仏道修行を正しく行うには
To practice Buddhism correctly
(2023-12-15 17:00:00)
The path is vast and smooth, without danger. If one walks straight, they will surely reach this serene (=Nirvana). That is the Buddha Way.
However, among Buddhist practitioners, there are some who, for some reason, cannot correctly walk this singular path and instead, through their practice, draw closer to a bad place.
They will reach their bad destination only to regret, lamenting, "This wasn't supposed to be like this."
Regarding this, in the original Buddhist scriptures of Shakyamuni Buddha, we can see the following teachings:
311 Just as one could cut their palm with even a blade of couch grass if held incorrectly, similarly, if a practitioner's conduct is misguided, they will be dragged down to hell.
312 If their conduct is disorderly and their self-discipline is disturbed, even their seemingly virtuous deeds will be dubious, and great rewards will not come.
313 If there is something that needs to be done, it should be done. It should be executed decisively. A practitioner with disordered conduct will scatter even more dust.
314 It is better to do nothing than to do evil. If you do evil, you will later regret it. It is better to do good than to simply engage in any action. When the deed is done, there is no regret afterward. (The Word of Truth - Dhammapada Chapter 22: Hell, translated by Hajime Nakamura, Iwanami-Bunko)
There are also other admonitions:
16 One should take action on what one knows to be beneficial for oneself beforehand. However, not relying on thoughts like those of a reckless charioteer, the wise person should proceed slowly.
17 Just as a charioteer, abandoning a smooth road, takes a rough one and, as a result, breaks the axle of the chariot and deeply regrets it,
18 Similarly, the foolish deviate from the path of the law, engage in what should not be done, succumb to the domination of the death demon, and regret it as if breaking the chariot axle.
19 Neglecting what should be done and doing what should not be done, those who are arrogant and dissolute only increase their defilement. They are always increasing their defilement, far removed from the vanishing of defilement.
20 Those who diligently begin their practice, constantly mindful <of the true nature> of the body, refraining from what should not be done and always engaging in what should be done, being mindful and vigilant themselves, will be rid of various defilements.
21 Just because someone speaks a lot does not mean they are practicing the path. In this world, even if one hears the teachings infrequently, those who personally realize the truth and never deviate from the path are the ones truly practicing the path.
22 Even if one speaks numerous beneficial things, if they do not practice them, they are negligent. They are like a cowherd counting someone else's cows. They do not belong to the category of practitioners. (The Word of Inspiration - Udana Chapter 4: Encouragement, translated by Hajime Nakamura, Iwanami-Bunko)
So, it can be inferred that even during the time when the Buddha was alive, there were individuals who were unable to correctly practice the Buddhist path.
Then, why do people emerge who are unable to correctly practice the Buddhist path?
They, too, undoubtedly seek the state of happiness.
Nevertheless, they unknowingly deviate from the path.
The reasons can be broadly categorized into two:
- Firstly, their intentions towards practice are different from the outset.
- Secondly, they seek Nirvana in a way similar to desiring material possessions.
In one word, as repeatedly emphasized in this essay, it is about...
It would be said,
"they lack a sacred aspiration."
However, even if someone were to point out to these individuals that they lack a sacred aspiration, there is no guarantee that they would begin to practice the Buddhist path correctly.
Whether one is truly walking the right path is something that can only be known after walking it to the end.
However, wise individuals will realize along the way if their practice has strayed from the path and gradually move closer to the correct path, eventually merging onto the right path and continuing their journey.
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