Hello everyone. Welcome to this episode of the podcast contributed by the Buddhas’ Practice Incorporated of Australia.
Today, we’re going to discuss a topic that seems insignificant but wields incredible power: our inner afflictions and the words we speak. These afflictions may seem intangible, yet they have the power to destroy lives.
The Immense Danger of Afflictions
When afflictions arise, if we allow them to grow, they can bring about extreme danger. Some people, in a moment of emotional turmoil, have acted on these impulses and paid with their lives. That restless energy can make a person completely irrational, leading to reckless and foolish actions. This is especially dangerous when driving. If you feel this surge of affliction, you must pull over immediately and find a safe place to stop. Don’t go anywhere or get back on the road. When your mind is consumed by affliction and anger, everything you see is a source of irritation. You might even get angry at an oncoming car, which could turn you into a “dead pig” at an intersection. This is not an exaggeration. We’ve heard stories since childhood, like the one about a couple arguing, where the husband, in a fit of rage, choked his wife to death. In a mere minute or two, a family was shattered, and the husband was sent to prison. When this surge of emotion is uncontrolled, people are capable of anything.
The Unspoken Power of Speech
Every word we utter, good or bad, creates a consequence. It is recorded in our “eighth consciousness” and will manifest when the time is right. Therefore, never speak with a malicious tongue. Never curse yourself or others. For example, in the past, we might have gotten angry while driving and cursed a person who got in our way, saying, “Why don’t you just die!”
Or we might curse ourselves, saying, “I’m in pain here, I’m in pain there,” to get out of work. We might even say, “Oh, I’m dying, stop bothering me!” These seemingly insignificant words, when their karmic cause matures, can truly lead you to a “dying state.” As for cursing others, the one who suffers in the end is yourself. What you say to others is what you ultimately receive. Conversely, if you say, “You’re about to become a Buddha,” or “You have great wisdom,” these positive words will ultimately benefit you. You are the one who receives the good karma you create. Why would you want to harm yourself?
The Mystery of Karmic Retribution
The arising of afflictions can be triggered by existing circumstances, but sometimes, they appear for “no apparent reason.” This is because the karma you created in the past has matured and is now destined to manifest. Even without any external events, it will emerge on its own. At this moment, if you follow and amplify that affliction, you are adding fuel to the fire, which is extremely dangerous. It will double your power and allow you to commit a grave mistake.
So, how do we deal with these afflictions and protect ourselves?
Awareness and Vigilance: When you notice that everything is bothering you and you feel restless, you must be extremely careful. This is a sign that your karma is maturing. You must understand that the more your karma matures, the more powerful it will become if you follow it with affliction.
Stop Acting: As mentioned before, when the force of affliction becomes too powerful to control, immediately stop any dangerous activities, such as driving or working.
Stay Still and Don’t Act: If you cannot completely resolve your afflictions, try your best to “stay still.” If you don’t act, nothing can affect you. The force of affliction won’t last forever; as long as you don’t follow it, it will eventually subside on its own. If you follow it, you will only strengthen its power.
Seek Help from Buddhas and Bodhisattvas: Chanting the names of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva and Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva can help you suppress afflictions.
Sincere Repentance: We must sincerely repent for any harmful words we have spoken in the past.
Cultivate Wisdom and Discipline: If you can cultivate wisdom, you can suppress afflictions. With a high level of spiritual discipline, you can even dissolve them. However, if you haven’t reached that level yet, the most important thing is not to be controlled by them.
Conclusion
Please remember, every time an affliction arises, it is an opportunity to learn. As long as we are aware of it and refuse to act recklessly, it is just an experience. Once you’ve gone through it once, the next time it appears, you will be better prepared to handle it. Never underestimate it, because we have created so much karma in the past, and once it matures, it will manifest. Learning to control yourself and not follow afflictions is the best way to protect and bless yourself. Thank you for listening.
