Dalai Lama Series
If one were to
summarize the sacred Dharma teachings given by our compassionate
teacher, the Buddha, they can all be included within the two points
of (i) the view of interdependent origination and (ii) the action
of benefitting others. The significance of dependent
origination is as follows. All that appears and exists originates
entirely due to its own particular causes and conditions, and there
is nothing whatsoever that arises simply by virtue of its own
power, without depending on any causes or conditions. Accordingly,
since we can be sure that happiness and suffering arise
incontrovertibly as the results of the good or bad actions we
commit, if we wish for positive results, there is no other option
for us but to do good and avoid any harm. If we practise this
approach in which the view and conduct—skilful means and wisdom—are
integrated entirely and without any conflict, and we become
perfectly and completely accustomed to it, there is no doubt that
we will gain the result, the state in which enlightened form and
wisdom are inseparably united.
This was
written by the buddhist monk Tenzin Gyatso, 15th May, 1985.
(Written on the back of a thangka of Buddha)