His Holiness the Sakya Trichen (the 41st Sakya Trizin) bestowed a two-day teaching on May 28 and 29, 2012 at Tai Pei Buddhist Center, Singapore, jointly organized by Sakya Tenphel Ling (Singapore Sasana Center) and Pureland Marketing.
Addressing people at all levels of the path and all states of belief, His Holiness emphasizes in this teaching that basic human goodness is the first thing that should be on all our agendas. Becoming a good person is the foundation for any spiritual practice.
The teaching has two parts. The first describes basic human qualities—love, compassion, and tolerance—that all of us, regardless of our religious beliefs, can cultivate to become better human beings. The second part describes how Buddhist teachings build upon these innate human qualities to guide us to ultimate, permanent, and complete happiness, or the state of buddhahood.
In lucid language, His Holiness unfolds how the Buddhist path rests on a profound philosophy of the nature of the mind and on the nature of human beings. Because we are sentient beings—because we have minds—we have the potential to become buddhas. This is called buddha nature. Buddhahood, the state of ultimate happiness and peace, can be achieved by anyone if the right efforts are made and the right attitudes and right motivations are adopted.
Source: This teaching was obtained from Goh Ee Choo Youtube.
What sets us apart from a buddha? Is it feasible for an ordinary being to attain buddhahood?
The Buddha asserted that each sentient being possesses buddha nature, the inherent potential for enlightenment.
If this is indeed the case, why haven't we reached buddhahood yet?
In comparison to other sentient beings, humans have an advantage in achieving enlightenment because we all possess fundamental human virtues and have the capacity to cultivate them. These virtues serve as the foundation for enlightenment and are the key to attaining genuine peace, happiness, and success.
Given that we already possess the necessary conditions, why can't we attain lasting happiness? Why do we continue to experience moments of sadness and dissatisfaction?
For those who seek liberation and aspire to attain enlightenment, how can they do so?
In this teaching, His Holiness gradually imparts the essential principles for achieving both worldly and spiritual objectives, aiding us in gaining a deeper understanding of ourselves and our minds. This understanding will enable us to face life's challenges with confidence.
This Dharma teachings e-library is made possible by a grant from Sachen Foundation, and the generous donations of the Yueh Family Charitable Fund, and the Chan Family.