Four Assurances, Fourth of the Four

The Buddha’s fourth assurance is if a person who commits bad karmas does not suffer the related retributions, then the noble disciple is purified anyway because he no longer has any bad thoughts, speech, or actions.

Peace of mind comes to the person who lives morally. Having a pure mind, this person does not harbor bad thoughts, speak bad words, or commit bad deeds. This person’s pure mind has no wandering thoughts or discriminations. It has no attachments or aversions and no craving or hatred. This pure mind is the calm, clear mind that is no longer pulled this way and that by what it encounters. It is the serene and natural state of all beings.

Comments

[Gloria]

I'm not sure I understand the third and fourth assurances. If a person commits bad karmas then how does he NOT have bad thoughts, speech, or actions? How is the discipline purified?

Also, after reading some of your book, I wondered if Mara (everything negative) comes up even during the most minor attempts to find the way, or only during more serious and disciplined attempts? It seems to me that EVERY time I feel like I am making even the smallest progress, my "Mara" wells up inside me and I feel as though I've made no progress. Or is it just that I am more aware of these negative thoughts and actions when I am focused on making better choices?

I know I ask a lot of questions. I hope this site is an appropriate place for them all. I am trying not to speak so much during the dharma talks because I need to become a better listener. So I try to get them all out on your blog. Please let me know if there is a more appropriate time and place for my questions.

If you have time, and if this is an appropriate place for all my questions, would you mind responding to the comment I left on your March 28th post? I would greatly appreciate it. And thanks for you time.

[Venerable Wuling]

To save time, it would be more efficient to ask these questions during the discussion after the talks. (I talk faster than I type!)