Mappings with a Dharma Master : หน้า 128/164

Mappings with a Dharma Master we first start with our own individual self and then work outward in all directions. “The six directions start with the smallest unit, ourselves. We are in the center of the sphere of the six directions that influence us, and the people we influence in return as we grow. There is a direct ‘input’ when we are born, but as we grow and mature, the interaction becomes a dynamic, fluid one. Depending on the virtues of those around us, we grow and develop. This is why it is vital that parents have good ethics. If they do not, then people become unethical: The same with the teachers. If the teachers are not ethical, what chance do the children have? But, of course, it is not as simple as this. Each person has some good habits, and some bad habits. In all situations, there are people within our six directions who are true, and some are false. And they may change quickly within our lifetime. We move, or we change schools. We are always forming new relationships and therefore the dynamics within our sphere changes. We think, of course, that we are our own refuge, which, of course, can be true on some levels. But if we are to live together, we have to have certain duties that are the duties of any citizens within the society. “Because we are imperfect, we share and interact imperfectly. The only way to change this imperfect ‘sphere’ of dynamic relationships that we have is to meditate and change ourselves in order to learn to be more perfect so that our interactions with others will be more perfect. And that is how we change our society. We start with ourselves and we learn compassion and equanimity for others. If you say it is not your duty, then whose is it? Any country that has unrest, at the grass roots, or at any level, that is a problem within society. And we must solve our problems together. “If we have these teachings, and we hear them but don’t even practice them, then what good is it? We need to practice them until they become good habits. The Buddha said that one day people will become lazy and not practice the teachings. Therefore, it creates the necessity to have a future Buddha. History then, is cyclical. But we must take this information and train ourselves. The most difficult part is using it to develop good habits. How strict are we about developing ourselves within the cycle? “Education is all about developing good habits. But different habits lead to different lives. If we seek knowledge and virtue, these are good habits. In thinking, speaking and acting positively and admirably we will receive excellent results. We will have great friends, our future will be bright, and we will be successful because we have trained ourselves with morality. Likewise, bad habits will lead to thinking, speaking, and acting poorly 127