Zillion of Merits by knowing the Future

 

We can build a strong moral system by pursuing wisdom. In Buddhism, this process is defined by the “Five Precepts and “ Ten Good Wholesome Deeds” which serve as guidelines for achieving wholesome merit.

Now let us explore the developmental phases of the “ Dharma” taught by the Buddha. Dharma refers to the universal truth underlining the nature of reality. The Three Ages are: 

1. The Orthodox Dharma Age

2 The Dharma-Image/Semblance Age

3 The Dharma-Ending Age

 

In the first stage, the “ Orthodox Dharma Age”, Buddha lived on the Earth and taught the “ Dharma”. There were sages who were guided by Buddha and these disciples, devoted their lives to cultivate Buddhahood. These were the Bodhisattvas. Then, there were also saints know as ‘Arhats’. Organized into a hierarchy according to their level of spiritual enlightenment, the “Orthodox Dharma Age” lasted for one thousand years.

 

In the second phase, the “Dharma-Image Age”, Buddha had attained nirvana. At this time, there were many people who were bounded by worldly attachments and external trappings. As a symbol of devotion and reverence, idol imagery, like that of Buddha himself were emphasized but those who were sincere in cultivating the wisdom and way of the Buddha were few. This period lasted another one thousand years.

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Finally, the ‘ Dharma-ending’ phase refers to the dissolution of the Buddhadharma, which refers to the faith in the Buddha. There is unstable faith in the Buddha and obstacles in promoting his way during this period. The world would be fraught with natural disasters. Epidemic diseases will devastate multitudes of lives. Climate change will soon be taken for granted. Life spans will shorten due to discordance of the natural rhythms determined by planetary forces such as the Sun and Moon but yet there will be feelings of apathy with no call to action.

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善果无量的未来

 

强大的道德体系可以建立在智慧探索的基础上。在佛教中，可以经由“五戒”和“十善法”来定义，它们是实现善业的准则。

现在，让我们探讨佛陀传授“佛法”的发展阶段。佛法是指强调现实本质的普遍真理。三个时代是：

1. 正统佛法时代

2. 佛法形象/外表时代

3. 佛法终结时代

在第一阶段，即“正统佛法时代”，佛陀生活在地球上并教授“佛法”。一群在佛陀指引下的圣贤之士，成为他的门徒，用毕生精力来修成佛之道。他们都是菩萨。然后，还有一些被称为“罗汉”的圣人。 根据他们开悟的层次进行了等级划分。“正统佛法时代”历时一千多年。

 

在第二阶段，“佛法形象时代”，佛陀已经涅槃。这时候，许多人被世俗的牵绊和外界的诱惑所束缚。作为奉献和崇敬的象征，人们强调礼敬尊崇佛陀的形象，但真诚地求取智慧和佛陀之道的人很少。这一阶段也持续了一千年。

 

最后，“佛法终结”阶段是指佛法的被解散，即对佛陀的信仰而言。在此期间，人们对佛陀的信仰并不稳定，在推广佛法时也遇到障碍。世界充满自然灾害。流行病毁灭许多人的生命。气候变化也被视为理所当然。诸如太阳和月亮等行星力量所决定的自然节奏日趋不协调，造成寿命的缩短。人类会有冷漠的感觉但不会积极的采取行动。