Seven ways to know what is good
One day, the Buddha was discoursing in Jetvana Vihara in Sravasti on the Dharma to achieve ultimate restful happiness. " Bikshus! If seven ways are comprehended and practised in accordance, restful bliss can be attained and defilements eliminated."
The followers asked in delight:" Buddha! What are they?"
The Buddha said:" The seven ways are:
- To know the Dharma: to know that all things worldly arise as a result of the twelve links of causes and conditions, namely ignorance, volitional formation, consciousness, name-form, the six sense organs, contact, feelings, desires, clinging, existence, birth, aging and death.
- To know the implications : to know what is implied in the contents of the sutras.
- To know the timing : to know what is the suitable time to cultivate.
- To know discipline : to know when to restrain in the consumption of food, clothing, medicine and engagement in daily activities.
- To know yourself: to know your own beliefs, precepts you observe, knowledge, capacity to give, moral values, verbal skills and abilities.
- To know the public : to know the clans, the castes, and preach them the Dharma with expediency.
- To know the distinction of the honourable from the unhonourable: to know the merits and detriments of people's conduct."
The Buddha continued:" How can you tell who is good and who is bad? There are two kinds of people. One have beliefs, and the other do not. We should praise those who have beliefs. But they are further classified into two groups. One of these always frequent the places of practice and acquaint with the Sramanas while the other does not. The group that does so should be exalted. Yet this group is further divided into those who respect the Sramanas and those who do not. Those who do are again made up of two lots. One lot likes to query the sutra and Dharma while the other does not. Those who do like to query consist of the ones who would listen attentively as well as those who would not. Those who listen attentively may accept and practise the Dharma or not. Those who do so comprise of some who really understand the meaning of what they are practising and those who do not understand. Some of those who do understand and practise may only be concerned with themselves without sympathy for the others,while there are some who may help others to settle their minds and benefit from the Dharma as well.These latter ones who initiate the great Bodhi mind are the most honourable. They are analogous to the cream derived from milk. They are the holy ones who truly deserve the respect and praise of all!"
Having heard this revelation, the Bikshus felt like they had tasted of sweet dew, and happily accepted it with conviction.
[ 'The Avatamsaka Sutra'said: " The Bodhi mind is like a wondrous flower, which is admired by all in the world. The Bodhi mind is filled with wholesome views, and is like the king of medicines who can cure the sickness resulting from all defilements. The Bodhi mind is like a hidden treasure, which has an inexhaustible supply of merits. The Bodhi mind is like a gushing fountain, from which the water of wisdom flows in profusion." The Buddha's unselfish attitude of embracing all under his shield is demonstrative of his magnanimous will to salvage the world.]
