..續本文上一頁 viewpoint of Buddhism. Let us envision: Were all the tears we had shed in the past for ourselves, or for the benefits of sentient beings
Once we observe closely, we will find out the root cause of all our sufferings, afflictions and restlessness is all about our ego. We work very hard for ourselves; we worry about gains and losses in our personal relationships; we rack our brains for our health; we blame everybody but ourselves for how we are treated…
As long as there is self-attachment, suffering will be like the shadow following us everywhere. If only we give up our ego and choose to benefit others, then true self could be found after we have realized the meaning of the absence of any true existence. This is also the most profound essence in Buddhism.
The stress in work and life, and worldly competition are extraordinary for young people today. Many problems can be easily solved if they reach a certain state through the study of Buddhdharma. Therefore, Buddhadharma is the most precious spiritual panacea at present.
4. Question: I specialize in the study of Confucianism in Chinese Philosophy at Shandong University. It is my great honor to meet you. I have benefited greatly from your teaching in Bodhichitta. May I as you: what are the similarities and differences between the Confucian “benevolence” and Bodhichitta
Is it possible to tell which one is of a higher state
Answer: I am very interested in the Confucian classics , and have studied some. The idea of Confucianism is very essential for today”s society. However, the “benevolence” in Confucianism is limited to the love and care for human beings in this present life. Whereas Bodhichitta is extended to all beings life after life.
Since most people have not specifically studied these subject areas, their somewhat murky concepts lead them to believe Buddhism and Confucianism are the same. But in fact Buddhism is very profound. No matter what you study in Buddhism, be it of the “Lotus Sutra”, “Avatamsaka Sutra”, or the thinking of Cittamatra (Mind only) or Madhyamaka (Middle Way); it is very easy to realize the profoundness in Buddhism. Of course for some people who are not fair-minded and just rejects all together, it is a different matter. Nevertheless, if you have interest in Buddhism and are entering into this field, you will find it is indeed Benton comprehension.
Therefore, the similarity between the “benevolence” in Confucianism and Bodhichitta is being kind-hearted towards human beings. But in terms of the extent and depth of such love and compassion, there is a certain degree of difference between the two.
5. Question: I am a graduate student of Buddhism at Shandong University. Would you please compare the differences between Chinese and Tibetan Buddhism based on your experiences in the Han Chinese and Tibetan areas.
Answer: In the past, people in Han area in the past knew very little about the Tibetan Buddhism. It was not until 1987 after H.H. Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche visited Wutai Mountain, many Han Chinese began to come into contact with the Tibetan Buddhism.
Chinese Buddhism has always encouraged vegetarianism, Chan meditation, and reciting the Buddha”s name. They have done better than Tibetan Buddhism in these aspects; whereas the type of debate propagated by Tibetan Buddhism helps to allay all kinds of doubts in Buddhadharma. In the meantime, the systematic practice and study order in Tibetan Buddhism is similar the modern higher education: the step by step knowledge learning from grade school to college takes about ten to twenty years. Moreover, many practitioners in Tibetan Buddhism become certified Dharma teachers through long-term Dharma teaching, debate, composing commentaries, and numerous reviews in every aspect.
Generally spe…
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