真実のやさしさの特徴
Characteristics of True Kindness
2026-08-19
To put it plainly, there is not a single instance of true kindness in this world; its existence can only be confirmed on crucial occasions through a Dharma phrase spoken by momentary spiritual guide (an incarnation).
Moreover, even when one hears a Dharma phrase, only those who have diligently accumulated merit will recognize it for what it is. Ordinary people would not be able to understand its profound excellence even if it were pointed out to them and explained further.
On the contrary, they would probably not even understand why such words are given the grand name of a “Dharma phrase” and revered by people of great virtue.
Nevertheless, Dharma phrases possess an incredibly powerful efficacy, and those who have accumulated merit will, through such a phrase as an opportunity, undergo a transformation from a sentient being into a Buddha.
In this regard, we can find the following teaching in the early Buddhist scriptures of Shakyamuni Buddha:
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— “All of your verses have been beautifully recited, each in its proper order. But listen also to my verse. (Giving with) faith has indeed been praised in many ways. Yet more excellent (than giving) is "the Dharma phrase." The good people of old, and those of even earlier times, endowed with wisdom, went to Nirvana.” (Saṃyutta Nikāya 1)
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— “All of you have recited your verses beautifully, each in its proper order. But listen also to my verse. Associate only with the good; keep company only with the good. When one has understood the true Dharma of the good, one escapes from all suffering.” (Saṃyutta Nikāya 1)
Here, it would be reasonable to understand “the true Dharma of the good” as referring to the Dharma phrase.
Now, the essence of a Dharma phrase can be described as “the manifestation of true kindness in this world.”
And its characteristics are as follows:
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Although expressed in simple words, its true meaning and deeper significance seem to be beyond anything of this world.
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It transcends all knowledge.
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It brings peace to everyone who hears it—even one’s enemies.
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It is spoken calmly and deliberately, yet without the slightest hesitation.
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The person who speaks these words is truly dignified and resolute.
It could even be said that the reason Buddhist practitioners accumulate merit is so that, when they hear such a Dharma phrase, they will recognize it for what it truly is—and that this is the entire reason why they should accumulate merit.
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