The Six Perfections

from JoeUser Forums
On my wrist is a mala. In the Japanese, they are called Juzu beads. These beads are helpful reminders of my work.

The first six beads recall my greatest vows: to the Buddha, the Dharma, the Sangha and to cease doing evil, to do good, and to do good for all beings. The next fifteen beads are for reciting mantras. The last six beads, however, are representaions of the Six Perfections.

In the Diamond sutra, the Buddha is asked how we should live. He answers quite plainly: that we should live selflessly. That in doing so, we will naturally manifest these six qualities: charity, morality, patience, vigor, mindfulness, and wisdom.

It is important that we know these things are already an aspect of our true nature. That when we set aside our expectations of ouirselves and others, they quite naturally arise. Our practice helps us see this.

When we give, we should just give with no thought that we are giving or what it is that we are giving or the deserving nature of the receiver of our gifts. We should also know that truely, there is nothing to give, no giver and no receiver. There is just this breath as it comes and goes, but that is another story.

So, today I vow to let my body and mind fall away. I vow to let my true self arise. I vow to be taught by all beings. In this way I vow to bring the buddhadharma into being.

Be well,

Sodaiho
religion
1,375 views 3 replies
Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top
I myself have found peace with much of the world as you.

The one thing i cannot understand is your praise of Buddha. Comming from a Christian background, I never found worship as a pleasant part of the religion. I have long considered a life of peace living amonst nature. I find people fun, but their vitues and mores do not match mine. So one of my options is to become a monk. I do not know too much about Buddhism, but in Catholic Monks spend their lives in prayer and work. The work I find peaceful and fulfilling, but prayer and worship i do not. So I would be pleased to hear your views on this.

To me God, or whatever spirit or none exists, is not to be worshiped but looked at as a parent, one who teaches us, and we should thank for the knowledge. I give that thanks in the way of my life and living it to my fullest and to cultivate and grow it the best possible.

As our proverb in the bible goes that when the master gives the servant a piece of gold, he should return two pieces.

I should also note that I am non-denominational.

I would like to hear your comments at the forums at Abeeda.com
Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top

In the Diamond sutra, the Buddha is asked how we should live. He answers quite plainly: that we should live selflessly. That in doing so, we will naturally manifest these six qualities: charity, morality, patience, vigor, mindfulness, and wisdom.


*puts palms together and bows*


It's true...practicing selflessness results in these qualities.  Be selfless, and the rest will follow...I have learned that the hard way.  For a while I strived to attain and practice the six qualities, and wore myself out doing it...then came to the realization that if I practice 'no-me', 'no-I' ...that the 6 things I had been trying to attain would be consequential.


 

Siege of Centauri
Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top
With palms together,
Thank you.

We honor the person Shakyamuni Buddha as one who found enlightenment and offered a path to the world as a model. The Buddha is not a god, but a person. Our honor is not to him, really, as a man, but rather to the ideal that we each possess within us if we practice.

Your practice, my practice, no difference really.

I think to live life mindfully, with compassion and a willingness to be in service without thought of gain, is what5 its all about. The names and modes are something added. Our practice should be to eliminate all that is added and reside in what is left.

Be well,
Sodaiho

PS, I do not know about the other list you suggest. Please help me find it.