..续本文上一页 said that by breaking certain precepts you will be punished for a number of eons. May I know how we can comprehend this
Answer: The reason why Buddhism established precepts is not because it wants to punish anyone. On the surface, it seems like a constraint, but, in fact, this provides a skillful means for one to enter the path of liberation.
Just like the traffic lights on the road, drivers may not feel so comfortable with them, but they assure our safety and protect our life. In the same way, through some rules, like the precepts in Buddhism, though we have constraints to avoid unwholesome activities and carry out wholesome activities, these help us gain liberation or reach the other shore smoothly.
(2) Question: I was a research student at Fudan University and am now a teacher. I know that you have taught Standards for Being a Good Student and Child (Di Zi Gui), but some people believe that this is unnecessary for someone studying the Buddhadharma, since life is impermanent and we don”t have much time. May I know what you think about this view
Answer: As someone studying the Buddhadharma, although we meditate on selflessness and impermanence, it is still indispensable for us to learn the conventional code of conduct. I personally feel that Standards for Being a Good Student and Child (A Chinese Heritage) is excellent. Why
Because it will greatly help us to understand the basic human dignity with which to interact with others and our communities. At present, many textbooks from institutions of higher education are lacking moral education. Standards for Being a Good Student and Child can precisely close this gap.
Some people keep saying that all things and events are emptiness and everything is impermanent, yet they waste most of their time on something that only brings distraction to the mind and is meaningless. So, I think claiming that there is no time to study Standards for Being a Good Student and Child is just an excuse.
I feel it is such an excellent text that not only have I taught it to many people who have a karmic link with it, but I have also translated it into Tibetan. Many Tibetan teachers and students feel they have benefited greatly from it.
Question: Are there any differences between the pure land in Tibetan Buddhism and rebirth in the western pure land of Sukhāvatī advocated by Chinese Buddhism, through reciting Amitabha Buddha”s name
Answer: The ultimate goal in pure land practice in Tibetan Buddhism and Chinese Buddhism is the same, just like all roads lead to Rome.
Tibetan Buddhism focuses on bodhicitta, reciting Buddha”s name, and accumulating merits. Through these, we are ultimately able to gain rebirth in the pure land of Sukhāvatī, and the most important cause to gain rebirth in the pure land is Amitabha”s forty-eight vows. By relying on self-power (self-effort) and other-power (Amitabha Buddha) we can attain rebirth in the pure land. The Chinese Pure Land School also advocates it in the same way. The only difference is inpidual lineage masters may have a different focus.
Question: While studying Buddhism, should we focus on and delve deeply into one method, or should we read enormous numbers of books
Which way is better
Answer: There is no general answer for this question. For people who have few dualistic thoughts and are endowed with strong faith, even if they are not able to read voluminous sutras and treatises, as long as they wholeheartedly recite Amitabha Buddha”s name, by relying on their self aspiration and the blessing of Buddha, they could gain rebirth in the pure land ultimately.
However, can everyone do the same
No. Some people have doubts about Buddhism, they even often have an incorrect view, so it is necessary for these kinds of people to be well-read. Only through lear…
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