Rejoicing in All Meritorious Deeds

Yutang Lin


One is too minute, and yet sentient beings to be emancipated by Bodhicitta, sufferings and hardships to be relieved by Bodhicitta, delusions to be unveiled and expelled by Bodhicitta, and even up to attainments of Buddha fruits to be helped achieved by Bodhicitta are immeasurable, boundless and endless. Without grasping to self, naturally one sees clearly that the boundless and endless Dharma activities of conversion would require all Buddhists to unify in one mind and single effort for Bodhi to truly spread and expand. Therefore, carrying out charitable deeds need not be done only by one, and yet one dare not stay behind in such efforts. To practice Dharma, no grounds to demand others to conform, and yet one must reflect on one's own intentions, views and approaches. Upon hearing or seeing some meritorious deeds or Dharma activities, one should sincerely rejoice in them and give expressions of approval so as, on the one hand, to submit one's respect, and on the other hand, to help conversion and make others to look up to such deeds and they would gradually follow suit.

Being keenly aware of impermanence, resolved to stay away from worldly engagements, dedicated wholeheartedly to Dharma practices, and even in the face of all sorts of hindrances and hardships still continued to advance on the enlightenment path without pauses, such practices are rare and most valuable, and yet are not commonly recognized by ordinary people as precious, nor would they readily inspire worldly people to offer support and sustenance. We, as Buddhists, while rejoicing in the merits of such practitioners, should not confine our expressions to only feelings and words of admiration, but must add actual offerings of supports to express our admiration in all genuineness.

Attainments of realization of enlightenment often can be comprehended only by very few fortunate ones through inspirations. Buddhas' blessings did render all sorts of sufferings and hardships that are normally insolvable to dissipate or reduce. Those who had experienced such graceful and miraculous blessings should, when time and circumstances are appropriate, make them known to the public, so as to help spread Buddhas' blessings, and to help increase the number of beings gaining faith in Dharma, so that all may share Dharma's salvation. This is also an extension of rejoicing in meritorious deeds.

Mindful only on the details of one's Dharma practices and activities, one would find it difficult to merge into the great ocean of Buddhas' grace. Wherever there are Dharma efforts or accomplishments, one rejoices; whenever there are opportunities for propagation of or conversion to Dharma, one participates. Thus, mind naturally expands as days go by, and in the long run, without one's awareness, one's mental, verbal and physical activities are all fulfilled with nothing but Dharma joy. Then it would be rather approximate to no more practices!

Written in Chinese and translated on April 16, 2009
El Cerrito, California

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-----Original Message-----
From: Yutang Lin
Sent: Friday, April 17, 2009 9:05 AM
To: Dharma Friends
Subject: Daily Vitamins
 
Here comes a happy one--keep smiling at others good deeds!
這是一個歡樂的——不停地為別人的善舉微笑!
 
May all beings attain Enlightenment soon!
願一切眾生早日成佛!

Yutang
鈺堂

-----Original Message-----
From: Yutang Lin
Sent: Friday, April 17, 2009 11:07 AM
To: Dharma Friends
Subject: Daily Vitamis
 
It helps you to smile at others' accomplishments!
這會幫助你對別人的成就微笑!

May all beings attain Enlightenment soon!
願一切眾生早日成佛!

Yutang
鈺堂


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