é™æ€è¯ Readings For Silent Reflection
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FOUR WASTES IN LIFE
1. To not learn the truth at every moment is a waste.
2. To not exert oneself at every moment is a waste.
3. To not cultivate oneself at every moment is a waste.
4. To not have a clear heart and mind at every moment is a waste.
HOW TO HAVE A PERFECT LIFE
1. Those with proper faith are the most noble.
2. The virtuous are the most happy.
3. Those who cultivate themselves have the most peace of the mind.
4. Those with true wisdom are the richest.
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We should have a joyful, optimistic, and positive outlook on life. We should not constantly talk about suffering, walk around with knitted eyebrows and sad expressions, and be consumed by depression and misery. However, after hearing the Four Noble Truths, some people may wonder: If we should seek joy in life, then why does Buddhism dwell so much on suffering?
The reason the Buddha spoke of suffering is that it is important for us to realize that all kinds of suffering exist in this world. Once we know the true nature of suffering, we can find a way to end our suffering. Understanding the existence of suffering is only part of the process. Learning how to put an end to it, and, thus, how to be free from it, is the ultimate reason we talk about suffering in Buddhism. -
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None of the sentient beings who are born in the Land of Ultimate Bliss ever fall back into a lower realm [i.e., they are avaivartika]. Many among them have only one more lifetime [to go before enlightenment]. These beings are very numerous, and their number is incalculable: they can be spoken of as innumerable.
The sutra uses a Sanskrit word, "avaivartika", which means "not falling back". [There are three senses of this "not falling back" that apply to sentient beings in the Pure Land.] First, they do not fall hack from their position: having entered the holy stream [four levels of sagehood culminating in Arhatship], they do not fall back to the level of gods and men. Second, they do not fall back from their practice: as followers of the Bodhisattva path they continue to work for the salvation of all beings, and do not fall back to the level of the Lesser Vehicles [with their concern limited to individual salvation]. Third, they do not fall back from their mindfulness: from mind-moment to mind-moment, they flow into the ocean of all-knowledge... -
“Holding the name Buddha Recitation” can be practiced by both the young and old, and those in the prime of life. It is suitable for everyone. Sick people can recite the Buddha’s name. You who are sick suffer from the pains of disease because of karmic obstacles. You should hold the Buddha’s name in order to lessen these obstacles. Those who are healthy should take advantage of their health to recite the Buddha’s name and dedicate their recitation to insure their perpetual good health. Old people who are approaching the end of the road should follow the good path to the end. They should recite the Buddha’s name. Young people whose road ahead is filled with limitless light should recite “Na-mo A-mi-to-fo,” to make the light appear. Thus, the Dharma-door of Buddha Recitation is suitable for every type of person.
Venerable Master Hsuan Hua -
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