R ealizing this, the wise perform, as they ought to, meritorious deeds; and by doing so, they attain in their birth skhandhas (aggregates), ayatanas (sphere of meeting or basis of consciousness), and dhatus (elements) of noble nature, and they are pleasing to the eye of those who look at them. quote 8747 | The Discourse on the Ten Wholesome Ways of Action Sutra Spoken by Buddha on the Way of Ten Meritorious Deeds, Tr. Wong Mou-Lam
A gain, please look at the Mahasattvas present here. How elegant and pure are their magnificent forms! This is due solely to the performance of good deeds. quote 8746 | The Discourse on the Ten Wholesome Ways of Action Sutra Spoken by Buddha on the Way of Ten Meritorious Deeds, Tr. Wong Mou-Lam
A gain, look at the eight species of devas, nagas, etc. All of them are powerful and influential beings, and their favourite birth is also due to the merit of their good deeds. quote 8745 | The Discourse on the Ten Wholesome Ways of Action Sutra Spoken by Buddha on the Way of Ten Meritorious Deeds, Tr. Wong Mou-Lam
D ifferent ways of thinking lead sentient beings to different kinds of action which in turn subjects them to rebirth in different states of existence. quote 8744 | The Discourse on the Ten Wholesome Ways of Action Sutra Spoken by Buddha on the Way of Ten Meritorious Deeds, Tr. Wong Mou-Lam
N ow, why they are called meritorious dharmas? Because they are fundamental religious duties, by practicing which all men, devas, Arhats, Pratyeka Buddhas, and Supremely Enlightened Buddhas attain their respective fruits. Therefore they are called meritorious dharmas. quote 8743 | The Discourse on the Ten Wholesome Ways of Action Sutra Spoken by Buddha on the Way of Ten Meritorious Deeds, Tr. Wong Mou-Lam
Y our Majesty, you should understand thoroughly the law of cause and effect and as a rule practise good deeds. Make this your constant study and practice and make all sentient beings to do likewise. Towards the Bhikshus (lit. the fields of merit), respect them, feed them, and rejoice at their holiness. For doing so, you are now respected by men and devas who make offering to you. quote 8742 | The Discourse on the Ten Wholesome Ways of Action Sutra Spoken by Buddha on the Way of Ten Meritorious Deeds, Tr. Wong Mou-Lam
N ow, Your Majesty, when you look at the body of a Buddha begotten by hundred thousand kotis of meritorious and virtuous deeds, you notice that every part of it is in magnificent form. Its splendor outshines that of the assembly . . . quote 8741 | The Discourse on the Ten Wholesome Ways of Action Sutra Spoken by Buddha on the Way of Ten Meritorious Deeds, Tr. Wong Mou-Lam
Y our Majesty, we should know this. There is one way for the Bodhisattva to annihilate all sufferings of evil existence. What is this one way? It is this; from day to night, remember constantly the meritorious dharmas, think of them and make observations on them, so that their impression becomes stronger and stronger in the mind and not the least evil thought can have a chance to mingle therein. Such a practice will enable one to free oneself for ever from evil deeds, to complete the work of meritorious dharmas and to have frequent opportunities to be in the presence of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and other holy persons (for their teaching). quote 8740 | The Discourse on the Ten Wholesome Ways of Action Sutra Spoken by Buddha on the Way of Ten Meritorious Deeds, Tr. Wong Mou-Lam
N ow, Your Majesty, do you notice the variety of forms, colours and species in this congregation and in the sea? Are they not different from one another? Now, all these variations are due to the mind which is responsible for our bodily, oral, and mental acts of either meritorious or de-meritorious nature. quote 8739 | The Discourse on the Ten Wholesome Ways of Action Sutra Spoken by Buddha on the Way of Ten Meritorious Deeds, Tr. Wong Mou-Lam
A s to the mind itself, it is immaterial, unknowable, and ungraspable. It is nothing but a collection of phenomena, transient and delusive by nature. Categorically, things have no absolute existence of their own and there is neither a ‘self ’ nor concomitance of a ‘self.’ In accordance with their karma (deeds), things appear in various forms; but positively, there is no creator at the back of them. Hence all dharmas (things or phenomena) are above speech and concept, and their very own nature is phantom-like. quote 8738 | The Discourse on the Ten Wholesome Ways of Action Sutra Spoken by Buddha on the Way of Ten Meritorious Deeds, Tr. Wong Mou-Lam
T hese ten meritorious deeds will lead us to master completely the Dharmas . . . all men and devas maintain their footing upon these ten meritorious ways which form the principal base of all merits . . . Therefore all of you should practice them diligently. quote 8737 | The Discourse on the Ten Wholesome Ways of Action Sutra Spoken by Buddha on the Way of Ten Meritorious Deeds, Tr. Wong Mou-Lam
T hese meritorious dharmas are the ten meritorious deeds. What are they? They are:—abstinence forever from killing, stealing, unchaste conduct, lying, slandering, harsh language, frivolous talks, covetousness, anger, and heretical views. quote 8736 | The Discourse on the Ten Wholesome Ways of Action Sutra Spoken by Buddha on the Way of Ten Meritorious Deeds, Tr. Wong Mou-Lam
T here is no lowliness in this person’s mind and he is not arrogant. quote 8735 | The Sutra of Immeasurable Life The Infinite Life Sutra , Chapter 43
F or seeking this Dharma, one should not have a mind of regression and flattery. quote 8734 | The Sutra of Immeasurable Life The Infinite Life Sutra , Chapter 43
Y ou should foster the great benefit and wholesomeness for rebirth into the Pure Land. quote 8733 | The Sutra of Immeasurable Life The Infinite Life Sutra , Chapter 46
B e filial to the Buddha. quote 8732 | The Sutra of Immeasurable Life The Infinite Life Sutra , Chapter 46
B e constantly mindful of the kindness of the teacher. quote 8731 | The Sutra of Immeasurable Life The Infinite Life Sutra , Chapter 46
[ It is really a great virtue to] guard your mind, correct your behaviour, and not to commit numerous offenses in this world. quote 8730 | The Sutra of Immeasurable Life The Infinite Life Sutra , Chapter 35
I f one can set one’s body upright, then one should correct their mind and match their words with their conduct. Thus, what one does is strictly out of sincerity. quote 8729 | The Sutra of Immeasurable Life The Infinite Life Sutra , Chapter 35
D o good deeds and commit no evil offenses. quote 8728 | The Sutra of Immeasurable Life The Infinite Life Sutra , Chapter 35
Y our words and conduct should be true and unwavering, and your outside should match up with your inside. quote 8727 | The Sutra of Immeasurable Life The Infinite Life Sutra , Chapter 34
Y ou should determine to cleanse the defilement in your mind. quote 8726 | The Sutra of Immeasurable Life The Infinite Life Sutra , Chapter 34
W e are now receiving the Buddha’s clear admonitions and we will diligently follow and practice them according to your teachings and will not have any doubt. quote 8725 | The Sutra of Immeasurable Life The Infinite Life Sutra , Chapter 34
