Buddhist Hour
Script No. 443
Broadcast live on 3MDR 97.1FM
9 PM to 10 PM
On Friday 1 September 2006 CE 2550 Buddhist Era

This script is entitled:

"Lifetimes of Learning "
Class 10 - Exploring the Perfection of Wisdom, Part 2

Tonight we will continue with the fourth Perfection, which is the Perfection of Wisdom.

The Perfection of Wisdom, as opposed to conventional wisdom, concerns the direct realisation of the Dhamma; the law of kamma, selflessness and emptiness.

You may recollect from last week we presented an introduction to wisdom and explained that there are many levels of wisdom that can be described. For our purposes tonight we will talk about wisdom of three types only.

The first we could call worldly wisdom. The second we could call "higher order" wisdom and the third we could call the Perfection of Wisdom. All three are important to Buddhist practice because they each offer powerful means to reduce our suffering now and in the future and finally, it is only wisdom that enables a practitioner to complete the Buddhist Path and be free from all forms of suffering.

Last week we heard about the second level of wisdom that we're calling "higher order" wisdom. It can be called "higher order" in the sense that it deals with clear insights arising in our minds into how we live and how we react to life experiences. These insights may deal with the more fundamental aspects of life, or on a smaller scale, they may be insights which help us deal better with particular situations or improve our own reactions to things happening in our life.

These insights have the characteristic of enlightening our mind or, putting it in another way, giving us a brand new view of something which is better equipped to deal with life sanely. Sometimes a person may hear or realise some aspect of this type of wisdom and it could end up changing their life forever.

During the month of April 2006 a number of our Members from the Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd went to Taiwan to attend a Buddhist conference for the World Fellowship of Buddhists of which we are a Regional Centre. We stayed at a Buddhist Monastery in Taiwan named Fo Guang Shan, which was established in 1967. The monastery has about 2,000 resident monks and nuns and all the buildings combined would probably equate to the size of Knox City Shopping centre, which is located in Melbourne's outer Eastern suburbs. It is truly on a grand scale and it takes its extraordinary design from one of the Buddhist heavens which is named the Western Pure Land.

The Buddhist monk who founded Fo Guang Shan, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, came to Taiwan from China in 1949 with nothing and began his mission to propagate Buddhism by starting a local Buddhist Chanting Group. Over 200 branch temples have now been established around the world including the Wollongong Nan Tien Temple.

Dr. Ananda W.P. Guruge said this of the Venerable Master Hsing Yun:

"…no Buddhist leader of modern times has risen to such heights of popular acceptance solely by dint of his own personal effort and achievement". 1. (Guruge)

Venerable Master Hsing Yun is a prolific writer and we thought tonight we would read a few short articles he has written in a book called "Between Ignorance and Enlightenment" which may give us all an insight into what it means to view the world with wisdom.

The articles are titled:

The Value of a Drop of Water;

Contentment and Tolerance;

and Breaking the Deadlock.

"A single spark can burn the entire plain, and a drop of water can pierce a rock over time." A drop of water can penetrate deep into the earth, and its strength can eventually even bring down a hill. Drops of water can form streams and rivers, seas, and oceans. When a drop of water is sprinkled onto flowers and plants, it's moisture can bring forth growth and blossoms. A drop of water is as sweet as morning dew to a thirsty person. We should never take a drop of water lightly because of it's size, for billowing waves and raging rivers are formed from drops of water. Forests and vegetation in the wild rely on drops of water for moisture in order to flourish.

Once, a Japanese Chan master carried a bucket of water for his master to wash his feet. When he was finished, there was still water left in the bucket, which he just casually threw out. His master chided, "You are desecrating the value of nature's resources! A drop of water can save lives and provide moisture; a drop of water can become an ocean and flow on endlessly. How can you waste half a bucket of water so easily?" Upon hearing his master's words, the Chan master broke out in a cold sweat. He later changed his name to "Water Drop" in memory of the lesson learned and eventually became a renowned monk in Japan.

We often say in Chinese, "Upon receiving a drop of generosity from others, we should repay it with gratitude in gushing torrents." This is such a wonderful way to relate to others! In reflecting on our lives in this world, the help and generosity we receive from others is far from being just a "drop"- the benefits of all heaven and earth have been bestowed on us! In our lives, our parents' efforts to raise us can hardly be compared to a drop of water. Our teachers educate us, so our gratitude to them should be as immense as the ocean.

Then there is the care and encouragement we receive from our friends and relatives and the daily necessities furnished by people from the different trades and professions. When we want to take a walk, there are parks in every community. When we want to go somewhere, there are broad, smooth highways everywhere. Bus drivers take us to our destinations when we wish to visit our friends. The postal carrier delivers our mail through sleet and snow, and technicians work hard to install the necessary wiring so that we can telephone our loved ones thousands of miles away and our homes can be lit up with electricity. Should we need anything, the shops and malls are full of products to satisfy our every need. At mealtime, the food on the table is nutritious and delicious. We should realize that every stitch of clothing and each morsel of food are not easy to come by. We have received all kinds of causes and conditions from our families and relatives and all kinds of support from our communities that enable us to live in abundance and ease. Therefore, "Do not slight a drop of water for it's small size, and do not regard a small act of kindness as being negligible."

A drop of water is the result of the strength of the universe, and a small act of kindness is the accomplishment of all one's good intentions. The offering of a small part of our hearts is as good as any other offering to all the Dharma realms and sentient beings in all directions.

Contentment and Tolerance by Master Hsing Yun

In our society, some people believe that to be content is to lose the motivation to strive in life. Some people also believe that tolerance is a sign of passivity and a lack of will to improve. However, happiness flows from contentment and peace from tolerance.

Contentment may appear conservative, but it is the way to peace and happiness in life. Buddhist teachings encourage people to have benevolent goals such as seeking knowledge, helping others, taking after the saints and sages, and overcoming worries and temptations, because all these inspire and motivate us to live better lives. However, there are defiled cravings, such as being greedy for money, sex, fame, fortune, narcotics, or luxury items. If we do not control our inappropriate cravings for sensual pleasures and are not content with what we have, we will lose ourselves in them.

Tolerance may seem disadvantageous and passive, but it actually means great strength and wisdom. The strength of tolerance is the greatest courage and vigor. Zhou Dynasty's Emporer Xuan asked famed cock-fighting master Ji Shengzi to train a fighting cock. However, after the latter accepted the job he did not come back with any news for more than a month. The emperor was impatient and chased him. Ji replied, "He is not ready yet. This animal is arrogant by nature and can only make a deceptive show of strength. When there is a strong opponent, he will be defeated in no time!"

The emperor waited for many more days and asked again. The reply was, "The cock is still not steady enough. Once he hears other cocks calling, it charges. It is not the way a real fighter should be!" The emperor was disappointed and stopped chasing. One day, Ji reported, "Great Emperor! The fighting cock is now well trained. Now, when the other cocks call, it appears to not hear them. When the other cocks jump, it seems as though he does not see them. He is like a wooden cock, steady and composed, complete in his abilities and well groomed in his conduct. As soon as the other fighting cocks see him, they run away quickly. Winning without even fighting is the sign of a true fighting cock."

The way Ji trained fighting cocks is proof that a person should not just charge forward mindlessly. Without great wisdom, benevolence, and courage, he/she cannot sufficiently cultivate tolerance. If a person is unable to tolerate, how can there be peace? "Peace flows from tolerance" is indeed a true statement. Tolerance is the gate to many wondrous achievements. Saints and sages of the past were all strengthened by tolerance. For instance, Confucius tolerated hunger and his disciple, Yen Hui, poverty. Huan Yin tolerated insult and Lou Gong tolerated slander.

Contentment comes from controlling our cravings for material things, the reining in of our love and emotions, and the strength to overcome temptations. Craving is like a wild horse, and contentment is the rein. We must tame our cravings with the rein of contentment so that we will not be enslaved by them. Anger is like a sharp knife, and tolerance is the armor of the warrior. When our spirit is fortified by the armor of tolerance, we will not be endangered when life turns into a battlefield.

Contentment is supreme wealth. Venerable Master Fushang purposely went to sparsely populated areas to beg for alms and to teach, and Chan Master Damei Facheng survived on fruit and dressed in lotus leaves. There are many more examples throughout history where sages lived with meager means, just enough to get by. It was not that they did not understand the value of riches. They just refused to be enslaved by cravings. Many heroes and warriors retired to the countryside to till the soil. It was not that they feared fighting on the battlefield. They only wanted to pursue peace and quiet.

Breaking the Deadlock by Master Hsing Yun

Have you ever gotten into a fight with someone? How do you break the deadlock? In the course of your life, when there are conflicts and no one is giving in, how do you break the stalemate?

Some people are good at breaking deadlocks and, with a smile, can easily bring an end to an argument. For them, there is no fight that cannot be resolved. Other people make a mountain out of a molehill, and a small matter can grow into an issue that becomes difficult to settle.

If you are often faced with deadlocks when handling different situations, the following are some ways to resolve them:

Maintain a low profile when handling conflicts. Never appear arrogant and high-handed, which can only make matters worse.

Apologise first when a stalemate is reached because it is polite and wise to do so. Apologising does not mean losing. Conversely, by being unreasonable and overbearing, others will only despise you, causing you to lose more.

If a deadlock results from disagreements, praise the other party for his or her views as a friendly gesture, and the situation will be easier to resolve.

If the impasse results from bickering over gains or losses, give in appropriately to eventually find the path to a solution.

If the other party is prejudiced, greet him or her nicely. For instance, you can invite him or her to sit down, or offer him or her a cup of tea. By treating others with a "warm" attitude, you can reduce the cold feelings of prejudice and reach the warmth of an agreement.

Smiles, care, poise, and courtesy are the best ways to resolve deadlocks. There is a Chinese saying, "A fist will not hit a smiling face, and nasty words will not be directed at praise." The warm spring breezes will surely break the ice.

When you realize there is a misunderstanding, you can first explain your standpoint over the phone, or ask a trusted friend to act as a mediator in order to break through the impasse.

Speak well about the person and praise his or her virtues. These good words may eventually reach that person, which can help end the deadlock.

In relating to others, misunderstandings and deadlocks are inevitable. Between spouses there are fights and cold wars, but if one side is willing to say with a smile, "You are correct, dear," then any ice can be broken. In Buddhism, many devotees taking the Triple Gem Refuge and the Five Precepts Ceremony have vowed to be Buddhas. If they are Buddhas, what is there to argue and fight about? If we are willing to say more kind words and accept the shorter end of the stick more often, every deadlock can be broken.

Just as an expert locksmith can open any lock and a polished craftsperson can sculpt any jade, those with true wisdom can resolve any difficult situation. We can use a gentle heart, compassion, and even a nod of the head or kind words to resolve deadlocks. As long as we are sincere, we can melt the ice and snow of a stalemate. In addition, if we are willing to accept disadvantages, we can surely be experts in breaking deadlocks!

We have been reading from Let Go, Move On, written by the Venerable Master Hsing Yun, founder of Fo Guang Shan and Buddha's Light International Association.

We hope that these stories may inspire you to lead a wise life, one led with the Noble Eightfold path as it's guide.

May you develop the perfection of wisdom.

May you be well and happy.

May all beings be well and happy.

This script was prepared and edited by Anita Carter, Frank Carter, and Alec Sloman.

1. Guruge, Ananda W.P. Preface to Let Go, Move On. Between Ignorance and Enlightenment Vol V. Published by Buddha's Light Publishing, 3456 South Glenmark Drive, Hacienda Heights, CA 91745.

2. Venerable Master Hsing Yun Let Go, Move On. Between Ignorance and Enlightenment Vol V. Published by Buddha's Light Publishing, 3456 South Glenmark Drive, Hacienda Heights, CA 91745.4.

3. Buddhanet.net. Wisdom. The Fundamentals of Buddhism Series. Published by www.buddhanet.net at http://www.buddhanet.net/fundbud8.htm.

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