In Buddhism and in the teachings of Master Hsuan Hua, "repentance" is not simply equivalent to "not getting angry," but "not getting angry (not losing one's temper)" is a core practice and indicator in repentance and spiritual cultivation. Simply put, repentance is defined as "correcting one's mistakes and never repeating them"; while "not getting angry" is the most direct manifestation of cutting off hatred and eliminating karmic obstacles. Based on the classic teachings of Master Hsuan Hua, the following clarifies the relationship and profound meaning of repentance:
1. Venerable Master Hsuan Hua's Definition of the True Meaning of "Repentance"
Venerable Master Hsuan Hua repeatedly emphasized that repentance is not merely about verbally uttering words before the Buddha or going through the motions; its core lies in substantive change:
Repent of past transgressions and repent of future mistakes: "Repentance" means feeling great shame for the sins committed in the past; "repentance" means making a firm decision to change one's ways and never make the same mistake again. The Master often quoted Yuan Liaofan: "The past is like yesterday's death; the future is like today's birth."
True repentance requires "never repeating the same mistakes": The Master sternly pointed out that if one repeatedly repents but then repeats the same mistakes, treating repentance as a game, one cannot eliminate sins. True repentance requires genuinely forgetting one's faults and completely severing evil karma in body, speech, and mind.
2. Why did Master Hsuan Hua always link "not getting angry" with "eliminating karmic obstacles"?
Although repentance is not just about not getting angry, the Master once said a very famous French saying: "If a person can not lose his temper, all karmic obstacles can be wiped out with one stroke." This is not a literal equivalent, but because "temper (anger)" is the most fierce poisonous fire among the three poisons (greed, anger, and ignorance) in Buddhism.
Temper is the root of sin: The Master said, "Ignorance fire, tiger spirit, these are the roots of sins from past lives." Many people's illnesses, misfortunes, and even the sins of killing, stealing, adultery, and lying all stem from their inability to control their temper.
Burning Down a Forest of Merit: The saying goes, "The fruits of a thousand days of hard work gathering firewood can be burned to ashes in a single fire." A person who has cultivated themselves, performed good deeds, and repented for a long time can have all their previous merits burned away by a single outburst of anger. Therefore, "not getting angry" protects the fruits of your repentance and cultivation.
3. The Fastest Way to Attain Buddhahood: Reciting Sutras of Non-Anger
A disciple once asked Master Hsuan Hua, "How should I study and what sutras should I recite to attain Buddhahood the fastest?" The Master cleverly replied, "Recite sutras of non-anger, sutras of non-temper, and sutras of non-scolding. With these three sutras, you will quickly attain Buddhahood." The Master further explained that learning Buddhism doesn't require learning a lot; learning to be able to not get angry and have no temper is the Dharma. True non-temperament means not only not showing anger outwardly, but also having no resentment or affliction in one's heart. This is reaching the state of "afflictions are Bodhi."
In summary: According to Master Hsuan Hua's teachings, repentance is a process of transformation in your mindset and behavior, namely, "admitting mistakes, correcting them, taking responsibility, and never repeating them." Not getting angry is the most difficult yet crucial step in this process. If you can sincerely repent for the sins of harming others in the past due to "anger and temper", and put into practice "never getting angry or blaming others" in your current life, then your mind will become clear from turbidity, and wisdom and Buddha-nature will naturally appear. This is the most effective form of true repentance.
