As a Chinese Buddhist, I am quite sad at the state of Chinese
psyche on religious matter. While the Chinese are considered
practical and intelligent people, unfortunately, they are right
behind others when it comes to religion.
Wasteful and useless practices pertaining to ritual sacrifices such
as burning paper monies and other peripherals, slaughtering of
animals and others are blindly practiced without inquiring about
their actual use and practicalities. The incessant burning is
causing unnecessary pollution. I can safely say that the culture of
burning "money" reflect the stupidity of the modern Chinese.
I held similar view previously. However after venturing more
into buddhism, I can understand, and accept it in a more open
attitude. (I condemned my mother and sisters' way of solving
problems i.e. went to temples and mediums for help , burning joss
sticks, burning paper money, extravagant funeral etc.)
As one master said,
"superstition(blind faith) is better than no faith;
correct faith is better than superstition."
We are lucky(or we have 'yin1 yuan2') to have the opportunity to
come into contact with true(hopefully) buddhism. So, we look at
others and think that how naive they are , why are they so
superstitious? They should follow us i.e. to practise true/correct
budhhism! now! immediately! But, how if they do not have the 'yin1
yuan2' yet?
I was told by my senior not to use your own yard-stick to judge
others especially after you have gain some so call knowledge in
buddhism(as if already de2 dao4). This is as if you are in
secondary school and you laugh at those in primary and those that
do not have chance to be educated. Looking from the other angle,
how do you feel if your seniors or teachers who are already in
their universities laughing at you who are still in secondary?? But
I know they will not .
No personal attack here, but just like to share with others what
mistakes I realised I have made before and after I go on and on the
path of buddhism.
