For many, reading and learning the Buddha’s Teachings seems to require too much effort. This is simply because they have not had the good fortune of hearing the Dharma or receiving guidance, making self-reading feel like a dread.
This attitude must change. Sparking an interest in Dharma study is a vital yet uphill task, as it involves drawing people away from their usual, seemingly satisfying “pleasurable” pursuits. Because those pursuits require no discipline, many people prefer to practise their religions only according to their moods.
When discipline is required, interest often fades. Dharma practice, however, demands strict disciplines of both body and mind. Physical discipline focuses on removing the causes and conditions that will lead to pains and negativities and cultivating those that lead to a happier existence. It is the continuous effort to develop positive causes and conditions that prevent the arising of harmful actions. In upholding these physical disciplines, the mind is inherently engaged, as it cannot remain unaware of its own actions. Therefore, training the body is also training the mind; it requires Right Effort.
Strict mental training is naturally less appealing to some because it involves greater effort and will-power. This training refers to the practice of contemplation and meditation. Unless the right causes and conditions are present, nothing can happen. Every person possesses a vast reservoir of good and bad causes—its wholesome and unwholesome seeds; so, it is the conditions that determine which will manifest. To set the right conditions, dedicated individuals are actively doing their very best to perform righteous activities, with the intention of inspiring others to follow suit.
Though such benefactors may be few, but each can successfully change the lives of many. Helping others to develop spiritually is true Dharma activity. Those who receive this help are guided onto the Path of Dharma, and they will then treasure the Dharma and learn to uphold its teachings. The world deeply needs people who appreciate and practise the Dharma, for such individuals bring happiness to the lives of many. Responsible, reliable, kind, caring, compassionate, and warm-hearted beings are like rare gems to this troubled world. Dharma practice can transform people into benevolent beings. Ultimately, it is entirely up to each person to decide—and to make the effort—to become someone who prefers others to be happy and who avoids causing harm!
Wednesday, 25th May 1988 (4th Moon 10th Day)