Theme Speech at the Dharma Meeting celebrating
Chinese Lunar New Year and Birthday of Maitreya Buddha
5th February, 2000 -
Chinese New Year Day of the Year of Dragon
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According to Buddhist dharma, nothing is more wondrous than the "heart (mind)". This mind is the foundation for all dharma and all phenomena. If one wishes to solve the problems between man and universe, man and nature, man and man, or man and himself, one must first comprehend the "mind" accurately. All phenomena, be them secular or holy, originate from the mind. Resolving the endless distress of birth, age, sickness, and death; as well as resolving cyclical rebirths, reincarnations, sublimation of life, elevation of life's quality, attainment of true self, and arrival at absolute freedom; will depend upon knowing thoroughly one's mind. Many well learned people share a common understanding: Buddhism is an education system and belief system for refining man's life and elevating spirit. It is also a societal form based upon wisdom and compassion for maintaining stability and peace in the society and in the world. Analyzing world Buddhism today, it now incorporates the cultural essence of over a hundred cultures from countries such as India, China, Korea, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Burma, Nepal, Tibet, Singapore, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia. Also, it is a cultural phenomenon that Buddhism is spreading throughout the world. |
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