Buddha crossing a predestined person: Dharma and wisdom in life

Chapter 63 Cultivate self-examination with the Buddha's heart——Buddha does not cross me, I cross by myself (5)
According to reports, a certain ministry and a certain province jointly operated a pharmaceutical factory whose main product is "vitamin C" for ten years. So far, it has suffered heavy losses. What is the reason?It turned out that the decision-makers "self-righteously" believed that the market for "vitamin C" was in the ascendant, so they put all their efforts to build factories, but they didn't know that the international market was saturated before they produced a few tons of products; they "self-righteously" imported "vitamin C" from Switzerland. "Advanced" equipment, but they don't know that the equipment provided is only a research institution with only 20 people, and they are simply unable to manufacture the large-scale machines we need; ; They "self-righteously" allocate large sums of money, causing the country to lose tens of billions... all because of their "self-righteousness"! ——If the "self-righteousness" of the "old people" just adds some jokes to life, then, can we still afford and laugh in the face of "self-righteous" people who make "vitamin C"?

The great French writer Romain Rolland once said: "Man believes in God because he has no self-confidence." If we add another sentence, it would be: "Because man has too much self-confidence, he regards himself as God."

In a church in Northern Europe, there is a crucifix of Jesus crucified, about the size of an ordinary person.Because of the responsiveness, there are so many people who come here to pray and worship, it can almost be described as a crowd.

There was a gatekeeper in the church who felt that Jesus on the cross had to deal with the demands of so many people every day, and he couldn’t bear it. He hoped to share Jesus’ hard work.When he prayed one day, he showed this heart to Jesus.Unexpectedly, he heard a voice saying, "Okay! I will come down to watch the door for you, and you will come up to be crucified. But no matter what you see or hear, you must not say a word." Mr. Wei felt that this request was very simple.So Jesus came down, and the gentleman at the gate went up, stretching out his arms like Jesus being crucified. This gentleman also followed the previous agreement, remained silent, and listened to the hearts of believers.

There is an endless stream of people coming and going, and their prayers are reasonable and unreasonable, and there are all kinds of strange things.But in any case, he refrained from speaking, because he had to keep his previous promise.

One day a rich merchant came. When the rich merchant had finished praying, he forgot the bag at hand and left.He saw it, and really wanted to call the rich businessman back, but he couldn't say anything; then a poor man came, and he prayed that Jesus would help him overcome the difficulties in life.When I was about to leave, I found the bag left by the rich businessman before, and it was full of money when I opened it.The poor man was overjoyed, Jesus was so kind and responsive, and he left with great gratitude.

The disguised Jesus on the cross saw it and wanted to tell him that this is not yours.However, the agreement came first, and he still held back and couldn't speak.Next came a young man who was about to go on a long journey to the sea. He came to pray for Jesus to bless him and be safe.Just as he was about to leave, the wealthy businessman rushed in, grabbed the young man's skirt, and demanded that he pay back the money. The young man didn't know what was going on, and the two quarreled.

At this time, the false Jesus on the cross finally couldn't bear it, so he spoke.Now that the matter is clear, the rich businessman goes to the poor man who picked up his money, while the young man leaves in a hurry, fearing that he will not be able to board the boat.The real Jesus appeared, pointed to the man on the cross and said, "Come down! You are not qualified for that position."

The gatekeeper said, "Isn't it right for me to tell the truth and do justice?"

Jesus said: "What do you know? The rich businessman is not short of money. His bag of money is just for whoring, but for the poor, it is enough to solve the family's livelihood. The most pitiful thing is the young man. If the rich businessman The entanglement has delayed his time to go to sea, but he can still save his life, and now, the boat he was on is sinking into the sea."

This is a story that sounds like a joke, but it reveals: "In real life, we often think that our ideas are the best, but they often backfire."

Self-righteous people are mostly because they do have something to be proud of, which makes people feel admiration for them, and even learn from them.However, excessive pride, even arrogance, arrogance, and pride beyond the margins indicate a danger, a potentially huge crisis.

Why wait for the zero to fall, and then realize the emptiness

Chuang Tzu tells us that we must be superb in our lives and conduct ourselves in the world, and that we must be extraordinary in our own attainments, and not be constrained by external circumstances. Although we are in the material world, our spirit must be detached, just like a butcher undoes an ox.However, in spite of this, people are still cautious in everything they do.

There is a sentence in Chapter 15 of Lao Tzu's "Tao Te Ching": "Yu Xi, Ruo Dong Shi Chuan".Yu is a very timid beast.It is very dangerous to pass through the thin ice on the river in winter.Because Yu was timid, every time he crossed the thin ice, he was cautious, focused, and did not dare to take it lightly, so he never missed a step.Lao Tzu used facts as a metaphor to advise people to be cautious in everything they do, just like walking on thin ice, and they must not be sloppy at all.

Comrade Mao Zedong once praised Comrade Ye Jianying with the phrase "Zhuge is only cautious in his life, but Lu Duan is not confused about major issues". "Caution" is the foundation of "not confused".A prudent person must be a clear-headed person, not confused in the face of big right and wrong, even in small things, small emotions, and small details of life.

From this, I think of the two leading cadres reported by the news media: one never dines with merchants or travels in private, and always keeps a sufficient distance; Others go to their own homes.It's not that they lack human touch, it's not that they don't want to have a good relationship with everyone, but they want to avoid "right and wrong".

To put it bluntly, this "right and wrong" is actually a potential danger.Our leading cadres at all levels hold large and small powers in their hands, and they are particularly easy to become the targets of "rent-seeking" by those with ulterior motives.From a certain point of view, people may set traps everywhere in the work circle, life circle, social circle, entertainment circle, etc. of leading cadres—trying out all kinds of methods, using various channels, and using various means to let you If you are used by them, you may also go astray in lawlessness, corruption and depravity.Leading cadres must be highly vigilant and cautious.Leading cadres must of course contact the masses to share their worries and worries.There are many ways to contact, but all must take "safety" as the first principle.On this point, leading cadres really can't "confuse with the general public", and really have to learn from Zhuge Liang-"the only thing to be cautious in life".

For example, ordinary people are "not afraid of many friends, but only one enemy".Leading cadres should not make friends rashly, let alone naively think that their large number of followers and responders are purely due to their personality charm, and those who climb dragons and phoenixes are by no means true friends.For some interpersonal interactions outside of official duties, you must resist when you should boycott, and refuse when you should refuse. Whether it is "inhumane" or "enjoying solitude", keep yourself away from dangerous situations.

For another example, ordinary people like collecting stamps, collecting, writing, painting, raising birds, and fishing, which adds to the fun of life and is a good thing.Leading cadres should be especially careful not to be burdened by their own elegant interests, and to be caught in a tight siege by others.It is not to say that leading cadres must be uninterested people, but it is much "safer" for them to cultivate their hobbies behind closed doors and not make it known to everyone.

"Walking by the river often keeps your shoes from getting wet." It is very valuable to be able to do this. This should also be the training and pursuit of leading cadres at all levels for their strong party spirit.However, if your skill and concentration are not enough, or in other words, it is safer and safer, it is better to avoid going to the "river".Being cautious in everything and staying away from "danger" is a good medicine for leading cadres at all levels to prevent their own corruption.

In the 6th year of Longqing in the Ming Dynasty, Zhang Juzheng, a native of Jingzhou, was promoted to a bachelor of the Wenhua Palace and entered the cabinet. Soon after, he ascended to the high position of the chief minister of the imperial court, that is, the prime minister.For this prominent figure who is above 1 people and under 50 person, the ruling and opposition parties tried their best to flatter him and carry him a "sedan chair", but Zhang Juzheng was unmoved.The most typical example is Zhao Qian, who was the prefect of Jingzhou at that time, suggested that the wealthy in Jingzhou City donate more than [-] taels of silver to build a majestic "Zhang Dashi Memorial Archway" outside the east gate of Jingzhou City, and sent Master Song to the capital, thinking Please invite Zhang Juzheng to come forward and ask the current emperor to give a forehead to the memorial archway.This is really a big "sedan chair" that replaces Zhang Juzheng's Guangzong Yaozu and becomes famous.But Zhang Juzheng not only refused to invite the emperor, but also brought a letter to demolish the archway.Zhao Qian thought that Zhang Juzheng was just making excuses and talking about it, and he didn't take it seriously. He also asked Xu Jie, the former prime minister of Zhishiju Shishou, to write a couplet to add glory to the archway.Later, Zhang Juzheng was very annoyed when he learned of this from Jin Xuezeng, the tax official of Jingzhou.

This story, which has been passed down through the ages, has left us with profound enlightenment:
As the chief assistant, Zhang Juzheng has a high position and power.However, in order to implement the Wanli New Deal, rectify the administration of officials, reform taxation, sort out finances, and strengthen the country and enrich the people, he walked on thin ice, kept a low profile, kept a low profile, and prevented any negligence. pretext.Sending Tiqi soldiers to dismantle the "Master Zhang Archway" is just a typical example of his low-key life.It is precisely because of his cautiousness that those who attacked him could not catch him, and the Wanli New Deal was implemented, which made his 10 years as the chief assistant the most prosperous period of the Ming Dynasty, and also made him a shining star. A generation of names in the annals of history.

Wisdom lies in governing the big, and prudence lies in being afraid of the small. One thoughtful thought is better than a hundred hasty actions.Respect is the head of virtue, and prudence is the foundation of practice.Prudence is the basis of "not being confused".A prudent person must be a clear-headed person, and he must not be confused in the face of big right and wrong.In life, there are words that bring disasters and actions that bring shame. If you want to make meritorious deeds, of course you must be extra cautious.Be a low-key person, do things with an open mind, think carefully, and act diligently.Foresight comes first, and there is no danger nearby.When you are in good times, you will be smug and complacent, but when you encounter setbacks, you will complain and complain, and you will not be able to become grand. "Always walk by the river, but don't get your shoes wet" refers to your skill and concentration. When you lower your head, you should also learn to look up at the sky.Observing silently, with a mind like still water, being modest and prudent, things will come easily.Being cautious is the best way to stay away from danger and ensure safety. Relying on prudence is better than relying on recklessness. Only by being cautious can you be sure of success. Therefore, you must ask yourself if you are cautious.

Pain is the best life teacher in our life to help us grow wisely.

There are two kinds of human growth, one is to deal with the increasing responsibilities and pressures of life on us one by one logically, and slowly increase the cognition of life under relatively smooth conditions; In a cruel way, it uses the most unexpected means to tear away the truth of life for us at once, break all our illusions, and force us to mature or grow old quickly in the shortest possible time.In any case, both are the tests of life, and we must stand the tests to know the mysteries of life.

A person who has not experienced deep pain himself cannot have a deep understanding of the pain of others.A person who ignores his pain, a person who does not draw lessons and wisdom from pain, cannot have profound life wisdom.It is impossible for a person who has not come out of pain to develop a truly positive attitude towards life.

Balzac once said: "Suffering is a stepping stone for a genius, a fortune for a capable person, but an abyss for a mediocre person."

Around us, there are actually many people who are always in the chaotic period of their minds. Their minds may never have been enlightened, so how can we make them realize that their minds need to grow?
Xu Jingdong said: Painful!When your mind is suffering, it is precisely your life that reminds you that you need to pay attention to your mind and that you need to change.So pain is not entirely a bad thing. If you take this opportunity to examine and maintain your mind, then pain becomes an opportunity for your mind to grow to some extent.Almost every growth of the soul is accompanied by tears, growing in pain, and thus gaining the joy of growth.

In the face of misfortune in life, whether there is a strong and resolute character, in a sense, is also a sign that distinguishes great people from mediocre people.In the face of adversity and misfortune, some people do not give in, do not waver, do not flinch, go forward bravely, persevere in a tenacious struggle against difficulties and misfortune, until they win the final victory, and finally become the masters of their own destiny.

Pain is the prelude to growth, and pain is the catalyst for success.Only those who dare to fight resolutely and thoroughly against difficulties can touch the trophy of success.

Avoiding, crying, and moaning are not the solution to the problem; begging for sympathy and help from others can only make others look down on you even more.And those who can move people are always those who can resist setbacks with all their strength, and stand up again and again after falling down again and again.

After the pain, maybe in front of flowers and applause, you will go to the other side - proud.But the master warned us again - if you are proud, you will die.When you are happy in life, it is easy to forget your form, and once you forget your form, you don’t know what your last name is, so evil thoughts and deeds will take advantage of the gap.

The motto of modern people is "behave with your tail between your legs when you are in good times, and be a man with your chest held out in times of adversity", which is the above truth.

"When you are proud, you will die", the most classic example is probably Zhuangzi's "Praying Mantis Catch the Cicada".

One day, Zhuangzi saw a big bird, but it flew very low.Feeling strange, he chased into the woods with a bow and arrow.Seeing a cicada complacently on a leaf, it attracted the attention of the mantis. When the mantis was about to draw out its long mantis arms to catch the cicada, a squirrel was already waiting behind.Seeing this shocking scene, Zhuangzi threw away his bow and arrow and ran home!He thought, in this world, for the sake of immediate interests and personal interests, when will things harm each other?But the guards thought Zhuangzi had stolen the fruit, and shouted, "Hey! Why are you running?"

When you see the benefits in front of you, you will be complacent and forget yourself, which will endanger your life!It's not just a matter of failure.

The cicada gets carried away and forgets to restrain itself, which leads to danger of life; the praying mantis pushes itself into a dangerous situation by showing off for profit; while the oriole is watching this scene quietly, waiting for its own victory, thinking that it has the best chance of winning; unfortunately, there is Aim its bow and arrow!

Risk of forgetting the shape.The forgetful loses!

Isn't this obvious?
In the "Book of Changes", this aspect is discussed in depth.It said that the flowers are in full bloom, what a proud thing it is, enjoy it!However, after being proud and enjoying yourself, it is withered.Only when it is ready to bloom is the long-lasting beauty.

Therefore, it can be seen that getting carried away with elation or frustration is due to insufficient "degree", superficiality or ignorance.

Half a bucket of water is swaying.Those who get carried away lose!

Wisdom and prudence are the two feet to get out of the predicament.

When there is no way, there may be a way, as long as we put our heart into it.

When there is a way, there may be no way in an instant, if we are careless.

The ancients lost Jingzhou carelessly, and we may lose everything, even life, if we are careless.

"Things cannot be connected in the end, so you can accept it." There are two old sayings in China: "A person is not happy for a thousand days, and a flower is not popular for a hundred days." Two good friends, especially two husbands and wives, rarely do not fight for a thousand days , there is no flower that does not wither after blooming for a hundred days.How well we ancients see history, the best time is the beginning of the bad.

We look at the Han and Tang dynasties in Chinese history, and the Roman era in Western history. When they were at their peak, they declined.The same is true for a family. When it is prosperous, the children and daughters-in-law become delicate. If they are too delicate, they will be extremely happy. If they are not, they will come.This is not only true of people, but also of history and social development. If you understand life, that’s all.

(End of this chapter)