A Moment, A Lifetime

Between Ignorance and Enlightenment #3

by Hsing Yun, Miao Hsi

In a modern world characterized by the insensitivity to the suffering of others, numbness to violence, disregard of sexual misconduct, and profit-and-image-driven decision-making, Venerable Master Hsing Yun¡¦s inspirational words serve to redirect our focus onto our own spiritual well-being. He teaches that everything happens in a moment of thought, and we need to be conscious of this simple ¡§When we view things with light, then everything glows. When we view things with the confidence of success, then we will enjoy success in anything we do. When we view with constructive benevolence, then we will be constructive and not sabotage others¡¦ work¡K Therefore, human views are a garden in which profusely fragrant, beautiful flowers can be grown, or a factory that can produce beneficial goods to help others.¡¨ In the essay from which the title of this book was taken, Venerable Master Hsing Yun considers the importance of pausing a moment to reflect. Buddhists are taught that, before they act, they should consider the consequences of their actions. That reflection takes just a moment, but the consequences of our actions can last a lifetime. Hard work, he suggests, is only for a moment; but the results are for a lifetime. An unintentional word can bring serious long-term consequences; but a well-spoken word can change a life for the better. In this sense, then, a moment¡Xwhich we usually think of a short amount of time¡Xcontains within it a lifetime of consequence. As a result, Master Hsing Yun reminds readers to ¡§pay careful attention to the effect of [one] moment in anything we do¡¨; developing peace of mind begins with our daily choices and attitudes. The discourses in this book cover a wide variety of subjects, including further reflections on the effect we have on others; the relationship between the past, present, and future; and the importance of right mindfulness in living a successful life. Despite this seeming diversity, this common thread runs throughout the now, in this very moment, we have the power to make decisions with favorable and enduring effects.

180 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2003

About the author

Hsing Yun was a Chinese Buddhist monk, teacher, and philanthropist based in Taiwan. He was the founder of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist monastic order as well as the layperson-based Buddha's Light International Association. Hsing Yun was considered a major proponent of Humanistic Buddhism and one of the most influential teachers of modern Taiwanese Buddhism. In Taiwan, he was popularly referred to as one of the "Four Heavenly Kings" of Taiwanese Buddhism, along with his contemporaries: Master Sheng Yen of Dharma Drum Mountain, Master Shih Cheng Yen of Tzu Chi and Master Wei Chueh of Chung Tai Shan.