EqualYutang Lin Comments: The key point of Dharma practice is to attain Buddha Nature that is innate to all sentient beings. In Buddha nature all are equal without differentiation of being higher or lower. As to the difference in stature and status as a result of the gathering of conditions, it is a transient phenomenon that a practitioner would not need to chase after. If one were to care and haggle over such heights in formality, then one would loose sight of the great goal and be misled by minor distractions into stray ways. Rules of conduct that were formulated as a result of circumstantial situations might appear to be unreasonable under different circumstances with the change of time and tides. Nevertheless, if one maintains that all things must be reasonable to one's satisfaction, then there will be no possibility to escape from the domain of conceptual reasoning, not to mention to return to one's original state of purity. If one can abide by the rules of conduct, one would benefit from their observance to learn about no attachment, non-self, humbleness, and constant respect for all sentient beings. If one cannot accept the rules of conduct, then one could renounce the former acceptance of the rules or even return to laity; in Buddhism teachings and rules are undertaken only voluntarily. If one were to denounce the rules of conduct while wearing the robe, it would amount to claiming the superiority of one's views over the teachings of Buddhas and patriarchs. Even though such acts would accomplish self-pride, they could hardly be in accordance with Right Awakening.
Home][Back to list][Back to Chinese versions] |