..續本文上一頁. Therefore, when the causes and conditions for spreading Dharma are all available, we should try our best to overcome all difficulties and tirelessly make efforts for this to happen.

　　 (4) Question: I work as an editor for Tsinghua University. I would like to ask you a question: If I give Dharma pendants, such as a pendant containing the summary of the Perfection of Wisdom, to non-Buddhists, although they like them, they may sometimes put the pendants in inappropriate places. By doing so, they are actually committing a minor fault. Is my act of giving still positive and appropriate in this case

　　Answer: Giving Dharma items, such as the summary of the Perfection of Wisdom, the Diamond Sutra, Heart Sutra, and so forth to connect others with the Dharma is definitely beneficial. However, it is not appropriate to give esoteric Vajrayana Dharma books to people who haven”t received any empowerments.

　　In the case of Dharma pendants filled with Sutrayana scriptures, such as the summary of the Perfection of Wisdom, if these are worn by a person, and, due to the fact that he or she is not Buddhist the person occasionally neglects it and then accidentally tramples on it, nevertheless, since your motivation is pure, this will still help the person. However, when you offer it to others, you should also remind them that it is best not to put it somewhere dirty. If they can always be respectful of this item, this will benefit both their present and future lives. Using this method to help them, creating a karmic link with profound scriptures, will have great benefits.

　　Question: I think it is quite easy to generate bodhicitta on a temporary basis, but it is very difficult to sustain it and expand it; instead, it is often forgotten and then fades. How should we tackle this problem

　　Answer: Even if you cannot sustain your bodhicitta for a longer term, you can still make it your aspiration and work on it once a month or once a week, as is promoted by the “One Foundation.” If everyone is able to do this, remaining active and positive in their charitable work, this will create unimaginable power.

　　Of course, if you have a good aspiration and can work on bodhicitta continuously, not only will this help spread the Dharma, but it is also a good practice and challenge for yourself. Otherwise, if nobody is willing to carry out virtuous activities and everyone is selfish, then the whole community will eventually become apathetic.

　　 (5) Question: I am a student of Tsinghua University. You mentioned in your speech that we should believe in the law of cause and effect, and believe that past and future lives exist. These concepts are accepted by Buddhists relatively easily. However, it is difficult to convince people of such things who have had a materialistic education since their childhood. Even though Buddhism has logical reasoning to support the idea of past and future lives, it may still not be suitable for them. Is there an even more simple way to illustrate the existence of past and future lives

　　Answer: It is indeed difficult to change someone”s faith or philosophy. The habits learned during kindergarten and primary school have significant effects on our whole life, as brain function is at its peak during that time. Therefore, I firmly hope that parents and teachers always nurture children with the idea that “Wholesome actions bring happiness, unwholesome actions bring sufferings,” so that children grow up to become good people. Otherwise, after they grow up—except for someone who has special karmic links from their past life—I am afraid that it will be very hard for them to believe in the existence of past and future lives.

　　Of course, there are still other methods available, such as telling stories related to cause and effect. For college students,…

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