to these karmic conditions?” So, when we are facing these karmic retributions, we need to find a way to get through these negative karmic causes and conditions. We need to develop a mindset that helps us overcome [the effects] of our negative causes. To overcome evil, we must give out of goodness. In summary, we humans must constantly nurture our thoughts of goodness and avoid being tricked by ghosts [in our minds].

These monsters, these legendary ghosts, like to trick and harm people, delude their minds and lead them to do the wrong things.

Our afflictions arise from our own minds, as do deviant thinking, views and practices. This is like letting goblins and monsters into [our minds]. It is as if we are possessed or hallucinating. If we think the voices we hear are real, we will become confused and disturbed. This means that originally we made an effort to be good people, but we could not follow through. Some people say of others, “He did not follow the teachings. Instead he was led astray by ghosts.” This is what happens to people. These goblins and monsters enjoy tricking people. We humans like to trick other people. If we see someone in a good situation, we may intentionally lead that person astray. When that person foolishly listens to what we say,

we enjoy watching them make a mistake or enjoy watching them engage in odd behavior. We are like ghosts that like to trick people and tempt them to go astray and make mistakes. This is how some people are led to become lost. Goblins and monsters enjoy tricking them. So, these things are all invisible and intangible. They are all in our minds.

“Yaksas and evil ghosts [were] eating human flesh.” Yaksas are also called [raksas] or “speedy ghosts,”

because they are very fast. They are a kind of evil ghost. Actually, their life is filled with suffering because they depend on sucking human blood and the blood of other animals to live. So, yaksas are also called. “Lives-off-other’s-suffering.” Living like this is quite painful.

In fact, yaksas are both visible and invisible, so they are also an analogy for deviant views.

Yaksas are evil ghosts that eat flesh and blood; they have the strongest negative karma. This demolishes the paths of goodness to the heaven and human realms. To cultivate the path to the human realm, we must uphold the Five Precepts. But some people deny the law of cause and effect. They are undisciplined and do not abide by the Five Precepts. To reach the heaven realm, we must practice the Ten Good Deeds. When people deny the law of cause and effect and disturb those who are practicing good deeds, they are like evil ghosts that eat flesh and drink blood.

This is an analogy. “Yaksas and evil ghosts eat human flesh.” They are an analogy for deviant views. These disrupt people doing good deeds and destroy people’s Right Views. This is all analogous to “yaksas and evil ghosts eating human flesh.” These are used as an analogy. Those who disrespect the Three Treasures and deny the law of karma are sentient beings with deviant views. Moreover, these kinds of ghosts look ferocious; they are creatures with ugly appearances. Their dispositions are vicious, so they are an analogy for deviant ways that demolish the paths of goodness. This kind of evil will destroy goodness. There are many ways to describe their ugliness.

Evil ghosts drink blood and eat flesh. They have the strongest negative karma. They demolish the paths of goodness to the heaven and human realms. They do not respect the Three Treasures and deny the law of cause and effect. Thus sentient beings with deviant views are likened to creatures with ugly appearances or vicious dispositions.

Next the sutra mentions, “There were all kinds of harmful insects, evil birds and beasts.” Harmful insects damage crops and agriculture. Humans rely on eating crops to live, but then these harmful insects strike. See, crops that are about to be harvested may suddenly be infected by disease, infested by insects, etc. So, loss of the harvest may also be caused by harmful insects. Evil birds and beasts and other vicious animals give rise to dangers in our surroundings. These things do actually exist in the world.

For instance, a snake may suddenly emerge. People are afraid when they see the snake. Some snakes are very poisonous. Some snakes are afraid of people. Some spit venom when they see humans. All these kinds of behavior can be seen in this world.

Humans and animals, whether they are poisonous snakes or people, are afraid of each other. They are vicious and treacherous. This is an analogy for human relationships. People oppose each other and fight each other, each one trying to be more vicious than the next. Each country also tries to outdo the next with their arsenal of weapons. Isn’t this what people do? Humans and animals are the same. “With venomous and treacherous schemes and stratagems,” humans “all clash and fight with each other.”

There were all kinds of harmful insects, evil birds and beasts: Harmful insects damage crops. Evil beasts create hidden dangers. With venomous and treacherous schemes and stratagems, they all fight and clash with each other.

Animals and insects alike can damage our crops. Besides directly causing damage to humans, they indirectly harm us by damaging what we grow. Humans can likewise directly and indirectly cause harm. We also constantly create hidden hazards in our surroundings. There are many clashes between humans and animals, not to mention between different people.

In this way, “Deluded karma is accumulated and reproduced beyond calculation.” We sentient beings are just like this. We create karma out of delusion and ignorance, and after creating it, we reproduce it unendingly with all kinds of vicious acts.

“We follow our karma as we come and go in the four forms of birth and the Six Realms.” Our karma can change our appearance, as we follow our karma through the Four Forms of Birth and the Six Realms. We may be in the human or hungry ghost realm. Perhaps we will end up in the hell realm, or perhaps the animal realm. Birds and beasts all have different appearances. It is the karma we create that leads us to come and go through the Four Forms of Birth in the Six Realms. This is all a result of our karma changing our appearance. This is all the effect of karma.

So, the five acute afflictions are in everyone; every person has them. View of self, extreme view, stubborn view, view of deviant precepts and so on are the habitual tendencies we have in life. Our deviation from proper beliefs start with nothing other than this body. We also have the five chronic afflictions of greed, anger, ignorance, arrogance and doubt. They are all in our minds. So, the five acute and five chronic afflictions are found in everyone. Thus, many do not follow human morality, which makes them no different from animals.

Deluded karma is accumulated and reproduced beyond calculation. We follow our karma as we come and go through the Four Forms of Birth in the Six Realms. Karmic forces can change our original appearance. The five chronic afflictions: All ordinary people have them. When humans do not follow human morality, they are no different from birds and beasts.

In summary, as we learn the Buddha’s teachings, we must be oriented toward the right path. We should understand that where we end up in the Four Forms of Birth and the Six Realms depends on our minds. So, “All things are created by the mind.” All the karma we have arises from our minds and from the actions of our body. Everyone, let us always carefully contemplate everything, and always be mindful.

Episode 623 – Canines as an Analogy for People’s Minds

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>> “Everything in the world is impermanent, and we should contemplate impurity. Due to ignorance, we cannot awaken; this is likened to a black-shelled beetle. When our thinking becomes lost, we take the wrong fork. Noble beings see the Three Realms as impure and thus have compassion.”

>> “Jackals and foxes chewed, trampled, sucked and gnawed on corpses, whose bones and flesh were scattered about.”

>> “This pack of canines battled to seize small bits. Emaciated by hunger and maddened by fear, they dashed about seeking food everywhere. They clashed and fought, grabbed and pulled, growling and barking at each other. This house was terrifying, having come to look like this.”

>> The family Canidae includes many different species. Their sense of smell and hearing is sharp, and they can be trained. With their intelligence, they become arrogant. A pack of canines fight to seize small bits, so they are an analogy for the seven kinds of arrogance.

>> Pack of canines: Just as the delusions of arrogance drive people’s thoughts and actions, dogs rely on the power of humans, and having great strength, they forcefully seize and take from ones with no strength. They dig and search with two feet, defending what they have found. Thus, they battle to seize small bits.

>> Insatiable greed is called hunger. Being unable to quench desires is being emaciated. With various methods, people pursue their own personal gain, bringing on hatred and anger. This ignorance is like madness; thus it says they are maddened by fear. Those who are greedy may be rich but feel poor and follow objects of the five desires everywhere.

>> “Emaciated by hunger” is to be starving and weak, like being unable to get spiritual nourishment. “Maddened by fear” means they have a terrified and frightened appearance that comes from not severing the root of doubt.

>> They clash and fight: Ordinary people secretly and openly fight over recognition or personal gain, or clashed for the sake of the same. Or they may fight because of differences in understanding of the teachings and principles. They advance forward to seize and fight openly and secretly in all dealings. They hold each other back; these are all forms of clashing and fighting.

>> Growling: Opening one’s mouth to reveal teeth. This is an attitude of arrogance. Biting something and fighting for it is growling. Losing something and crying out is barking. These are the sounds of angry fighting.

>> So, a pack of canines is an analogy for “the afflictions of doubt.” When people cannot tell right from wrong in matters and principles, that induces five types of chronic afflictions, greed, anger, ignorance, arrogance and doubt.

>> The pack of canines battling is called clashing. Their barking at each other is fighting. Going forward to seize is grabbing. Tugging back and forth is called pulling. These are all forms of conflict. Biting something and fighting for it is growling. Losing something and crying out is barking. These are the sounds of fighting.

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“Everything in the world is impermanent,
and we should contemplate impurity. Due to ignorance, we cannot awaken;
this is likened to a black-shelled beetle.
When our thinking becomes lost,
we take the wrong fork.
Noble beings see the Three Realms
as impure and thus have compassion.”

As I have said, everything in this world is in fact impermanent. From ancient times until now, among those who have lived, how many can actually be considered to have had long lives? In terms of material things in this world, buildings can last for a long time. For how long? How many places are still standing after 1000 years?

So, as we learn the Buddha’s teachings, we should be mindful and meticulous and carefully contemplate. What is the meaning of our lives? We must earnestly and quietly contemplate this. Furthermore, sentient beings create karma, especially severely negative karma.

Our minds are scattered and we cannot focus them, so we create karma out of ignorance and delusion. Because we cannot rein in our minds, we cannot realize how “The world is impermanent.” Since we have the karmic conditions to be born human and listen to the Buddha-Dharma, we must continue to refocus our minds and earnestly think about this. “We should contemplate impurity.” How do we control our desires? To address wealth and personal gain, all we have to do is think, “Everything in the world is impermanent; why take issue over anything?” To address the desire for sensual pleasures, we can “contemplate the body as impure.” The human body is very unclean. How long will we actually live? In this lifetime, why should we let our desire for intimacy lead us to create afflictive emotions?

How can we eliminate our scattered thoughts and afflictions? By reining in our minds. All we need is to recall the opening phrases, “Everything in the world is impermanent; we should contemplate impurity.” From this we should be able to realize that there is no need to fight or be attached.

“Due to ignorance, we cannot awaken.” Because we cling to our desire for wealth, we cannot awaken from our state of ignorance. This is analogous to being a black-shelled beetle. They live out their lives in excrement. They are very small and weak, and they physically live in such an environment. Aren’t people living in delusion just like them? Humans are truly insignificantly small, but we claim to be so great, to be on top of the world. We continually take advantage of the weak; we continually destroy things and fight others. Even if we obtain things, how long can we actually possess them? This greed and attachment arises from a state of ignorance. Aren’t we all living in such a state? “Due to ignorance, we cannot awaken; this is likened to a black-shelled beetle.” This happens when “Our thinking becomes lost.” Our minds are all mixed-up; ordinary people are ignorant and confused, so we create karma. This happens because we are lost.

As we engage in spiritual practice, we always talk about precepts, Samadhi and wisdom. Samadhi is a meditative state. To cultivate Samadhi and meditation, we must “cultivate contemplation.” But we have lost our constant contemplation of how we can gather our minds into a tranquil and still state. More often, we are lost. If we are lost in desires, the pursuit of wealth or personal affections, then we will easily “take the wrong fork” and fall [into a lower realm]. So, noble beings see the Three Realms as impure. Thus, all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas have compassion for us.

We seem to be saying the same things every day. However, how often do each of us think about these concepts? The previous sutra passage states,

“Jackals and foxes chewed, trampled, sucked and gnawed on corpses, whose bones and flesh were scattered about.”

We keep fighting and fighting, until ultimately, what do we end up with? Things scattered about.

The next sutra passages continues on to describe,

“This pack of canines battled to seize small bits. Emaciated by hunger and maddened by fear, they dashed about seeking food everywhere. They clashed and fought, grabbed and pulled, growling and barking at each other. This house was terrifying, having come to look like this.”

See, when in a pack, canines will fight with and harass each other. In fact, canine is a general term. In the family Canidae, there are many animals. Animals described by the family “Canidae” include all the canines. But, there are many different species of canines. Some dogs can be trained to guard the door. Some can be trained to guide the blind. Since they are dogs, they have an acute sense of smell and hearing, so they can be trained to use that.

They are also very clever. Out of cleverness arises arrogance. People say, “The dog steps on horse feces and exaggerates his status.” This is an old saying in Taiwan. Dogs can assess situations, so they are very clever. If their owners are well-known, wealthy and powerful, they will take advantage of their status. Even dogs do this. So, “This pack of canines battled to seize small bits.” Canines also possess the tendency of arrogance. Among the five chronic afflictions of greed, anger, ignorance, arrogance and doubt, canines are categorized under the chronic affliction of “arrogance.”

The family Canidae includes many different species. Their sense of smell and hearing is sharp, and they can be trained. With their intelligence, they become arrogant. A pack of canines fight to seize small bits, so they are an analogy for the seven kinds of arrogance.

We humans are like these canines. The ignorance of self-arrogance drives us. Therefore, we take all kinds of physical actions.

So, [dogs] “rely on the power of humans, and having great strength, they forcefully seize and take from [ones] with no strength.” Canines also use their greater strength to seize and take from those with less strength. So, “The pack of canines seize small bits.” Some people are the same. The bigger overwhelm the smaller; the strong take advantage of the weak and so on. In this way, people and canines are similar; they both have this kind of nature.

Also, “They dig and search with two feet, defending what they have found.” When dogs take possession of something, they will place all four feet on top of it. After holding down what they want with two of their feet, they will still continue to dig and root around. Similarly, when we humans search for something we can go wild. “Where is the thing I’m looking for?” We dive in head first, digging through and looking for that thing. Dogs do this too.

Therefore, their bodies and minds are strongly driven by the “delusion of arrogance” so they are conceited and arrogant and always want to claim things for themselves. If their minds never stop moving, neither will their bodies. Their bodies and minds are so forceful and busy, but for the sake of what?

Pack of canines: Just as the delusions of arrogance drive people’s thoughts and actions, dogs rely on the power of humans, and having great strength, they forcefully seize and take from ones with no strength. They dig and search with two feet, defending what they have found. Thus, they battle to seize small bits.

The next part states, “Emaciated by hunger and maddened by fear, they dashed about seeking food everywhere.”

Those with strength fight each other. What about those without strength? Their insatiable greed is “hunger.” Among humans, some are always greedy. Although they have enough to live on, they still feel that they do not have enough. Being unable to quench desires is being “emaciated.” In this verse, “emaciated” means to be very thin. They feel malnourished and are always hungry and scrawny. Never being able to quench their desires, they are like those who never feel well-nourished.

So, with various methods, people pursue their own personal gains. They keep thinking that what they have attained is still not enough. So, all their lives they are hateful and angry and keep creating problems for themselves. They bring worries and anger on themselves. If they cannot complete the deal they want, they hate that they could not make it happen. So, this kind of person truly has “ignorance [that] is like madness.” This is “maddened by fear.” We keep currying favor and fighting for more. Limitless greed is like being “emaciated by hunger and maddened by fear. Those who are greedy may be rich but feel poor and follow objects of the five desires everywhere.”

Insatiable greed is called hunger. Being unable to quench desires is being emaciated. With various methods, people pursue their own personal gain, bringing on hatred and anger. This ignorance is like madness; thus it says they are maddened by fear. Those who are greedy may be rich but feel poor and follow objects of the five desires everywhere.

Some seem to be very rich, with many possessions, [but their state of mind] is not much different from that of the poor. So, I often talk about the similarities between greed and poverty. Thus, those who are rich may feel poor. People like this never feel they have enough, so they pursue their objects of desire everywhere. In this world, amidst the sense objects of form, sound, smell, taste and touch, their greed for the objects of desire is endless. This is what people are like.

“Emaciated by hunger” is to be starving and weak, like being unable to get spiritual nourishment. “Maddened by fear” means they have a terrified and frightened appearance that comes from not severing the root of doubt.

We may have not yet attained the Dharma. If we have attained the Dharma, we will be content, grateful, understanding and accommodating. Isn’t such a life one of great wealth? People who are not able to feel content have not tapped into their Dharma-nature. They have not taken the Dharma to heart, so they have not awakened their pure nature. Their wisdom-life is still parched because they lack the nourishment of Dharma-water. This is similar to being emaciated by hunger.

“Maddened by fear” means they have a terrified and frightened appearance that comes from not severing the root of doubt. If they do not take the Dharma to heart, they will be fearful; they fear losing their fame and wealth to others. People like this are constantly frightened. This is because they have not taken the Dharma to heart. Because they have doubts, they wonder if people are friendly to them because of some ulterior motive. People with this kind of doubt can never make any close friends. They are fearful and suspicious, because they have not taken the Dharma to heart. When they act out of fear, they will not do things in the right way. This makes life hard for them.

“They clashed and fought, grabbed and pulled.”

People fight like this. Ordinary people secretly and openly fight over recognition and personal gain, or clash for the sake of the same. Perhaps people fight because of differences in their understanding of teachings and principles. Why is this argument necessary? Principles have always been principles. What is there to argue over? People fight over worldly recognition and gain and argue over what is right or wrong regarding principles of faith. What is the use of all this? We must elevate our own wisdom and, once we know the direction to follow, we should just stay on that course. When it comes to the right thing to do, we should just do it. What is there to argue over and fight about? All of that is really unnecessary.

But, “They clashed and fought.” In the last 100 years, this has led to so much sorrow and suffering. People fight openly and clashed secretly. They advance forward to seize or fight openly and secretly in all dealings. They mutually hold each other back, so major conflicts will endlessly arise and lead to endless clashes. Then when will this world be at peace? With all this fighting and clashing, when will it finally be over? [This depends on] people’s minds.

They clash and fight: Ordinary people secretly and openly fight over recognition or personal gain, or clashed for the sake of the same. Or they may fight because of differences in understanding of the teachings and principles. They advance forward to seize and fight openly and secretly in all dealings. They hold each other back; these are all forms of clashing and fighting.

Fighting and clashing are like “growling and barking at each other. This house was terrifying having come to look like this. Growling” is what canines do when they fight. A pack of canines will fight over food or over a pile of flesh and bones. When they fight, as they hold what they seized under their paws, they try to lay claim to other things. They feel, “This belongs to me, don’t you dare.” So, they open their mouths to reveal their teeth. Can you imagine what this looks like?

Growling: Opening one’s mouth to reveal teeth. This is an attitude of arrogance. Biting something and fighting for it is growling. Losing something and crying out is barking. These are the sounds of angry fighting.

Canines lay claim to things and are reluctant to let go. When they see that something they want is about to be taken away, they seize it in their mouths and pull back their lips to reveal all their teeth. When they bare their teeth after biting down on something, they appear to be very fierce. If we see canines fighting, this is what they look like. If this is what canines fighting look like, what does it look like when people are fighting?

They look arrogant and self-important. Fighting like this is like “growling.” They want ownership of all things and want to win on principle. They want both recognition and personal gain. This situation is called “growling and barking.” The way people shout and curse at each other is like how dogs bark at each other. This is like “growling and barking. Losing something and crying out” is called “barking.” They try to lay claim to something. If they cannot claim what they want, they get very loud. We humans do the same thing when we shout and curse at each other. We not only shout and curse when we fight, some people, out of ignorance, often yell at other people.

So, a pack of canines is an analogy for “the afflictions of doubt.” When people cannot tell right from wrong in matters and principles, that induces five types of chronic afflictions, greed, anger, ignorance, arrogance and doubt.

There is arrogance in all these afflictions. In greed, there is arrogance. In anger, there is also arrogance. In ignorance, there is also arrogance. Even in arrogance, there is more arrogance. Doubt also contains arrogance. These chronic agents of action contain many afflictions.

Out of greed, anger, ignorance, arrogance, doubt, we “clash and fight. We also argue over right and wrong,” so “We grab and pull. Debating” who is right and wrong and so on is “growling and barking.” These are the five chronic afflictions.

When a pack of canines battle to seize things, these canines all gather around and tug back and forth to take things from each other. This is a very sad way of living.

The pack of canines battling is called clashing. Their barking at each other is fighting. Going forward to seize is grabbing. Tugging back and forth is called pulling. These are all forms of conflict. Biting something and fighting for it is growling. Losing something and crying out is barking. These are the sounds of fighting.

So, when it comes to sentient beings, humans are just like other sentient beings. We are all animals.

There are many species of canines, but there are many more species of animals. All animals have special characteristics. But human [characteristics] include all the animal characteristics. We have all these tendencies within us. So, the behaviors of animals can all be found in the human mentality. In summary, we must understand the principles and be able to distinguish right from wrong. “Everything in the world is impermanent; we should contemplate impurity.” In this way we can naturally tame our ignorance. So, we must always be mindful.

Episode 622 – Fundamental Delusion Gives Rise to Afflictions

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>>The creation of all negative karma begins with fundamental delusions. Our attachments and bonds drive us to give rise to all afflictions, which pervade throughout the ten directions of space and extend throughout the three periods of time. Desire, form and ignorance stir up the flames of the Three Realms.

>>All sorts of vicious creatures were running back and forth in places that smelled of urine and feces, where filthy things flowed. Dung beetles and other insects were gathered on top. [Lotus Sutra, Chapter 3 – A Parable]

>>Next, it states, Jackals and foxes were chewing, trampling, sucking and gnawing on corpses, whose bones and flesh were scattered about. [Lotus Sutra, Chapter 3 – A Parable]

>>Chewing: Chewing is using one’s teeth to bite, gnaw and grind up food. They will chew the tasty parts and discard the parts they do not want. This is like our greed for external conditions; we grasp at what we want. Heretical practitioners have doubts and thus do not have faith in the True Dharma. Hence they do not know the causes and effects of birth and death in cyclic existence and thus deny and throw out the true principles.

>>The affliction of greed has two varieties 1. Greed of the powerful: Those with this kind of greed seek to obtain things through dominance. In their greed they only think of themselves, they abuse others and bully the weak, causing great suffering for the people. They are like jackals 2. Greed of the powerless: Those with this kind of greed want to beg from or cheat others. They take advantage of good people by relying on and ganging up with powerful people who abuse others.

>>Chewing, trampling, sucking, gnawing on corpses, whose bones and flesh were scattered all around: The creatures stamped and trampled on them. They would chew on the small pieces and trample the extra pieces. Sucking out the blood is called sucking. Breaking bones with ones teeth is called gnawing. This is an analogy for insatiable greed.

>>The corpses are the analogies for the five sense objects. Scattered about means that when a pack of wolves is lying in rest out in the plains, they leave things in disarray; this is why it says scattered about. Insects will chew and eat thoroughly, but the creatures sucking and gnawing on the corpses leave remnants, thus bones and flesh were scattered about. Because they do not eat it all, the extra is scattered and dropped around the plains.

>>Worldly people throw banquets and feasts with plates and cups scattered around. They gather the five sense objects and become indulgent and messy in their behavior. They do not know to stop when they have enough. Life is like this.

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“The creation of all negative karma begins with fundamental delusions.
Our attachments and bonds drive us to give rise to all afflictions,
which pervade throughout the ten directions of space and extend throughout the three periods of time.
Desire, form and ignorance stir up the flames of the Three Realms.”

“The creation of all negative karma begins with fundamental delusions.” We ordinary sentient beings do not realize that in our daily living, we constantly engage in many kinds of erroneous behavior, and in this lack of awareness, our minds give rise to fundamental delusions. These fundamental delusions are also called fundamental ignorance, also known as the five acute and five chronic afflictions.

What we have been describing are the afflictions and ignorance of sentient beings and the natural tendencies of birds and beasts, which are similar to our unenlightened states of mind. So, we must constantly heighten our vigilance and never allow our minds to develop the same tendencies as the birds and beasts. We must carefully distinguish ourselves from them. Drawing this distinction will bring us back to our human morals so that we can purify our minds and develop our wisdom-life.

So, “Our attachments and bonds drive us.” We often become bound by our entanglements. The “bonds” that trap us bind us up tightly. Thus, our minds are bound and become entangled in afflictions. Because these afflictions that arise from our fundamental ignorance entangle our minds, in our daily living they surface quickly before we even realize it. When we see a particular person, hear a certain voice or see certain conditions, our greed arises and we do everything we can to [get what we want]. Even though we have listened to the teachings, when we come in contact with these conditions, these [afflictions] quickly surface in our minds, greed, anger, delusion, arrogance, doubt, etc. In this way, amidst external conditions our minds constantly become entangled and endlessly give rise to many afflictions. Thus, we are already deluded. “Delusion” is really the same as “ignorance”; ignorance is also referred to as delusion. So, delusion and ignorance are “bonds [that] drive us.” They create serious afflictions!

When it comes to these afflictions, over the course of a day, or a year or an entire lifetime, won’t they certainly “pervade throughout the ten directions of space”? Don’t they fill our minds, spreading north, south, east and west, northeast, northwest, southeast, and southwest, up and down, in all the “ten directions of space”? They also “extend throughout the three periods of time.” To “extend” means to go through [time], from the past to the present and into the future, from our past lives to this life and then into our future lives. This happens through [time] [Afflictions] extend from the past into the present. If we still cannot let go, we will extend them even further into the future. Even with matters of yesterday, today, tomorrow we are unable to let go, to say nothing of matters of our past lives, our current life or our future lives. The same principles apply. So, [afflictions] “extend throughout the three periods of time,” thoroughly penetrating past, present and future. They continue to expand across [time and space], endlessly growing outward. This is what happens with our afflictions.

Where do these afflictions come from? Desires, forms and formless [thoughts]. In the desire, form and formless realms, ignorance stirs up the flames of the Three Realms. So, we must make an effort to be mindful. Everyone knows the Three Realms; they are the three states of our minds, desires, forms and formless [thoughts]. This is all in our minds. With desires, we instantly become greedy; we want it right away. We begin to think about it every day and eventually develop serious afflictions. This is what happens in our minds over the course of our daily living

>>All sorts of vicious creatures were running back and forth in places that smelled of urine and feces, where filthy things flowed. Dung beetles and other insects were gathered on top.

We should all understand that life is full of suffering. In these passages we are reading about the lives of birds and beasts. The way they live brings deep suffering. Take “dung beetles and other insects” for example. They live their lives in filthy places, where they are “running back and forth.” Whether they walk on four legs, slither about without any legs or fly [with their wings], they are found everywhere throughout our world, above, below and around us.

In particular, the environments some live in are composed of animal manure and urine. That is also where they reproduce, because that type of filthy environment contains what they need to live. Their eggs are laid and hatched there. They live in this environment all of their life.

When we see them, we may feel pity and wonder, “Why were they born in such an environment?” Actually, our human lifespans tend to be short; a human life is really not that long. Yet within this short lifespan, we create so much negative karma. We destroy mountains and rivers, disrupt people and society and so on. So, when heavenly beings look at humans, they wonder, “Why are their lives so sad? There is poison in their minds, and their afflictions and ignorance are very severe.” This is what they think when they see us.

Yet when the noble beings see heavenly beings, they also feel pity for them. Although heavenly beings live for a long time and enjoy many pleasures, they do not have any spiritual aspirations. “It is hard for the wealthy to learn the Way.” They waste their time in enjoyment. After they deplete their blessings, the Five Signs of Decay manifest. Then they will fall [into a lower realm]. So, when noble beings see heavenly beings, humans and animals, they feel sad for the beings of the Three Realms. Therefore, all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas hope that with the conditions we encounter in the world, we can understand suffering and immediately engage in spiritual practice so that we can quickly become awakened

Next, it states, “Jackals and foxes were chewing, trampling, sucking and gnawing on corpses, whose bones and flesh were scattered about.”

Jackals are very similar to foxes. These animals are very clever, but also full of doubt and very suspicious. There are many foxes that look similar but some are smaller. Their coloring is tawny, and their tails are bigger. So, even though they look like other foxes they can be distinguished by their coloring and their tails, They live in similar places, usually in places that are dangerous to get to. This is to ensure their safety; it keeps people from destroying their homes. Thus, they tend to live in places that are dangerous and hard to get to, though to them, these places are safer. To us they seem very dangerous. When evening falls, their howls can be heard. So, they were thought to be monsters. This kind of fox was thought to be a monster.

Chewing, trampling, sucking, gnawing on corpses, whose bones and flesh were scattered all around: The creatures stamped and trampled on them. They would chew on the small pieces and trample the extra pieces. Sucking out the blood is called sucking. Breaking bones with ones teeth is called gnawing. This is an analogy for insatiable greed.

“Chewing” means that when these animals are eating something, they bite down on it. As they eat, they bite down to crush and gnaw on things. They gnaw on the parts they cannot chew and swallow the rest. When they eat, they bite down and then swallow. This is their way of living. This is an analogy for “our greed for external conditions” as “we grasp at what we want”. Chewing: Chewing is using one’s teeth to bite, gnaw and grind up food. They will chew the tasty parts and discard the parts they do not want. This is like our greed for external conditions; we grasp at what we want. Heretical practitioners have doubts and thus do not have faith in the True Dharma. Hence they do not know the causes and effects of birth and death in cyclic existence and thus deny and throw out the true principles. Because of the attachments in our hearts, in our spiritual practice, we often focus on one thing without regard for the rest.

The same principle applies to their way of life; when they eat they tear things apart and chew slowly with their teeth. They simply throw away what they do not want. This is what heretics do. They have doubts, so they do not have faith in the Right Dharma; they cling to their methods of spiritual practice instead of developing proper beliefs. They think that by engaging in such practices they can realize the fruits [of awakening] and become liberated from cyclic existence. They cling to this shortcut because they have not comprehended the truths of suffering, causation, cessation and the Path. They choose their own methods of practice. They do not practice according to the teachings. When it comes to the truths of life, they deny the law of karma. They do not believe in this true principle. This is a form of greed. They are greedy for immediate results from their spiritual practice. This is a kind of greed. In fact, all our afflictions arise from the five acute and the five chronic afflictions. The five chronic afflictions begin with greed

The affliction of greed has two varieties 1. Greed of the powerful: Those with this kind of greed seek to obtain things through dominance. In their greed they only think of themselves, they abuse others and bully the weak, causing great suffering for the people. They are like jackals 2. Greed of the powerless: Those with this kind of greed want to beg from or cheat others. They take advantage of good people by relying on and ganging up with powerful people who abuse others.

There are two kinds of greed. The first is “greed of the powerful.” Greed of the powerful means we seek to obtain things through our power. Many people nowadays have this insatiable greed. They want to be on the very top. The big dominate and bully the small. This causes suffering for the people; this “poison” spreads throughout the world. People like this are like jackals. “Jackals and foxes” are very cunning like this.

The second kind is “greed of the powerless.” When we have this greed, we want to acquire things by “begging from or cheating others.” When someone is very powerful, we attach ourselves to that person in order to prosper by association. We have no power so we associate ourselves with someone who is very powerful. Along with them, we “take advantage of good people.” There are also many people like this. Whether the strong are bullying the weak or the weak are aligning with the powerful, the same kind of karma is created. People “gang up with powerful people who abuse others.” People without power rely on other people’s power to do bad things to get what they want.

This is how they go about things. Another way is like. “Sucking and gnawing on corpses, whose bones and flesh were scattered about”

Chewing, trampling, sucking, gnawing on corpses, whose bones and flesh were scattered all around: The creatures stamped and trampled on them. They would chew on the small pieces and trample the extra pieces. Sucking out the blood is called sucking. Breaking bones with ones teeth is called gnawing. This is an analogy for insatiable greed.

We see this with dogs or some other animals, most commonly with dogs. When they begin to eat something, they hold it down with their paws as they bite it. This is what “sucking and gnawing” refers to. They step on it with their paws to claim it, then they begin to eat it. We often see this. While they hold something down with their front paws and are gnawing away at it, if they see something else they want, they hold down what they have with back paws and grab the new thing with their front paws.

We can see the way they live. When they “suck out the blood,” they have ripped open the insides. The animal in their jaws is completely crushed. When the strong eat the weak, this is what happens. They still gnaw on the bones with their teeth. We see this kind of interaction between animals, the strong biting the weak and the weak struggling and dying in the jaws of the other animal until their body is destroyed. The stronger animal is eating the flesh and blood while his teeth are still gnawing on the bones. This is “an analogy for insatiable greed.” Indeed, this is very sad to look at and also very scary.

The corpses are the analogies for the five sense objects. Scattered about means that when a pack of wolves is lying in rest out in the plains, they leave things in disarray; this is why it says scattered about. Insects will chew and eat thoroughly, but the creatures sucking and gnawing on the corpses leave remnants, thus bones and flesh were scattered about. Because they do not eat it all, the extra is scattered and dropped around the plains.

As for “corpses,” animals that have been chewed up may not have been completely devoured. Their guts may be laid bare in a bloody mess after their bodies are destroyed. This is an analogy for the five sense objects

The five sense objects are form, sound, smell, taste and touch. Don’t we humans desire these sense objects? Form, sound, smell, taste and touch are the things we are greedy for. How are we that different from the strong animals that bully and snatch things away from the weak? This is our greed. Even as we are working, we still think about and desire those things that are scattered about.

When animals fight over something in the bushes, they tear at it until it becomes a mess. They may eat, then rest, then tear at it again. This state of chaos is what is referred to as “scattered.” Insects are the bugs that arise [on corpses]. When other animals eat corpses, whatever is left looks very messy. “Bones and flesh scattered around” describes what happens after the strong eat the weak. There is such a mess there. This is like what happens with humans. After manmade calamities occur, isn’t the trail of destruction that is left considered a scattered state? This indicates that things are not eaten cleanly, bits and pieces are scattered all over the place.

Worldly people throw banquets and feasts with plates and cups scattered around. They gather the five sense objects and become indulgent and messy in their behavior. They do not know to stop when they have enough. Life is like this.

Why would we go and destroy the good things around us? Why would we bring conflict into a life that is going smoothly? This is what people are like. In order to obtain [what they desire], some people hold many business dinners. Dish after dish of food is brought to the table. While eating all kinds of delicacies, people play drinking games. In those restaurants, the food that is brought out smells so good. Entire roasted chickens and suckling pigs are torn apart and eaten piece by piece. The entire table becomes messy. After people have drank and eaten their fill, all that remains on the table are some bones. Trash is littered all over the table.

This is how we entertain others. And why do we do this? You want something, I want something. We negotiate over a meal. Isn’t this what people do? We become indulgent and scattered in behavior. This is what happens when we do not understand when to stop. This is the way life is.

Dear Bodhisattvas, as we learn the Buddha’s Way we must be constantly vigilant. We must be aware of our negative karma and our fundamental ignorance, the five chronic and five acute afflictions. Greed, anger, delusion, arrogance and doubt constantly bind us like a rope. They wrap around us quickly and tightly. If we do not relax these ropes, these bonds of afflictions will drive us and remain in our minds.

These afflictions which bind and drive us can give rise to countless afflictions. One thought of greed can give rise to countless afflictions pervading throughout the ten directions. Throughout the past, present and future this continues, thus we develop habitual tendencies. Because of this, the desire, form and formless realms are the three states that have filled our minds, within which fires and disasters break out. This reflects what happens in the world. Therefore, I hope that everyone can constantly be self-disciplined and reverent, be cautious and never become lax. To do this, we must always be mindful.

Episode 621 – Do Not Get Lost in Ignorance Unawares

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>>We should understand that the attachments of ignorance and doubt lead us to deludedly cling to all conditions, which are impermanent and impure. In ignorance, we create deluded karma, and in the midst of all phenomena, we cling to permanence, joy, self and purity. We are contaminated with desirous thinking and sink slowly into confusion.

>>Also, There were snakes, vipers and scorpions, centipedes and house centipedes. There were geckoes and millipedes, weasels and rats.  [Lotus Sutra, Chapter 3 – A Parable]

>>All sorts of evil creatures were running back and forth in places that smelled of urine and feces, where filthy things flowed. Dung beetles and other insects were gathered on top. [Lotus Sutra, Chapter 3 – A Parable]

>>Dung beetles and other insects were gathered on top: Due to the endless affliction of ignorance, people cling to permanence, joy, self and purity and thus give rise to defiled attachments. Like dung beetles gathered on top, when people have desirous thoughts towards men or women, they become extremely confused.

>>This is an analogy for the affliction of ignorance. What people see as being impure and filthy is what the dung beetle takes joy in.

>>Noble beings who transcend the world contemplate the Three Realms as unclean. But sentient beings in Three Realms do not realize that.

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“We should understand that the attachments of ignorance
and doubt lead us to deludedly cling to all conditions,
which are impermanent and impure. In ignorance, we create deluded karma,
and in the midst of all phenomena, we cling to permanence, joy, self and purity.
We are contaminated with desirous thinking and sink slowly into confusion.”

We must recognize “the attachments of ignorance and doubt.” Once ignorant thoughts arise, doubts will follow. So, we must maintain clarity in our minds. If ignorance and doubts arise, once they are in our minds, we may become attached to them. If we continue to be attached to them, they “lead us to deludedly cling to conditions.” That is how people get lost; they deviate from the correct course and head in the wrong direction. That is due to their attachment. No matter how we try to convince them, it is hard to get them to turn back

“[Conditions are] all impermanent and impure.”

What are the conditions we deludedly cling to? The impermanent and impure states in which we create deluded karma out of ignorance. We create karma without realizing it. We do not understand that these conditions are impermanent and impure. We have been contaminated by so much ignorance that we cannot draw this distinction. Thus in ignorance, we continue to create deluded karma.

In the midst of all phenomena, we “cling to permanence, joy, self and purity.” We cling to what is not permanent as permanent, we cling to what is not joyful as joyful, we cling to a non-existent self as self and we cling to what is impure as pure. With these deviations, we become attached to the existence of a “self.” This means we count on these things as belonging to our “self.” We count on them being “permanent.” We count on obtaining many things to bring us “joy.” We center our world around this “self.” Whatever good conditions we find ourselves in, we see them as “what I have achieved.” With these views on “permanence, joy, self and purity,”.

We do not think about how long we will actually live. We do not think about being in accord with morality and virtue or the virtues of bringing harmony to society and maintaining proper family relationships. These are not on our minds at all. All we cling to are the ideas of getting what we want and doing what we want. Look at how manmade disasters in many countries arise when discord divides people into factions. They have not been invaded by another country; they themselves created the unrest and turmoil. In Syria, disagreements between two factions led to a confrontation that has caused many people to flee their homes. How many people has this affected? That country of beautiful rivers and mountains, filled with ancient and historical architecture, has been completely destroyed, turned into ruins.

In the end, they have taken possession of a broken society and shattered buildings. So many people have died because of this. What is the use of occupying that piece of land? People do not understand the consequences. Once they start fighting, they keep going. They are deluded and cannot awaken. In modern times, so many people have been displaced because of such conflicts, and so many countries are in a state of unrest. Life is indeed unbearably painful.

In this state of ignorance and doubt, people form “attachments.” We sentient beings cling to things; they are what we are attached to. It is because of ignorance and confusion that we form these kinds of attachments. We are so attached that we fight over things until we are satisfied with the results. But once we start, when will we be satisfied? Thus we continue to reproduce our ignorance, which “leads us to deludedly cling to conditions.” As soon as our minds give rise to attachments, we cling to our conditions and cannot bring our minds back; we just remain attached. All things are impermanent and impure.

Is anything in this world actually permanent? Nothing is permanent. Humans can create all kinds of things and can also destroy all kinds of things. Our planet has gone from “formation, existence” to a state of “decay and disappearance” all because of humankind’s destructiveness [Not recognizing] the impermanence of life is actually the most common source of human transgressions. Originally, under the laws of nature, everyone lived a life that was peaceful, free and happy. But because of people’s greed, they turned “happiness” into “suffering.” This is also due to their mindsets.

How long can we actually live in this world? How many years will this “I” exist? Only for a few decades. But we think that this “I” will last forever and that everything in this world belongs to “me.” How can that be?

People try to escape from life. They flee from the karmic debts of previous lives only to repay them in this life. They create karma in this life, then try to flee into their next life. In summary, every few decades, we have to “leave,” but the karma we have created is calculated in the “trillions.” This number is so high, yet the length of our lives is limited. Just how much karma have we created? It must be measured in the trillions. Even if we have wealth valued at tens of trillions or hundreds of trillions, on our last day we still have to leave this world. We leave with all the karma we have created. It follows us when our lives end. When we leave, it is like we are “fleeing.” It may seem we are running away from this life. But we end up repaying our debts in the next life.

This is because we do not know where we will be reborn in our next life. We have no choice in this. We cannot choose the place where our circumstantial retributions will lead us. We cannot choose who our parents will be. We do not know if we will be a human or a cow, sheep, horse, dog, cat or pig. We do not know, and we absolutely are not able to choose. After creating so much karma, no matter how we try to flee, or where we try to go, we cannot leave our karma behind.

We think that what is not permanent is permanent, we think that what is not joyful is joyful, we think a non-existent self is the self and we think what is impure is pure. Thus “We are contaminated with desirous thinking.” All of this comes from our own thinking. We thought this up, and we believe that we are right, so we are in a state of delusion and confusion. This is how we live. This is the way life is. Think about it, what is the benefit of living a life like this? We must try to understand the minds of people and animals. All the birds and beasts have certain ways of living, which are attachments the same way we have attachments.

For example, birds have one main habitual tendency, which is arrogance, looking down at everyone. All humans have this potential for being arrogant

Also,
“There were snakes, vipers and scorpions, centipedes and house centipedes. There were geckoes and millipedes, weasels and rats.”
Snakes can be quite large creatures. “Snakes, vipers and scorpions, centipedes and house centipedes” are all poisonous creatures, [representing] losing our temper without reason, losing our temper with reason or losing our temper because we feel we are in the right; These are different kinds of anger. There are also “weasels and rats.” They bully fellow rodents who are weaker, like by burrowing into the ground to eat mice. This is like the way humans treat their fellow humans. Humans killing other humans also seems like a very contradictory thing. Humans are also a kind of animal,

so we must earnestly engage in spiritual practice. Humans have civilization and education so we can understand morals. This is what makes us human. Once we have been educated, if we do not keep the principles in mind, and do not put them into practice, what is the difference between us and other animals? So, though this sutra passage is talking about birds and beasts, actually, the ways they live reflect the ways that we think.

So this passage states,
“All sorts of evil creatures were running back and forth in places that smelled of urine and feces, where filthy things flowed. Dung beetles and other insects were gathered on top.”

Different kinds of creatures, including those with four feet, those flying in the sky and those crawling on the ground, were all “running back and forth.” Some of them lived in “places that smelled of urine and feces.” These are very unclean places. If we take a look at filthy places, they are full of tiny insects burrowing in and out. Places “where filthy things flow” means the environment is very dirty.

In particular, “Dung beetles and other insects were gathered on top.” In this analogy, the dirtier a place is, the more of these kinds of creatures we see. This is an analogy for the things in this world, which are all decaying, impermanent and impure. Things in this world decay very quickly. Even delicious delicacies, if we leave them out for a few days, will go bad. This is to say nothing of our bodies. We take such good care of ourselves, but one day, we will cease to breathe. This body is also full of impurities, so one day it will decompose and attract worms. Likewise, everything in this world is impure and subject to decay.

“Dung beetles” are a kind of black beetle. They are in the family of scarabs. The way dung beetles survive is by living off of “human and animals’ feces.” They burrow into feces, bite it off piece by piece and then roll those pieces into balls. They have this ability to turn feces into small balls, and then they stack these up in piles. They do this when they are about to lay eggs. They lay their eggs among them so that the larvae that hatch from the eggs can eat this supply of feces. That is how they live.

Is this kind of life one of suffering? For human beings, this would truly be suffering. So, this is the “chronic affliction of ignorance.” These creatures are an analogy for ignorance and the karma we create from the “chronic affliction of ignorance.” If we are in such a state of deep ignorance right now and have not awakened, we may be born as dung beetles in the future. This is a possibility. So, “dung beetles and other insects” means many insects have this way of life

Dung beetles and other insects were gathered on top: Due to the endless affliction of ignorance, people cling to permanence, joy, self and purity and thus give rise to defiled attachments. Like dung beetles gathered on top, when people have desirous thoughts towards men or women, they become extremely confused.

“Due to the endless affliction of ignorance, people cling to permanence, joy, self, purity and thus give rise to defiled attachments.” This is comparing us to these insects. Regarding “permanence, joy, self and purity,” we cling to them and are attached, just like dung beetles. Dung beetles dig around in filthy places; they were born there. Aren’t humans the same? In the midst of such filth, we wallow and fight with each other. This way of living is indeed suffering, but humans see it as joyful. We think, “By doing things this way, I will forever be….”

In this world, does anything last forever? After we have created all of our karma, we have to leave this body. When we cannot take another breath, won’t this body that we think of as “I” decompose as well? Thus, we do not recognize that we are tunneling back and forth amidst this impurity. In this impure state, we create karma. All of our afflictions are filthier than feces. As human beings, we wallow in these afflictions. This is a truly sad state, so it is sometimes said that humans are sad creatures.

Men and women are like “dung beetles gathered on top,” This is an [analogy for] “when people have desirous thoughts towards men or women.” This is what humans are like. So many people, to satisfy sexual desires, create many problems for their society and their families. They are “extremely confused”

This is an analogy for the affliction of ignorance. What people see as being impure and filthy is what the dung beetle takes joy in.

This is an analogy for the affliction of ignorance. “What people see as being impure and filthy is what the dung beetle takes joy in.” We humans wonder why those dung beetles live in these filthy things, biting off pieces of feces and then rolling them into balls. They collect and pile up these balls of feces and then lay their eggs there. When their eggs hatch, the larvae that emerge will eat the feces there. When humans look at dung beetles, we may feel that they are so ignorant. In fact, how different are we from them? Not very.

Noble beings who transcend the world contemplate the Three Realms as unclean. But sentient beings in Three Realms do not realize that.

In the heaven realm, when heavenly beings observe the human realm, they also tell us that we are very impure. Heavenly beings have such dignified appearances. They enjoy happiness, long lifespans and blessings. They see us work until sweat drips from our backs. To them, the food we humans eat is unclean. We humans also constantly fight with each other. From the perspective of heavenly beings, they laugh at how unclean we are. However, we are not aware of this. We think our life is outstanding. We think we are very talented. We think we are…. We have much pride and arrogance and fight with each other out of anger and ignorance. Indeed, we are truly very unaware.

Heavenly beings see us as unclean, but we are not aware of this ․”Noble beings who transcend the world contemplate the Three Realms as unclean.” But sentient beings in Three Realms are not aware of this. When noble beings who transcend the world look at heavenly beings, humans and animals, they consider them all as unclean. The pleasures heavenly beings enjoy will end, as will their long lifespans. But they continue to indulge in pleasures instead of earnestly accepting the Buddha-Dharma. So when their blessings end, they will fall again. Noble beings who transcend the world look at sentient beings of the Three Realms as truly being very unclean. But sentient beings in the Three Realms are unaware of this. So in the end, each level is higher up than the last, until the highest level.

Supreme, universal and perfect enlightenment is something only Buddhas have. It is something only Buddhas and Bodhisattvas can “understand.” They clearly understand the conditions of the lives of humans and heavenly beings. The Buddha understands everything because He is one with the universe, and there is nothing that He does not know. So, He completely and clearly understands. He understands the ignorance of sentient beings. Greed, anger, ignorance, arrogance and doubt lead people to replicate more and more karma; they cling to their delusions and do not awaken.

This is why the Buddha appeared in this world and did everything He could to awaken us. He used various methods, analogies, expressions. In His awakened state of mind, He contemplated the heaven and human realms and the ways various animals lived. Then He synthesized all of this. These are all expressions of our unenlightened nature. Our unenlightened nature is no different from that of animals. Humans are also a kind of animal.

In summary, if we mindfully observe the ways of life and environments of beasts and insects, we feel sympathy for them. But when heavenly beings look at our lives, they feel sympathy for us. When Buddhas and Bodhisattvas look at heavenly beings, humans and animals, we are all deserving of their sympathy. So, we should make an effort to contemplate this meticulously and in great detail. We cannot be careless and lose this opportunity. Together we can create a pure land in this world and follow the Right Path of the Dharma with our body and mind. So, we should always be mindful.

Episode 620 – Evil Creatures As Analogies for Afflictions

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>> As for circumstantial retributions, the great house is like the Three Realms. The destruction caused by ignorance is like a burning house. In delusion we create karma, leading us to face a rocky road. As for direct retributions, in the house of the raging Five Aggregates, we are lost and sink in the net of delusion. The body of the aggregates faces aging, illness and the Eight Sufferings.

>> There were 500 people living inside. There were kites, owls, hawks, and vultures, crows, magpies, pigeons and doves. [Lotus Sutra, Chapter 3 – A Parable]

>> There were snakes, vipers, scorpions, centipedes and house centipedes, geckoes and millipedes, weasels and rats. All sorts of evil creatures were running back and forth. [Lotus Sutra, Chapter 3 – A Parable]

>> Creature was the same as insect. A long time ago, animals were also called creatures. For example, tigers were called big creatures. Snakes were called long creatures.

>>There were snakes, vipers, scorpions,centipedes and house centipedes: These are analogies for the affliction of anger. Their poison is like a heart of anger.

>> Anger without reason. Anger with reason. Argumentative anger.

>> First, anger without reason: When people suddenly become angry without apparent reasons.

>> Second, anger with reason: When people are truly giving us trouble, we feel justified in our anger.

>> Third, argumentative anger: We strongly cling to our understanding as right and that of others as wrong.

>> Snakes are of larger size, and are poisonous, even if you do not get in contact with it, it will still attack. These are analogies for people who become angry without reasons.

>> Scorpions are also larger insects, if you disturb scorpions, it will sting you. These are analogy for people who become angry with reasons.

>> Centipedes get angry and move quickly. House centipedes slither slowly. These are analogies for people who like to argue.

>> Geckoes and millipedes, weasels and rats. All sorts of evil creatures were running back and forth. These are analogies for the affliction of anger.

>> Geckoes are also called house lizards. In the past, their blood was poured on the skin of the women of the palace in order to test their chastity. This is what geckoes were known for.

>> Next are millipedes. This type of creature has many legs, very similar to centipedes but they are not poisonous and not harmful.

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“As for circumstantial retributions,
the great house is like the Three Realms.
The destruction caused by ignorance is like a burning house.
In delusion we create karma, leading us to face a rocky road.
As for direct retributions,
in the house of the raging Five Aggregates,
we are lost and sink in the net of delusion.”
The body of the aggregates faces aging, illness and the Eight Sufferings.”

Circumstantial retributions, direct retributions and the burning house of the Three Realms, haven’t we often discussed these topics in recent days? We clearly understand these concepts.

“As for circumstantial retributions,” in Buddhist sutras we find the analogy, “The great house is like the Three Realms.” We are in this great house, as if in the great big house of the Three Realms. It is ruined by ignorance just as if this large house has been covered in debris [because] no one makes repairs, and no one maintains it. This is how a house falls into ruin and ends up surrounded by fires burning on all sides. This represents our ignorance. Ignorance rages as if there is a fire burning in our minds.

Look at fires; one spark can burn up a prairie. One minor affliction can cause raging fires in our minds, so they are filled with a fog of smoke. Think about it; with the destruction caused by ignorance it is as if our minds are filled with fire and smoke which actually prevent us from seeing our nature of True Suchness. So, this all comes from delusion and the karma we create.

Delusion is ignorance. With this kind of delusions and confusion, all the people, matters and objects in the world delude us so that we “create karma, leading us to face a rocky road.” In the past and present, we constantly create karma. Some create karma as tremendous as Mt. Sumeru. Some transgressions are as deep as the great ocean. There are many such highs and lows, so this road through life is very hard to walk on.

Direct retributions have to do with our body, with the raging Five Aggregates. Why does our body suffer so much illness and pain? Because of the karma we created out of confusion in our past and present lives. Thus, under the influence of the Five Aggregates, we take action. Whether created by our thinking or the deviations in our beliefs, it is our body [that takes action]. It is because we have this body that we create karma. The sources of numerous evils and transgressions are the actions of our body.

So, direct retributions are what happens in this house of the raging Five Aggregates. Each of us has a body, which is like a house. If we do not earnestly engage in spiritual practice, our physical conduct, all the things we do with our body will all be improper. Some people say, “To make a living, I have to kill [animals],” or “I have to cause damage to the earth,” or “I have to….” We do many things we should not do. We can create so much karma that if we have not faced all the consequent karmic retributions in one lifetime, we will continue to face them in the next. Some people may seem to live an enjoyable life as they create karma. They will still face their retributions; it just might be in a future lifetime.

In this way, we cannot take anything with us when we die; only our karma follows us to our next life. When our time in this world is at an end, what will we bring with us when we leave? We bring the karma we created out of delusion. All the karma we created out of ignorance, regardless of how tremendous or how deep it is will, in the future, all be concentrated in the Five Aggregates and our direct retributions. Form, feeling, perception, action, consciousness are the Five Aggregates. Everyone should know them because we have been emphasizing them recently. Our “form” is our body. Our body is [a temporary union of elements]. This body of the aggregates arises from the convergence of different factors; our body is the convergence of many factors. “Aggregate” is also called “Skandha.” The convergence of many tiny, exquisite elements gave us this human form.

A body arises from the convergence of many tiny, exquisite elements. Previously, we spoke of 36 impure elements. Our bodies, ranging from the skin to the bones, all the way to the internal organs, altogether have 36 types of impure elements. Every element and every organ contains tiny bacteria. There are countless kinds of them, just like in the larger universe. The body alone is the accumulation of elements of many different names, of many different things. Consider how the human body has so many impurities and unclean elements. However, for the sake of this body, we have created so much karma as tremendous as mountains, as deep as oceans. Indeed, we have created all this karma. Thus, the Five Aggregates are raging, and as we go through birth, aging, illness and death, our body undergoes infinitesimal changes. In this way, our impure body constantly creates karma and keeps deteriorating as we age and fall ill. We do not realize that we are in a constant state of deterioration, so we continue to create karma. This is called “the raging Five Aggregates.”

“People are lost and sink in the net of delusion.” We may be lost on the ocean of our own minds like a boat lost on a great sea. As we keep sinking, it is as if we are in a net of delusions. Indeed, a small deviation in life can lead us far off course.

There were 500 people living inside. There were kites, owls, hawks, and vultures, crows, magpies, pigeons and doves.

Previously, we mentioned, “There were 500 people living inside” ․There were 500 people living inside. There were kites, owls, hawks, and vultures, crows, magpies, pigeons and doves.

This burning house of the Three Realms can be the Three Realms of the world as well as the desire, form and formless realms of our minds, where we continuously give rise to afflictions. Our body is constantly going through the process of aging, illness and death. Unaware of this, we keep creating karma. For those who can be guided by the Buddha,

He uses the Five Vehicles and Six Teachings to help us discover our nature of True Suchness, a state equal to His. The Buddha hopes that we can clearly recognize and understand how many types of afflictions we have due to our body and mind. So, He uses various methods to draw analogies. The birds that fly in the sky are proud and arrogant, with eight kinds of pride and seven kinds of arrogance. These kinds of pride and arrogance are our afflictions.

The next sutra passage states, ․”There were snakes, vipers, scorpions, centipedes and house centipedes, geckoes and millipedes, weasels and rats. All sorts of evil creatures were running back and forth.”

These are all called creatures, which should refer to beasts that walk. But in ancient times, the word for ․”creature” was the same as “insect.” A long time ago, animals were also called “creatures.” For example, tigers were called “big creatures.” Snakes were called “long creatures.” These are analogies for the Ten Afflictions. Previously, we mentioned “afflictions of arrogance.” There are five chronic afflictions and five acute afflictions.

Creature was the same as insect. A long time ago, animals were also called creatures. For example, tigers were called big creatures. Snakes were called long creatures.

Birds are used as analogies for the afflictions of arrogance. So, birds and beasts can be used as analogies for all Ten Afflictions. “Snakes, vipers, scorpions, centipedes and house centipedes,” These are analogies for the afflictions of anger.

There were snakes, vipers, scorpions,centipedes and house centipedes: These are analogies for the affliction of anger. Their poison is like a heart of anger.

Previously we discussed the afflictions caused by arrogance. “Kites, owls, hawks and vultures” fly high up in the sky. This is likened to arrogance. Now we speak of the analogies for anger, for losing one’s temper, which are these animals. Their poison is an analogy for an angry mind. Our minds are filled with the poison of anger. With anger, whenever we think about what someone has done to us, upon that provocation, there will be fire in our belly. When “Our belly is filled with fire,” we are filled with anger and hate. Those who provoke us will be hurt.

There are three types of anger ․Anger without reason. Anger with reason. Argumentative anger.

First, anger without reason: When people suddenly become angry without apparent reasons.

One type is “anger without reason. Whether I am right or wrong, I am going to lose my temper. Even if I am wrong, I will still be angry.”

Indeed, some people do not ask whether something is right or wrong. If they make a mistake in their work, they take it out on other people. They know that they were in the wrong, yet they say, “If it weren’t for you. I wouldn’t have made that mistake.” Clearly, this was their mistake, but they put the blame on other people. Some people say, “As for me, I’m angry at myself.” If we get angry with ourselves, what can we do? Can we bow [in apology]? What can we do about this anger? This is indeed tormenting.

Second, anger with reason: When people are truly giving us trouble, we feel justified in our anger.

The second type of anger is “anger with reason” ․Second, anger with reason: When people are truly giving us trouble, we feel justified in our anger.

Other people may actually be in the wrong, but they do not admit it, so we get mad. “You admitted you’re wrong. Even so, I still cannot forgive you. I will never forgive you in this lifetime.” Even though we have a reason to be mad, that they were wrong and we were right and what we did was correct, the anger we feel is just as [painful]. “You took advantage of me. You bullied me. I will never forgive you. If I cannot exact my revenge in this lifetime, I will get justice in the next lifetime.” Imagine what this is like. If we are so angry we never forgive anyone, that will be so painful! We often see people like this in the world.

Third, argumentative anger: We strongly cling to our understanding as right and that of others as wrong.

The third type is “argumentative anger” ․Third, argumentative anger: We strongly cling to our understanding as right and that of others as wrong.

Our reasoning can be clear. But sometimes there is ambiguity. People still want to argue until they win and others lose. Both sides are constantly fighting. What is the consequence of this fighting? Both sides are hurt. In this way, “We strongly cling to our understanding as right.” We think what we know and understand is absolutely correct. “Your understanding is wrong!” Other people’s understanding is absolutely wrong. Whether they are right or wrong, we always say they are wrong. Whether we are right or wrong, we claim that we are right. We argue over this endlessly. This is unbearable suffering.

Snakes are of larger size, and are poisonous, even if you do not get in contact with it, it will still attack. These are analogies for people who become angry without reasons.

So, “the large types of vipers” have a very large body and are also poisonous. Their “excessive poison can infect without contact.” Their poison is so powerful that even if we do not touch them they still can infect us. The viper is a kind of snake that can hurt us even if we do not touch it. This is [an analogy for] “anger without reason.”

Scorpions are also larger insects, if you disturb scorpions, it will sting you. These are analogy for people who become angry with reasons.

There are also “scorpions.” They are large creatures that crawl on the ground. They are like “long creatures” and “can harm people upon contact.” If we deliberately touch them, they will sting us. If we touch them unintentionally, they will also sting us. They are also very poisonous.

Centipedes get angry and move quickly. House centipedes slither slowly. These are analogies for people who like to argue.

As for centipedes, they “get angry and move quickly.” They possess anger and can move quickly ․Centipedes get angry and move quickly. House centipedes slither slowly. These are analogies for people who like to argue. A centipede has many legs. When I lived in the wood cabin, as I was reading, I saw such a big centipede on the table. It was really so long and so big. Once it heard a sound, just a slight knock, it ran away quickly. “House centipedes slither slowly [like slugs].” Wherever slugs pass, they seem to leave a layer of glue; their passage leaves behind a layer of something white, or slightly transparent, and sticky. This is the trace they leave. They are like people who enjoy arguing.

If we make anger a part of our daily living, we always speak very loudly and argue with others. After the argument, is everything over? Not yet, the conflict still remains. Whether we were right or wrong, we still cannot calm our minds. The argument may still be ongoing. Perhaps, after the argument, we are still followed by this conflict.

Geckoes and millipedes, weasels and rats. All sorts of evil creatures were running back and forth. These are analogies for the affliction of anger.
This is like a [slug]. There is another group, ․”geckoes and millipedes, weasels and rats. All sorts of evil creatures were running back and forth.” These are analogies for the affliction of anger. This kind of poison is related to an angry heart.

Geckoes are also called house lizards. In the past, their blood was poured on the skin of the women of the palace in order to test their chastity. This is what geckoes were known for.
“Geckoes” are like what we call a house lizard. They are similar species. They crawl around on their four feet. Occasionally, they climb up walls. This is what geckoes are known for ․Geckoes are also called house lizards. In the past, their blood was poured on the skin of the women of the palace in order to test their chastity. This is what geckoes were known for. In ancient times, people living in palaces fed geckoes with cinnabar and [took their blood] to make a type of potion. Drops of the potion were placed between the eyebrows of palace maids; its shape resembled a plum blossom. It could verify whether these women had remained chaste. In the palaces of ancient times, people used this type of method to control the women of the palace

Next are millipedes. This type of creature has many legs, very similar to centipedes but they are not poisonous and not harmful.

Next are millipedes. This type of creature has many legs, very similar to centipedes but they are not poisonous and not harmful. This is an analogy for those who like to be alone. If people slightly touch them, they will run away very quickly.

Weasels are larger animal that are red-yellow in color, they can enter holes to catch rats. When it is raining, weasels will hang on a tree branch.

This is the behavior of this type of creature “[There were] weasels and rats. All sorts of evil creatures were running back and forth” [Weasels] have a kind of red and yellow color. They are rodents, similar to rats. Some of them are very large. I recall there was a sugarcane field at Dalin [Tzu Chi] hospital. While we were cutting down sugarcane, we saw rats this long and this big. I am not exaggerating. It was not actually a rat, but a mole; this kind of rodent can burrow into the earth and eat mice. This is the way these creatures are. So, these are “weasels and rats” [Weasels] are yellow in color, and “They can crawl into holes to eat mice.” When it rains, they do not stay on the ground. They climb up trees and hang upside down. This is how they live.

Rats: Small mice which can act as a medium that spreads plague.
Next we speak of rats. People talk about plagues spread by rats. These rats are like the ones in people’s houses. Weasels can eat rats. These rats often live in people’s houses, where they sometimes carry rodent-transmitted diseases. So, we always tell. Tzu Chi volunteers, when they go to help clean up other people’ houses, they have to remember to bring buckets and bleach. By spraying a bit of bleach water, we moisten the dust before sweeping it up. Then the dust will not fly all over the place. This is because this type of rodent can spread disease through their feces. Once the feces is dried, it will resemble powder. When we try to sweep it up, it flies all over. This is how the disease is spread. Therefore, once this type of illness emerges, we need to quickly heighten our vigilance. The best prevention method is to keep the interiors very clean. When we clean, we must protect ourselves by wearing facemasks and dampening the dust.

In summary, in our lives, we can have so many different kinds of mindsets. Though we have been born human, our habitual tendencies are similar to those of animals. So, we must always engage in spiritual practice and cultivate our human nature. If we can cultivate our human nature well, we can draw near our Buddha-nature. If we bury our human nature, we become more like animals, whether they are animals that fly, walk or crawl. All these animals are poisonous in their own ways. These poisons are an analogy for the kinds of mindsets we humans have. Thus, the karma we humans create leads us to walk a very rocky road. Our karma is as tremendous as Mt. Sumeru and as deep as the great ocean. Whether in the mountains or on the plains, this road is truly difficult to walk. Thus, the goal of our spiritual practice must be to return to our nature of True Suchness. To return to the nature of True Suchness, we must go back to our human nature. So, we must constantly heighten our vigilance. In everything we do and think, we must contemplate carefully and always be mindful.

Episode 619 – The Five Chronic and the Five Acute Afflictions

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>>Living beings create deluded karma in ignorance. Greed, anger, delusion, arrogance and doubt are the five chronic afflictions. The view of self, extreme views, deviant views, stubborn views and view of deviant precepts are the five acute afflictions. Being deluded and going against the principles comes from the chronic and acute afflictions.

>>There were 500 people living inside. [Lotus Sutra, Chapter 3 – A Parable]

>>There were kites, owls, hawks, and vultures, crows, magpies, pigeons and doves. [Lotus Sutra, Chapter 3 – A Parable]

>>Whether flying birds or walking beasts, we know roughly what they look like. Arrogance causes sentient beings to hold themselves high and take others lightly. They feel they are high up and look down on others. Thus the analogy of birds is given.

>>The eight kinds of arrogance: Arrogance is being arrogant of abilities or prideful of possessions. This air of arrogance is like how birds fly high and look down on everything. Thus in the Sutra on Manjusri’s Question, the eight kinds of pride are likened to eight kinds of birds.

>>First, the arrogance of strength is like a kite: Those who believe their own strength is great while others are weak are like kites. They see themselves as strong and others as weak, thus they have the arrogance of strength.

>>Second, the arrogance of class is like an owl: Those who believe their own heritage is great and are arrogant towards others are like owls, an unfilial species of birds that [abuse] their mothers. Thus arrogance of class is likened to owls.

>>Third, the arrogance of wealth is like a hawk: Those who believe they are rich and possess wealth and are arrogant towards others are like hawks who use their strength to control and oppress other birds. Thus the arrogance of wealth is likened to hawks.

>>Fourth, arrogance of freedom is like a vulture: Those who believe they have grown great and do as they please, thus feel free and are arrogant towards others. They are like vultures, who eat and live in mountain forests. They are free in going and staying, thus the arrogance of freedom is like a vulture.

>>Fifth, the arrogance of lifespan is like a crow: Those who believe their lifespan is long and are arrogant towards others are like the filial crows who feed their parents and have long lives. Thus, the arrogance of lifespan is like a crow.

>>Sixth, arrogance of intelligence is like a magpie: Those who believe their wit is sharp and understanding clear and are arrogant towards others are like magpies, the most intelligent birds. They can bring good or ill luck; thus arrogance of intelligence is like a magpie.

>>Seventh, arrogance of doing good is like a pigeon: Those who believe they can do some good deeds and thus are arrogant towards people of virtue are like pigeons, who though dull, do not realize they are dull. Thus the arrogance of doing good is like a pigeon.

>>Eighth, the arrogance of looks is like a pigeon: Those who believe themselves beautiful and are arrogant towards others are like the many kinds of pigeons or doves. They use their looks to get ahead, thus the arrogance of looks is like a pigeon.

>> First, the arrogance of strength is like a kite
Second, the arrogance of class is like an owl
Third, the arrogance of wealth is like a hawk
Fourth, arrogance of freedom is like a vulture
Fifth, the arrogance of lifespan is like a crow
Sixth, arrogance of intelligence is like a magpie
Seventh, arrogance of doing good is like a pigeon
Eighth, the arrogance of looks is like a pigeon

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“Living beings create deluded karma in ignorance.
Greed, anger, delusion, arrogance and doubt
are the five chronic afflictions.
The view of self, extreme views, deviant views, stubborn views
and view of deviant precepts are the five acute afflictions.
Being deluded and going against the principles comes
from the chronic and acute afflictions.”

Sentient beings’ ignorance gives rise to delusion. We all know how delusion leads to confusion. We are confused about what we should do in life and about how to live as a good person, so we have created much karma. We create karma because of these certain kinds of afflictions. What are these kinds of afflictions? The first kind is greed, followed by anger, delusion, arrogance and doubt.

Our greed is connected to our external conditions. When forms appear in front of us, forms of every description, in addition to seeing many things we want to have, we also see faces that we do not want to see. For instance, we may see someone we do not like. When that person is in front of us, we will feel very afflicted. Or, perhaps someone we really want to be with appears right in front of us; a thought will also arise in reaction to that. In the state of liking or disliking something, thoughts of delusion arise. These thoughts of delusion trigger our arrogance and pride.

When it comes to other people, how do we get something done? How do we work together? How do we interact with each other? As we work with people in these ways, delusions arise, as do doubts and ignorance. These five afflictions inside our minds are also known as the “five chronic agents.” Afflictions are also called “agents,” so these are also the “five chronic afflictions.”

“Agents” are what drive us. We humans are very easily enticed by things in our external conditions. They drive us to be greedy. They drive us to be angry. They drive our minds to give rise to delusions. They drive us to become arrogant. They drive us to have doubts, etc. These are all what we call afflictions. So, the “five chronic agents” are also known as the “five chronic afflictions.” As we go about our lives every day, these afflictions are ever-present, so we must take precautions against them.

The Twelve Links of Cyclic Existence also began with the arising of a single ignorant thought, and many disasters in the world happen because we are deluded and go against the principles. As our delusions and ignorance begin to stir, we give rise to the five chronic and the five acute afflictions. The five acute afflictions arise once we are born into this body. It is because of this body that we began to get greedy for many inappropriate things. In terms of spiritual practice, they lead us to walk a deviant path. These are the five acute afflictions. As for the five chronic afflictions, after the initial [afflictions] arise, they accumulate endlessly as we endlessly act on them.

Look at the many people who are lost in this world and the major disasters they create. See how they are deluded and go against principles. Delusion is ignorance, which leads them to go against principles. In this deluded state, they endlessly create karma [This is what we have seen] through our many years of charity work. More than 20 years ago, we began doing [international relief work] in Ethiopia. Then we went to Afghanistan, Kosovo, Rwanda and Chechnya. We also worked in Azerbaijan, then Pakistan. Most recently we have seen the events in Syria, Iraq and Ukraine. All of these have suffered manmade calamities. The one that made the deepest impression on me was Rwanda. Things were so tragic! So horrible! People were forced to flee from these calamities, and in their flight, how they had to live was even worse off than animals. Rwanda had always been very poor, so why did the people there have to fight against each other like this? [This harmed] so many innocent people.

I can still remember those events quite clearly. Due to the struggle for domination, people create many disasters. This is the confusion of being deluded and going against the principles; it is ignorance. This is the five acute afflictions triggering the five chronic afflictions. When the ten afflictions come together, we go against proper ways of living. The views of self, extreme views, deviant views, stubborn views and so on are all agents that drive our greed, anger, delusion, ignorance and doubt. We want to take things from others. We want to be in charge. If people do not listen to us, we will do such and such. Thus we create much karma. We can see this in the era we live in right now.

When the Buddha was in the world, He saw that this was the way people were. At that time 2500 years ago, people were probably more pure and innocent, but similar kinds of things still happened. The Buddha, in His wisdom, knew that in the future when the Five Turbidities intensified, these manmade calamities would be even more severe. Therefore, the Buddha established many ways to help us.

The[EL1]  previous passage mentioned “500 people” as an analogy for the Five Vehicles that the Buddha taught according to the capabilities of sentient beings. The Human, Heavenly Being, Hearer, Pratyekabuddha and Bodhisattva Vehicles that leads to the attainment of Buddhahood and supreme, universal and perfect enlightenment are the various methods He used to guide us. This part of the sutra states, ․”There were 500 people living inside.” The Five Destinies coexist here, in this burning house of the Three Realms.

The next part begins to draw analogies between human nature and the nature of birds and beasts to show that they are actually not that different. Next it states,

“There were kites, owls, hawks, and vultures, crows, magpies, pigeons and doves.”

“There were kites, owls, hawks, and vultures, crows, magpies, pigeons and doves.” This is the section on the birds and beasts. First, He describes the birds. We can understand them simply as an analogy for pride, the affliction of arrogance

Whether flying birds or walking beasts, we know roughly what they look like. Arrogance causes sentient beings to hold themselves high and take others lightly. They feel they are high up and look down on others. Thus the analogy of birds is given.

We were just talking about greed, anger, ignorance and arrogance. Indeed, having arrogance is akin to being a bird. The way birds live is that they fly in the sky. From high in the air, they look down at everything below. We are under the trees; they are on top of them. We walk upon the ground; they fly high in the sky. This is an analogy for how we can feel high and mighty, very arrogant. So, birds are an analogy for the agent of arrogance, the affliction of arrogance in sentient beings. We should ask ourselves, “Are we arrogant?” If we are arrogant, then we realize, “Wow! We are just like those birds!”

When we think of ourselves as high and mighty, we “hold ourselves high and take others lightly.” We have a high opinion of ourselves and look down on other people. Arrogant people “feel they are high up and look down on others.” They look down as if from a lofty place, just like a bird.

We can list out the different kinds of arrogance. There are actually eight kinds of pride and seven kinds of arrogance. When we break it down, we have eight kinds of pride and seven kinds of arrogance. So, we talk about the “eight kinds of pride and seven kinds of arrogance.” Indeed, our high opinion of ourselves creates afflictions

The eight kinds of arrogance: Arrogance is being arrogant of abilities or prideful of possessions. This air of arrogance is like how birds fly high and look down on everything. Thus in the Sutra on Manjusri’s Question, the eight kinds of pride are likened to eight kinds of birds.

If we are arrogant, we think, “I am so talented, I am so capable, I am so famous, I am so wealthy, I am so smart” and so on. We do not have a high opinion of others at all. We may think highly of ourselves; “I am so knowledgeable. You had no schooling; what do you know?” This is how people think. I believe that we have all have had thoughts like these. We think that we know so many things and that other people know nothing at all. This looking down upon others makes us like the birds. At Manjusri Bodhisattva’s request, the Buddha compared the eight kinds of pride to eight kinds of birds. He used birds as analogy for people’s pride.

First, the arrogance of strength is like a kite: Those who believe their own strength is great while others are weak are like kites. They see themselves as strong and others as weak, thus they have the arrogance of strength.

If we have the “arrogance of strength,” we are like a kite. This kind of bird is very strong. Birds can be very large, and they can also be quite small. There are birds that have great strength, and birds that are quite weak. This kind of bird has great strength, so he bullies and picks on weaker birds. As a bird, he already feels high and mighty, and with his large size, he picks on other birds as well. Birds and humans are similar in this way, in that the strong pick on the weak.

Second, the arrogance of class is like an owl: Those who believe their own heritage is great and are arrogant towards others are like owls, an unfilial species of birds that [abuse] their mothers. Thus arrogance of class is likened to owls.

The second kind is the owl. The owl is quite commanding, quite dominating.
Those who are formidable think, “I am so strong.” Humans are like this, and birds are like this too. They conceitedly think, “I am so great, I am so strong, I am….” Humans are like this; the strong abuse the weak. This is how humans behave, and birds are like this too.

But this type of bird, besides being strong and dominating, besides being arrogant, can also be unfilial to his parents. This type of bird can be quite arrogant indeed. We see examples of this among people, too. Parents work hard to raise their kids. Even though they did not have much schooling, they raised their children to be a great success. However, the children think, “I’m so successful, but my parents are uneducated; I feel so ashamed of them.” They are afraid people will find out that their parents are uneducated and that this will reflect poorly on them, etc. So, they do not practice filial piety. This is how humans behave, and birds are like this too.

Third, the arrogance of wealth is like a hawk: Those who believe they are rich and possess wealth and are arrogant towards others are like hawks who use their strength to control and oppress other birds. Thus the arrogance of wealth is likened to hawks.

The third kind is the “arrogance of wealth,” which is like the hawk.
When this type of bird is born, he thinks that he is rich in many respects, so he is arrogant and bullies others. He is haughty because of his strength and power. These are all the stronger birds. Their way of life is different, for they fly high and are strong and powerful.

Fourth, arrogance of freedom is like a vulture: Those who believe they have grown great and do as they please, thus feel free and are arrogant towards others. They are like vultures, who eat and live in mountain forests. They are free in going and staying, thus the arrogance of freedom is like a vulture.

Then there is the “arrogance of freedom,” which is like the vulture.
The vulture is quite free and at ease. He feels that his lifestyle is superior to all other birds. The eyes of the vulture are quite beautiful. Actually all the birds feel that they can travel freely through the forests with great ease, so this is another reason they are haughty.

Fifth, the arrogance of lifespan is like a crow: Those who believe their lifespan is long and are arrogant towards others are like the filial crows who feed their parents and have long lives. Thus, the arrogance of lifespan is like a crow.

Then there is “arrogance of lifespan,” which is like the crow.
The crow’s lifespan is very long. Although the sound he makes is quite harsh, he has a long lifespan. The crow knows to repay his parents’ grace. Because of his long lifespan, as his parents grow old, he repays their kindness of raising him. This is a bird that knows filial piety, though he is arrogant about his lifespan.

Sixth, arrogance of intelligence is like a magpie: Those who believe their wit is sharp and understanding clear and are arrogant towards others are like magpies, the most intelligent birds. They can bring good or ill luck; thus arrogance of intelligence is like a magpie.

Sixth is arrogance of intelligence, like a magpie.

This kind of bird thinks he is so smart, and that his understanding makes him close to human. Because he is so smart, he too has arrogance. People in ancient times, when they heard the calling of the magpie, thought of it as an auspicious sign. Since this type of bird is clever and intelligent, he too has an arrogance.

Seventh, arrogance of doing good is like a pigeon: Those who believe they can do some good deeds and thus are arrogant towards people of virtue are like pigeons, who though dull, do not realize they are dull. Thus the arrogance of doing good is like a pigeon.

The seventh kind is the “arrogance of doing good,” which is like the pigeon.
This kind of bird, the pigeon, can do good deeds and can carry messages. In ancient times, it was not convenient for people to send letters. Carrier pigeons carried messages for people.

Eighth, the arrogance of looks is like a pigeon: Those who believe themselves beautiful and are arrogant towards others are like the many kinds of pigeons or doves. They use their looks to get ahead, thus the arrogance of looks is like a pigeon.

Then there is the “arrogance of looks,” likened to pigeons or doves.
This kind of bird feels approachable because of his beautiful coloring. A pigeon is quite gentle, but he too is arrogant about some things.

These eight kinds of birds are arrogant and condescending in their own ways. In their relationships with other birds, they all bully one another. Each type of bird has a different tendency, so in this way they are similar to humans. There are many different varieties; they have arrogance of strength, arrogance of class, arrogance of wealth, arrogance of freedom, arrogance of lifespan, arrogance of intelligence, arrogance of doing good and arrogance of looks. These are the eight kinds of arrogance. These are similar to the different kinds of birds. Sometimes we humans are quite similar to the birds and beasts. Whether they are flying birds or walking beasts, we humans have very similar tendencies to them.

First, the arrogance of strength is like a kite
Second, the arrogance of class is like an owl
Third, the arrogance of wealth is like a hawk
Fourth, arrogance of freedom is like a vulture
Fifth, the arrogance of lifespan is like a crow
Sixth, arrogance of intelligence is like a magpie
Seventh, arrogance of doing good is like a pigeon
Eighth, the arrogance of looks is like a pigeon

This is why the Buddha cited various birds as analogies for our human tendencies. So, not only do humans, birds and beasts live in the same world, our tendencies are quite similar. As the ancients said, “There is not much difference between man and beast.”

We should cherish this body because it allows us to live in this world, it allows us to listen to the Buddha-Dharma and it allows us to distinguish and choose between good and evil. We should choose the path of goodness. First we must practice like the Hearers to listen to and understand the principles. After listening to teachings, we understand that we must eliminate ignorance and afflictions. After eliminating ignorance and afflictions, we must earnestly practice the Bodhisattva-path and actualize the Six Paramitas. Our goal is to advance to the state of Buddhahood.

So, there were the “500 people living inside.” This is all within the scope [of our lives], thus we should constantly be mindful. The Buddha-Dharma is inseparable from the world. Things of various forms and colors in our surroundings are enticing to us. In our minds, the five chronic afflictions and the five acute afflictions arise from our physical existence as human beings. When our minds begin to develop the five chronic afflictions, or when the five acute afflictions are expressed through our behavior, we must carefully distinguish between them. So, we must always be mindful.

Episode 616 – All Visible Phenomena Are Impermanent

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>> All Visible Phenomena Are Impermanent. Amidst the universe’s nebulous colors, from the past until today, all things have been undergoing formation, existence, decay and disappearance. To build a hall, one must gather earth and wood. The hall’s eaves, beams and girders create a space. Amidst the subtle changes of time, space and relationships, all tangible, visible phenomena are impermanent.

>> As this house was old, it had been repeatedly damaged. The halls and the quarters were high and precarious. The bases of the pillars were brittle and fragile. The girders and beams were all aslant. The foundations and stairs were falling apart. [Lotus Sutra, Chapter 3 – A Parable]

>> The walls were cracked and collapsing, the plaster was peeling and the straw roof was scattered messily. The rafters and poles were crumbling, the surrounding fences were all bent, and various filthy things were everywhere. [Lotus Sutra, Chapter 3 – A Parable]

>> When people grow old and frail, we can say they are falling apart. The walls were cracked, split and collapsing, thus in the plaster there were fissures, and and it was peeling and falling off. The straw roof, due to the wind and rain, had scattered and fallen.

>> When the body’s four elements are not in balance, it is damaged. We can say it is cracked and collapsing. The plaster is like our skin. The withering of age is like plaster peeling. The straw roof is like our hair; with old age it falls, thus it is scattered messily.

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“Amidst the universe’s nebulous colors, from the past until today,
all things have been undergoing formation, existence, decay and disappearance.
To build a hall, one must gather earth and wood.
The hall’s eaves, beams and girders create a space.
Amidst the subtle changes of time, space and relationships,
all tangible, visible phenomena are impermanent.”

“Amidst the universe’s nebulous colors” is referring to the world, to this universe that is vast and boundless. “Nebulous” means very vast. As our planet rotates, as we go from darkness to light, we can see that there are so many colors, colors of every description, in this world. Out of this expanse of sandy yellow soil, so many different colors emerge. There are countless colors in this vast space. It has been like this “from the past until today.” It has been this way since ancient times, for an incalculably long period of time. This space in the universe was always this way. As for “all things in universe,” though there are so many things in this world, they all go through “formation, existence, decay and disappearance.”

The general space we live in is the universe. The immediate space we live in is our residence, which is in a certain country, a certain county, city, town or village. Wherever we live, there needs to be a house so that we can protect our body from the wind and the rain. This is just a tiny part [of the vast world]. However big the world is, the space we humans live in is actually not that big. Moreover, though all we need is this small space, a single building, to construct this building we still need materials taken from the world around us.

First we need to plan out the construction, [described in Chinese as] “the raising of earth and wood.” Before we start building on this piece of earth, we need wood, or lumber. Perhaps we also need to use cement. Ingredients for cement come from earth; they must be mined from mountains. These raw materials must be processed through the furnace and so on in order to become cement. So, cement also comes from the earth. From earth, we can also get the bricks we need. The raw materials for bricks likewise come from digging in the earth and the mountains. Bricks are also manmade. Individual blocks of earth become bricks after being baked in a brick kiln. In ancient times, people were very wise. They mixed soil from the earth and water and then molded bricks from it. They called those bricks “mud bricks.”

Whether we are using cement or bricks, this is done for the sake of sheltering our bodies. To build a house, we must consume many resources from the earth. Nowadays, people also use iron and steel. To make steel, we also need to dig into the earth and mine the mountains. After extracting the raw materials, in a furnace we smelt them to get steel and iron. Steel, iron and so on are building materials that must be obtained from the earth. To decorate the interior of a house, wood is necessary.

We take many kinds of building materials from the world around us in order to complete this house. So, we should always be appreciative, cherish the land that enabled us to build our home and always preserve it so everything looks neat. If there is debris, we must clean it promptly. In this way, the land will remain very beautiful and healthy. It is the same with windows and doors. We open and close them, wipe and maintain them. If we do these things, the house will last a long time. It will be very well taken care of.

After a house is built, no matter how sturdy it is, if nobody lives in it for a few years, the house will deteriorate very quickly. Or, if people live in it but do not take care of it, the things inside the house, like the walls, windows and so on, will deteriorate very quickly. So, we have to cherish everything. Many people build large houses. Since we live in the house, we should cherish it. This is a feeling of gratitude and is called cherishing one’s blessings.

So, all the people who live in a house must bring a sense of life to it and carefully maintain it so that the house can stay in good shape. It is said, in time and space and between people, things constantly undergo infinitesimal changes, undergo the aggregate of action. All tangible, visible phenomena are impermanent. As for time, think about how there is the past, present and future. This time, this space and our interactions with each other are all subject to the aggregate of action. Time continues to pass while we are unaware. In fact, this place will not last forever either; it will eventually decay and disappear. Therefore, time, space and relationships are constantly going through infinitesimal changes. This “aggregate” is an unchanging principle that has applied to all things in the universe since the beginning; everything is subject to the aggregate of action. This applies to all things. For example, steel and iron will get rusty, will become worn down and so on. This is because they undergo all these infinitesimal changes.

We must clearly understand these principles. All visible phenomena are impermanent. Anything that is visible, any kind of physical matter, any kind of phenomenon, is impermanent. So, we must put our hearts into experiencing this.

Now let us examine the previous sutra passage. The Buddha was restating Himself in verse form, so these verses began with,
“As this house was old, it had been repeatedly damaged. The halls and the quarters were high and precarious. The bases of the pillars were brittle and fragile. The girders and beams were all aslant. The foundations and stairs were falling apart.”

This “house” refers to the Three Realms, which are the desire, form and formless realms. This house was built a long, long time ago. It has been here “from the past until today,” but “It had been repeatedly damaged.” After so long, this house had visibly begun to deteriorate.

Because of our desires, our greedy and desirous thoughts, we fight for and take things. As we just talked about, on this land, though we humans need earth to build houses on top of, that is no longer enough for us. We have started to dig underground. This causes great damage to the earth. There is not much we can do. That is what people do right now. Though people harm [the earth] to build houses, how long will the houses last? Although people believe “man can conquer nature,” we cannot actually withstand the power of nature.

In the Three Realms, first, people give rise to desires. This leads them to do destructive things. So, first among the Three Realms is the desire realm, where we create destruction. The second is the form realm. Our minds take in all the “forms” around us. There are so many things out there, and we think, “I love this, I want to possess this.” We might have a lot but we want even more. So, we think up many ways to take possession of everything on earth. So, in our minds, all tangible and visible forms, all tangible and visible phenomena, are what we wholly want to possess. Our minds are filled with thoughts of taking possession of these objects. Actually, “All tangible, visible phenomena are impermanent.” If we do not understand this principle, we will continue to create [bad karma]. Last is the formless realm. There are things we clearly can never obtain, yet we still fantasize about them.

When the Three Realms are analyzed in Buddhist teachings, we find that the desire realm is composed of [six] desire heavens and the form and formless realms [have more]. But these realms are actually in our minds. When it comes to our minds, we must first understand that our minds are in the three states of the desire, form and formless realms. Because of the state of the formless realm, we let our imagination run wild and thus give rise to much affliction and ignorance. So, discursive thoughts keep arising in our minds. Discursive thoughts lead to desires, so we want to possess a wide array of things. This leads us to take certain actions which cause the world to weaken even faster; we cause it to deteriorate. So, we must be mindful.

In the Lotus Sutra, the Buddha shares His hope that all of us can truly comprehend [the workings of] the physical realm and the human world. So, we talk about the heavens, earth and humans. The heavens are above, the earth is below and we are in the middle. We humans need to care for the sky and keep it free of pollutants. We also need to keep the earth safe and peaceful. This all depends on what we do. So, each one of us should heighten our vigilance.

Next, it states,
“The walls were cracked and collapsing, the plaster was peeling and the straw roof was scattered messily. The rafters and poles were crumbling, the surrounding fences were all bent, and various filthy things were everywhere.”

These words are hard to recite. When reciting the Lotus Sutra, the words might not flow out smoothly. But we are actually surrounded by these things on a daily basis. Only with these things can our lives be peaceful and safe; we will be protected from the wind or rain. But these things are seemingly hidden from sight, so we hardly notice them. Therefore, we cannot name many of them.

In summary, these are the things we need in a house; they are essential. These things are an analogy for us, for our bodies. Our body is just like a house. In our body, there are bones. If there were no bones to support us, how could our internal organs be safe? In addition to bones and organs, there also needs to be skin and muscles. In addition to skin, there needs to hair on the body and head for us to look human [These external appearances] allow us to distinguish people from each other. This is the wonder of the universe.

Similarly, to build a house, we need beams and ridges, girders, pillars, walls and so on. It is the same with the human body. When a house in this world falls into disrepair, if it is not well cared-for, it will be in bad shape very soon. The same thing happens when we age. When we are old and frail, our body naturally goes slack. The skin on the faces of old people loosens. Nobody can stop the aging process. When we get old, our vision becomes increasingly blurry. When we get old, we cannot walk as nimbly and so on. This is what we look like when we are old. The bones become more loosely held together, so we have the posture of old people. When the foundation everything is built on is no longer that sturdy, we have begun to show signs of aging and frailty

When people grow old and frail, we can say they are falling apart. The walls were cracked, split and collapsing, thus in the plaster there were fissures, and and it was peeling and falling off. The straw roof, due to the wind and rain, had scattered and fallen.

“The walls were cracked and collapsing.” Because pillars and beams had become loose and were less able to support [the building’s weight], naturally the walls split and cracked. People cover the walls with plaster for the sake of decoration, so everything looks smooth. But it is “peeling off.” Things are beginning to deteriorate. Once there are cracks in the wall, the plaster will fall out. Gradually, the plaster will begin peeling off.

“The straw roof was scattered messily.” In ancient times, people covered the roof with straw and mugwort and so on. They used [bundles of] straw to cover the roof. As time passed, the straw would also gradually become loose. When the wind blew, pieces of straw would fall off. This is the appearance of a house; it is also similar to the human body.  When the four elements of our body are not in balance, the body will be damaged. Over time, the plaster of a house, like our aged, withered skin, will become loosened. Our hair will start to fall out, too. We gradually begin to show signs of aging.

When the body’s four elements are not in balance, it is damaged. We can say it is cracked and collapsing. The plaster is like our skin. The withering of age is like plaster peeling. The straw roof is like our hair; with old age it falls, thus it is scattered messily.
So, often when we build a house, we extend the eaves a little bit to protect the house so that when it rains, the water will not splash against the house. This protects the windows, walls, etc. But to extend the eaves, the ridges of the roof have to extend out, too. Our tendons and bones work in the same way. Although we have hands, we also need fingers to exercise all the functions of our hands.

All in all, our joints and our bones and the rest of our body, for the sake of the body’s functioning, must all work well with each other. Every single part is very important. But having lived a long time, these parts have been used a long time. Look at what happens to people who work hard [with their hands]. Their hands and fingers become deformed. Their fingernails no longer grow. The skin of their hands is worn and damaged. This is what happens to people.

But this work [gives their hands] value. If we decorate our hands prettily and are reluctant to use them, they are useless; all they will be is decoration. If they only serve as useless decoration, they will accomplish nothing. They would be like a vase, which is the most useless thing in a house. We do not need to have flowers in a vase; we do not need such decorations. The only function of a vase is to simply be a decoration. Living in this world, we want to be useful. Every house protects people’s bodies, and we must use our bodies to protect the planet, to protect this world. We must make full use of our body for it to have value.

This analogy refers to more than a house, it refers to everything within the Three Realms. The “nebulous” universe has great variety, with all kinds of forms. There are so many things that exist in this world between the heavens and earth. From the past until today, they have undergone infinitesimal changes. All visible, tangible phenomena are impermanent, and they are all deteriorating. Since everything is deteriorating, why must we give rise to so many afflictions that bind our body? We should now be able to see through things and quickly learn to understand the principles behind their workings. We must not just be mindful about the tiny matters in our daily living; we must strive to understand the truths of all things in this vast universe.

When we sum up the principles of all things, we know that all tangible, visible phenomena are impermanent. So, why do we give rise to so many afflictions and create so much karma for their sake? We must always remind ourselves to be vigilant and always be mindful.

Episode 615 – Our Retributions Follow Us Like Our Shadows

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>>Our Retributions Follow Us Like Our Shadows. Sentient beings face both circumstantial and direct retributions. The karma they create is stored in their eighth consciousness. Their retributions follow them closely like their shadows; the burning house of the Three Realms is created only by their minds.

>>The Buddha, wishing to restate His meaning, spoke the following verses. This is the parable of an elder who had a large house. [Lotus Sutra, Chapter 3 – A Parable]

>>As this house was old, it was collapsing. The halls and the quarters were high and precarious. The bases of the pillars were brittle and fragile. The girders and beams were all aslant. The foundations and stairs were falling apart. [Lotus Sutra, Chapter 3 – A Parable]

>>As this house was old, it was collapsing. The halls and the quarters were high and precarious: A house is a place that provides a shelter for us. This house had not been repaired for many years so it was collapsing. There were halls and rooms inside the house.

>>This is likened to circumstantial retributions, all within the house of the Three Realms. The Three Realms have existed since Beginningless Time. They were not created now. Impermanence subtly leads to collapse. The halls and rooms represent the Three Realms. The halls represent the two upper realms while the rooms represent the desire realm.

>>The quarters: Where our bodies take shelter. The supports against the walls are pillars. Horizontal supports are girders, vertical ones are beams. The base of the room is the foundation. Steps up and down are called stairs. To the east and west and to the front and back are the walls.

>>Halls and quarters denote the aggregate of form. The pillars represent the aggregate of action. Girders and beams are the aggregate of feeling. Foundation and stairs are what halls and quarters are built on. This is an analogy for the basis of life and the seeds of our thinking.

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“Sentient beings face both circumstantial and direct retributions.
The karma they create is stored in their eighth consciousness.
Their retributions follow them closely like their shadows;
the burning house of the Three Realms” is created only by their minds.”

This helps us better answer the question, what is stored in the karmic consciousness of our minds? Everything we have done in our past lifetimes. Can our brains recall the things that happened yesterday? We remember them. Can we recall what happened the day before that? We still remember those things clearly. What about the things that happened last year, two years ago, ten years ago?

In particular, [do we remember] our interactions with people? In our interactions with others, when people are good to us, if we are kindhearted, we will not forget to repay their grace. We always remember those who treated us well. “When we drink water, we think of the source.” As for those who did not treat us well, no matter what bad thing they did to us, whether they bullied us or caused us harm or so on, we remember what they did even more clearly. We will never forget these particular people. They are stored in our memory. If we were to physically open up our head, we could not see these memories. But although they are not physically tangible, scene after scene of things that happened a long time ago are stored in our mind forever. It is like this in our present life.

We often hear the saying, “We cannot take anything with us when we die; only our karma follows us into our next life.” All the karma we create is collected in our “storehouse [consciousness],” in the field of our eighth consciousness. It is in our eighth consciousness that we ordinary people store all the karma we have created in the past. Good or evil, all our karma is stored there, so we call this our “karmic consciousness.” We bring our karmic consciousness with us as we leave this life and go into the next or when we left our previous life to come to this one. This karmic consciousness that we bring with us leads us to our circumstantial retributions and our direct retributions.

I remember many years ago, we provided aid to Ethiopia. The volunteers filmed and took pictures of what life in Ethiopia was like. The kind of life they lived was terrifying and gut-wrenching.

We saw how people in Ethiopia drank water. The water they drank flowed downstream from a place of high elevation down to a place much lower in elevation, then into a depression, where it became stagnant. Who knows how long it had been sitting there? The water was dirty and there were worms in it. The water was the same color as the dirt. But we saw a man drop to all fours to slurp at the water. then the man spat the water onto his hands to wash them. Images like this were engraved on our minds.

So at that time, when we went to Ethiopia we did not just help to build medical stations and provide medication. At their various medical centers and medical stations, we helped train, in total, more than 300 medical staff. We not only trained them in how to dress a wound and how to apply medicine, we also helped build water stations. The water was guided down the mountain through plastic tubes. We connected tube after tube until the water reached them. This gave them a source of clean water. We could see the smiles on the faces of the women there. They collected the water in buckets, and, balancing them on their heads, they happily went home. These images are also often in my head.

We often say that we leave this life for the next. If we were born into those kinds of conditions, in a place like that, what could we do? This is very worrisome. So, I truly believe in circumstantial and direct retributions. In the end, where will the things that we do now lead us? We do not know.

In the city of Malacca in Malaysia, there is a young Bodhisattva, a child named [Fan] Yuan-en. Yuan-en’s father, [Fan Yun-qiang,] used to sell meat products. But in the year 2010, he installed the Da Ai TV channel at home. He started watching our programs, listening to my lectures on “Wisdom at Dawn” and watching my program “Life Wisdom.” By watching the Da Ai TV channel, Yuan-en’s father, Mr. Fan, came to see how we create good and bad karma in life. He realized that through his livelihood he enabled people to consume countless living beings. These animals were all killed to satisfy people’s cravings. So, he recognized that the business he ran was creating the karma of killing. Thus he changed his ways, and now he sells vegetarian food.

When he and his wife had time after work, they started watching the Da Ai TV channel. Their daughter, at that time, was six months old. Whenever they watched TV, they would put her in the baby walker. She would also watch quietly and listen to what I was saying. She was so intent that she kept scooting forward. The baby walker kept moving forward and forward. Every day, she started out close to her parents. But whenever she was listening intently, she would move closer and closer to the TV. She listened earnestly and smiled a great deal. This is incredible.

When she was three years old, she attended group studies with her parents. She would remain quiet and bow to the Buddha and listen to the teachings. Even now she is still very earnest. This is really incredible. This began when she was six months old, and now she is three or four years old. She is only in kindergarten, but she knows she should do good deeds.

We go through this kind of process in life. In the beginning, we are born. Due to our karmic affinities with our parents and with this place, we come here. After we are born, we can choose whether we want to be in a wholesome or unwholesome environment. This choice also depends on our past affinities. Our good and bad affinities affect us now. If we created negative causes in the past, committed wrongdoings and created bad affinities, bad people can easily influence us and entice us to go astray. So, causes, conditions, effects and retributions play out circumstantially or directly. Our circumstantial and direct retributions are based on the karma we have created. Karma is stored in our karmic consciousness, in the field of our eighth consciousness. Therefore, we must believe that.

“Their retributions follow them closely like their shadow.” This is the way life works. How we come into this life depends on the karma we created in the past. Then, following the [karma] created in this life, we go into the next.

So, “The burning house of the Three Realms is created only by their minds.” Our minds create everything. Our afflictions cause us to become confused about many matters. Our pure Tathagata-garbha has been obscured by our ignorance. Thus we become confused and cannot tell right from wrong. So, I hope that we will all be vigilant and earnestly guard against wrongs and stop evil.

Now we know we have. Tathagata-garbha consciousness. We must quickly wash away our impurities to allow our pure Tathagata-garbha consciousness to quickly manifest its purity and illuminate [everything]. I hope everyone will be mindful of this.

The previous sutra passage states,
The Buddha, wishing to restate His meaning, spoke the following verses. This is the parable of an elder who had a large house.

Previously we described how the elder of this burning house saw children playing inside, unaware that the house was deteriorating and that fires had already started on all sides. Foolishly, these children remained inside. The elder set up three kinds of carts outside to give to the children when they came out. In the end, the elder felt, “I have so much wealth, I should give it all to the children in equal and plentiful amounts. I should distribute it among them.” So, he encouraged everyone to accept the cart drawn by the great white ox. This is the summary of the lengthy text that we have discussed so far.

Now the Buddha, “wishing to restate His meaning, spoke the following verses.” He restated His words because there were still things left to be said. He wanted to reinforce people’s understanding. So, He described everything again.

The elder is an analogy for Sakyamuni Buddha, and the large house is the Three Realms. The Three Realms are compared to a burning house. Why are the Three Realms, the desire realm, form realm and formless realm, called a “burning house”? The following text reinforced this description.

The next sutra passage states,
“As this house was old, it was collapsing. The halls and the quarters were high and precarious. The bases of the pillars were brittle and fragile. The girders and beams were all aslant. The foundations and stairs were falling apart.”

“This house” refers to the [burning] house. “Old” describes how it was rundown. It was on the verge of falling over. “Collapsing” describes the bad shape it was in. “The halls and the quarters were high and precarious.” This house was built up very high, which made it more dangerous. A large house built this high is very dangerous, especially as it is old

As this house was old, it was collapsing. The halls and the quarters were high and precarious: A house is a place that provides a shelter for us. This house had not been repaired for many years so it was collapsing. There were halls and rooms inside the house.

A house is something we cannot do without in our everyday living. The basic necessities of our life are clothing, food, housing and transportation. We need to have food to eat and a place to stay to be able to live a safe and peaceful life. So, housing is very important. It is “a place that provides shelter for us.” A house can protect our body. We can rely on the house to shield us from the wind and the rain. A place that keeps the elements out will be a safe and stable place for us to live in. Such a place is a “house.”

But this house had not been repaired for years. It was on the verge of “collapsing.” It was in very bad shape and had become a very dangerous place.

“There were halls and rooms inside the house.” Every house has halls and rooms. There may be lounges, bedrooms, kitchens and so on; we can distinguish many different halls and rooms.

This is likened to circumstantial retributions, all within the house of the Three Realms. The Three Realms have existed since Beginningless Time. They were not created now. Impermanence subtly leads to collapse. The halls and rooms represent the Three Realms. The halls represent the two upper realms while the rooms represent the desire realm.

This is likened to circumstantial retributions, all within the house of the Three Realms.

A house can also be an analogy for our circumstantial retributions. We can understand that the place where our physical body is born into can be likened to the location where this house was built. The different types of houses are like the different forms our body can take. We may be a human, a pig, a dog or so on. Everyone’s body can be considered a microcosm. Each microcosm is like a house. The location of the house and the type of house correspond to what we are born into. Some people naturally look very dignified. Some people are very unsatisfied with the body they are born with.

After we come to the human realm, what is especially important, besides this body, is our environment, our circumstantial retributions. What kind of environment do we live in? This completely depends on our karmic causes and conditions, which decide where we will be born. But everything is “within the burning house of the Three Realms.” We remain within the Three Realms. We are still on this planet, under this sky and on top of this earth, regardless of where we are born. So, everything is “within the house of the Three Realms.”

“The Three Realms have existed since Beginningless Time.” No one knows how long they have existed. Perhaps hundreds of millions of years. How long has the Earth existed? We still do not know. Nonetheless, we are constantly within this vast space.

It was not established just recently. It has existed for a very long time. So, we say “The [Realms] were not created now.” They came into being a very long time ago, so they are something old, not new. This is the [burning] house.

“Impermanence” is talking about insignificance. We are, in fact, insignificantly small. However, we tend to think highly of ourselves; we have this sense of self-importance. In fact, we live in this place that we call the Three Realms, on this planet called Earth. Actually, in the universe, Earth is just like an ant at the foot of Mt. Sumeru. I often say that, in this universe, there are countless solar systems. The human realm is so insignificantly small. It is also impermanent and will go through formation, existence, decay and disappearance. But we humans do not understand this principle. We do not recognize that impermanence is so subtly leading to collapse.

“The halls and rooms” represent the Three Realms. In the Three Realms, there are “the two upper realms.” The two upper realms are the form realm and formless realms. Our daily living takes place in the desire realm. Can we go a day without pursuing some desire? Many people, in pursuit of their desires, endlessly create karma. Living in this desire realm, they never stop creating karma. So, “The bases of the pillars were brittle and fragile. The girders and beams were all aslant. The foundations and stairs were falling apart.” This house is already in [bad] shape

The quarters: Where our bodies take shelter. The supports against the walls are pillars. Horizontal supports are girders, vertical ones are beams. The base of the room is the foundation. Steps up and down are called stairs. To the east and west and to the front and back are the walls.

The quarters are “where our bodies take shelter.” This is our living area. Then there are “the supports against the walls.” The exterior structure of a house is considered a wall. Within the walls are pillars. Horizontal supports are girders, vertical ones are pillars and beams. A house has girders and beams, both horizontal and vertical supports. Under the roof, there are walls and pillars. This is the basic structure of a house.

These pillars, roofs and walls must have a foundation. The foundation is raised, with steps going up. These are called stairs. Within the house, the halls, when raised, [will have stairs]. These are the basic parts of a house. To the east and west are walls; there are walls on the outside of the house. To the front and back there are also walls.

Halls and quarters denote the aggregate of form. The pillars represent the aggregate of action. Girders and beams are the aggregate of feeling. Foundation and stairs are what halls and quarters are built on. This is an analogy for the basis of life and the seeds of our thinking.

The halls and quarters are also analogies in the Buddha-Dharma. This house represents our body, our consciousness and our mind ․Halls and quarters denote the aggregate of form. The pillars represent the aggregate of action. Girders and beams are the aggregate of feeling. “Foundation and stairs” are what halls and quarters are built on. This is an analogy for the basis of life and the seeds of our thinking. Where will our next life be? Will we lead a life of nobility or a life of poverty? Actually, all life is equal. It is our karma that determines where we are born and the kind of family we will be born into. Will it be a royal family? A government official’s family? A wealthy family? Or a poor family? All of these conditions depend on the karmic consciousness we bring, on our circumstantial and direct retributions. So, where we will be born is closely related to our behavior and thinking.

These verses are actually more profound than the prose. I hope we can be deeply reverent as we look into the burning house. What is it actually trying to tell us? We must carefully contemplate this with great meticulousness. We must constantly listen to the teachings and always be mindful.

Episode 614 – Returning to the One Vehicle with Skillful Means

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>>The Tathagata’s Dharma-nature is perfect. His wisdom is vast like the ocean. All teachings are the same as the One Dharma. Sentient beings accept as much as their capacities can hold. The Buddha established skillful means according to their capacities, but ultimately returned to the True One Vehicle.

>>Why is this? The Tathagata has infinite wisdom, powers, fearlessness, all these treasures of the Dharma. He can give all sentient beings the teachings of the Great Dharma but they cannot accept all of it.

>>Sariputra, because of these causes and conditions you should know that all Buddhas use the power of skillful means to give the One Buddha Vehicle by teaching it as the Three.

>>Sariputra, because of these cause and conditions: The Buddha inspired faith and gave teachings, yet due to sentient beings’ inability to accept all of the Dharma, for those with limited wisdom, He taught the One [Vehicle] as the Three.

>>In the Dharma, there is only the One Vehicle; originally there was not two or three. It is only because all beings, though possessing the world-transcendent, flawless seed-nature, still have differences of great or small capacity that the One Buddha Vehicle was skillfully taught for them to hear as the Three.

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“The Tathagata’s Dharma-nature is perfect. His wisdom is vast like the ocean.
All teachings are the same as the One Dharma.
Sentient beings accept as much as their capacities can hold.
The Buddha established skillful means according to their capacities,
But ultimately returned to the True One Vehicle.”

The Buddha has engaged in spiritual practice since Beginningless Time, so there are no afflictions, ignorance, delusions or impurities, etc. that can contaminate His mind. Moreover, since Beginningless Time, all Buddhas’ teachings of wisdom have completely awakened His intrinsic nature of True Suchness so that it is already one with the universe. Therefore, the Dharma-nature of the Tathagata is completely perfect.

As we learn the Buddha’s Way, we must learn to [recognize] the perfect Dharma-nature in all things. That means we have already manifested our nature of True Suchness. If we are able to manifest our true nature, that is wisdom. “His wisdom is vast like the ocean.”

“All teachings are the same as the One Dharma.” The Buddha actually teaches everyone equally. He teaches only the One Dharma; there are no others. He absolutely teaches the same One Dharma. It is just that we sentient beings have varying capabilities. Some people have sharp capabilities while some have dull capabilities. People with sharp capabilities are sharp. They can hear one thing and understand it. Or, “They hear one thing and realize ten.” Some people can even “hear one thing and realize 1000.” These people do exist. People like this must have also learned this in the past. For an unknown number of lifetimes, they have continuously learned and have awakened to these principles. They bring with them a pure and undefiled nature that cannot be contaminated. Every time they come, they reduce the afflictions [that cover it] so they become more pure; thus they are able to return to the human realm. Take our young volunteers for example; they are very responsible. Some have been volunteering since they were in kindergarten. They wear aprons and help organize books and wipe tables at the Jing Si bookstore. They know how to restock the books and arrange them neatly. One of these children watched the rehearsals of the musical sutra adaptation. While his grandmother practiced sign language, he observed her from the side. Eventually, he could sing along and also perform the sign language. He was even able to help teach others.

Seeing him, I thought, “Even children this young can listen to and accept the Buddha-Dharma.” Not only do they accept it, sometimes when I watch our children’s programs, the teachings flow from their mouths. They can also share the Dharma with people. This is very endearing.

Sometimes I think, this is the pure intrinsic nature of True Suchness. In past lifetimes, this boy had already eliminated his afflictions. After eliminating many of his afflictions, he could develop his wisdom-life. Bringing this with him to his present life, he could accept the Buddha-Dharma. This path seemed very familiar to him. It seemed as if he had said these words before. This time, when he returned to the human realm, he had the causes and conditions, the circumstantial and the direct retributions, to be born to this family to continue his past causes and conditions.

There is another child like him in Hualien. On his weekends and holidays, he comes to the Abode and helps with filming. I see him moving the cables. As his teacher, the cameraman, carries the video camera from place to place, he follows him with the cable in his hands. At the right time, he will quickly grab a blank tape and pass it to his teacher.

Two days ago, I saw him controlling the camera. When a new person went on stage to speak, he could adjust the focus to switch between a close shot and a long shot, between a panoramic shot and a close up. I could tell that he is very experienced and had firm control over the shot. As I went on stage to speak, I saw him run quickly onto the stage to turn on the lights. He has already become a lighting technician! Not only is he a cameraman, he is also a lighting technician.

He is only in fourth grade this year. Two days ago, more than 600 children from. Tzu Chi Elementary School and Tzu Chi Kindergarten brought their bamboo banks “home.” They brought the bamboo banks home to me at the Abode. This time, it was for disaster relief in the Philippines. The children came on stage to speak. Whether they were in first grade or second grade, or third or fifth grade, they all spoke very well. They were filled with compassion as well as wisdom. One even persuaded her mother and grandmother to adopt bamboo banks of their own and deposit NT 10 every day.

This was her arrangement with her grandmother and her mother that they mutually agreed on. Another child saw the adult volunteers holding fundraisers for the Philippines. When his mother bought cookie rolls from them, he came up with the idea of bringing cookie rolls and bamboo banks to the vegetarian restaurant they usually ate at. He said he would fundraise with the bamboo bank. Indeed, many people actually donated money. This really boosted his confidence, so he decided to figure out how to give more people the chance to help the Philippines. He started to go to many stores and tell them, “This bamboo bank can save many lives. It can help the Philippines,” and so on. As a result, five of the stores agreed to adopt bamboo banks, and he collected quite a lot of donations.

These children even shared that we should constantly express our love and that helping people brings the greatest happiness. The older students formed a team that adopted seniors in Shuiyuan, which is in the mountainous area. Some had difficulties caring for themselves, so these students often helped and cared for them by chatting with them and so on.

They saw that some seniors who lived alone did not eat the food they brought them. Why was that? It was too tough for them to eat. So, [the students] quickly prepared food that was suitable for seniors. Seeing that a senior did not have hot water, these elementary school students chipped in to buy a water heater for the senior.

Think about this. Doesn’t this show how sentient beings bring their storehouse consciousness from their past life? In a past life, they must have encountered the Buddha-Dharma and created good causes and conditions so that and created good causes and conditions so that, in this life, their circumstantial retributions brought them together at this school where there is an environment that inspires their love. This is how their storehouse consciousness has gradually awakened and brought them closer to their Buddha-nature.

When the Buddha expounded the Dharma in the world, He taught the same Dharma to everyone; the teachings were all the same. “All teachings are the same as the One Dharma.” He taught all sentient beings equally with the same Dharma. “Sentient beings accept as much as their capacities can hold.” What we take in depends on our capabilities. If our capacities are very pure, we can accept the Buddha-Dharma more quickly, develop a deeper understanding and apply it more widely. Those with dull capabilities say, “I will just listen along with everyone else. Listening is good enough for me.” If this is what we think, we will not actually learn anything. This depends on the depth of our understanding, on whether we have sharp or dull capabilities. So, “Sentient beings accept as much as their capacities can hold.”

Even though these children are young, they have deeply internalized the teachings. So, whether sentient beings are young or old, their Dharma-natures are all equal. There are no differences. Our inherent Tathagata-wisdom is impartial and always perfect. It is the same, regardless of age. The Buddha established skillful means suitable for all capacities. How much we accept depends on our capabilities.

He “ultimately returned to the True One Vehicle.” The Buddha began by teaching the Three Vehicles, and actually all of them, even the Hearer and Pratyekabuddha Vehicles, contain the principles of True Suchness, which are the principles of the One Reality. Before entering Parinirvana, the Buddha also reminded us that the Four Noble Truths are the foundation. Although He began with [the One Vehicle], people could not understand, so He had to teach the Three Vehicles beginning with the Four Noble Truths. But right before entering Parinirvana, He again reminded us that the Four Noble Truths. He again reminded us that the Four Noble Truths, the Twelve Links of Cyclic Existence and the Six Perfections are the most fundamental teachings. So, we say that the teachings of the Buddha “ultimately return to the True One Vehicle.” How much of it we can accept depends on our capabilities.

The previous sutra text states,
“Why is this? The Tathagata has infinite wisdom, powers, fearlessness, all these treasures of the Dharma. He can give all sentient beings the teachings of the Great Dharma but they cannot accept all of it.”

Though we all intrinsically have Buddha-nature, our afflictions have covered it so we are unaware of it. In ordinary people, this is known as “karmic consciousness.” We know that we should not lose our temper, but sometimes we suddenly erupt in a rage. Our habitual tendencies are activated more quickly than our nature of True Suchness. Our nature of True Suchness is equal to that of the Buddha’s and is replete with both compassion and wisdom. Yet, our habitual tendencies are still on top. So, when we connect with external conditions, our habitual tendencies, greed, anger, ignorance, arrogance and doubt always rush out in front; they are expressed more quickly. This is because our afflictions still bind us and cover our nature of True Suchness. Therefore, we are called Tathagatas-in-Bonds; this is our Tathagata-garbha consciousness [To reveal it,] we must quickly eliminate our afflictions, layer by layer.

The next sutra passage states,
“Sariputra, because of these causes and conditions you should know that all Buddhas use the power of skillful means to give the One Buddha Vehicle by teaching it as the Three.”

The Buddha said this to Sariputra again [He taught in this way] due to these causes and conditions. What exactly are these causes and conditions? The Buddha purposely called to Sariputra again as a means of getting everyone to pay attention to the causes and conditions. He had mentioned previously

Sariputra, because of these cause and conditions: The Buddha inspired faith and gave teachings, yet due to sentient beings’ inability to accept all of the Dharma, for those with limited wisdom, He taught the One [Vehicle] as the Three.

In the beginning, the Buddha set up three carts for sentient beings. It is because their capabilities varied that. He had to open this Dharma-door of skillful means. The Buddha “inspired faith and gave teachings.” He wanted to tell everyone that there was no falsehood; this was His true intent. He sincerely wanted to teach sentient beings. To help everyone realize [the Dharma], none of His words were false; they were all true.

“Yet due to sentient beings’ inability to accept all of the Dharma….” The reason was that sentient beings’ capabilities were not yet mature and their capabilities varied greatly. Because of these causes and conditions, for people with limited wisdom, “He taught the One [Vehicle] as Three.” Originally, there was just the One Vehicle, which was to help everyone understand that we all intrinsically have Buddha-nature, and this Buddha-nature is one with the universe. Things are really that simple. However, sentient beings have limited wisdom and could not understand this. For people with limited capabilities and wisdom, the One Vehicle was taught in three stages, as the Small, Middle and Great Vehicles.

This is like how our schools are set up. There are elementary schools, middle schools and universities. In the same way, there are the Great, Middle and Small Vehicles. Over 2000 years ago, the Buddha taught according to sentient beings’ capabilities. He originally intended to teach the One Dharma, but based on sentient beings’ capabilities. He “taught the One [Vehicle] as the Three.” Originally, there was only one True Dharma. But then He divided it into the stages of the. Hearer, Pratyekabuddha and Bodhisattva Vehicles. Therefore, we should understand that. “All Buddhas use the power of skillful means to give the One Buddha Vehicle by teaching it as the Three”

In the Dharma, there is only the One Vehicle; originally there was not two or three. It is only because all beings, though possessing the world-transcendent, flawless seed-nature, still have differences of great or small capacity that the One Buddha Vehicle was skillfully taught for them to hear as the Three.

“In the Dharma, there is only the One Vehicle; originally there was not two or three.” All Buddhas actually give only one teaching. We should all believe that there is just one, the One Dharma taught equally to all. This means that. He gives teachings to everyone equally. The last of the three carts is the cart drawn by the great white ox. This is like how, when giving things to children, we need to distribute the same amount to everyone. So, “There was not two or three.” There are no Two Vehicles or Three Vehicles. There is only the One Dharma.

” It is only because all beings, though possessing the world-transcendent, flawless seed-nature”. So, the Buddha had consideration for sentient beings. Everyone inherently has a world-transcendent, flawless seed-nature. “World-transcendent” refers to True Suchness. Our nature of True Suchness can enable us to transcend the Three Realms. The nature of True Suchness is intrinsic to everyone. We are all replete with this wisdom that we have always had. “Flawless” means that our nature of True Suchness cannot be contaminated by afflictions. Having “Leaks” means we have afflictions. Being “flawless” means we are free from them. Our minds were originally pure and clean, uncontaminated by afflictions. Everyone has this “seed-nature.” Having this seed means we have the nature of True Suchness. But we sentient beings have varying capabilities, some greater, some more limited. These capabilities depend on whether there is a shallow or thick layer of afflictions over these seeds that are gradually surfacing.

So, “The One Buddha Vehicle was skillfully taught for them to hear as the Three.” Though we may have a nature of True Suchness, it has been buried deeply. Now it is in the process of being awakened and has begun to emerge. This was why the. Buddha taught the Three Vehicles.

In the Lotus Sutra, the Buddha constantly wanted everyone to know that we must not stop at the state of Hearers. We must not engage in “casual listening.” We must not stop at awakening only ourselves. We must be inspired to listen and take the Dharma to heart so that we can awaken our nature of True Suchness and go among people to experience the workings of the world. The more we go among people, the more we will understand the truths of impermanence, suffering, emptiness and no-self.

If we can more deeply understand the truths of impermanence, suffering, emptiness and no-self, then we will realize “true emptiness.” After we realize “true emptiness,” we can penetrate it more deeply by giving without expectations, thus realizing “wondrous existence.” Then we not only transform ourselves by realizing the principles of “true emptiness,” with such a mindset, we can make use of this nature of True Suchness which cannot be contaminated to go among people and transform them. So, after taking the Dharma to heart, we can realize everything and, at the same time, widely transform and help sentient beings.

Think about this. As Buddhist practitioners, we need this mindset. We must not think that, “If I have a chance, I’ll listen. If not, so be it.” This cannot be our mindset. “The Tathagata’s Dharma-nature is perfect”; we must not let it become even slightly chipped. Since we already understand this, we must practice the Three Flawless Studies of precepts, Samadhi and wisdom. Precepts can guard against wrongs and stop evil. We must always engage in “the cultivation of contemplation,” and we must “concentrate on the Dharma.” I hope we will all carefully protect our minds.

The Buddha’s main intent in expounding the Lotus Sutra was to reveal the true appearance of many things in the world to help everyone to realize their one and only nature of True Suchness. Because of this, we must always be mindful.