The reunions and partings on the road of life are varied. Some are as vibrant and beautiful as summer flowers, breathtaking in their splendor; others are as desolate as fallen leaves, leaving a lingering sorrow that is hard to forget. Some encounters are destined to stir our hearts, and some people are destined to be engraved in our memories. No one can escape the joy of reunion, nor can they conceal the choking sorrow of farewell...
On the art of using money: A million can buy a house, offering comfort and ease; ten thousand cannot buy a house, but it can buy a car, providing convenience in travel; ten thousand cannot buy a car, but it can buy a diamond ring, sealing a lifelong bond; a thousand cannot buy a ring, but it can buy a watch, allowing one to manage time; a hundred cannot buy a watch, but it can buy a set of books, enriching the mind; ten yuan cannot buy books, but it can buy a bowl of noodles, ensuring one is fed; one yuan cannot buy noodles, but it can be given to a beggar, showing kindness and love.
Be strict with yourself, and lenient with others.
Avoiding closeness is often the greatest craving for intimacy. A child craves a mother's hug; after longing for it for too long, when the mother opens her arms, the child may resist, gaining a life insight. Many people respond to intimacy in relationships this way, leading to increasing estrangement over time. Upon realizing this, and seeing the sadness and fear behind the avoidance, a sincere and devoted embrace without doubt can break the other person's defense.
Be a simple person. Do not ruin friendship for profit, nor let wealth compromise your character. Respect the elderly, protect the weak, be sincere and upright, honoring heaven above and your conscience below. Be a simple person with a kind heart who knows gratitude. Live with an optimistic mindset, free from complaints or negativity. Cherish your body and mind your words and actions.
Treating those who are 'disagreeable': The entire process of learning Buddhism is essentially the process of subduing the mind. This is the method that runs throughout, with no other path. Subdue your unbalanced mind, your unclean mind, your mind of difference, your discriminating mind, your mind of anger, and your mind of ignorance. Keep your mind on the right path, seeing all sentient beings as bodhisattvas, and acknowledging that only I am truly an ordinary person. Believe it, and there will be no one in your sight who is disagreeable. A true practitioner sees no faults in the world; when the mind is at peace, all beings are at peace.
