Active Renunciation

Yutang Lin

Renouncing worldly activities seems indolently declined;
Not engaging in bread earning, nor taking up social calls.
Endless sorrows to be dissolved straight from their roots;
Averting hardship and praying for fortunes never ceased.

Comment:

Ordinarily when we mention renunciation from worldly engagements people might readily get the impression that it is a passive escape from responsibilities. In fact, renunciation in the Buddhist context is to divert the energy and time that are otherwise used in making a living or attending social functions to Dharma activities, so that one is wholeheartedly and fully devoted to practices that are helpful toward fundamental solution to all sorrows and sufferings. Furthermore, in order to benefit all beings, a Buddhist practitioner will not refrain from praying for others' well-being or conducting rituals to avert hindrances or increase merits. Consequently, after renunciation from worldly engagements, a practitioner is often very busy in Dharma activities.

Written in Chinese on October 27, 2002
Translated on November 3, 2002
El Cerrito, California

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