..续本文上一页en it is not easy to detect. Currently, many people strive very hard to obtain money and a house. They are willing to do this throughout their entire lifetime, enjoy doing it, and never get tired of it. In contrast, in ancient times, material conditions were not as luxurious as at present, and the living environment was quiet and simple, but the joy and serenity people enjoyed were far more than what many people enjoy at present. Therefore, it is truly worthwhile for everyone to reflect on and reconsider their life-view.
In reconsidering and reflecting, I believe that the philosophy of Buddhism is very suitable for everyone. Particularly, in present society, due to the fact that the mindset of most people is extremely complex and chaotic, the nectar-like Buddhadharma is undoubtedly able to provide a dose of cool nectar to eliminate mental afflictions. Modern people tend to evaluate success by wealth. They think that those who are wealthy are the most successful while those who have no money are absolutely without merit. However, this kind of judgment is completely wrong. Many university teachers, for example, may feel that drinking a cup of coffee, reading a book, and having a free and relaxing day is something joyful and happy, which is beyond comparison to the excitement that money can bring. Therefore, we should all reflect and think seriously about whether money is truly the cause of happiness.
After we understand this principle, we should then look for the true source of happiness. Buddha told us that recognizing past and future lives, refraining from unwholesome activities, and performing wholesome activities are the true causes of happiness. On the other hand, if we don”t know that there are future lives, we will unscrupulously do anything for the benefit of this very short lifetime. This is exactly what it says in the Nirvana Sutra: “Without knowing the existence of the next life, one will commit any unwholesome activities.” Ultimately, this will take you into the abyss of suffering.
I have studied many treatises and sutras, and have discussed whether past or future lives exist with many intellectuals, including eminent scholars in the field of life sciences. What I”ve found is that there is no single valid reason to prove that past and future lives don”t exist. On the other hand, there are solid proofs to testify that they exist. Of course, this kind of existence doesn”t necessarily mean you can see them in front of you now, since even the existence of tomorrow or the day after tomorrow is not something we can see easily. However, it is a shame that many people wantonly create extremely heavy negative karma just because they cannot see the proof that future lives exist. The consequences are very pitiful.
Many of you here are university students and your life in the university is quite simple. Each of you may be full of ideas, looking forward to your future, and have many wonderful plans. However, once you leave the gates of your school and truly step into society, you will find that it is not as beautiful as you thought it would be. Instead, it is full of complicated relationships, fierce competition, flooded with money, and its moral and ethical values are declining every day. If your mind is not well prepared and you are not self-controlled, I am afraid it will be difficult for you to withstand various ordeals. Then, as a result, you will go with the flow and act immorally in order to achieve your goal. Therefore, you should all be prepared in advance, “armed” first with Buddhist philosophy.
VI) Treat our lives as impermanent
Buddhist doctrine, s are vast and profound, so if you cannot enter into them straight away, according to Buddhist point of view, it is very important to first comprehend the principle of i…
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