A House on Fire

by Stephen L. Klick | 20,465 words

From Stephen L. Klick: "There is no safety in the threefold world; it is like a burning house, replete with a multitude of sufferings, truly to be feared…"...

Chapter 8 - A Personal Note

To The Readers Of These Books

At this time things are going very nicely for Buddhist Information, we are bigger and hopefully better then ever. I do not know if BIONA will or even should survive my death; that will be determined by many different factors.

Whatever happens I hope that you have enjoyed this series of books. If even one person realizes the smallest particle of truth from reading my words then my efforts have been richly rewarded.

I do not intend to roll over now and promptly die. Who can say when any person"s time here is over? It may be that I will write yet another book, I will not be content to rest on any laurels that might be awarded to me for my activities to date. I certainly stay active speaking to groups of people, mailing Dharma to students around the world and maintaining the library at the BIONA website.

In the last few months my focus has been on finishing these books and I have often had to pray for the strength to sit at my desk long enough to type the words that I have written. I now intend to challenge this illness so that is where my extra energy will be directed.

When we commit evil acts we create negative karma that will cause us to suffer hellish circumstances. “The Nirvana Sutra” states: “…by making offerings to the three Treasures, one avoids falling into hell and receives the retribution in this life, in the form of afflictions of the head, eye, or back.” T"ien T"ai wrote, “Illness occurs when evil karma is about to be dissipated.” (“Great Concentration And Insight”) However, as Nargarjuna wrote, “The Lotus Sutra is like a great physician that can change poison into medicine.” (“Treatise On The Great Perfection Of Wisdom”)

I therefore owe all of my readers a great debt for their assistance in helping me clean up the mess I have made in the past and in the present! May all of you find your way to happiness and freedom, may all of you be reborn with me again and again in good places, may we go together to the place of practice and there attain Enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, may we bring the joy of Nirvana to all beings!

Stephen L. Klick
August 20, 2002

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