6.Looking Back And Ahead
In this lesson, and in the other lessons of this
course "Buddhism For You", you will discover
that the questions posed in the first lesson have
all been answered: How can you lead a
meaningful life? Where can you find true
happiness? What is the ultimate goal in life? Is
this life your only life?
Read and reread these lessons many times over.
Do not allow the simplicity of the words cause
you to treat the value of the message lightly.
Ponder over the words and seek ways on how
you can apply these principles in your life so
that you may find happiness, well-being and
peace as many, many others have.
You, too, can learn how to gain mastery over
yourself by understanding the true nature of life
that the gain, fame, praises and pleasure
received one day may later turn into loss,
defame, blame and pain. By maintaining an
equanimous mind, you are not tossed up to
heights of ecstasy by success nor flung into
depths of depression by failure. Realize that
such is the transient nature of all worldly
conditions and material success - only the
good kamma we sow will be our treasure. As
you practice the Noble Eightfold Path, new
horizons of hope, confidence in the Dhamma,
and insight will open before you, lighting up
your life in ways you never knew was possible.
These lesson are designed to introduced
Buddhism to beginners and so they cover only
some of the fundamental aspects of the
Buddha's doctrine. Much more could be learned
from the Master's ministry of 45 years. It is like
discovering a marvelously crafted door that can
only come from an equally magnificent mansion.
But even then, whatever is covered in this
course is ample to build a new, fulfilling life of
peace and happiness. For the Buddha had said
that better than a thousand useless words, is a
single useful sentence which brings the listener
peace. It is not the amount of knowledge that
matters but the practice of simple truths that
promotes happiness.In your practice of these principles, always
apply wisdom, understanding and compassion.
Do not make unreasonable demands on
yourself or others in your effort to gain
perfection. Butagain, do not be too laxedfor it
is better to live a single day, virtuous and
meditative than a hundred years without
knowledge nor control.There was a young man named Srona who was
born in a wealthy family but was of delicate
health. He was very earnest to gain
Enlightenment and became a disciple of the
Blessed One. He tried so hard that finally his
feet bled.The Blessed One pitied him and said, "Srona my
boy, did you ever studythe harp at your home?
You know that a harp does notmakemusic if
the strings are stretched too tight or tooloose.
It makes music only when the strings are
stretched just right.""The training for Enlightenment is just like
adjusting the harp strings: You cannot attain
Enlightenment if you stretch the strings of your
mind too loosely or too tightly. You must be
considerate and act wisely."Srona found these words very profitable and
finally gained what he sought.13