White Tara said:
“By reminding oneself of the certainty of death, one can avoid behaviors that go against one’s moral conduct.”
I said:
“As a devoted Buddhist, I have personally realized the state of neither birth nor death, that birth and death originally do not exist, and I have practiced and attained the Rainbow Light Yoga. Is there still a need to frequently contemplate death?”
White Tara said:
“Grandmaster Lu’s realization of the nonexistence of birth and death represents the unexcelled state of perfect enlightenment. It is a state that is spontaneous, unrestrained, and free of attachment. However, for the majority of cultivators and ordinary people, the situation is different.”
White Tara continued:
“Ordinary cultivators and ordinary people all have attachments and things they cannot let go of. Because of these attachments, they commit actions that break their vows and precepts.”
For example:
Greed for money and property.
Infatuation with romance and sensual pleasures.
Conflict and hostility in the pursuit of status.
Indulgence in gourmet food.
Attachment to prestige and great wealth.
These are the cravings and attachments of worldly people, forever insatiable. A cultivator will also be influenced by them and thereby act in ways that break moral principles.
Therefore, one should often think:
“Death is certain!”
Life is impermanent and fleeting, so there is no need to put oneself through unnecessary hardship in the pursuit of material things. By consciously avoiding corrupt influences, one can avoid being led into the lower realms of existence.
Always bear in mind that death is unavoidable, and that in the end nothing can be gained.
Always bear in mind the endless cycle of future lives, and therefore seek liberation as soon as possible.
In Taiwan, I have often said:
“What did the business tycoon Wang Yung-ching gain? What did President Chen Shui-bian gain? What did Sayling Wen (Wen Shiren) gain as well?”
Wealth.
Reputation.
Beauty.
In the end, all are empty.
As cultivators, if we crave material possessions and property, become attached to romantic desire and physical beauty, or struggle for social status, then we are breaking the precepts.
Death is certain! There is nothing to gain! Therefore, be wise and abandon the painful pursuit of worldly pleasures. Otherwise, violating moral principles will be inevitable, and one will be reborn in the three lower realms!
In our belief in karma, we understand that even the smallest negative actions have consequences. Here is a verse by Samantabhadra Bodhisattva:
As days pass, one’s life is also spent.
Like fish in a pond of drying water, what happiness is there?
***
Among the dharma propagators in our school, it has become clear that many have succumbed to the lure of money and material possessions. These people are fully aware of the greed in their hearts.
Their names have been recorded in the Highly Confidential Register of Those Fallen into the Three Lower Realms because of their attachment to money.
This is very obvious!
Money is needed for various purposes, including the upkeep of our Lei Tsang temple. Once visitors step into a temple, they are exploited financially and, once drawn in, find it difficult to get free. Such money-obsessed dharma propagators are truly despicable!
I personally advocate:
“All giving should be voluntary!”
The path that accords with the Dharma respects the voluntary nature of donations.
Forcing people to donate goes against moral principles.
Using karma from past lives to instill fear also violates moral principles.
Some dharma propagators have not upheld their moral principles, yet they remain indifferent and apathetic. Furthermore, they continue their unethical conduct and sink further into a downward spiral.
I therefore advise:
“Frequently remind yourself of the certainty of death! Will your money accompany you when you die? Leave this dangerous situation immediately!”