Question :

Deep inside everyone, no matter how rich or poor, how high or low in society, we all ask this daunting question --- what is the purpose of life?


Answer :

Some who ask this question attempt to find the answer through their own intelligence. Those who are fortunate enough do find the answer. Still, some feel good, knowing that at least they have tried to search for it.

Many simply avoid this question by not thinking about it and enjoying life as it comes. Searching for the answer only leads to difficulty, and so instead, they try to derive as much happiness as possible from this life. When they become aged though, they will once again consider this question as their bodies begin to deteriorate.
No matter what path we choose, no one can escape the law of nature. All will age, become sick, and die.

Many of my graduated students came back to ask a question:

“Sir, why are we here? We are born and we die. We cannot take anything with us, so why are we here?” Students from every class have been asking me this question, but I always have the answer.

I simply say:

“First you must clearly understand that Death is not the end. We shall return for numerous lives after death. As long as we are not pure, we will continue to be born again and again.

Karma is indeed real. All the good deeds and bad ones will eventually have their effect.

Heaven and hell do exist.

Now that we clearly understand these points, we can consider how we can close the path to hell.


Why are we here? The straightforward answer is that we are here to elevate our mind, to accumulate merits, and to make ourselves as pure as possible ---- to depart from suffering and to reach Nirvana of the Buddha. That is the purpose of life.

For people who need to work to take care of the family, they need the 4 principles for living in the world. They are:

1.Truth (Sacca) One must be true and honest. Most people have a tendency to lie and be unreliable. One should not be like that, but instead try to be true to self, to duty, to work, to other people, and to all the Dhamma teachings. By being true, we will build a sense of credibility and confidence. We each shall become a person with honor in life.

2. Diligence (Dama) is needed to develop skills necessary for work so we need to train ourselves and catch up with the world. We should train ourselves so that we will not be tempted by evil. We ought to be able to control the mind SO as not to do anything inappropriate. This is the path of wisdom.

3. Endurance (Khanti) for both internal and external causes. That is, we must endure numerous difficulties such as physical pain, weariness, and emotional pain caused by others. The mind may be tempted, but those who can resist will ultimately emerge stronger and successful.

4.Caga (Donation) Become unattached from depressing moods and all the greed of the mind. Be happy, kind to others. Be loved by all. Those who can do this will make good friends and be helped by others when in need.

One who can follow these four principles will progress in life because one’s mind and abilities will be consistently developed together. That person will no longer ask “Why am I here?” because he or she knows that he is here to do good. Although one does not know the ultimate purpose of life, one does realize that the path taken is the right one, and that he/she has closed the gateway to hell by himself or herself.”

introducing my real life friend: HOSHI!!!!
give her a round of applause...

it is not a coincidence when u can bring a person who does not know about dhamma or buddhism to become a believer and follow the path to enlightenment.

it is not a coincidence to get to know someone at a temple and become friends afterwards.

it is not a coincidence, that u are ur parents' child.

in buddhism everything has a cause and effect. rite now, my mom who has taken care of me all my life is down with cancer. i'm the one to take care of her now.

i'm sure that many people always forget about those that they should be grateful for. when someone graduates, who do they celebrate with? their friends? but who was the one who spent money on the scholarships if not themselves? if u remember ur past girlfriends in teenage years, the guys will have to spend money on them..who's money do u use? ur parents money, isn't it? when u marry, do u usually move out and stay with ur husband or wife? who will look after ur parents? put them in the elderly homes? u think that they would wanna stay there?

i wish that i thought about this earlier, but i'm glad i thought about this before its too late as well.before my parents will leave this earth, i'm still in dept and living my life for them.

this is also one of my purposes in life.

these things must be thought about and should not be neglected.