The 4th Step: Living in a Suitable Environment
A Bodhi or Ficus tree in soil full of nutrients with a spacious environment will grow to its full height of approximately 20 to 40 meters. However, if it is placed in a small pot, it will remain small, only able to grow to the size of its surroundings. Even if you were to raise it for a hundred years, it would always remain that size, being equal to a bonsai tree of a maximum height of 25 centimeters. Human beings are the exact same way. Even if they are intelligent, have a strong sense of commitment, and great abilities, if they are raised in the improper environment without support, no matter how intelligent they are, will not be capable of accomplishments.
According to Buddhist teachings, our surroundings and circumstances have a great impact on one's progress and life. The proper environment can deliver a life of good health, self-development, and spiritual progress. Favorable environment not only supports the improvements of our body and mind, but it also contributes to the progression of our careers. This environment also acts as encouragement to continue our virtuous conduct. Supportive and suitable environments are described as "Patirupadesvasa" by the Lord Buddha.
The Characteristics of a Suitable Environment
1) Comfortable location. This means one should choose a suitable area in which to live, study, and work. It should be conducive to learning and life accomplishments. For example, a house should have good public utilities with surrounding fauna. A school should have good ventilation, minimum noise, spaciousness, and sport fields. A business should be in a place in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city or town. At the meteorological level, the city or state where one lives should have a good climate that is not too hot and not too cold.
2) Comfortable means for food. This means that one's house should be located close to the market or an area where food supplies may be produced.
3) Suitable Neighbors. The area in which one livesshould not have gang members, ruffians, or thieves, but decent, morally disciplined people.
4) Comfort in Dhamma. This means having virtue and being proper in two classifications:
Worldly Knowledge: interpreted as good education provided by schools and institutes. The schools themselves must have moral in governing principles when taking care of the students, teachers, and other employees.
Dhamma Knowledge: where the monks or wise people who possess Dhamma are able to educate or train the residents in the area. Otherwise, it can be interpreted as the lands where Buddhism is taught and can encourage individuals to give alms, keep the precepts, listen to Dhamma sermons, and practice meditation on a daily basis.
Thus, "Living in a Suitable Environment" can offer both worldly benefits and spiritual growth in one's life.
