The Buddha says:
Speculation on a person’s existence after death only leads to confusion and disputes.
It makes people angry, unhappy, and miserable.
It doesn’t help free people from their pain,
stop their evil thoughts, or get rid of their desires.
It doesn’t help people to achieve tranquility,
wisdom, enlightenment, or nirvana.
Therefore, I never talk about it.
Some people, driven by desire and the pursuit of pleasure, do things that harm others without benefiting themselves. Even after turning to Buddhism, they may become preoccupied with heaven and hell and, in turn, greedily seek merit—both are forms of delusion.
Atheism is better than superstition. We must believe wisely and not run off after every little cult.
Every time I see people suffering, I feel deeply saddened and can’t help but want to cry.
Dharma Master Cheng Yen: “Without a compassionate heart, how can anyone be willing to give? Once we have really started to give, then our compassion will be refined to a strong power. Therefore, we must love with wisdom and turn compassion into strength. It is in this way that we will always be able to use our abilities to help others.”
Translated by E. E. Ho and W. L. Rathje; drawings by Tsai Chih-chung; coloring by May E. Gu
