Changing the Way We Think
by Master Lee Feng San Shifu
Translated by Sophia Lui
Edited by Ric Meyers
Pet phrases can be as terrible as curses. Many people often have it on their lips: “Oh no! I give up! This is terrible!” These words follow them like a dark shadow. The fact is, if such words or phrases are repeated often enough, they have the same effect as hypnosis. The message goes to deeper recesses of our mind, so that falsehood becomes truth, and imaginary events become reality. Therefore, we must always hold positive thoughts. Even if things are not going well, we should look on the bright side, so that we do not harbor any resentment or act impulsively.
When we encounter events that are perceived as undesirable, we must have the insight and understanding to see into the heart of things, and not be fooled by appearances. Many people are kind, but they are not discerning, and therefore their kindness can lead them astray. On the other hand, there are those who have great insight, yet kindness and tenderness are lacking in them, so they are prone to acting impulsively.
Regardless of whether we are walking, sitting, resting, or lying down, we should be morally correct in our thinking and behavior. In this way, we will not do any wrong. When we talk about karma, we are referring to the cycle of cause and effect. Whatever we think, say, or do produces karma or results. How do we decide whether we have produced good karma? The answer lies in whether we are righteous in our words, thoughts, and deeds.
Although anyone can be careless occasionally, many people are often careless. This is because they do not give sufficient attention and consideration to what they do. Therefore we should strive to be vigilant and unambiguous when handling matters, otherwise we will always remain in a trance-like state.
The ancients have a saying: “The diligent ones will tread a good path, while the negligent will fall.” This is what I often tell my students. If a person is cautious, he will go from strength to strength, and he will be safe from harm. However, if one is always negligent, then regardless of how they forge ahead, they will eventually fall.
We should have the mindset that we must “work diligently without concern for external rewards.” In this way, we will have no fear, and we can relinquish our attachment to results. Let us perform our work for its own sake and not for any benefit or merit. This is truly what our basic attitude towards life should be.
“’Kindness without discernment leads one astray; discernment without kindness means tenderness is lacking in our hearts; integrate kindness and discernment, and things will go smoothly.” — Lee Feng San Shifu