The True Nature and Our Thoughts

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If we see someone in need and we unreservedly give him a dollar or more, then the merit of this accords with our true nature because at that time we did not discriminate between others and us. We did not distinguish between the receiver and the donor.

We were not attached. In this way, the merits from giving a dollar or more are infinite for they are the uncovering of our virtuous natures.

Jealousy and hatred are indeed thoughts of stealing. Why is that so? Because one does not like seeing others doing better. This mindset is abnormal. Wishing others would be worse off or becoming displeased, critical or slanderous when seeing virtuous people or good deeds being carried out - these are all thoughts of stealing.

A virtuous person delights upon seeing other virtuous people or good deeds and will wholeheartedly assist these good people and help them accomplish their good deeds. A virtuous person will set a good example for whatever community he is in and his good deeds will certainly benefit the general public.

When we help others to achieve their goals, we will succeed in our cultivation of virtues. when we obstruct others, we are committing tremendously grave offences. If our every thought is of self-benefit, our self-attachment will grow everyday. Even as we plant some good merits, our attachments will increase.

The Buddha told us that if we wish to transcend the cycle of rebirth and death, we must get rid of self and knowledge-attachment. Self-attachments are affliction that hinder us from attaining purity of mind. Knowledge-attachment hinders us from uncovering our all-knowing wisdom, our true wisdom inside us!

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