Miao Zhe (Fo Guang University)
The future of Buddhism requires oneness and coexistence, which are also the fundamental phenomena of all living beings.
Buddhism talks about causes and conditions, regarding the whole world as one family while recognizing that all living beings exist through dependent origination. For instance, in the universe there is the sun, moon, stars and planets that illuminate and shine upon each other; in a forest trees and plants whether tall or short complement each other. The universe and ecosystems on earth are a world of oneness and coexistent perfection.
"Oneness" means equality and magnanimity. In the world, there are many different nations and races, yet all of these must rely on the earth for survival. Amongst living beings, there are male and female, old and young, strong and weak, but all beings are composed of the same elements. Even though the forms of phenomena are different in forms, all share the same essence.
"Coexistence" means compassion and harmony. All beings are interdependent on each other. In the sutras, it tells a story of a blind person, a deaf person, a mute person, and a person who could not walk but they all managed to safely escape from a burning house by helping each other out. An excellent musical performance requires not only talented performers, but also leading actors and contributions from supporting roles. Building a peaceful society needs the contribution of all individuals from every class and region. To bring Buddhism forward, the collective effort of the traditions and schools from every region is essential. Thus it is "through compassion, we can accept and appreciate each other; through harmony, we can coexist."
The Buddha has taught all beings are equal because each has a Buddha nature. In other words, all Buddha natures are equal. It is as Sakyamuni Buddha declared when he attained enlightenment under the bodhi tree, "All beings already possess the wisdom to realize their inherent Buddha nature." Thus all living beings and the Buddha are not different in essence, but equal.
In the Lotus Sutra, Never Disparaging Bodhisattva was always respectful to all living beings. He declared, "I dare not be in contempt, as you all are capable of becoming Buddhas!" He did not hold an erroneous perception of others that deemed others unworthy. His recognition of all beings having Buddha nature demonstrates his embracement of oneness and equality.
Oneness embodies equality and tolerance. With these two qualities, the right conditions can be gathered. All beings have different capacities and traits, but by accepting and tolerating them for who they are, we are respecting them as a being. By recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings, the perceived distance between all beings will shrink, bringing beings together as one and allowing an affirming environment to develop.
Coexistence embodies compassion. "Cultivating loving-kindness without conditions and ground compassion in oneness"(無緣大慈，同體大悲) is what Buddhism advocates. Compassion means unconditional loving-kindness, undifferentiated magnanimity. As kindness, it renders happiness, and as mercy, it relieves the suffering of others. Compassion is also not discriminating others on the basis of status or class, nor comparing gains and losses in our daily life. Instead, compassion means harmony and respect among living beings.
Thus compassion is about respecting life and coexisting harmoniously.
Compassion is a fundamental concept in Buddhism. The Mahaprajnaparamita Sutra says, "Compassion opens the path to the realization of one's true nature." The Treatise on a Great Man says, "All virtuous teachings arise from a compassionate heart."
To awaken our true capacity for happiness, we have to take down the walls that separate us and open our hearts. Bodhisattvas embody the traits of compassion and wisdom and this spirit of oneness and coexistence. They see all beings as their own sons and daughters; they see no beings as separate from themselves.
Kuanyin bodhisattva manifests in many forms to help different beings out of compassion because she sees all beings intimately related with herself.
This is a part of recognizing and affirming the web of interlocking relationships.
Throughout history, we can see that differentiation of us versus them is the cause of many conflicts and wars. Instead of rejecting those who are different from us whether in goal or material, we should learn to embrace them by transcending our own selfishness and prejudice in order to help each other.
Peace and harmony ensue from mutual respect and acceptance. Thus instead of accentuating our differences, we should highlight our similarities. It is only when selflessness and unbiased minds coexist, will the glories of peace and harmony be shared. "Where there is magnanimity, there is spaciousness where there is compassion, there is fearlessness".
Looking at nature, we can see that animals and plants live in oneness and coexistence. Animals and plants take care of their individual needs by alternately inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide. The food chain interlinks all beings demonstrating the law of causation and principle of oneness and coexistence.
Beavers cooperate with each other to build dams. A flock of flying geese form a V-shape and when one is sick or falls behind, two other geese follow the sick goose ensure his safety and well-being, and the geese from the ends replace the sick goose's spot. This collected effort is also a demonstration of the principle of oneness and coexistence. Likewise, people from all walks of life provide daily necessities to humanity. Only in accordance with the principle of oneness and coexistence will humanity live in peace.
Each human being is like a fine strand in a web, part of the overall picture. Just like the five fingers of our hand, they are all different in length. Without these differences, we will not have the dexterity that we take for granted.
Each finger by itself cannot exert much force. However, if we combine the force of the five fingers, into a fist we can make punch. If we join our fingers with the fingers of our other hand in a joining palms position, others see a symbol of humbleness and respect. Celebrating the differences in people while viewing everyone through the eyes of oneness nurtures powerful connections and creates a plane of existence, where everyone is mutually supportive and respective.
During the Tang dynasty, the eight schools of Buddhism were able to flourish together. Today whether followers of Theravada, Vajrayana or Mahayana, all are under the umbrella of Buddhism, sharing a common teacher, the Buddha. With equanimity, we should all support each other in our common goal of spreading the Dharma. With open hearts and non-discriminating minds, we will be "seeking the Dharma in the people", and like Never Disparaging Bodhisattva, we will recognize the Buddha in every person.
It is the collected wisdom and concerted efforts (集體創作) of every individual in a team that increases their strength and bond and brings them closer to their goals. Thus as we can see oneness is equality and coexistence is compassion. Through oneness and coexistence, we can bring harmony and make this world complete.