Yesterday (10-May-2012) in Straits Times, Gary Hayden, in his column in "Mind Your Body", wrote about Buddha's diagnosis that the "Three Poisons" are the root of human sufferings. What are the three poisons? They are Greed (貪), Hatred (瞋) and Delusion (癡).
Greed (貪) encompasses all desires, all those we like. Hatred (瞋) consists of all things we dislike and would like to avoid. Delusion (癡) is the wrongful perception of reality.
When we cannot get what we like, we suffer. When we get what we dislike, we suffer. Because of wrong perception, we like and dislike. We should not, because all things are impermanent.
Indeed I have nothing against this description of Greed (貪), Hatred (瞋) and Delusion (癡) as three poisons (三毒). It is true. Especially the part about Delusion (癡). Everyone must be aware that it is this Delusion (癡) that prevent people (Buddha included) from seeing God.
Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 ESV)
In this world, there is a strong delusion that prevents people from seeing God, which is why Buddha got Greed (貪) and Hatred (瞋) right, but Delusion (癡) wrong. Buddha's wrong perception of reality is that all things are impermanent.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8 NLT)
When you have a wrong perception that everything is impermanent, then then the wrong solution will be given to the problem of suffering.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6 KJV)
No matter how logical or perceptive or insightful your ideas may be, you cannot arrive at the Truth, which is permanent. The right perception is very important.
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. (Matthew 24:35, Luke 21:33 KJV)
While God's creation will pass away, God and His Word abide forever. When you do not factor God into your perception, then it is only logical that everything you see (which is God's creation) is impermanent.
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. (2 Peter 3:10 ESV)
This current creation, both the heavens and the earth are not permanent. They shall be destroyed.
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Revelation 21:1-8 KJV
What is permanent, or not permanent, will be determined by the One who eternally exists.
No comments:
Post a Comment