LIGHT

Monday, April 11, 2011

The Judge

The Judge

Wicked Witch : Mirror Mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?

Mirror : KAMMA.

"Do good, good results.

Do evil, evil results."

- The Buddha

"As you sow, so you shall reap."

- The Buddha

"When the evil deed does not affect the fool

He thinks it is honey.

But once when it affects him,

That's when he comes to grief."

- The Buddha

"Impassioned with sensual possessions,

Greedy, dazed by sensual pleasures,

They don't awaken to the fact

That they've gone too far ........"

- The Buddha, Samyutta Nikaya 3.7

*** Read

1) 'Kamma Kamma Part 1 : Oh no!' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2010/04/kamma-kamma-part-1-oh-no.html

2) 'Mr CEO or Cleaning Aunty' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2007/03/mr-ceo-or-cleaning-auntie.html

Monday, April 4, 2011

Crazy in the Brain

"People are crazy, crazy in the brain."

人们 -

人们想钱想到疯
人们想性/色想到疯
人们想权想到疯
人们想名想到疯
人们想利想到疯
.
到头来还不是一场空?

(lit. translated)

People -
.
Think of money/wealth/riches until crazy

Think of sex/lust until crazy

Think of power/control until crazy

Think of fame/recognition/name/glory until crazy

Think of self-interest until crazy

In the end, isn't it still ALL 'Empty'?

从古事到现在,
人们 -

为了钱,
为了权,
为了名,
为了利 -

不择手段,
对家人作出伤天害理的事.

(lit. translated)

From time immemorial till present day,

People -

Because of wealth,

Because of power,

Because of name and recognition,

Because of self-interest -

Through unscrupulous and devious ways and means,

Do to their family,

Things that even the Heavens will not condoned.

鸟为食而死亡,
人为钱和权而死芒.

(lit. translated)

Birds fight and die over food,
Humans fight and die over wealth and power.

*** Read

'Human's Hunger' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2007/02/humans-hunger.html

Monday, March 28, 2011

Blessings For Man

Blessings For Man

Just as there are factors that done by one can lead to one's own downfall,

Likewise, in The Maha Mangala Sutta expounded by The Buddha,

There are also deeds done by one which can lead to one's long-term welfare, happiness and benefit.

1) Not to associate with fools, or the ignorant,

BUT to associate with those who are Wise and Worthy of honour (i.e. The Buddha, Pacceka Buddha, Noble Ones - those who have reached at least Stream-Entry).

* Fools or ignorant people are ill-disciplined,

They always lead their friends or those who associate with them to evil ways and teach them the wrong things

Because they do NOT know The Truth themselves.

Therefore, they instill in others many wrong ways and beliefs.

If Truth, Discipline or Good Deeds are spoken in their presence,

They become angry.

Most fools think themselves wise.

Yet when questioned and they cannot answer,

Or when others disagree with them,

They become angry and lose their temper.

Therefore, it is wise NEVER to speak, meet or come in contact with the fools and the ignorant.

2) To reside in a suitable place, To perform Meritorious deeds and have a well-controlled, guarded, tamed and restrained mind.

In a place "When the ruler of a country is just and good, ..... The people become just and good." ( Read 'Respect' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2008/06/respect.html)

Many people tend to pass their lives meaninglessly aimlessly wasting their good Kamma away by pursuing and engaging in evil ignorant deeds.

When things go wrong, they depend on fengshui, gods, fortune-tellers etc.

When ALL they need to do is review/reflect on themselves and their past deeds.

By rightly directing our minds, we can make the necessary changes and improve our lives.

( Read 'Kamma Kamma Part 2' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2010/04/kamma-kamma-part-2-lucky.html and

'Purpose/All We Need To Do Is' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2009/11/purpose-all-we-need-to-do-is.html)

3) To have much learning, skillful in one's craft that is wholesome and righteous.

To be well-disciplined and of skillful speech.

In this way, one will be able to guard oneself from ignorance.

4) To support one's parents, wife and children through right livelihood of honesty and hardwork and NOT seeking Unrighteous gains.

5) To be liberal in giving, Upright in conduct, to help when help is needed, and to lead a Righteous life free from blame.

6) To avoid evil and intoxicants, and to abstain from them.

7) To be steadfast in Virtues, Respectful, Humble, Content and Grateful.

That way, we'll live our lives meaningfully, fruitfully and NOT wastefully.

Even if we do not attain the final goal of Nibbana in this life,

We can be sure our future lives will be a good one.

8) To be able to listen to The Dhamma,

To be Patient, Humble and Obedient

Helps us to improve ourselves and excel.

9) To be in the company of The Wise whose Teachings help in the betterment of our lives.

10) To be self-restraint, to lead a chaste and celibate life,

To realise The Four Noble Truths and to be freed from ALL fetters is the Greatest Achievement.

11) To be unaffected by the inconstancy, impermanence of worldly conditions,

To be free from sorrow and the cause of sorrow,

With defilements cleansed and from fear liberated.

Such a one who thus practise and abides by the above,

Shall remain ever free,

Never to be beaten/conquered,

With happiness achieved

And will be held ever in esteem.

These are the greatest blessings."

- The Buddha, The Maha Mangala Sutta

"Associate NOT with evil friends,

Associate NOT with mean men;

Associate with Good friends,

Associate with Noble men."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 78

"Better it is to live alone.

There is NO fellowship with the ignorant.

Let one live alone doing NO evil,

Care-free,

Like an elephant in the elephant forest."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 330

"Do NOT follow a life of evil,

Do NOT live heedlessly,

Do NOT have wrong/false views,

Do NOT value worldly things.

( In this way, one can get rid of suffering )."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 167

"Heedfulness is The Path to the Deathless.

The Heedful do NOT die.

The heedless are as if dead already."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 21

"Whatever harm a foe may do to a foe,

Or a hater to a hater,

Yet an ill-directed mind can do oneself

Far Greater harm."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 42

"It is good to have virtue till old age;

It is good to have unshakeable faith ( in Kamma and The Triple Gems );

It is good to gain Wisdom;

It is good to do NO evil."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 333

"The Wise are controlled in deed,

Controlled in speech,

Controlled in thought.

Indeed they are perfectly Self-controlled."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 234

"Mara finds NOT the path of those who are Virtuous, Careful in living,

And freed by Right Knowledge."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 57

The Duties of a King/Ruler/Leader

1. Dana: Liberality, generosity, charity, concern with the welfare of the people.

2. Sila: High moral character, observing at least The Five Precepts.

3. Pariccaga: Willing to sacrifice everything for the people -- comfort, fame, even his life.

4. Ajjava: Honesty and integrity, not fearing some or favoring others.

5. Maddava: Kindness and gentleness.

6. Tapa: Austerity, content in the simple life.

7. Akkodha: Free from hatred, ill-will, and anger.

8. Avihimsa: Non-violence, a commitment to peace.

9. Khanti: Patience, tolerance, and the ability to understand others' perspectives.

10. Avirodha: Non-obstruction, ruling in harmony with the will of the people and in their best interests.

- The Buddha

Monday, March 21, 2011

Downfall of Man

Downfall of Man

The following are the conditions which The Buddha lists down as the causes of a man's downfall :

The 10 Causes of a man's Downfall

1) He who loves The Dhamma progresses; He who is averse to it, declines.

2) The wicked/evil are dear to him, With the virtuous he finds no delight; He who prefers the creed of the wicked, such is his decline.

3) Fond of sleep, Fond of company, Indolent, Lazy and Irritable.

4) Though well-to-do, they support NOT their father and mother who are old and past their youth.

5) To deceive by falsehood to anyone is the cause of one's downfall.

6) To have much wealth and food, but to enjoy it all alone — this leads to one's downfall.

7) To be proud, haughty and conceited - whether of birth, wealth or class, leads one to one's downfall.

8) To be a rake, a drunkard, a gambler, To be intoxicated, to wander in the streets at unearthly hours, and to squander/waste away one's earnings.

9) Not to be content with one's spouse/partner, But to be involved with others - whether young or old - this is the cause of one's downfall.

10) Being past one's youth, one takes a young spouse/partner and yet be unable to sleep out of jealousy and fear — This constitutes one's downfall.

11) To place in authority a woman, or a man given to drink and squandering — This causes one's downfall.

12) To be of noble birth, with vast ambition BUT of slender means, and yet to crave for rulership — This causes one to Fall.

Knowing well the above, let NOT one commit them.

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/narada/wheel014.html#para

- The Buddha, The Parabhava Sutta

"He who destroys life,

Tells lies,

Takes what is NOT given,

Commits adultery,

And is Addicted to intoxicants,

Digs in his own roots

Even in this very life."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 246-247

"4 Misfortunes befall A Careless Man who commits Adultery :

Demerit, Disturbed sleep, Blame,

And Suffering in a woeful state."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 309

"A man who gives way to pleasure will be swept away by craving,

And his thoughts will make him suffer,

Like waves."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 339

"A man's joys are always transient,

And since men devote themselves to pleasure,

Seeking after happiness,

They undergo birth and decay."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 341

Monday, March 14, 2011

Teacher Teacher

Teacher Teacher

In the course of my life, I've come across many people who wants/likes to teach,

Regardless whether they have the innate ability or not.

I remember a yoga 'master', whose classes I used to attend.

On several occasions, he told me,

"XXX is so good because I made them."

He would attribute the success of certain students who are popular and 'good' at yoga, to himself.

However, not once did he talk about those who are not so good.

There was once I had a one-on-one session with him.

Again, he brought up the subject of how teachers are the ones who 'make' the students.

I told him I disagreed.

I told him the students play a part as well,

That it's not wholly the teacher's effort.

As a matter of fact,

Majority of the credit goes to the student's diligence.

He got pretty upset, and kept insisting that it's ALL the teacher's credit.

In order to soothe him down and to maintain harmony,

I smiled and kept quiet.

If you think about it, it's true -

Based on his argument,

If the students are good wholly because of the teacher,

Then doesn't it also follow that the students are bad because of the teacher?

Many people I come across only want praise and to take credit for things.

When it comes to liability or problems or mistakes,

It's always somebody else's fault.

Never theirs.

NONE wants to bear/shoulder it.

It's sad, isn't it?

Like I said in 'I'm Not Good' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2009/11/im-not-good.html,

"In good, there's bad; In bad there's good".

2 sides of the same coin.

When you have one, you'll have the other.

This is part of the 8 worldly conditions -

Just the way things are.

However, alot of people, in their want to be somebody,

Only paint/see/fantasise the beautiful picture/result of things.

They only want and dream of the good, the pleasant, the gifts they'll receive, the praise, the adoration etc.

They don't want/see/include the 'bad'.

Like I said in 'The Teacher and The Teachings Part 2' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2008/05/teacher-and-teachings-part-2-teachings.html,

"With power comes responsibility.

But how many can,

And are willing to be responsible,

Not just for the good,

But ALSO for the bad

That comes along with it?"

To me, it's always a principle that,

"Just as I do NOT take credit for how good my students are,

Likewise, I do NOT bear the liability for how bad they are.

I do my best in teaching/guiding them to the best of my ability;

Good or bad depends on how much,

Or how little,

Effort they put in."

"You yourselves should make the effort;

The Tathagatas are only teachers.

Those who enter this Path and who are Meditative,

Are delivered from the bonds of Mara."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 276

'There are three frames of reference that a Noble One cultivates,

Cultivating which he is a teacher fit to instruct a group.'

There is the case where The Teacher —

Out of sympathy, seeking their well-being —

Teaches The Dhamma to his disciples:

'This is for your well-being, this is for your happiness.'

His disciples do NOT listen or lend ear or apply their minds to gnosis.

Turning aside, they stray from The Master's message.

In this case The Tathagata is not satisfied nor is he sensitive to satisfaction,

Yet he remains untroubled, mindful, & alert.

This is the first frame of reference...

Furthermore, there is the case where The Master —

Out of sympathy, seeking their well-being —

Teaches The Dhamma to his disciples:

'This is for your well-being, this is for your happiness.'

Some of his disciples do NOT listen or lend ear or apply their minds to gnosis.

Turning aside, they stray from The Master's message.

But some of his disciples listen, lend ear, & apply their minds to gnosis.

They do NOT turn aside or stray from The Master's message.

In this case The Tathagata is not satisfied nor is he sensitive to satisfaction;

At the same time, he is not dissatisfied nor is he sensitive to dissatisfaction.

Free from both satisfaction & dissatisfaction,

He remains equanimous, mindful, & alert.

This is the second frame of reference...

Furthermore, there is the case where The Master —

Out of sympathy, seeking their well-being —

Teaches The Dhamma to his disciples:

'This is for your well-being, this is for your happiness.'

His disciples listen, lend ear, & apply their minds to gnosis.

They do NOT turn aside or stray from The Master's message.

In this case The Tathagata is satisfied and is sensitive to satisfaction,

Yet he remains untroubled, mindful, & alert.

This is the third frame of reference...

'There are three frames of reference that a Noble One cultivates, cultivating which he is a teacher fit to instruct a group.'

Thus was it said. And in reference to this was it said.

— MN 137

- The Buddha, Majjhima Nikaya 137

"As a solid rock is unshaken by the wind,

Even so The Wise are unshaken by praise or blame."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 81

"A person governed by Dhamma is self-sufficient,

And is able to find peace and bliss in ALL circumstances.

There is NOTHING which can disturb and upset the mind

Which has been Absolutely Purified

And which is UNshakeable."

- Venerable Ajahn Mun

* * * Read

1) 'Motherhood' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2008/01/motherhood.html

2) 'The Path' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2008/03/path.html

3) 'The Buddha - Dead or Alive?' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2009/01/buddha-dead-or-alive.html

4) 'The Buddha, Nibbana' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2008/06/buddha-nibbana.html

Monday, March 7, 2011

Decline of Countries

Decline of Countries

Looking at the state of many countries today,

I see how countries rise and fall,

Due to the ignorance/foolishness of the rulers and its people.

I recall the incident in The Ratana Sutta ( http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2006/09/ratana-sutta-buddha.html),

Where the country Vesali, before they met with The Buddha,

Was faced with 3 major diasters -

Famine/Drought, Evil spirits and an outbreak of Epidemic -

All because the ruler and the people do not know The Buddha's Teachings on the factors of non-decline.

As such, I feel it's good to put these factors down in my blog so that we can all be more aware.

Happy Reading!

The Aparihaniya-Dhamma / The Factors of Non-Decline

Thus have I heard -

Once The Blessed One dwelt at Rajagaha, on the hill called Vultures' Peak.

At that time the king of Magadha, Ajatasattu, son of the Videhi queen,

Desired to wage war against the Vajjis.

He spoke in this fashion:

"These Vajjis, powerful and glorious as they are, I shall annihilate them, I shall make them perish, I shall utterly destroy them."

And Ajatasattu, the king of Magadha, addressed his chief minister, the brahmin Vassakara, saying:

"Come, brahmin, go to The Blessed One, pay homage in my name at His feet, wish Him good health, strength, ease, vigour, and comfort, and speak thus:

'O Lord, Ajatasattu, the king of Magadha, desires to wage war against the Vajjis.

He has spoken in this fashion:

"These Vajjis, powerful and glorious as they are, I shall annihilate them, I shall make them perish, I shall utterly destroy them."'

And whatever The Blessed One should answer you, keep it well in mind and inform me;

For Tathagatas do not speak falsely."

"Very well, sire," said the brahmin Vassakara in assent to Ajatasattu, king of Magadha.

And he ordered a large number of magnificent carriages to be made ready, mounted one himself, and accompanied by the rest, drove out to Rajagaha towards Vultures' Peak.

He went by carriage as far as the carriage could go, then dismounting, he approached The Blessed One on foot.

After exchanging courteous greetings with The Blessed One, together with many pleasant words, he sat down at one side and addressed The Blessed One thus:

"Venerable Gotama, Ajatasattu, the king of Magadha, pays homage at the feet of the Venerable Gotama and wishes Him good health, strength, ease, vigour, and comfort.

He desires to wage war against the Vajjis, and he has spoken in this fashion:

'These Vajjis, powerful and glorious as they are, I shall annihilate them, I shall make them perish, I shall utterly destroy them.'"

(Conditions of a Nation's Welfare)

At that time the Venerable

Ananda was standing behind The Blessed One, fanning him, and The Blessed One addressed the Venerable Ananda thus: