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2013.09.21 SNN The Nine Bonds (Part 3)

posted Sep 16, 2013, 10:18 AM by Seminar Coordinator   [ updated Sep 21, 2013, 6:53 AM ]

Discussion Topics

  1. If we are arrogant, our character is flawed. If we have character flaws, works that we do will not be perfect. Of course, that is the reason that we cannot see things as perfect. This is Arrogance.  Does this statement make you think differently about "your" perfection...or, how you perceive it?
  2. "When our minds are focused on the conflicts around people, matters and things, it is likely that (several) kinds of arrogance arise."  In Tzu Chi, our Training Ground, do you think Master intentionally created opportunities for our Cultivation?  How we must work together, get along and get things done amidst EVERYONE's varying levels of Arrogance?  Relate an experience that you or someone you know had about conflicts...what happened in the end?  How does knowing this Dharma help you in Tzu Chi when conflicts arise?
  3. In the past, we may not have viewed someone with Arrogance as in suffering.  Master reminds us that this is indeed the case.  Does this perspective change alter the way in which you now view Arrogant people?

  4. The fifth is Augmented Arrogance, in which one "Lays claim to unattained Dharma." In the Lotus Sutra, The Buddha criticized people who claimed they had what they did not have. This is the worst kind of Arrogance. Augmented Arrogance leads one to make false claims. Even if one only has partial understanding, one claims to know it all.

    While working with others or within society, one refuses to be humble or ask for assistance with humility. Upon hearing something one does not comprehend, one claims full understanding. This is what we usually call showing off.

    Indeed! Using what is false to inflate one's ego called Augmented Arrogance. If we are entrenched in the belief that our understanding is comparable to Buddha's, that is wrong.   QUESTION:  Master tells us what is wrong...the wrong way of behaving.  There is no gray area.  Does this help you in understanding Tzu Chi ideals more fully?
  5. "Everyone, we must work in Unity with Concerted Effort. When we put our minds together, we have great strength. If we can be united under the same goal, work hard together and share this experience, then we can mobilize everyone and amplify our strength.

    When we interact with others, we should try to foster harmony. With harmony, we can bridge the gap between us and enter into each other's hearts. If our minds can meet this way, we can lead such an endearing life.

    With a meeting of our minds, I can be a mirror for your faults, so you can see yourself clearly. If I have faults, you can be my mirror, so I can see my flaws. Thus our characters can be perfect. So, we must exchange ideas, join our minds to harmoniously build this bridge. After we cross it, we can walk together. Then road stretches on after the bridge, so we need to show mutual love.

    Does this passage above help you understand where Tzu Chi's "Four in One (4-1) Organizational Structure derives?  How it's origins lie in the Dharma?  

    Here is a resource to guide you in this structure Tzu Chi 4 in 1 Structure

2013.09.21 SNN The Nine Bonds ‎(Part 3)‎


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