Still Thoughts by Dharma Master Cheng

THE GOAL OF LIFE

Life lasts but a few decades, whereas wisdom is eternal. Just as we give life to our children, we should also provide them with wonderful memories and an education with love. In this way, we can make our wisdom immortal. The reason the world, the nation, society and families cannot achieve a peaceful and friendly state is because we only fight to survive, but fail to discover the significance of survival.

THE SPIRIT OF RELIGION

All human affairs are reciprocal. Our lives will be filled of truth, goodness and beauty, if we treat other people with sincerity and consider things with an open mind. To be really free, we must have a religious spirit and a true goal in life.

LOVE AND ROMANCE

If a person indulges in excessive self-love, he can hardly avoid conflict with others. He thinks that others are making fun of him, and he is afraid of what they might do to him. Being so suspicious and insecure, he feels that his life is only misery. If you want to lead and inspire others, you must first light up your heart. A true leader must be sincere and hardworking, not just capable. You must accommodate others with an open heart and give your love to all living beings. A river of love can be as dangerous as a tidal wave; an ocean of lust can be as treacherous as a hurricane. It is painful when you fail to attract the one you love, yet it is even more unbearably painful when you succumb easily to other temptations after winning the one you love.

True love does not distinguish time, place religion or race. No matter when or where people are suffering, if we can see, hear and reach them, we should do our best to help them without asking for anything in return. We should offer our pure love even to people with whom we do not have a special relationship, and we should have the compassion to share in the unhappiness of others. The desires of ordinary people can never be satisfied. The desires for material comforts and carnal pleasures in life are like waves, coming one after another. This is the source of unhappiness.

ACTIONS ARE WORTH MORE THAN WORDS

We must be careful about what we are going to say. We must make sure our words will be reasonable, inspiration and helpful. You should always keep your mind free from anxiety, cultivate healthy concepts of life, conquer worry, and shun the material desires of this world. When you have, do not be greedy for more; when you have not, do not be frustrated. This is the way to achieve mental and spiritual freedom. We can never rely on others to help cultivate our morality. We can only enjoy the fruits of enlightenment by our own efforts.

We should not forget: "No Pain, No Gain."

MONEY AND FINANCE

Our wealth is like fire: in winter, it can keep you warm; but if you get too close, it can be dangerous. If you can't let go of it, it will be like holding a piece of hot iron: you will surely get burned. Worldly fame and fortune are like ice: it looks beautiful, and it can keep your tea cool in summer; but if you hold it too long in your hands, you will suffer frostbite. People are confused: they know that fame and wealth can be dangerous, yet they are willing to be hurt. For fame and wealth, most people dishonestly flatter others. You must know that it is painful when people cannot be honest with each other. If you don't want this pain, turn your greedy heart into an honest heart. Earn your money honestly and use it in meaningful activities for the good of all. In this way, you will be happy and free. Money can hurt people, but it can also save people. We should use money to help others, and not be used by it. If the rich and powerful cannot learn to limit their desires, they will have nothing but unlimited anguish. If people cannot let go of fame and wealth, their spiritual lives will become corrupt and everything will be meaningless.

HEALTHY YET USELESS

We must always walk on the road of justice. If a person only walks on the road of evil, he is more pathetic than a person with no feet. A devil is one who blocks the road of justice, prevents people from doing good things, and breaks their commitments. The devil outside of you is not as horrible as the one inside your heart. The inner devil can disturb your sense of peace and love so that you harm others and ruin yourself.