Written by: Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen
Lu
Translated by: Harmony
Edited by: Dance Smith
Proofread by: Jessie
Chapter 22: The Earth Is A Prison
Somebody once said that the earth is a mental institution in the
universe. Whoever has an unstable mental disposition is sent to
earth. Therefore, countries on earth are mentally unstable, people
are mentally unstable, and societies are mentally unstable, too.
According to an analysis by psychologists, just about everyone
has mental obstructions in one form or another, but the syndromes
are not prominent in some people. Some people feel oppressed, some
are depressed, some don't talk, some are impatient, some are emotionally
unstable.
In fact, there is some basis to calling the earth the biggest
mental institution. This is really an era of unhappiness. The young,
the middle-aged and the old are all very depressed and worried.
They all have emotional problems. Everyone's body, mind and soul
are in trouble.
In my opinion, I consider the earth is a "prison" for
the universe. Anyone with karma is sent to earth for punishment.
Coming to this world is to experience suffering: birth, age, sickness,
death, separation from loved ones, meeting with the hateful, yearning
for someone or something, and the five aggregates. This human planet
has the most worries and the most impermanence, and is the least
happy, the filthiest and the darkest place. Just think for a moment
- "hell", "hungry ghosts" and "animals"
are called the Three Lower Realms. On this human planet, some people
live in a hell, like hungry ghosts and animals. Isn't the earth
a prison?
According to the Ksitigarbha Sutra, the deeds and thoughts of the
sentient beings of our world (Jambudvipa) constantly cause transgressions
and create negative karma and sins. Human beings come with inherent
karma and sins, and ignorance is the root of sin. A person with
bad karma will be punished. Therefore, it makes sense that the earth
is a prison.
We cultivators must cut through our delusions and realize the truth,
supersede the ordinary and enter the supreme holy stream. At a minimum,
we need to practice the Five Precepts and Ten Virtues in order to
be released from this prison.
