Voice of Master Jingzong - Q and A about the Purpose of Life
淨宗之聲 - 人生目的問答
Q16: After studying Buddhism, I became a pessimistic misanthrope. I feel there is no meaning to life, and want to be reborn earlier. But, I also believe I can’t.
Perhaps, I am too young? Does this mean that I have too few blessings and rewards? Are blessings and rewards related to rebirth? Is my attitude correct?
Answer:
Your attitude is not correct. You do not have sufficient blessings and rewards, and your wisdom is not fully developed. However, the most important thing is that your faith needs to evolve. As a result, you misunderstand the Buddhist teachings.
This makes your direction and your actions incorrect, and you fail to attain what you desire. Through your suffering you may also cause others to misunderstand Buddhism .
The correct way is: You should try to not be a pessimistic misanthrope; but, try to be more optimistic . The Buddha never taught that life is meaningless; but, when understood correctly, can be very rich, perfect, and complete. We shouldn’t seek earlier rebirth for our own sake; but, for the sake of other beings, to aid them to be reborn in Amitabha’s Pure Land. Because you are young, you have your entire life ahead of you; so, you should try to be more optimistic and dedicated to leading your best life.
問(16):學佛後消極厭世,覺得人生沒意義,想早點往生,卻又還不能往生,因為比較年輕、壽命還未到。請問這種情況是因為福報不夠嗎?也就是能否早點往生是跟福報相關嗎?另外,他這種厭世的心態正確嗎?
淨宗之聲:
從後往前答,這種心態不正確。這既是福報不夠,也是智慧不夠,更重要的是信心不夠。因為福報、智慧和信心都不具足、不正確,所以他是錯誤地理解了佛法;有錯誤的理解,就形成錯誤的行為;有錯誤的行為取向,就達不到良好的效果,自己苦惱,也讓別人誤解佛教。
正確的方法、正確的認識和理解是這樣的:學佛之後不是消極厭世,而是要積極利世;不是覺得人生沒意義,而是覺得生命非常的圓滿、豐富;不是為了自己一個人求早點往生,而是要利及更多的人,大家共同到極樂淨土。因為本來就比較年輕,還有很多事可以做,不要消極、負面、逃避,這不是正確的學佛態度。
Namo Amituofo!
