..續本文上一頁uth, that is, the Law of Nature. Everything happens according to Natural Law, which is the fact that everything happens according to causes and conditions, depends on causes and conditions, changes when the causes and conditions change, and ends when the causes and conditions end. This principle encompasses the discoveries of modern science and goes beyond them to include all mental and spiritual realities as well. It is the only true power in this universe.

　　When everything is under the power of this Law, each thing has a Duty to perform in each and every circumstance. The Duty to be done is determined by outer and inner conditions, that is, environmental and personal realities. When this Natural Duty is done correctly in accordance with Natural Law, its Natural Fruit is peace, coolness, nibbāna, which is the highest Dhamma of all. “Law,” “Duty,” and “Fruit” are further meanings of Dhamma or Nature. Nature, Natural Law, Natural Duty, and Natural Fruit are the essential dimensions of Dhamma.

　　To let Nature or Dhamma care for us we must understand what Nature is and see its Law in action. Only then can the Duty be done correctly and its rightful Fruit experienced. To understand this, we must go deeper than mere intellectual exercises. We must be very attentive, reflect carefully, open our hearts, and personally experience how the Law of Nature is about interrelatedness and interdependence. When all things depend on other things, none of them is primary and all are partners or friends. When our reality is one of interdependence, our response should be one of cooperation and harmony. It is our Duty to cooperate with others and with Nature itself.

　　Venerable Buddhadasa Bhikkhu”s understanding of Nature is that there is nothing “unnatural” in itself. When we truly and deeply see this truth, we are one with Nature. Unfortunately, few of us are able to see this truth consistently, so we spend most of our time fighting Nature, especially in the modern materialistic society. The consumer culture encourages us to live by and for our desires. It debases everything in the most crudely sensual and possessive terms. For many, Nature is merely something to be conquered and exploited. This attitude is profoundly “unnatural,” that is, non-Dhammic, for it puts us in conflict with life and with ourselves.

　　To live “naturally,” we must recognize that Dhamma or Natural Law is the true power in life, not us. Only when deluded by our petty little egos do we think that we ourselves are powerful. When we see with wisdom that Nature is the real power, we honor it and stop trying to control it. To force things, including other people, is to fight Nature and the way things are. This creates conflicts and separates us from our deepest Nature, which is freedom and peace.

　　Venerable Buddhadasa Bhikkhu has tried always to let Dhamma take charge. While doing everything he can to control himself, he has never tried to control other people or force them to do things. Although he may give orders to those of us who have offered our service to him, we are always welcome to refuse. What a shame when other people force things on him!

　　In a democratic country, one of the worst things anyone can do is to force a person to do something or endure something that he does not want or choose. When we violate a person”s wishes we are taking his life into our control. To do so is a tremendous responsibility. Do we have the necessary wisdom

　　 And when the person is one of the most important Buddhist teachers of this century, can we be sure our wisdom is superior to his

　　There are two kinds of power or force. We have been talking about Dhamma Power; the other is Worldly Power. Worldly Power is rooted in ego and selfishness, in our attachments and obsessions, and in our desires. All…

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