..续本文上一页nly human beings can transcend relativity and have the possibility to experience the absolute state (which corresponds to the initial state of enlightenment). How precious human life is! We should understand the value of, "It is precious to be born as human". Then the significance of life can be well understood. We should appreciate and utilize our lives, and do our best not to waste it.

　　Let us talk about the significance of life from the perspective of absolutes. Human beings are able to practice meritorious deeds and upgrade themselves. But actually this may not be perfect. It does not carry an eternal significance because any wisdom or merit will disintegrate in time. We can only say that as humans, we are still experiencing ups and downs in the cycle of transmigration. But we are able to realize our weaknesses. From these unsatisfactoriness, the ambition and the urge to attain perfection and completion arise. The worry is, if our wish for perfection is unrealistic, we may be led to believe in the imaginative eternal world of heaven by the followers of a pinity.

　　According to Buddhism, the reality of life is dependent originated. The only way to transcend the state of relativity and experience the state of absoluteness, is to understand, grasp and experience the nature of dependent-origination. Dependent-origination is a phenomenon of impermanence and non-self. Life is also impermanent (not everlasting), and non-self (not self-exists). Everything exists according to the Law of Dependent-Origination. From the perspective of the Law of Cause and Effect, why do we have to live life after life without a halt

　　 The reason is, sentient beings including human beings cling and become attached to their own self, and they conduct all sorts of activity with this self-attachment. These activities generate karma, resulting in the inpidual”s repertoire of cause and effect. This leads to their continuous existence in the cycle of life and death. Conversely, if these self-attachments can be eradicated, the conditions to live will not arise. Then, we will be free from the cycle of live and death and attain the state of:

　　"Free from the phenomena of birth and extinction,

　　Immersed in the bliss (s. sukha) of Nirvana."

　　Why do we have self-attachment

　　 Self-attachment (it is the cause of selfishness in human beings) arises from our ignorance. We are being deluded and confused by worldly phenomena and unable to recognize the truth of dependent-origination of all phenomena, i.e. not knowing things as they truly are. From this phenomena of birth and extinction, Buddha shows us the eternal nature of dependent origination through various profound skilful means. With reference to the worldly phenomena, this Law of Dependent Origination is beyond time and space, beyond relativity and beyond birth and extinction. The Law of Dependent Origination is always as such. It is because of the defilement of self-clinging and self-attachment that human beings are deluded. With our morality, wisdom, and determination, and the guidance of the Buddha, we may develop our practice and transcend the mundane state of human beings. Then we may realise and experience the ultimate absolute from the dependent originated worldly conditions. If we can attain this blissful state, we will find that although life is still life, every present state of life is eternal, and every moment is a moment of liberation. There may be some difference between the teaching of Sravakayana and Mahayana, but the core principles are the same.

　　Life is meaningful. Not only should we discover its worthiness, we should also realize its ultimate significance. With this human life, we can progress to the attainment of Buddhahood. How precious our lives are!

　　(Translated by Mok Chung, edited by Ke Rong, proofread by Shi Neng Rony. (18-10-96)

　　1. Ultimativity here refers to an ultimate beginning, end, or permanent state.

《What is the Significance of Life

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