Everyday Life
Should practitioners care about politics or remain entirely apart?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
I think we should care. Politics affects daily life. Wanting to help living beings cannot mean everything outside is unrelated to us. Beyond meditation and recitation, apply learned principles to life and society.
Concern differs from personally entering politics. I considered that path when young, then felt my personality and working style unsuitable. Teaching, organizing ideas, and helping people better used my strengths. This was my choice, not a prohibition on all practitioners entering politics.
Miao Nian also discussed political power on the program: one decision may affect many people. Sincere concern for the public can improve conditions. Examine actual conduct and effects, rather than stopping at identity or labels.
Applying learning includes understanding events during unstable times and considering how to live and help. Caring for beings cannot remain enclosed in personal exercises. These everyday matters also require learning and judgment.