This post continues the Venerable Ya-un’s Admonitions to Myself. Here he warns us about the limitations of desire, while encouraging us to pay attention to what lasts and what benefits us longterm.

Greed is the foremost cause of a suffering-filled rebirth.[1] Giving is foremost among the six good practices.[2] Stinginess and greed prevent you from attaining the true path, while compassion and giving help protect you from falling into evil ways. If a poor person comes to you begging for help, you should not be reluctant, even if you are in hard circumstances yourself. You came into this world with nothing and you will leave it with nothing. You should not cling to even your own possessions, so how can you think about other’s belongings? When this body dies, what will you take with you?

The only thing that will follow you is the karma that you have made. If you cultivate your mind for three days, it can become a treasure that lasts for a thousand years. However, the accumulated possessions of a hundred years of desire will all be reduced to dust in the span of a few hours.

Where does the suffering of the three evil rebirths come from?

From greed and desire accumulated over many lifetimes.

Contenting myself with the Buddha’s robe and bowl,

why should I accumulate ignorance?























[1] In particular, rebirth in the hell realms, the hungry ghost realms, and the animal realms.

[2] The six paramitas – generosity, disciple, patience, exertion, meditation, and wisdom.