Taking the Imperial Examination to Become a Top Scholar

　　在这儿考状元

　　We should not leave the meditation topic (huatou) of “Who is mindful of the Buddha” whether we are walking, standing, sitting, or lying down. We should constantly wield the vajra sword to cut off the seven types of emotions, the six desires, as well as our bad habits. When we get rid of our bad habits, our original nature will manifest and Bodhi can be achieved. In our cultivation, we need to face true reality and overcome all circumstances. Although this is difficult, it is the beginning of happiness. A saying goes: “To endure suffering is to end suffering; to enjoy our blessings is to use them up.” Now we are taking the imperial examination to become top scholars. If you do not pass the exams, how would you know you are a top scholar

　　 Therefore, in cultivation, one needs to do things in reverse. Normally people walk with their heads upright, but when you cultivate you should do the reverse. Everybody fears pain. However, a cultivator should endure a little suffering. Another saying goes: “To endure pain is to end pain; to endure suffering is to end suffering.” If it is something that one must go through, then, one should pay off his debts. An average cultivator might say, “It is not right to go through suffering.” We should see from which vantage point this person is making this statement. If he himself refuses to suffer, then, of course he will say it is not right to suffer. But for a person who is willing to endure suffering, then enduring suffering is the right thing to do. Why is that so

　　 Because this person is willing to undergo suffering. Therefore, we should know who is making the statement and not apply it to everyone.

　　你行住坐卧都不离「念佛是谁」，金刚智慧剑就会常常举起来，斩断一切七情六欲、习气毛病。习气毛病一去，我们本性就现前；本性现前，菩提道果就成了。在修道的期间，我们要面对现实，克服一切的环境。这个虽然辛苦，却是一个快乐的开始；所以「受苦了苦，享福消福」。现在也是在考状元，你不经过考，怎么知道你是状元呢？修道要倒过来。人是头冲上走路，你修道应该头冲下走路；人人都不愿意痛，修道的人应该受一点痛苦，所以说：「受痛是了痛，受苦是了苦。」应该受的一定要受，不要抗债不还。一般修行人说：「受苦是不对的。」这要看在谁的立场说。在他的立场说当然就是不对的，为什么呢？他不愿意受苦嘛！但是在愿意受苦的人的来说就是对的，因为什么呢？他愿意受苦嘛！所以这个理论是看哪一个讲的，不能一概而论。