Dear friends, hello everyone! Today, I’d like to share a profound truth with you: Weakness and yielding to greed can only result in a tofu-like life—soft and fragile—forever unable to become the greatest, the highest, or the most capable bearer of responsibility. Only by being free of desire can one stand firm like a towering cliff! Success is granted to those who are prepared. Let us explore the law of cause and effect regarding abstaining from frivolous speech and greed, as taught in the Sutra of the Ten Wholesome Deeds, and understand how we can achieve wisdom and freedom through practice.
1. Abstaining from Frivolous Speech: From Cause to Effect, Achieving Three Certainties
The Sutra of the Ten Wholesome Deeds states: “If one abstains from frivolous speech, one will achieve three certainties.” What are these three certainties? They reveal the law of cause and effect in refining our speech.
First, Cause: By abandoning idle talk and frivolous speech, one’s words will surely be precise and problem-solving; Effect: They will certainly be loved by the wise. When we discard meaningless chatter, every word we speak targets the core of the matter, naturally earning the admiration of the wise.
Second, Cause: By abandoning idle talk and frivolous speech, one’s words will surely be precise and problem-solving; Effect: One will certainly be able to respond to questions with wisdom and truth. Because our speech becomes pure, our answers are truthful and compelling, inspiring trust.
Third, Cause: By abandoning idle talk and frivolous speech, one’s words will surely be precise and problem-solving; Effect: One will certainly attain supreme dignity among humans and deities, free from falsehood. When our words are no longer hollow, our dignity emerges naturally, unmatched in its authenticity.
If we dedicate this merit to the pursuit of supreme enlightenment (Anuttara-samyak-sambodhi), then when we attain Buddhahood, all the prophecies bestowed by the Tathagata will come to fruition without fail. This teaches us: The purification of speech is the starting point of wisdom and dignity.
2. Abstaining from Greed: From Cause to Effect, Achieving Five Freedoms
The sutra further states: “If one abstains from greed, one will achieve five freedoms.” These five freedoms also follow the law of cause and effect.
First, Cause: If one overcomes the hindrance of greed; Effect: The three actions of body, speech, and mind become free as desired, with all faculties complete (fully charged six senses). This is the basic quality of practice—freedom of body and mind arises from the absence of desire.
Second, Cause: If one overcomes the hindrance of greed; Effect: Wealth becomes free, untouchable by any thieves or enemies. Free from grasping, possessions are no longer vulnerable.
Third, Cause: If one overcomes the hindrance of greed; Effect: Blessings and virtues become free, with all things provided as desired. Without greed, blessings naturally flow, fulfilling every need.
Fourth, Cause: If one overcomes the hindrance of greed; Effect: Sovereignty becomes free, with rare and wondrous treasures offered in tribute. Without craving, respect and offerings come naturally.
Fifth, Cause: If one overcomes the hindrance of greed; Effect: What is gained surpasses one’s original wishes by a hundredfold, due to the absence of stinginess and jealousy in the past. A selfless cause yields extraordinary results.
If we dedicate this practice to supreme enlightenment, then upon attaining Buddhahood, we will be revered as the most honored in the three realms, respected and supported by all. This is the ultimate fruit of abstaining from greed.
Conclusion: Planting the Seeds of Strength
Dear friends, the law of cause and effect in abstaining from frivolous speech and greed is our guide to achieving a strong and resolute life. Starting today, let us purify our speech and let go of greed, planting the seeds of wisdom and freedom. By doing so, we will surely reap the fruits of success. May we encourage one another on this path!
Thank you all!
