..续本文上一页 other hand, you have also destroyed the virtuous roots of many people. Why

　　 Because in many films and television series, the monastics all chose that path out of desperation, out of despair. To the point now where as soon as people see monastics, they assume that they have had a crisis in life and are hiding in monasteries to avoid reality. People in China widely believe this, whereas in the West, this perception does not exist because there had not been similar media influences. Thus, the misunderstanding that many people now have towards Buddhism basically all originated from film and television.

　　Now on the commercialisation of Shaolin Temple that you mentioned: actually for Buddhism, it is very necessary to have “humanistic Buddhism” as promoted by Master Taixu. But if “humanistic Buddhism” becomes too worldly, and Buddhism”s original teachings and ideas do not exist at all, to the point of becoming purely a commercial venture; then this is commerce, not Buddhism.

　　For instance, if one stick of incense sells for several thousands, even tens of thousands of yuan, and similar such “inventions”, then it is difficult to say whether or not they benefit living beings. Perhaps it needs to be examined using everyone”s wisdom.

　　In general, if one wishes to spread the Buddhadharma, one must safeguard the confidence of all beings. As a Buddhist, it is not especially necessary to take part in many commercial areas. What is most needed by Buddhist students is the wisdom of Buddhism. Quite a few people have confidence in Buddhism, and wish to learn a little, but cannot find the door of entry, or guidance from a true wise spiritual guide. This is a real shame.

　　As for confidence, many people do not lack this. We have also seen that whenever there is a festival, monasteries are all packed with people. Yet, these people are mostly praying for peace and safety. Those seeking the truth, seeking liberation, are far and few between. Thus, what is needed now is true Buddhism. Some commercial ventures may or may not be meaningful to the spread of Dharma and to benefiting sentient beings.

　　Personally speaking, I do not wish to lightly pass comments about others. Even if I do not agree with some behaviour, unless there are special reasons, generally I do not say much. Because the Buddha once said that, apart from him, it is very difficult for ordinary people to know the mind of all beings. But from the level of Buddhism as a whole, if it becomes too commercialized, too worldly, then it could bring about much disapproval.

　　These days, I emphasize over and over again that what Buddhism needs the most is great compassion and wisdom. These two are the essence of Buddhist thought, and wherever they are being spread, I greatly rejoice in it. As for other rituals and activities, if they are of benefit to living beings, then we praise them. But if they are not of benefit, or may even harm the virtuous roots of others, then they need to be observed.

　　(7) Question: I am a philosophy doctorate student. Theravada Buddhism says, do not harm others; Mahayana Buddhism says, at the same time as not harming others, we need to help others. I have seen some engineering faculty staff working on external projects and receiving particularly high returns, sometimes up to a million. With this money, they go around the country buying houses, buying shops. I often encourage them to learn about Buddhism. Why buy all these houses with only one life to live

　　 It is best that a portion of the money is used to help others, to do some charity. They said that it is enough as long as they are not harming others. If they put money towards charity, it may not necessarily be appreciated. How should I try to help them transform

　　Answer: Many people have the money but are unwilling to do …

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