Be cautious about the negative impact of online information and opinions provided by citizens from all over the world on all living beings.

Author: Hsu,Tao Qing; Tao Qing Hsu

Be cautious about the negative impact of online information and opinions provided by citizens from all over the world on all living beings.

On social media, international netizens create numerous inspiring and insightful videos covering a wide range of fields, which are quite helpful in increasing our intelligence and wisdom, enhancing our cognitive abilities, and broadening our horizons and minds. However, I believe that watching each video still requires us to possess critical thinking and independent thought skills, combined with our personal life experiences, to make informed judgments. This is because some video content may seem reasonable at first glance, but upon closer examination, we can discover problems. What are these problems? One of them is the speculative perspective offered from the viewpoint of a worker.

For example, I've recently watched quite a few short videos, and I'm very interested in psychology and related research and laws. Young people are using their knowledge and skills to create many videos, and I watch anything that piques my curiosity. Recently, I saw a Simplified Chinese video with content roughly as follows:

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A granary owner, in order to solve the problem of rats eating his grain, kept a white cat to catch the rats in the granary. The white cat worked very hard and eliminated all the rats in the granary. The granary owner then thought the white cat was no longer useful in the granary, so he ruthlessly drove it away.

After some time, the problem of rats eating the grain reappeared in the granary. So the granary owner got a black cat to help catch the rats. Every time the black cat caught a rat, it would run to the granary owner to show off its success, and the owner would happily reward it with delicious cat food. The black cat never caught all the rats, always releasing them back into their holes, so it always had an endless supply of rats to catch, run to its owner to show off its success, and get an endless supply of cat food.

The film's author then draws a conclusion, which can be summarized as follows: In the workplace, those who completely solve all problems are rendered useless and will soon be ruthlessly discarded or fired by their superiors. Conversely, those who know how to solve most problems and repeatedly leave unresolved are more likely to secure their positions and continue receiving their salaries without being abandoned or fired.

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The above post received at least hundreds to thousands of likes. However, do you agree with his viewpoint? Have you noticed any shortcomings in the above viewpoint? Do people with this way of thinking exist in international or domestic societies? I personally speculate that the existence of such people is unavoidable. I haven't encountered anyone with this kind of thinking in my life. However, I speculate that if someone has this idea, they will inevitably act on it in their actual life. This possibility absolutely exists. Then, can we speculate that some people deliberately leave problems unresolved in international affairs in order to profit from them?

In Taiwan, from childhood to adulthood, whether through school education, social work, interactions with various people, self-study, reading newspapers, magazines, and extracurricular materials, over fifty years have passed, and I have never encountered the aforementioned kind of information. Why? Because our family education, school education, and social education (including religious education) absolutely do not teach us this kind of viewpoint. This is because such a viewpoint is a typical example of opportunistic thinking. It completely contradicts Taiwan's educational philosophy.

Opportunistic thinking hinders innovation and progress for individuals and organizations.

I watched the videos expressing the aforementioned viewpoints twice on online social media at different times. The only difference was the characters involved; the conclusions and viewpoints remained the same. Secondly, there are similar videos with opportunistic viewpoints. These videos, produced using AI software, primarily aim to attract viewers and generate revenue. However, the influence of the viewpoints they offer should not be underestimated. If teenagers and young adults lack critical thinking and independent thought skills, and are not influenced by upright and virtuous values, and instead endorse these viewpoints, it will undoubtedly have a significantly negative impact on their future development and prospects. Furthermore, bosses, supervisors, or superiors with such subordinates will certainly be misled by them.

Have you ever considered whether people with this kind of opportunistic mindset, engaged in international or domestic politics, are deceiving people all over the world? Is this possible? I suspect it is.

The aforementioned speculative(opportunistic) mindset is a complacent, negative, and petty way of thinking. This kind of cognition, mindset, and approach to work will hinder innovation and progress in international and domestic politics, society, organizations, including religions, legal entities, companies, and so on.

How to measure whether an individual or a society or nation is happy and prosperous？

 

Author: Hsu,Tao Qing; Tao Qing Hsu

People with low cognitive abilities are prone to isolation, and they also tend to isolate others.

According to psychological observations and research, elderly people living with family members are associated with "frailty" when they feel isolated within their families. Furthermore, the resulting feelings of loneliness, frailty, and depression are often more pronounced in these elderly individuals compared to those living alone without family. My personal observation suggests several possibilities. One is that the elderly person may be stubborn, difficult to communicate with, and exhibiting low cognitive abilities, thus leading to isolation by family members. Another possibility is that the family members living with the elderly person may themselves be exhibiting low cognitive abilities, lacking empathy for the elderly person's physical and mental well-being, and thus isolating them. In other words, elderly people with low cognitive abilities are more likely to be isolated by their families; conversely, family members with low cognitive abilities are more likely to isolate elderly people.

Bystanders can only practice the "unfeeling compassion" of Diamond Wisdom.

The psychological observations and research described above are also applicable to social and international relations. Let's assume that this elderly person or their family member with low cognitive abilities represents a nation or its leader with low cognitive abilities. An individual, leader, or organization with low cognitive abilities who is unwilling to reflect on themselves and improve to integrate into the universal values ​​of freedom, democracy, human rights, and equality in modern international society will inevitably be isolated. Such leaders and organizations with low cognitive abilities will inevitably move towards isolating their citizens (national isolation). Whether as individuals or organizations, they will ultimately decline and perish, just like the elderly person with low cognitive abilities. This cause and effect stems from their own actions, not from external causes. Neither Buddhist nor psychological observations can forcibly change the state of those with low cognitive abilities. At this point, observers can only practice the "unfeeling compassion" of Diamond Wisdom(Gold-tough Wisdom). They can either wait for the leaders and organizations with low cognitive abilities to awaken, turn back, and grow, or allow them to remain isolated and self-destruct. At this point, it's only a matter of time.

The Dharma teachings transmitted by Master Longhua ( Bodhisattva Maitreya)

The master said: Uproot the evil people completely.

The disciple asked: How can we eradicate evil people completely?

The Master said: A hand that is merciless yet compassionate.

To measure whether an individual or a society or nation is happy and prosperous, we should focus on the abundance and peace of mind and spirit.

Furthermore, if we are treated with indifference, disregard, and isolation by those with low cognitive abilities in our social activities, it will inevitably accelerate the decline of our physical and mental health. Similarly, if we are treated with stubbornness, prejudice, indifference, disregard, and isolation by other countries in the international community, it will inevitably have a negative impact on our national strength and the physical and mental health of our citizens.

Therefore, if we hold this understanding, we will inevitably strive to create psychologically safe, positive, friendly, warm, equal, and mutually beneficial high-cognition interactive relationships, whether in our family relationships, social relationships, or even international relations, thereby enhancing the physical and mental health of every citizen. Similarly, positive and healthy interactions between nations will benefit the physical and mental health of both countries' citizens, contribute to their longevity, and help improve their individual cognitive abilities and intelligence. In other words, measuring the happiness and prosperity of individuals or societies and nations should not be limited to economic wealth, but should be based more on the psychological and spiritual well-being and peace of individuals and societies.

Why is it that "I/the self, Buddha, and sentient beings are one"?

Author: Hsu,Tao Qing; Tao Qing Hsu

Regardless of whether they have intangible souls or consciousness, they can still communicate and interact with each other without any obstacles.

Sentient beings include those in the heavenly realm, animal realm, and ghost realm. A deeper and broader understanding is that all sentient beings possess a soul and consciousness; the difference lies only in whether they have a physical form. If they have no physical form, their individual souls and consciousnesses remain independent and distinct. If they have physical form, besides their independent souls and consciousnesses, their genes and chromosomes are also different, thus presenting differences in appearance and form. For example, humans, cats, and dogs. Why is it that "I/the self, Buddha, and sentient beings are one"? Because, with a deeper understanding of Buddhism, regardless of whether they have a physical soul or consciousness, they can still communicate and interact with each other without any obstacles. That is, it is an exchange of spiritual and mental consciousness. This is beyond our ordinary understanding and experience. I have briefly mentioned this above. If we do not respect each other's life and psychological boundaries, and if we do not maintain an appropriate distance in each other's lives and minds, it will cause serious interference and damage to each other's lives and mental well-being.

From a legal and rights perspective, respecting each other's personal and psychological boundaries is respecting the individual's right to autonomy and freedom.

From a legal and rights perspective, respecting each other's personal and psychological boundaries, and giving each other appropriate space in life and mind, is respecting the individual's right to autonomy and freedom. In the real physical world, this is protected by legal norms such as territorial sovereignty, homeland sovereignty, and individual sovereignty. For example, imagine if some invisible spirit or consciousness tried to "chat" with us for three to five days, or even every day—wouldn't we find it annoying? Of course we would. Similarly, if a country's warplanes or coast guard ships circled and interfered with our territory for three to five days, or even every day, wouldn't we find it annoying? Of course we would. These intangible spirits and consciousnesses that disrespect themselves and others will ultimately suffer the consequences. And karmic retribution usually comes particularly quickly.

Therefore, we understand that most people in the world lack the Buddhist concept of emptiness and the equality of self and all sentient beings. In their minds, they may be misled by manipulators into believing that "ethnic unity/national unity" is a righteous act, a correct path. Consequently, they may echo the manipulators, using the righteous slogans and actions of "ethnic unity/national unity" to attack and harm others. If we possess this understanding and are wise, we will know how to counter this selfish and harmful tactic.

Buddhism does not emphasize ethnic unity. Why?

Author: Hsu,Tao Qing; Tao Qing Hsu

If we have a deep understanding of Buddhism, such as the Buddha's teaching above, "I/the self, Buddha, and all sentient beings are one," we can understand why Buddhism does not advocate ethnic unity. Why? Since in the emptiness and equality of all things, I/the self, Buddha, and all sentient beings are one, there is no duality, and therefore no need for ethnic unity. If we think carefully, the so-called "ethnic unity" is essentially opposition, exclusion, and confrontation with other ethnic groups, and may even go further, to struggle and fight against those who do not agree with its ethnic unity. That is, inciting a mindset and behavior of antagonistic opposition and confrontation rooted in hatred. A single thought gives rise to evil. This is the karmic consequence of unwholesome causes and conditions. This situation often occurs when those with this mindset or who establish this concept, including groups and organizations, are built on inequality and disrespect between people, yet they seek to use "ethnic unity" to achieve their own selfish goals. This shows that this group lacks equality and respect for all sentient beings. In Buddhism, this does not align with the Buddha's teachings, such as the equality of all sentient beings. In the Buddhist concept of emptiness and equality, sentient beings are defined without distinction of race, skin color, religion, belief, or whether they are human or extraterrestrial. In other words, any sentient being arising from the convergence of various causes and conditions is called a sentient being. For example, cats and dogs in the animal kingdom are also sentient beings.

Whether good or evil, both arise from the emptiness of the essential nature.

Author: Hsu,Tao Qing; Tao Qing Hsu

Understanding the Buddhist concepts of Buddha-nature and emptiness requires time, reference to the teachings of masters from various schools of Buddhism throughout history, and extensive reading of Buddhist scriptures in order to achieve a comprehensive understanding.

Understanding the Buddhist concept of Buddha-nature and emptiness requires time, consulting the teachings of various schools of Buddhism throughout history, and extensive reading of Buddhist scriptures to achieve a comprehensive understanding. Why? Focusing on one particular path is suitable for beginners, but if one encounters a bottleneck and cannot break through, it's easy to become complacent, self-righteous, and develop arrogance. Consulting the teachings of different masters reveals their diverse experiences and insights into Buddhism, as well as their different expressions and methods. Furthermore, through extensive reading of Buddhist scriptures, one can understand the Buddha's teachings. With time and effort, one day, suddenly, enlightenment will occur. This will lead to realization and spiritual attainment.

Whether good or evil, both arise from the emptiness of the essential nature.

Enlightenment through the mind is the essence. The nature of this essence is emptiness. From this emptiness arise all kinds of thoughts, and these thoughts give rise to countless phenomena. "Countless" means infinitely numerous. Therefore, we understand that all phenomena, whether good or evil, arise from the emptiness of the essential nature. If we know how to apply these phenomena, we can readily use them to enlighten and liberate sentient beings, helping them to recognize their inherent Buddha-nature.

The essential teachings transmitted by Master Longhua: I, the Buddha, and all sentient beings are oneness.

 Author: Tao Qing Hsu; Hsu, Tao Qing

Foreword: Disciple Virtue-wealth feeling that she lacks professional knowledge and skills in various fields, she is quietly working hard to learn.

The Master said: Your efforts will be in vain.

The disciple was shocked: What do you mean? Please enlighten me, Master.

The Master said: You, thousands and millions of yourself are working hard.

The disciple was speechless: ? ? ?

One day, the disciple couldn't understand.

Two days later, the disciple still couldn't understand.

Three days later, the disciple was suddenly enlightened and said: "I feel grateful and joyful."

Postscript: I, Buddha, and all sentient beings are oneness.

Disciple Virtue-wealth: I am grateful to all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of the ten directions for their compassionate teachings and care.

Disciple Virtue-wealth: I am grateful to all sentient beings in the ten directions for their compassionate support and guidance.