The Three Conditions
A Commentary on The Contemplation Sutra

Given by Master Chin Kung

 

Part 1: The First Condition

Introduction

The Three Conditions are a set of conditions for attaining rebirth in the Pure Land. They were spoken to an Indian noblewoman, Lady Vaidehi, by Shakyamuni Buddha in "The Contemplation Sutra." Lady Vaidehi fell despondent over evil deeds committed by her son and expressed her sincere wish to go to a world apart from all sufferings. After Buddha showed her the multitudes of Buddha-lands, Lady Vaidehi chose the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss as her future home. Buddha praised her choice, and Lady Vaidehi sincerely asked him to teach her how to reach the Pure Land. The Buddha then prescribed Three Conditions as a basis for cultivation, not only for her, but also for all others to follow who might wish to reach the Pure Land.

The First Condition that the Buddha describes in "The Contemplatoin Sutra" consists of four practices based on fundamental morals. The Second Condition consists of three practices based on cultivating the Self. The Third Condition consists of four practices based on the practices of the Bodhisattvas. For more details, see the text on this page and the pages that follow, and also the page titled "The Contemplation Sutra."

The First Condition

Consisting of Four Practices
Based on Fundamental Morals

The First Practice: To love and care for one's parents with respect
and consideration.

We should always bear in mind the kindness our parents have shown us, giving birth and bringing us up through worries and hardship. We should not only care for their physical health, but should nurture their spiritual well-being as well. We should do everything we can to clear away the clouds of ignorance and help them find the Sun of Wisdom.

The Second Practice: To harbor sincere gratitude and respect towards one's teachers.

The kindness of our teachers knows no bounds. Learning does not stop with age; from the time we were small to the time when we pass from this life, we are educated under the guidance of our teachers. Without education, we wouldn't be much different from animals. We differ from animals because we are taught how to be human, how to practice virtue and abide by moral principles. We have even been taught by the Buddha how to transcend suffering and attain true happiness. We hold a treasury of knowledge thanks to our teachers. We should show our sincere gratitude in the only way worthy of repaying them: through true practice. To live the teachings and one day reach attainment is truly repaying the kindness of our teachers.

The Third Practice: To nurture a compassionate heart and refrain from the deliberate killing of living creatures.

"No man is an island. Every man is an isthmus, a part of the whole." We depend upon each other and our environment for survival. We rely upon society for our everyday needs. We are interrelated and interdependent with all living beings. We should refrain from killing other creatures to satisfy our own selfish desires and nurture a heart of compassion.

The Fourth Practice: To cultivate the Ten Kind Deeds.

The Ten Kind Deeds are a basis of cultivation for all who follow the Way of Awakening. The first three deeds are practices of the body, the next four are practices of speech, and the final three are practices of the mind.

1. One should refrain from killing and nourish a heart of compassion.
    
2. One should refrain from stealing and practice contentment in what one already has.
    
3. One should refrain from engaging in sexual misconduct, and respect the rights of others and be faithful to one's spouse.
    
4. One should refrain from saying untruthful things and practice the virtue of honesty.
    
5. One should refrain from seductive speech and say what one means in a proper manner.
    
6. One should refrain from speech which could cause discord and hatred and say things which promote harmony and care between others.
    
7. One should refrain from harsh speech and be careful not to harm other's feelings with the things one says.
    
8. One should refrain from greed, which is the root from which all sufferings arise. To end greed is to open the door to happiness.
    
9. One should refrain from anger and hatred, as they cloud the mind and prevent one from understanding and loving others. To quell the flames of anger is the first step to seeing oneself and others with clarity.
    
10. One should refrain from ignorance, and not dwell in narrow and unrealistic perceptions of the truth. Buddha's teachings must be practiced in order for the truth to be experienced. Blind faith is definitely not a way to liberation from sufferings.

This Concludes the First Condition.