Chapter 54 Conclusion-7

Needless to say esoteric truths, in this day and age.Even the most practical and obvious truths are ignored.Every day we hear people talking about the state of the economy without understanding the connection between depression and greed.Because of greed, envy, and arrogance, the economy will never be strong enough to guarantee everyone the basics of life.We are like monkeys living in the forest, defecating everywhere on hanging branches.Our dwelling place, the earth, has become more and more polluted.Some people I have met have blamed the rulers and kings of yesteryear and the old religions as the root of all conflict.But the modern secular world is not doing better, it's doing worse.What's better in the modern world?One of the main effects of technology is to destroy the world more quickly.It is believed that every life system and every life support system on earth is in decline.

It's time for us modern people to think about spiritual matters.Even if we don’t have time to sit on a cushion, even if we hate people with rosary beads around their necks, even if we’re embarrassed to reveal our religious inclinations to casual friends.Deep contemplation of the impermanent nature of everything we experience, and the painful results of clinging to ourselves, brings harmony and peace—if not to the world, at least to our own surroundings. As long as you accept and practice these four truths, you are a "Buddhist practitioner".You may have read about these four truths for your own amusement or for mental exercise, but if you don't practice them, it's like a patient who reads the label on a medicine jar and doesn't take it.On the other hand, if you practice, there is no need to advertise that you are a Buddhist.In fact, there is absolutely nothing wrong with hiding your Buddhist identity if it helps you get invited to social occasions.But remember, as a Buddhist, you have an obligation to do as little harm as possible to others and to help others as much as possible.This is not a big task, because if you really accept and meditate on these truths, all these actions will flow naturally.

At the same time, it is very important to understand that as a Buddhist, you have no responsibility or mission to convert people all over the world to Buddhism.Buddhists and Buddhism are two different things, just like Democrats and democracy.I believe that many Buddhists have done, or are doing, terrible things to themselves or others.It is encouraging, however, that so far no Buddhists have waged war in the name of Buddha or destroyed monasteries of other religions in order to convert others. As a Buddhist, you should stick to this principle, Buddhists never participate in or encourage bloodshed in the name of Buddhism.You can't even kill a bug, let alone a human.If you know of a certain Buddhist or a group that does this, then, as a Buddhist, you must protest and condemn them.If you keep quiet, you're not just discouraging them, you're basically on their side.You are not a Buddhist.