In summary, Buddhism affirms the existence of samsara, the law of causality, and nirvana. As a result, we are accountable for our actions and the consequences they entail, making it necessary to be mindful of our conduct. A genuine Buddhist is motivated to cultivate a kind heart and act in a positive manner, as this is beneficial for both themselves and others. This approach results in a mutually beneficial outcome, where both parties reap the rewards of their actions, creating a true win-win situation.
In addition, practicing Buddhism brings us happiness through two means: first, the happiness derived from practicing virtuous actions, and second, the happiness that comes from meditation and observing the mind. If one truly believes in Buddhism and follows it sincerely (not just superficially), their life will become filled with happiness. And if they eventually discover the nature of their mind, they will experience the ultimate happiness of liberation, which is indescribable in words. This is similar to what Xuanzang once said, "Like a person drinking water, only they can tell if it is cold or hot." So, even though someone may appear ordinary on the surface, the happiness experienced in their mind is beyond words.
Buddhism has many more positive impacts on our lives beyond what has already been discussed. With practice, we can gain complete control over our emotions, improve our ability to comprehend things, and achieve a more inclusive and calmer mind. In addition, we may even develop magical powers, such as the divine eye and divine ear, which allow us to perceive beyond what ordinary people are capable of sensing. While these powers may not be as advanced as modern technology like radio telescopes, they are still remarkable achievements. For example, some practitioners at our meditation center in China have reported hearing an airplane landing from dozens of kilometers away or seeing things in a neighboring room. However, these powers are not the ultimate goal of Buddhism. Rather, the ultimate aim is achieving liberation, which is possible through dedicated practice.
Tomorrow, we will delve into how we can practice Buddhism by following these theories. This is an opportunity for us to have an open and engaging discussion on Buddhism. I don't necessarily expect a large number of people to attend, but I do hope that those who do attend are genuinely interested in Buddhism. This will make our exchange more enjoyable and valuable. With that said, let us conclude our discussion for today. Thank you all.
Excerpted from: Buddhist Worldview and Modern Life
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