The Buddhist Perspective on Cause and Condition

and free nature?”
All causes and conditions are within our true
nature. We must realize the Truth in daily living. <strong>The</strong>
continual flow of pure refreshing water is a form of
cause and condition. <strong>The</strong> blossoming of beautiful
flowers everywhere is another form of cause and
condition. Parents who raise us are our causes and
conditions in family relationships. Teachers who
educate us are our causes and conditions in the pursuit
of knowledge. Farmers, workers, and merchants
who supply our daily needs are the causes and conditions
of living in this society. Drivers who transport
us here and there are the causes and conditions of
traveling. Turning on the television and watching
television programs are the causes and conditions of
entertainment. It is with these wondrous combinations
of causes and conditions that we can live happily
and freely.
Regarding the causes and conditions of human
relationships, I will cite a verse that can usually be
found in temples next to statues of Maitreya Bodhisattva:
Before our eyes are people
connected to us through conditions;
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