The Scripture of the Fo...

Dictionary

The Scripture of the Founding Master

Chapter Thirteen: On the Order

17

The Founding Master often showed particularly loving care for the celibate men and women, saying, “Even if you pass just this one lifetime splendidly and correctly, discarding wealth, sex, fame, and gain for the sake of the world and the Order, it will be far better than passing several lifetimes for the sake of one's own household in the secular world. With one lifetime’s worth of merit you will attain many future lifetimes of blessings, joy, honor, and reputation that are free from the contaminants, and ultimately realize the great fruition of achieving buddhahood. But if one leads the life of a celibate man or woman as a formality, without making any real achievement, then that will be futile. You must be sure to practice conscientiously.”