Lecturer: Master Zheng-Yan
Subject: The Six Practices: Ten Faiths Part 3 (六行~十信行三)
The Practices of Ten Faiths:
Faith, Mindfulness, Diligence, Wisdom, Samadhi, No-retreat, Dharma-protection, Dedication, Precept, Vow.
These days we are discussing the Ten Faiths. First, we must start with Faith. Faith is the mother of the path and virtues; it nurtures all roots of goodness. It is very important. Therefore, everyone should have firm faith.
Second is Mindfulness, continually maintaining such pure faith. When the mind maintains proper thoughts and faith, it will develop right diligence. With right diligence, one advances forward and does not regress. This is wisdom. In addition to wisdom, one also needs firm determination.
I hope that everyone can always stay in such a still and undefiled state. Take good care of your state of mind, develop wisdom, and affirm your conviction. This is such a beautiful state. It is rare to be born human, hear Buddha-Dharma, and even harder to walk the Bodhisattvas-path. Thus, we must have a firm will.
Next is No-retreat. When our minds are steadfast and unwavering, this is “illuminating with the light of Samadhi.” With Samadhi, thoughts of wisdom will naturally shine through. We live amidst ignorance; ignorance is darkness. Our minds are in the dark. We don’t even understand ourselves, let alone others. This is just like a room without sunlight or electrical lighting; even if it contains the most beautiful objects we are unable to enjoy them. Thus, we must direct the light of wisdom inward.
When our wisdom is combined with Samadhi, this light will naturally shine through. Not only will we see ourselves clearly, we will also know which direction to take. We will know which path we should choose, without any confusion. We will know ourselves clearly and also understand others well. With a Mind of No-retreat, we will gather both wisdom and Samadhi; we will develop and allow the light of Samadhi to shine through. This means we have illuminated our own mind and innate nature. We are able to experience our own minds. We understand that everyone possesses the same great compassion as the Buddha, which is the Buddha-mind. We can more thoroughly understand that Buddha and ordinary people have the same pure innate nature.
We often say we are equivalent to the Buddha, not more, not less. Buddha did not possess more and we so not have less of this pure and clear innate nature. If our light of wisdom and Samadhi clearly illuminates, we shall comprehend that the Buddha, mind, and sentient beings are the same. When we understand this thoroughly, we will be diligent and never retreat; “advance forward and never regress.” Only through cultivation can we ascend from the stage of ordinary people to that of saints and sages. Thus, a Mind of No-retreat is very important.
When the mind can remain steadfast and never regress, the radiance of inner wisdom will naturally shine through. When we direct the light of wisdom inward, we will be able to realize our true nature, and head toward the state of noble beings and sages with no turning back.
Next is Dharma-protection. We have to protect the Dharma. If our minds continue forward on the straight path we will be at ease. We won’t worry about going the wrong way or deviating from our spiritual practice, because our mindfulness, diligence, wisdom, and Samadhi are all very clear because our mindfulness, diligence, wisdom, and Samadhi are all very clear. So we are able to travel on the path in front of us with ease and diligence.
Along the way, we are not just simple walking, we must also protect the Dharma. “People spread Dharma, Dharma can’t spread itself.” The Buddha came into this world to lead all the confused living beings onto this path, this vast Bodhisattvas-path. This was Buddha’s vow in coming to this world. As the Buddha’s disciples, we must pass on the Buddha’s mission and spirit. We should promote the Buddha’s teachings. So we often say that people can promote Dharma. Buddhism has existed for over 2000 years now. It has been over 2000 years since the Buddha’s time, yet the Buddha-Dharma still exists. And the more that Buddha-Dharma is understood, the more proof there is that the Dharma is also psychology, is also science, physics. In all areas of study, many scientific theories are becoming more similar to Buddha-Dharma, thus proving that all worldly knowledge is encompassed in the Buddha-Dharma. We should be assured that the Buddha’s teaching is most beneficial to society. We should hold the thought of not allowing the Buddha’s teaching to deviate. We must be more earnest and precise in promoting the Buddha’s teachings.
This is truly our basic responsibility as the Buddha’s disciples. Besides not retreating, we must advance forward with ease on this Bodhisattva-path. We should have great resolve and promote the Buddha-Dharma. Do not allow the Buddha-Dharma to deviate through your physical conduct. To be Dharma promoters and protectors, we must apply the Dharma in our daily lives. Through your practice, allow your physical form to express the Buddha’s teaching, then everywhere will be a place for spiritual practice.
In your daily life, practice and promote Buddha’s teachings. To continue the transmission of the spirit of the Buddha is the responsibility endowed to a Buddhist disciple.
One time during our morning assembly, we heard a Dalin volunteer share a story about an old man who was in the Dalin Hospital. He had a very filial son who was a teacher. Each day, rain or shine, he would come to see his father. Our volunteer was very touched to see this. One day the volunteer asked the son, “Why are you so filial? It is rare to find someone so filial these days.”
The son answered, “It is our basic duty. Our parents raised us, and now are old. It’s our turn to take care of them. Since he is ill and hospitalized, we should be by his side. But since we all need to work, we can’t be with him 24 hours. So we can only come to see him briefly, at least twice a day. Our visiting time is limited, but we have to try our best.”
Our volunteer asked, “Your whole family is doing this, not just you?”
He replied, “Yes, this was part of our upbringing. Our parents taught us this, so now we have to put this teaching to practice and also teach our children. Besides being a role model for own children, as a teacher, I need to educate other people’s children as well.”
Our volunteer said, “Your family educated you well, you are all very filial.”
He said, “I come not only to see my father, but because I enjoy coming to this hospital. Coming here from my house or my school, whenever I cross the street, I feel this is the road to developing virtues, a path to allow us to complete our morals.”
Our volunteers asked what made him feel this way.
He said, “ I feel very happy coming to this hospital, because at the hospital I see the Superintendent, Vice-Superintendant, doctors, nurses, and all the volunteers. Each day on my way here, I feel joyous. I like this place. I always perceive a fragrant aroma and a sense of being at peace.
That day I was very touched to hear this sharing from Dalin. You see, the hospital is a place of spiritual practice where so many living Buddhas and Bodhisattvas strive to save lives, safeguard the people, set good examples, relieve the suffering of living beings, and educate families.
Is this not a place of practice? This is what is called the fragrance of virtue. He said the atmosphere made him feel at peace. Such atmosphere allows morality and virtues to gather. So when he arrived, he felt as if he smelled the fragrance of virtue. On his way to the hospital, he felt that it was the path to achieving virtue. Travelling to his destination in this way, he is indeed achieving virtue.
His father taught and raised his children by setting an example with his own actions. Now these children all have their own families and careers. The family members demonstrate filial piety through actions, and pass on the family education of ethics and morality. Besides his own family, this teacher also taught others by setting an example with his actions. This is the Stage of Dharma-protection. You may think, "They are lay people.” Indeed, as a lay person, as long as one abides by and fulfills one's duties, family ethics, and social moralities, this is method to teach others.
With others, one can evoke the mindset and clear thoughts which equal the Buddha's. Understand principles, abide by etiquette, this is part of the Buddha's teachings.
What about the monastics? Once we entered the family of the Tathagata, we shouldered the Buddha's mission to promote His teachings. Thus, we must express the Buddha's teachings from our hearts. This is the fragrance of cultivation and virtue. If we are truly pious, have no thought of retreat and advance forward diligently step by step with wisdom and Samadhi, we will not stop, regress or deviate from our path. This is the road of realization.
Wherever you go, the external state you create will follow. If one accumulates the aura of Buddha-Dharma one expresses virtue. Virtue is not spoken, but manifests through our physical actions, interactions with others, speech, expressions, behaviors, etc. This is called the appearance of virtue.
Thus, when we talk about virtue, we mean what we manifests to others to instigate their joyful and respectful hearts. This is called virtue. The fragrances of cultivation and virtue permeate everywhere.
This is a proper path; we should guide people onto it and teach them well. Affecting them in this way is called pervading influence. The fragrance of cultivation and virtue permeates and affects everyone. After observing others' conduct, voice, way of talking, etc., how do we teach them? When we try to teach them, it is sometimes difficult for them to accept. Influencing them through our actions is the teaching of wisdom. Thus, it is called Dharma-protection.
Influence others with the teachings of wisdom. Let the fragrance of our cultivation and virtue become an influence for others. In so doing, we will attain Dharma-protection.
Everyone, we are Buddhist practitioners and we know the concept of No-self. We should work while we still can. Otherwise, our filthy garment, or body, will eventually disperse into the Four Elements.
One who truly possesses wisdom and Samadhi will also protect the Dharma and not retreat. So please always be mindful.
(Source: Da Ai TV 靜思晨語 法譬如水)
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