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only managed to survey a few of the fundamental
teachings of the Buddha, and these too only
superficially. Yet, you may feel that what we have
covered is a lot, and you may feel that it is impossible to
practise all that we have discussed. In fact, it is said that
it is difficult even for a monk living in isolation to
practise all of the fundamental teachings of the Buddha.
No small wonder that it is difficult for laymen and
women like ourselves who have many secular
responsibilities. Nonetheless, if one succeeds in sincere-
ly cultivating and practising even a few of the many
teachings of the Buddha, then one will have succeeded
in making this life more meaningful. One will be certain
that one will again in the future encounter circumstances
favourable to the practice of the Dharma and to the
eventual realization of liberation.
Everyone can achieve the highest goal in
Buddhism, be he a layman or a monk. All we need to do
is to make an honest effort to follow the Noble Eight-
fold Path. It is said that those who have realized the
truth, like the Buddha Shakyamuni and His prominent
disciples did not do so accidentally. They did not fall
from the sky like rain, nor did they spring up from the
earth like grain. The Buddha and His disciples were
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once ordinary sentient beings like you and me. They
were once afflicted by the impurities of the mind, desire,
ill-will and ignorance. It is through contacting the
Dharma, through purifying their words and deeds,
through developing their minds and through acquiring
wisdom that they became free, exalted beings able to
teach and help others to realize the truth. There is
therefore no doubt that if we apply ourselves to the
teachings of the Buddha, we too can attain the ultimate
goal of Buddhism. We too can become like the Buddha
or like His prominent disciples.
It is of no use merely to listen to the Dharma or to
read the Dharma. Similarly, it is of no use merely to
write articles about the Dharma, or to give lectures
about the Dharma if we do not put it into practice. It has
been said that those of us who call themselves Buddhists
can profit by occasionally taking stock. If we see that
over the past years our practice of the Buddha s
teachings has brought about a slight change in the
quality of our experience (and it will be a slight change),
then we will know that the teachings are having some
effect. If all of us put the teachings into practice, there is
no doubt that we will realize their benefits. If we seek to
avoid harming others, if we try our best to help others
whenever possible, if we learn to be mindful, if we learn
to develop our ability to concentrate our mind, if we
cultivate wisdom through study, careful consideration
and meditation, there is no doubt that the Dharma will
benefit us. It will first lead us to happiness and
prosperity in this life and in the next. Eventually, it will
lead us to the ultimate goal of liberation, the everlasting
bliss of Nirvana.
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