..续本文上一页o states that with Bodhichitta, we will be able to cure all sentient beings” psychological ailment and give them ultimate happiness.

　　I hope everyone of you examine and experience these words and phrases in the scriptures thoroughly. It is actually not that easy a task to study Buddhist scriptures. On the surface there may not seem to be so many words in the “Heart Sutra”, “Diamond Sura” and “Ksitigarbha Sutra” . But many have racked their brains through their entire lifetime, and yet still cannot grasp the profound implications of these scriptures.

　　Some might ask: “why so many people do not believe in Buddhism if it is really so good

　　” As a matter of fact, any kind of advanced knowledge , be it scientific or Buddhist, can only be accepted by a minority of people, not everyone can understand it. Just like only a handful of people know the value of precious gems; ordinary person can hardly tell the difference better real things and fakes. Nevertheless, the number of people believe in Buddhism is not that small nowadays. There are more than one hundred million Buddhists among China”s 1.3 billion population based on governmental statistics. The unofficial number should be even higher.

　　Understanding Buddhism is an imperative if you would like to study some ancient culture in the future as college students. Otherwise, your writing will lack substance. Buddhism touches upon various issues regarding the universe and life. Without this kind of wisdom of depth and expanse, your research on some subject matters will be very shallow and superficial.

　　In particular, everyone must face up to death, sickness, and all kinds of hardship in ones life. At such critical moments, if a person can grasp some ways of mind training in Mahayana Buddhism, there will be a very significant change in his attitude and thinking towards this life, not to mention the future lives. These practicing methods include considering others as equal to oneself, exchanging oneself and others, and taking others as more important than oneself . There are also teachings passed down by Jowo Atisha such as knowing the motherly beings, knowing how to be grateful and to repay the debt of gratitude.

　　Some people might have such concerns: “ Perhaps I should not get too deeply involved in this. Otherwise, is it possible that I will eventually go to a monastery deep in the mountain and become a monk

　　 “ Such concerns are more common in the Han region, especially the families of some Buddhists. They worry studying Buddhism will destroy their loved one”s career and future. Such worries are completely groundless. Every inpidual”s conditions are different, and those who study Buddhism do not necessarily become monastic. From the Buddhist history, most of those studied Buddhism were lay people even during the time when Buddha Shakyamuni was still alive. Only a minority of people became monastic. As such, the amount of scriptures Buddha taught to the laymen is very abundant.

　　In the western countries, historians and religious scholars command the most respect, whereas economists and business researchers are not necessarily highly regarded. But it is just the opposite in China. In addition, some films made in the 80s and 90s have misguided people”s thinking towards Buddhism. Most people do not believe a normal person would become monastic, and that is the escape of those who are at the end of their ropes.

　　But in fact, a person should have at least one belief regardless whether he is monastic; or try to understand the doctrine of altruism even if he does not have any belief. This will be better for himself and the society. In today”s society, there is a serious lack of devotion to benefit others without any conditions attached. And such devotion is exactly the essence of …

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