Essence of the Infinite Life Sutra, Excerpt Thirty-eight
February 3, 2012
Words and behavior should be faithful and trustworthy. Within and without should match.
This is the basic attitude we need when we start our practice. The ancient people talked about ending wrongdoing and practicing virtuous conduct. Where does one start? One starts with no lying. Confucius said, “If a person cannot be trusted, there is no standing[1] for that person.” If a person is not trustworthy, there is no place in society for that person. In ancient society in China, “trustworthiness” was considered of foremost importance. It is so today as well. One must be dutiful and trustworthy. Our hearts and behavior should be in accordance.
[1] “No standing” means the person is not respected in society and he will not be able to establish himself.—Trans.
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