Voice of Master Jingzong - Q and A about the Purpose of Life
淨宗之聲 - 人生目的問答
Answer to Q9:
A loving heart is the foremost feature of our Buddha-natures. As a youngster, you were introduced to the Buddhist faith. Then you chose to work as a volunteer to serve society with a loving heart. That is a very positive and meaningful job.
A person who shares with others with a loving heart is not a waste. It is a
wonderful choice to add to the value of life. If a person doesn’t share his loving heart, it is truly a waste; even if he earns a lot of money, or if he is promoted to a higher position.
So, Buddha-nature and a loving heart are always foremost. A person’s value is more dependent on whether he has a loving heart or not, not on his knowledge and his earning power. Many people who have strong earning power may commit suicide. Isn’t that a waste? On one hand their technological inventions benefit human beings; but, may also cause destruction, and arouse people’s greed and hatred.
For example, the internet is a remarkable invention; but, it also created the
problem of cyber safety. So, there are always advantages and disadvantages with worldly success and contributions.
However, if a person serves people with a loving heart and is pure in his mind and actions, he can lead society towards harmony, peace, joy, cooperation, compassion and progress. These are much more meaningful contributions. This is mainly because of the difference in the values and meaning in their lives.
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【佛性、愛心為第一】
那麼,作為一個年輕人,能去做義工,有佛法的信仰,為社會群體做愛心的服務,這本身具有非常正面的積極意義。一個人能充滿愛心,擴展愛心,這不是浪費,這是完成人生價值的最好行為。
假如一個人不能展現這種愛心,即使做生意賺了很多錢,做官有很高的官位
,那也是浪費了。所以,是以佛性為第一,以愛心為第一。因為人的價值在於他有沒有愛心,而不是看他讀了多少書、掙了多少錢。
掙錢多的人,跳樓多的是,那樣究竟是不是又浪費了呢?包括科技發明,一方面固然利益人類,另一方面也給人類帶來無窮的禍患,引起人們的貪慾,甚至弊端重重。
比如說,發明互聯網,這是一件了不起的事,但是同時又有了網絡安全問題。所以,世間所謂的成功、貢獻,都有利弊兩方面。
但是,如果是以一種愛心來服務大眾,他這種發心和作為是清淨的,是純善的,是不帶染污、沒有副作用的;也可以帶動風氣之先,引領這個社會向著和諧、安樂、互助、慈愛的方向進步。所以,我認為它的進步意義是非常的大。
這主要是對人生價值、人生意義的認識不一樣,而引發判斷不一樣和行為不一樣。
Namo Amituofo!
