From May 27 to 31, the Sangha continued to organize the study of the teachings of the virtuous spiritual guide. During these teachings, the guide emphasized that our study of the Lamrim (The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment) should help us understand that the paths of the persons of modest, medium, and greater motivation searching are not mutually exclusive. Instead, they should be harmonized to ultimately achieve the One Vehicle of Buddhahood. The Buddha's teachings aim to guide all beings to enlightenment, not just to practice the lower scope or any specific branch of Dharma.
The goal of the modest scope is to attain happiness, specifically the bliss of Dharma, which is different from worldly pleasure driven by desire. The bliss of Dharma is the joy derived from studying, contemplating, and practicing the Buddha's teachings, free from attachment. The medium scope aims to overcome the suffering caused by afflictions and karma, thus achieving liberation from the cycle of rebirth in the three realms and six paths. The greater scope aims for Buddhahood, not only liberating oneself from afflictions and karma but also helping all sentient beings achieve liberation.
How do we help other sentient beings? By accumulating merit. This means performing virtuous deeds to help others hear, contemplate, and practice the Dharma, thereby freeing themselves from the suffering caused by afflictions and karma. This is the accumulation of merit.
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