Right Teaching at the Right Time

In Buddhism, we hear of auspiciousness. What does auspiciousness mean? Its general meaning is getting what we deserve. To take what we are not entitled to is not auspicious. But auspiciousness has a much more profound meaning. It means that we are entitled to understanding all the noumenon (principles) and phenomena (events and things) in the whole universe, as well as to enjoying all of them. This is great auspiciousness.

For example, when we mindfully chant "Amituofo" and wholeheartedly want to be reborn in the Western Pure Land, we deserve all that the Western Pure Land has to offer.

In our world, what is most auspicious is the Buddha using different methods to teach sentient beings according to their levels. The Buddha had two teaching principles. First, his teaching never contradicted the truth, which is the truth of life and the universe. Second, he always adapted his teaching to suit the audience’s level of comprehension.

If his teaching was too difficult, it would be incomprehensible to the listeners, so the teaching would be futile. This would be inauspicious. If his teaching was too simple, it would be boring for the listeners. This would also be inauspicious.

Therefore, giving the right teaching at the right time is most auspicious. Furthermore, gaining true benefits from the Buddha’s teaching is the ultimate and perfect auspiciousness.

~ Venerable Master Chin Kung