White Tara said:
“By reminding oneself of the certainty of death, one can avoid behaviors that go against their vows and moral principles.”
I said:
“As a devoted Buddhist, I have personally validated and realized the state of neither birth nor death, that birth and death originally do not exist, and have practiced and achieved attainment in the Rainbow Light Yoga. Is there still a need to frequently think of 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 which is spontaneous, unrestrained, and free of attachment. However, for the majority of cultivators and ordinary individuals, the situation is different.”
White Tara continued:
“General cultivators and ordinary people all have attachments and things they cannot let go of. Due to 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 to achieve social status.
Indulgence in gourmet cuisine.
Attachment to prestige and great wealth.
These are the cravings and attachments of worldly people, forever insatiable. A person who practices cultivation will also be subject to these influences, subsequently behaving in ways that break moral principles. Therefore, one should frequently think:
“Death is inevitable!”
Life is impermanent and fleeting, so there is no need to put oneself through unnecessary hardship to pursue material possessions. By consciously avoiding corrupt influences, one can avoid being misled into lower realms of existence.
Always bear in mind your death is an unavoidable reality, and there is ultimately nothing that can be gained.
Always bear in mind the infinite cycle of future lives, so seek liberation as soon as possible.
In Taiwan, I have frequently mentioned:
“What did the management idol, Wang Yung-ching, gain? And President Chen Shui-bian - what did he gain? And let's not forget Sayling Wen (Wen Shiren) – what did he gain as well?”
Wealth.
Reputation.
Beauty.
In the end, these are all empty in nature!
As cultivators, if we find ourselves craving material possessions and property, becoming attached to desires for romantic relationships and physical beauty, or engaging in battles for social status, then we are breaking the precepts.
Death is certain! There is nothing to gain! Therefore, be wise and abandon the strenuous and grievous pursuit of worldly pleasures. Otherwise, violating moral principles will be inevitable, and one will reincarnate into 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:
***
Among dharma propagators in our school, it has become evident that many have succumbed to the allure of money and material possessions. These individuals are fully aware of the greed residing within their hearts.
Their names have been recorded in the “Highly Confidential Register of Those Fallen into the Three Lower Realms,” due to their obsession with money.
This is something that is very apparent!
Monetary resources are required for various purposes, including the maintenance of our Lei Tsang temple. Once visitors step inside a temple, they are exploited financially and find it difficult to free themselves from the situation. Such money-oriented dharma propagators are truly despicable!
I personally advocate:
“Everything should be given willingly!”
The path that aligns with the Dharma respects the voluntary nature of donations!
Forcing people to donate is 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 in their unethical actions and further descend into a downward spiral.
Here I advise:
“Remind yourself frequently of the certainty of death! Will your money accompany you when you die? Abandon this dangerous situation immediately!”