20 difficult things to attain
Posted in Buddhism by amituofo on March 18, 2008
The Buddha said, “There are 20 difficult things to attain in this world:
(1) It is hard for the poor to practice charity.
When someone is living from hand to mouth, what else can he do beside putting food on the table? It’s really difficult though not impossible.
(2) It is hard for the strong and rich to observe the Way.
There is a saying, “The richer you are, the more worries you have.” How true it is. We worry more about how not to lose our money and how to grow it? I don’t deny that they are many philanthropists such as Bill Gates, Lee Ka Shing, Warren Buffet who has donated billions of dollars to charitable causes but who has found the Way?
(3) It is hard to disregard life and go to certain death.
Whao, I no catch the meaning.
4) It is only a favoured few that get acquainted with a Buddhist sutra.
I am grateful to have the fate to know and recite Buddhist Sutra at least in this very lifetime. Thanks, Amituofo.
p/s: I am now reciting ‘The Ksitigarbha Great Vows Sutra‘ . The basic sutra all Buddhist beginners should try to recite at least once a month.
(5) It is hard to be born in the age of the Buddha.
Yes, I know that. I was born in the Dharma-ending age where the dharma is slowly evaporating. But at least I can still smell it.
(6) It is hard to conquer the passions, to suppress selfish desires.
I’m guilty as usual.
(7) It is hard not to hanker after that which is agreeable.
Same as above.
(8) It is hard not to get into a passion when slighted.
Still the same, my karma book is getting thicker.
(9) It is hard not to abuse one’s authority.
“Give a man the power and you will see his true characters.” Who said this? Can’t remember.
(10) It is hard to be even-minded and simple hearted in all one’s dealings with others.
I’m still trying. But what happen when the one you are dealing with is not even-minded or simple hearted? It’s common, right?
(11) It is hard to be thorough in learning and exhaustive in investigation.
At times or most of the time, I just don’t have the discipline. Guilty again…
(12) It is hard to subdue selfish pride.
As usual…..ly is the case.
(13) It is hard not to feel contempt toward the unlearned.
Ah, at least this one I can safely say I’m half-guilty…
(14) It is hard to be one in knowledge and practice.
What the points of studying & observing the Way when we don’t cultivate and practice the teaching in our daily life? Am I guilty of it? I’m half-innocent…
(15) It is hard not to express an opinion about others.
OK! OK! I am learning.
(16) It is by rare opportunity that one is introduced to a true spiritual teacher.
Venerable Master Chin Kung, I’m grateful that I have the opportunity to listen to and learn from your wisdom.
(17) It is hard to gain an insight into the nature of being and to practice the Way.
I’m still a beginner, what can I say?
(18) It is hard to follow the way of a saviour.
I’m following the path set out by Buddha Amituofo to be reborn in the Pureland of Ultimate Bliss.
(19) It is hard to be always the master of oneself.
I’m half-innocent…
(20) It is hard to understand thoroughly the Ways of Buddha.”
That’s why I was born again as a human in this lifetime due to my karma. If I’m given an option to start all over again, I would rather not.
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