I have moved my diary to its new location on a moderated Buddhist website. As it is aimed exclusively for Buddhists and those who want to become Buddhists, this seems more appropriate.

Buddhists who want to follow to the new location can find it at: E-sangha, Buddhist Forum and Buddhism Forum > Cishanjia's Blog

This website is an online Samgha for members only, with discussion boards on all aspects and schools of Buddhism. There are ordained teachers of lineage and ordained bhiksus who may answer questions.

Out of kindness I will maintain my notes online. But use of them is on the understanding that you have read the disclaimer. I am not, do not claim to be and have never claimed to be an ordained teacher of lineage or ordained bhiksu. Though my notes are sourced from reputable publications and works written by Masters, Gurus and ordained bhiksus, they are no substitute for learning from qualified teachers of the Dharma. I offer them freely in the vain hope that they may be of some help to others, in the spirit of karuna. Web: http://www.bodhisattva.org.uk

Metta.

That which begins
Also ends.

This is an essential teaching of the Buddha-Dharma. These are the doctrines of Gautama Buddha, or “The Buddha” as he is commonly called. We commonly call the Buddha-Dharma, “Buddhism”.

This simple phrase refers to everything in the world of saṃsāra. This is the cycle of death and rebirth, and includes our everyday experience. This is an endless cycle that has no beginning or ending. I exist here and now within saṃsāra; here, with you.

But though the cycle has no beginning or ending, each individual thread of birth and rebirth can have an ending. This ending comes with bodhi. This is the awakening to supreme knowledge experienced by Gautama Buddha. This is the fate of every sentient being. But bodhi does not come without vast effort and study and meditation.

While bodhi has not come, it is the destiny of every sentient being to have dukkha. This is a Pali word without translation. It covers the whole spectrum of possible negative experience. But again, the Buddha-Dharma contains the Way to ending dukkha, by ending our rebirth in saṃsāra. On leaving this cycle of death and rebirth, we end our experience of dukkha. This is nirvāṇa.

So, that which begins with each rebirth, dukkha, can end by bodhi, awakening. And our existence in saṃsāra can end with entering nirvāṇa. On entering nirvāṇa, there is no further rebirth. This is the fate of all sentient beings. But bodhi does not come without vast effort and study and meditation.

The way to bodhi is the Way of the Buddha-Dharma. There is no other way. This is an essential teaching of Gautama Buddha. But this is the only way we need. Yet, while we do not find or understand the Way, there can be no progress.

I can no longer tolerate this! My days in this lifetime are numbered, as are those of every sentient being. Even as I write this, countless lifetimes are ending. Many human beings who could have heard of the Way are dying. This is intolerable!

I vow to follow the Way of the Bodhisattva, “one who is oriented towards bodhi, awakening”. What use is my own bodhi, while there is another who subsists in saṃsāra? What right do I have to seek to enter nirvāṇa, while there is another who has dukkha? Though I am blind and stumbling at the beginning, I vow to follow the Way of the Bodhisattva. I vow to follow the Way to bring all sentient beings to the end of the Way:

• I vow to liberate all beings, without number.
• I vow to uproot endless blind passions.
• I vow to penetrate dharma gates beyond measure.
• I vow to attain the way of the Buddha.

• Not to kill any living creature.
• Not to steal anything.
• Not to engage in any form of sexual misconduct.
• Not to lie or use false speech.
• Not to trade alcoholic beverages.
• Not to talk about the faults and misdeeds that occur by any Buddhist.
• Not to praise myself or disparage others.
• Not to be stingy or abusive towards those in need.
• Not to harbour anger or resentment or encourage others to be angry.
• Not to criticise or slander the Three Jewels.

I humbly ask the saṃgha, my fellow Buddhists, to help me in my task.

I follow the Way from beginning to its certain ending.

Cishanjia,
2007 December 1.