(conditions of rebirth depending on previous karmic conduct). In terms of
present time, the success or failure of our undertakings will depend on whether
we receive proper upbringing and schooling. In addition, if we do not make an
effort at young age to learn and master a skill, or we are not hard at work,
then we will have no means to make a living at older age. Extending this simple
principle, it shows that if we do not behave well and fail to cultivate
blessed-rewards in this life, then we will face unfavorable living conditions in
our future rebirths. In other words, we have to behave well this life so that in
future rebirths we will be better off, more intelligent and happy. This fact of
continuity of birth and death, and the truth that every phenomenon is
impermanent will help us to make an effort to uplift ourselves. Now we come to
mutual accretion of all entities. Here accretion means strengthening or growth
through mutual dependence. No person can live independently in a society, as
there must be mutual dependence and support among individuals. For example,
young children depend on their parents for upbringing and guidance and when the
parents grow old, they in turn, will need the support and care from their
children. By the same token, all branched of activities in the society, such as
agriculture, industry, commerce, politics, depend on the other for its growth.
According to Buddhism, in the universe we have an intimate relationship with all
sentient being residing in all dharma-realms (forms of existence). It is
possible that other sentient beings have been our parents, brothers, and sisters
in the infinite past. Due to the influence of Karma, our living existence and
circumstances now differ to that of the past, therefore we do not recognize each
other. When we gain an understanding of mutual accretion, then we can cultivate
the virtue of helping and love each other.. This in turn will lead us to a
harmonious and happy co-existence wit others. Next we can talk a little about
altruistic acts. According to the principle of mutual accretion, an individual
cannot exist away from the masses. In order to find happiness and security for
ourselves, we must first seek security and happiness for the masses. In terms of
a family, you are one of its members, and in respect to a society, again you are
one of its members. Only when the family is happy and secure can you find
happiness and security for yourself. If everyone in society is peaceful and
happy, then you will have a real peace and happiness. The aim of practising the
Dharma of course is to be released from samsara. But the emphasis should be of
benefitting others as well as oneself. The release from samsara achieved by
practitioners who emphasise self-emancipation only is not final. It is like a
pedestrian who runs a short distance and hastens to rest by the roadside. This
attitude of hurrying towards a goal can actually result in slower progress. Even
as the turtle and the rabbit raced in the well-known fable, the rabbit runs
fast, but is too anxious to rest and sleep and he is left behind in the end.
Similarly, if we are too anxious to be released from samsara and suffering to
secure happiness only for ourselves, the path we follow will prove to be a
tortuous one. Those who sincerely develop the mind of Bodhi and make the effort
to practise the perfection of the Bodhisattva, must equip themselves towards
certain aspects. The essentials are: faith and determination, loving kindness
and compassion, and wisdom. Without the foundation of Bodhisattva teachings,
one’s faith and determination will be similar to benevolence and knowledge in
Confucianism; one’s loving kindness and compassion will resemble the faith and
wisdom of the Sravakas; and one’s wisdom will be equivalent to faith and love in
Christianity. The only practice that can fully convey the Truth of Buddha’s
teaching, and can become the supreme way of practice for human beings, in the
practice of the Bodhisattva-the unification of faith and determination, loving
kindness and compassion and wisdom. These three themes supplement each other and
lead one to the attainment of perfection.
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