..续本文上一页impulses, the performance of a moral acts for the benefit of others, often at the sacrifice of one”s own profit, is distinctive only in human behaviour.

　　c) Perseverance — Human beings are capable of withstanding a great deal of suffering and can overcome almost any difficulty that exists in this Saha world. Determination and perseverance to succeed is another supreme quality lacking in the devas.

　　These three supreme human qualities if used unwisely, can cause great suffering and disaster to Mankind. However, when used to perform meritorious deeds, they become the "great wisdom", "great benevolence", and "great courage" of the ancient Chinese sayings.

　　Now everybody knows that all sentient beings are endowed with the Buddha-nature and have the ability to achieve Buddhahood. The sutras say that the Buddha-nature possesses four merits, namely, wisdom, compassion, faith-joy (the joy of believing in the Dharma), and samadhi (concentration). Meritorious deeds are equivalent to compassion, and when there is faith-joy, there will be perseverance, The three supreme qualities of Human are equal to three of the four merits in Buddha-nature. These traits are especially well developed in humans, and because of this human find it easier to follow and succeed in practising the teachings of the Buddha. Prime Minister Fei Siu of the Tang Dynasty once said; "All sentient beings can attain Buddhahood, but among the beings of the six realms, only the human beings can practise the acts of a Bodhisattva and strive towards perfect enlightenment." The merits of the Buddha-nature are most developed in the humans, thus, Man can practise the Buddha”s teachings and attain Buddhahood.

　　2.2 The Direct Path from Human to Buddhahood

　　Among the expedients, for example, trying to be reborn in heaven or become an Arahat, are generally more tortuous ways of attaining Buddhahood. For instance, through the practice for achieving a heavenly realm, we may be reborn in the heaven of Longevity, and be caught in one of the Eight Miseries, obstructing our progress on the Buddha”s path. On the other hand, those who practise with the aim of self-emancipation only may attain Arahathood and be released from samsara, but this will be like a person who gets attached to the enjoyment on the way of the journey and forgets about the final destination. This journey is neither direct nor fast.

　　Thus, it is better for us to take the straight and direct route. We start out as a human and, if necessary, we should try to be reborn as a human again, remain in this state until we achieve Buddhahood. We should not aspire to be reborn in heaven nor attain the fruits of the Arahat practice. It is best if we depend on the human form as we work towards attaining Buddhahood. Some people think that they are pursuing the path to Buddhahood, but actually, they are engaging in the esoteric practices of the devas. Some ignore the cultivation of wisdom and devote all their attention to acquiring concentration (samadhi), which really aims at rebirth in the heavens. Some study the Mahayana doctrines, but do not possess great compassion. This is similar to following the path of a selfish practitioner. Of course pursuing courses as such may also lead to Buddhahood eventually, but the way is a tortuous one.

　　When we practice Buddhism in these modern times, it is important that we should first pursue the right path as a member in the society, and not segregate ourselves from home or country. We should start on the path from Human to Buddhahood in order to avoid any misunderstanding in the society. Modern people have a different disposition from those of ancient times, especially the Chinese who lay a great deal of emphasis on moral human relationships. Chinese Buddhists particularly, must develop their mor…

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