Buddhism and the Understanding of Life : หน้า 120/207
The Warm Hearted Family : หน้า 120/207 Exploring the concepts of karma, rebirth, and the virtues of Buddhism as a guide to better living and moral elevation.
The text reflects on serious studies of Buddhism and how its teachings on rebirth, karma, and consequences of actions shape a more meaningful life. It emphasizes the importance of performing good deeds, understanding life's cycle, and aspiring for a better future. The author desires not only personal improvement but also aims to guide their family towards virtuous living and ensure the well-being of ancestors, embodying the values taught in Buddhism, including truthfulness and ethical conduct. The study culminates in a hope to eventually attain Nibbana, aligning oneself with the teachings of the Lord Buddha. In seeking to harmonize personal responsibilities with spiritual growth, the text illustrates the Dhamma for laypersons and its practical application in daily life. This sets a path for moral elevation through self-awareness and commitment to Buddhist virtues.
หัวข้อประเด็น
-Karma and Rebirth -Moral Conduct in Buddhism -Dhamma for Laypersons -Consequences of Actions -Virtues in Buddhism -Personal and Familial Responsibilities -Path to Nibbana
ข้อความต้นฉบับในหน้า
This question has prompted me to study Buddhism
seriously, which has given me an understanding of life:
1. Death is not the end. We still have to be reborn
indefinitely, as long as we have not rid ourselves of our
defilements.
2. All good deeds and bad deeds have consequences.
They can bear fruit in this life or in the next. We can see that
some people are born smart, some are not. Some are good
looking, and some are not. All these factors are the products
of their kamma.
3. Hell and heaven do exist. Hell is punishment for
those who have committed sinful deeds, and heaven is the
home to those who have performed virtuous deeds.
"And if we look closely at the births of all living creatures,
we will see that they are different. Some are born from the
womb, other species are born from the egg, and still others
are born from filthy water. But there are species which we
have not laid eyes on, but we have heard about them: celestial
beings and infernal degenerates. They are born fully grown
and parent-less, an autonomous and spontaneous birth.
"The knowledge of these three subject matters I acquired
from Buddhism. They have influenced me to improve myself,
to elevate my morals, and to accumulate merit. I am hoping
that in my future life, when my merits are perfected, with all
my defilements crushed (exhausted), I will follow the Lord
Buddha into Nibbana.
"After my studies, the first thing that came to my mind
was how to steer myself, my parents, your mother and all
my children away from misdeeds. And furthermore,
I wanted to ensure that all of our grandparents would
go to heaven. Once I had set this goal, I took a good look at
myself. While I still had to make a living, to provide for your
mother and all of you, as well as your grandparents, I sought
a way for my family to gain merits at the same time. So I
learned more about Buddhism and learned that there was
a set of Dhamma specifically for laypersons. There are
four virtues, and they are called Dhamma for Laypersons
(Gharāvās-dhamma).
1. Truthfulness (Sacca)
"This first virtue taught me to be sincere, straight-forward,
and honest. Remember, son, most people would resort to lying
to get off the hook. You must not do that. You should be
answerable to your responsibilities, to your profession, punctual
with your commitments, and honest to everyone. And most
of all you must abide by ethics, such as the Five Precepts.
Then you will not be the subject of mistrust. You will walk
proudly with respect all your life, and this is what I have
acquired.
The Warm Hearted Family 238
Dad, Why Were We Born?
The Warm Hearted Family
239
Dad, Why Were We Born?