..续本文上一页od. Only, if you wish to fundamentally implement this spirit, I believe you cannot be separated from the ideas of Buddhism, especially the understanding that the lives of humans and animals are equal.

　　Nowadays when the equality of human life is mentioned, I believe everyone would acknowledge that it is no longer like the old days of feudal society when the rich and powerful could carelessly trample on the lives of ordinary people. But on this basis, we need to go one step further and realize that animal life is also worthy of honour. Their lives are exactly the same as ours. Do not think that they are born to be food for humans, and could be carelessly killed, eaten.

　　In this world, life is more precious than anything. When you are ill, in order to go on living, you cling onto any chance and willingly give up all fortune, power, just to live one more day. You treasure your life so much; it is just so for other animals. This is why Buddhism advocates the equality of all living beings, and on this point, no other religion can compare with it.

　　The famous Tibetan scholar Gendun Chopel also said once: “Buddhism”s characteristic is not to initiate wars everywhere, using military might to conquer the whole world. But with the bhikkhu”s act of not even killing an ant, it moves the whole world.” This spirit of universal love, in the history of humanity, would be deeply admired by anyone.

　　In 2009, when awards were given among all the world”s religions, Buddhism was chosen as “Best Religion in the World”. You can also find out about this on the Internet. According to statistics, there are over 2,000 religions in the world today. Why is it that only Buddhism received this award

　　 It is exactly because it has the compassion to care and love for all beings, as well as the wisdom and insight into the truth of all phenomena. The Buddha already taught these ideas in meticulous detail over 2,500 years ago; and it is precisely these that are the essence of Buddhism.

　　5. Right awareness of the functions of Buddhism

　　Yet regrettably, many people do not really know the teachings of Buddhism. Particularly in the Han region, there are frequently people who tout the name of Buddhism to tell fortunes, fool the masses, and commit all sorts of unruly acts, misleading innumerable people into believing that this is Buddhism.

　　In reality, the spirit of Buddhism has remained intact in the Chinese Tripitaka; if you have the interest, you can go read it. There are some who after only reading the Diamond Sutra, Shurangama Sutra, and Amitabha Sutra, believe that they now thoroughly understand Buddhism. Actually if you wish to head deep into the ocean of Buddhadharma, to search for the treasure of truth, you must know the teachings of Buddha”s first, second, and third turning of the Dharma Wheel, including some study of Tantra. Apart from these, there are so many eminent monks and great masters in India, Tibetan and Han region; you should also respectfully read their biographies and commentaries. Putting aside others, just reading Han region”s Biographies of eminent monks compiled during the Tang period, Biographies of eminent monks compiled during the Song period, and New continued biographies of eminent monks would lead you to feel that the practitioners” state of overcoming afflictions and obtaining happiness really cannot be described in words.

　　This wasn”t just in the ancient past; actually it is also in the present. For some people, after studying Buddhism, they can have the courage to laugh in the face of intense sufferings like aging, illness, and death. Yesterday I met an intellectual in Wuhan who has been diagnosed with final stage liver cancer with metastasis in the lungs. The doctors say he only has two months to live. He came to see me at the airport, …

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