To obtain real peace and
happiness
by Kyabje Chadral Rinpoche
The
unimaginable benefits of such noble deeds are described in
different Sutras and Tantras taught by Lord Buddha. The practice of
such acts have been recommended by all the Siddhas, both Indian and
Tibetan Buddhist pandits in various scriptures. Compassion, being
one of the main tenets of the Mahayana, also forms the foundation
of the Hinayana sect which sets great store by abstaining from
killing, or even harming any living being. The Tantrayana, on the
other hand, has one additional facet; it lays great emphasis on
maintaining a moral relationship, Samaya, between the saviour and
the saved.
Behind all these teachings, there is one single fact of cardinal
importance: that on this earth, a human being can commit no greater
sin than taking the life of another living being. By implication,
there is no bigger source of accumulating merit than saving
life.
To obtain real peace and happiness in this world, one has simply to
follow the path of Ahimsa (non violence), which naturally is common
to all the religions of the world. If we do not like to experience
any pain or suffering of any kind, how can we expect any other
creature, whether big or small, to feel otherwise?
There is no better prayer or worship we can offer to the Lord
Buddha than by being thoughtful, kind, compassionate and abstaining
from taking the life of any fellow human being, animal, bird, fish,
or insect. Trying to save any life from imminent danger, or trying
to mitigate their pain and suffering, is one more step further in
the active practice of loving other living beings.
The next logical step, in this regard, is saying prayers for those
who die owing to some other persons' thoughtless cruelty. Following
this path automatically puts an end to conflicts, or obstacles, if
any, within our inner self, generates spontaneous happiness, and
bestows absolute inner peace. If your deeds flow from a genuine
purity of the heart and are imbued with selflessness, they will
enable you to attain enlightenment in the long run.
Conscious abstension from hunting and killing living beings,
besides inspiring others to do the same, are actions behoving the
kind-hearted and pious. For instance, the milk of human kindness
requires us not to harm migratory birds in any way, such as casting
stones or nets or shooting them while they are resting for brief
moments in the course of their long journey from one country or
continent to another. On the contrary, we should provide help to
them in all possible ways before they reach their final
destination.
A renowned Buddhist scholar from Bengal, Pandit Atisha Dipankara,
said that giving compassionate love to the helpless and the poor is
as important as meditating on Shunyata, i.e. Emptiness. This virtue
of compassion is the principal foundation stone of the Mahayana
Buddhism.
Hence, I
passionately appeal to humanity at large, irrespective of
nationality, caste, or religion to practice this most simple but
profound virtue of compassionate love. We can praise and please our
Lord Buddha in no better way than by doing all we can to save the
lives of innocent, mute and defenceless animals and birds, fish and
insects and thereby grant them the precious gift of life.
Moral values abjure us from taking anything which we can not give
to others. We can not give life to anybody; it is the sole
discretion of the Lord. So it will be shameless arrogance and
heinous sinfulness on our part if we snatch life from others.
It is my firm belief that if people adopt this practice by
universal consensus, everlasting peace and all round happiness will
descend on this earth, and human suffering in all its forms will
become a thing of the past. All of us will become privileged
enjoyers of peace, prosperity, good health and increased longevity.
In such an ideal situation, human beings will experience peace of
mind and contentment of heart even at death. Bereft of any
disturbing thoughts or hallucinations but aware of the essence of
Dharma, he or she will leave for their heavenly abode in perfect
serenity and, in due course, will be born in higher spheres.
Continuous practice of this noble path will ultimately lead to the
attainment of Nirvana, i.e. Buddhahood.
May one and all follow this most meritorious path and benefit all
living beings besides accumulating meritorious riches for
themselves in the process.
Glory be to the
Buddha Amitayus (TSEPAMEY, Buddha of Eternal Life) and the numerous
Bodhisattvas!