No 865 of Living Life Series 1
While the Tao Te Ching 道德经 advocates - "Action through no (or less) action" 为无为 wei wu wei, it is increasingly more difficult for people to practice it in modern society of 2015 and beyond.
Instead of just quietly going along with the wishes and guidance of the head of the family or company and getting things done as a group, people are now speaking out and acting up on the slightest excuse or justification without careful thought. They think this is civil rights and democracy. They think they can get their way by being loud.
They think only of themselves and in the process it is just too easy to further promote the very mental roots that they should avoid - ill-will, greed and delusion (false views). The actions and speech that ensue add to the woes of society.
Thus in Chinese culture heavily influenced by the teachings of the Buddha and other sages like Jesus and Confucius, there is the advice to think before we act. This means we need to be humble and mindful and if we are humble and mindful, we end up not acting out - not talking and not doing that which will hurt others and promote ill-will, greed and false views.
This was stressed by Gautama Buddha whose teachings have heavily influenced and incorporated into many cultures not only of the East but also the West. His teachings too have colored the practice of other religions in modern days of 2015 and beyond - inevitably propelled by globalization.
Instead of just quietly going along with the wishes and guidance of the head of the family or company and getting things done as a group, people are now speaking out and acting up on the slightest excuse or justification without careful thought. They think this is civil rights and democracy. They think they can get their way by being loud.
They think only of themselves and in the process it is just too easy to further promote the very mental roots that they should avoid - ill-will, greed and delusion (false views). The actions and speech that ensue add to the woes of society.
Thus in Chinese culture heavily influenced by the teachings of the Buddha and other sages like Jesus and Confucius, there is the advice to think before we act. This means we need to be humble and mindful and if we are humble and mindful, we end up not acting out - not talking and not doing that which will hurt others and promote ill-will, greed and false views.
This was stressed by Gautama Buddha whose teachings have heavily influenced and incorporated into many cultures not only of the East but also the West. His teachings too have colored the practice of other religions in modern days of 2015 and beyond - inevitably propelled by globalization.
The merits from such ritual of silence can benefit the individual and bless him or her for major life events like an upcoming wedding or an important job interview or examination.
This simple ritual in age-old Chinese culture has been there for centuries. It was encouraged by the representatives of the good lord Lord Bo Tien 武天菩萨 in the early years at temples in his name.
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It is a practice similar to the more elaborate observance in Buddhist temples of Eight or Ten Precepts on New Moon or Full Moon days. This is especially popular on Wesak Day - the celebration of the Birth, Enlightenment and Ascension of the Buddha Gautama.
If only people can talk less, gossip not and keep the silence and the peace through "Action through no (or less) action" 为无为 wei wu wei, not only a temple will be a better temple with no human obstacles and issues, the world will be a better world as well.
Be mindful and shut up the mouth. Do not act or open the mouth too soon and more than necessary. Keep the silence. If you can't be kind, at least be quiet. Silence is golden. Empty vessels make the most noise and nuisance but this may not be exactly correct.
Incidentally, which is better? Do we pray aloud and let the whole world know or do we pray in silence? Are our prayers for the ears of others or for only God and saints?
Should we be ever more meek and humble in our prayers and devotions? Is there the need to be loud and announce to the world so as to share with the world?
There are no easy answers but for many there are. What are correct for some may not be for others. One man's meat is another man's poison.
Like Lord Bo Tien 武天菩萨, favor no religion. Believe in all saints and grasp their teachings in context. All religions are good. Imbibe the values of all religions and practice them as part of culture. Do not allow religion or sect to divide men.
Go for the common culture of the land we are in and blend silently with the culture. Where in Rome, do what the Romans do. This is plain common sense.
Truth is common sense and is simple. Often we are short of common sense. Let us not stand out and be loud. Keep the silence. Silence is golden. This is the truth.
