..續本文上一頁rstition, but a right belief.

　　“Superstition” refers to a type of faith that is not in accord with reason. If you have irrefutable reason that can prove that Buddhism is superstitious, then you can bring it out for discussion. But English philosopher Bertrand Russell, the 1950”s Nobel Laureate in Literature once said that of all the religions in the world, what he agrees with is Buddhism. What is it that he admired

　　 It is Buddhist thinking.

　　Therefore, whether students or teachers, if you do not know about Buddhism, it is best to first study a little about it. Otherwise, for an intellectual to pass easy judgements without any observation first is not a very wise move. Shakespeare has also said: “Do not comment on what you do not know to be the truth, otherwise, you may use the value of life, to compensate for your mistakes.”

　　Question: I have been told: “In front of science, it is not necessary to talk of religion.” Is this true

　　 How do you view this

　　Answer: True science has a very vigorous attitude. Since ancient times, many scientists have always held just and objective views toward the exploration and judgement of unknown areas.

　　Many people now do not believe in religion themselves, which is understandable. We understand their choice; after all, everyone”s environment and education are different. But it is not reasonable to obliterate truth in the name of science.

　　But no matter what others say, there is no need for you to suffer, to be angry. If you inadvertently create negative karma, then it is best to often chant “Om Vajrasattva Hum” to repent; this mantra can purify obstructions. At the same time, do not be upset with classmates or teachers. Everyone should respect each other, stay cheerful and happy, and this way it is easier to be with each other.

　　(10) Question: I am a Huazhong University of Science and Technology Philosophy teacher. You mentioned impermanence then; what relationships are there between impermanence and spiritual education

　　There are many ways to explain spiritual education. My emphasis today is the Mahayana Buddhism”s idea of altruism, as well as Confucian thinking in traditional education. Our future education should be considered from this layer.

　　Impermanence not only happens to external matters, it also appears in our own body and mind. The Abidharma said, apart from unconditioned dharma, impermanence encompasses all matter and all phenomena that are of conditioned dharma. Although all of these are impermanent, we still need to extract the truth from them.

　　You need to know that amidst all the impermanent dharma, some do not have true meaning and are not worth our pursuit; but some are very valuable and must be incorporated by spiritual education.

　　Question: As teachers, how should we carry out spiritual education

　　 Please tell us a little about its deeper intentions.

　　Answer: The spiritual education I talk about here is mainly on the ethical side. We need to regulate our own mind, which Buddhism refers to as “purifying one”s mind”. This state of realization is somewhat missing in many teachers and students now. When they face various temptations, they drift with the current and are very fragile. So in the future, you need to have a right direction. Rather than striving daily for the self, you should care about this society and about those around you, which is exactly the idea of Mahayana Buddhism.

　　In essence, the spiritual education we discussed today, in simple terms, is about benefiting others, helping others, and to find happiness through this.

　　Question: In Awakening of the Faith in the Mahayana, it is said, “when the mind of all creatures which in its own nature is pure and clean, is stirred up by the wind of ignorance, the waves of mentality make their appearance; and that this ignorance …

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