At Auckland University in New Zealand I discussed the relationship between the Avataṃsaka Sūtra (or the Flower Garland Sutra) and the theory of relativity. The theory of relativity as presented in the Avataṃsaka Sūtra completely overturns mankind’s common-sense understanding of time and space.
I feel that Buddhist philosophy could also be called the study of humanity, because Shakyamuni Buddha researched humankind. He investigated the seven emotions and six sensory pleasures; birth, aging, illness, and death; as well as a concrete method for freeing oneself from all these vexations and sufferings. Buddhist philosophy does not attach importance to ghosts and deities, nor does it believe in their efficacy.
Here, one sees, hears, smells and feels the ocean, but one cannot find the existence of mind. Mind dissolves into this pure blue space, into infinite freedom and peace…This perhaps is where we ultimately abide.
A treasury of abundant information and references can be found in the library of the National University. For a long time, books have been the one thing that brings me the most joy. I remember when I was 15, there were not that many books around to read. There was one copy of Outlaws of the Marsh in Tibetan which I read three times; I could almost recite the whole book from memory. Presently, 90% of my possessions are books. To me, books are no longer just ordinary possessions but fine teachers and helpful friends whom I’ve never gotten tired of my whole life.
I enjoy the world of dreams, because from there I can still attend to my master just as I did in the past.
It’s autumn in the southern hemisphere. The sky is clear and the air comfortably cool as leaves in the mountains are slowly turning colors. Many practitioners favor the fall and its seasonal landscape because this is the best season for spiritual practice. The frequent changes of the autumn scene make it easier to perceive impermanence.
While you care for those who are most beloved to you, you must also learn to love still more people, and in fact all living beings. Love is capable of creating infinite beauty. Because we have love, we have bodhisattvas and buddhas, heaven, and the pure land of supreme bliss. I wish everyone a happy Valentine’s Day!
As far as human senses go, the passerby from a few hours ago left nothing behind but footprints. But to a dog’s sense of smell, a scent remains that humans aren’t aware of. In terms of ordinary people’s senses, the good or bad things done a few days ago left no mark except for the memory of them. But in the eyes of sublime beings, virtuous or non-virtuous karma has made its mark. Ordinary people, however, are not aware of it.
