Guilty As Charged...

Today's paper revealed that Ming Yi received a guilty verdict by the Judge for his previous acts as the Head of RenCi.

My friend mentioned that possibly it was because that Ming Yi was surrounded by ill-fitted advisors that eventually caused his downfall. Was that truly the case I wonder..

It probably is even tougher to practice as a monk but the fact that he renounced the worldly affairs means he wanted that blessed opportunity to pursue the path including ethical practice with right focus and energy. He is no longer a novice but a very experienced spiritual leader. To say he probably got diverted because of a group of advisors is lame. in fact, his responses during the trial were even laughable and ludicrous at times, not to mention contradictory.

Practicing lay buddhists and monks are concerned about cultivating and lifting the mind.

And we learn that basic cause of human suffering is greed, ill will or hatred and ignorance. These fundamental negative traits are the source of our unquenchable thirst for possessions, all of our illusions, unhappiness, unsatisfactoriness and desires. Simply because we make unskillful decisions and act unethically for self-serving and even dishonest intentions.

If one simply remains kind, loving and mindful ( which he does as evidenced by the fund raising acts and setting up the hospital for the poor and aged), one may probably still not be equipping oneself with the knowledge and expertise to uproot and remove these unfavourable tendencies ( as evidenced by his lavish lifestyle and management over the funds and his aide).

Surely, one needs to cultivate other positive values and behaviour. Meditation aside, wisdom, compassion, generosity and loving kindness can be cultivated through continuous learning and practice. When we develop these qualities and applying them in our lives, we will slowly wear away the negative stubborn habitual behaviors. With a kind loving heart and capacity to let go, we become freer, lighter, more peaceful, clear-headed and happier.

Did he learn, follow and practice the path? Only he knows.

I am but a lay person. I have even more gaps and lows. But with WY, like-minded friends, teachers, Dharma books... I am blessed to be able to learn and practice.

What the future holds, I have no idea and have no intention to know as it doesn't matter. What matters is this moment and what I do with it.

Arduous road of practice? Perhaps. But will stay focused.