True Benefit, Part One

We want to emulate Buddhas. We should ask ourselves if we are constantly thinking of or observing Sakyamuni Buddha or Amitabha Buddha. Neither Buddha is in this world. How do we observe them? We study the sutras, which have very clear descriptions of them. We can observe their behavior by studying the sutras.

What were the mindsets, attitudes, and behavior of Sakyamuni Buddha and Amitabha Buddha when they were interacting with the people they met; with heavenly and earthly spirits, ghosts, and deities; and with all beings? All beings include the environment, plants, minerals, and natural phenomena, which are formed when many conditions meet. We should learn from these two Buddhas, because their mindsets, their attitudes, and their behavior are pure and correct. They hold correct views, not deviated ones. They are awakened, not deluded. And they maintain a pure mind, not a polluted one.

We chant the sutras every day, but we usually do so with our mouths only, so we do not benefit from our chanting. The ancient sages often taught that when we chant a sutra, our minds should focus on the sutra and absorb the words to truly benefit.

~ Based on Ven. Master Chin Kung's 2003 lecture series on the Amitabha Sutra

Comments

[Isle Dance]

Thank you for your great blog. I'm enjoying reading it. Much to ponder...

< http://isledance.blogspot.com >

[Venerable Wuling]

Isle Dance,

Thank you! I'm enjoying reading yours, especially about your eco cabin.