Lesson Two: What Buddhism Is Not

The master told us that the man whohonors
him most is the one who practiceshis teachings
best.

(Story is adapted from the book 'Zen Flesh, Zen
Bones' by Paul Reps. Pelican Book, Australia.)

Essence Of The Doctrine

To avoid evil, to do good, to keep the mind pure:
this is the essence of the Buddha's teaching.

Avoid Evil. It is a man's own mind, not his
enemy or foe, that lures him into evil ways. For
all things are controlled, ruled and made up by
the mind.

As the wheels follow the ox that draws the cart,
so will suffering follow the mind that is filled
with defiled thoughts and worldly passion.

Just as fresh milk is often slow to curdle, evil
actions do not always bring immediate results.
Butevil actions are like the smolderingamber
that are hidden in the ashes,suddenlybursting
into flames and causing a great fire.

Rust grows on iron and destroys it; even so evil
grows in the mind of a man and destroys him.
The evildoer grieves in both worlds -here and
hereafter: he grieves and perishes with his own
impure deeds.

He who does evil is plagued with the thought, "I
have done wrong," and has to suffer the
inevitable retribution. Not in the sky, the mid-
ocean, in a mountain cave nor any spot-on
earth can he find a place to hide from the
consequences of his own evil deed.

Therefore, avoid evil at all cost, even if it t is for

the sake of oneself, for another, or even for the

sake of acquiring wealth, kingdom or children.

Give up evil; it can be done. Otherwise the

Buddha would not say so. But as it can be done

he advised us to give up evil.

Do Good. If a man speaks and acts with a good

mind, happiness follows him like his shadow

which never leaves him.

He is made happy by the thought, "I have done

good," and made happier by the thought that

the good act will result in continuing happiness

in lives to follow.

On life's journey faith is nourishment, virtuous

deeds are a shelter, wisdom is the light by day,

and right mindfulness is the protection by night.

Virtue protects and guides the one who leads a

righteous life.

It is easy to slip into shamelessness, to be pert

and bold like the crow, to hurt others without

feeling of regret. It is hard, indeed, to feel

humble, to know respect and honor, to get rid

of all attachments, to keep pure in thought and

deed - to become wise.

A man is born with an axe in his mouth, with

which the fool who speaks ill cuts himself.

Therefore, speak the truth, not untruth; say

what is pleasant, not unpleasant; speak what is

true, not false. Speak only words· that do not

cause remorse nor hurt to another.

Whatever action one intends to perform, or is

performing by body, · speech or mind, think,

"Will this action be harmful to myself or to

others, or to both? Will this action produce

suffering?" If it is harmful, avoid doing it. Reflect

thus after an action had been performed

whether it produced suffering. If it had been

harmful, avoid repeating it.

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