Always Follow the Buddha's Teachings

The Essence of the Awakened One

The Eighth Vow of Samantabhadra is to always follow the Buddha's teachings. To understand this vow, we must first reflect upon the nature of a Buddha. A Buddha is an Awakened One—someone who has achieved self-awakening and possesses the profound ability to awaken others. They have realised their true nature and attained supreme, perfect enlightenment. This state of being is the ultimate goal of our practice, representing the full blossoming of wisdom and compassion.

Uncovering the Buddha Jewel Within

We all possess the Buddha Jewel within our own hearts. It is our original, true nature. However, this precious treasure is often obscured by the heavy veils of confusion. Because of this, we cannot see our own inner light. Without diligent practice, this Buddha nature cannot manifest in our daily lives. We must work hard to clear away the dust of our attachments and delusions so that our true self can shine forth once more.

Learning from the Goodness in All

When we encounter an awakened being, or when the Buddha manifests in this world, we must follow them closely. We should strive to learn the infinite meanings of their teachings and engage in infinite practices. By staying near the Buddha and learning from their actions, we can surely tread the Buddha's path. Every person we meet can be a teacher. When we observe the goodness, the kind words, and the noble intentions in others, we should recognise these as lessons for our own growth. If we can consistently follow the Buddha's teachings in this way, we will make steady progress toward the Buddha's path.

The Path of Equality

The practice of following the Buddha's teachings transcends all worldly boundaries. It does not matter what your age, gender, or social role may be. There is no distinction of status or position in this pursuit. We are all equal in our potential to learn from the Buddha and eventually attain Buddhahood. By remaining humble and open, we can continue to learn and grow, ensuring that we are always moving closer to our ultimate goal. This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.