Don't let greed hide behind sincerity.

I have been haunted by the so-called sincerity for the past 15 years. I have hoped that life would develop, everything would become transparent, and with better propaganda, people's awareness would change. But that hope was still a very vain thing.

Illustration photo.

When I was young, my house lived near a pagoda. Every full moon and first day of the lunar month, my mother took me to the pagoda to worship Buddha. My mother, like other villagers, went to the pagoda to pray for peace. The monk preached to my mother and many others that Buddha can only bring people peace of mind, but cannot satisfy wealth or power, so going to the pagoda to ask for material things or fame is an excessive and disrespectful request. The villagers went to the pagoda with their hearts, and often picked flowers and fruits from their gardens to offer to Buddha. They also just hoped that after going to the pagoda, their minds would be at peace, their health would be better, and their thoughts would be liberated.

The changes in life make people think of many things that are not in line with Buddhist teachings, even things that are considered very practical, far from traditional spiritual life. But because the aspirations of many people are so great, they easily accept it, and see it as a way to express their wishes to Buddha.

During the first few days of spring, when I went to the temple, and even when I was waiting in line to ask for words, I saw people bowing to Buddha and displaying a whole page of paper in front of me listing the names of the people asking and the list of words they were asking for. Some people asked for many words at the same time. From the words "blessings", "prosperity", "longevity", "wealth", "nobility"... all were asked for and cherished to bring home.

People who ask for fortune, fame at temples or calligraphy at calligraphy spaces at the beginning of spring often show their sincerity. However, I personally still think that the so-called "sincerity" cannot cover up their "greed".

I always think of the teachings of the monk at the old village temple that when going to the temple, the most important thing is to do it with your heart, not be greedy, and whatever you pray for must be realistic, not to make things difficult for Buddha, which is also creating delusions for yourself.

I know that everyone is the same, wishing for wealth, prosperity, and social status, but above all, it must be through real strength and personal efforts, not just through what is called "sincerity" through words written on paper. Of course, asking for the first words of spring, if sincere, can also be considered a goal for the person asking to keep in mind and strive for. I have never asked for more than one word at the beginning of spring. One year I ask for the word "blessing", another year I ask for the word "happiness", another year I ask for the word "peace". Because if you have blessings, you will have everything; asking for the word "happiness" is wishing for luck to come to you. Peace, luck, happiness, you will have everything. No one can change people's hearts like their own perception. Be patient in listening, learning, you will understand, you will destroy your desires, and your actions will surely change.

Happiness

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