The purity and dignity of the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and the ancestral masters are not qualities that appear by chance. They are the result of countless trials, immense suffering, and rigorous tempering. It is through their infinite and profound wisdom, developed while working to save countless suffering beings, that their true nature has manifested in such a glorious way.
Those who have realised their true nature possess a state of cool, refreshing ease. They flow naturally with the , acting without the interference of the ego. This state is achieved only through active and persistent diligent practice, through the constant breaking through of various tests, and through the thorough cleansing of the dust and fatigue from one's body, mind, and spirit. Only when the dust is washed away can the inherent goodness of -nature shine forth.
The Journey of Purification
Today, the students of Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre have come from the world of dust. In the course of your practice, you must undergo a profound process of purification of your body, mind, and spirit. This is the only way to truly see the original, pure appearance of your true self. For those with sharp roots, the path is clear: you must change quickly and detach yourself from the various entanglements of this world.
As you practise, you will come to understand the reality of the situation: that this world is an illusion, and we are using this illusion to engage in True Cultivation. When you finally clear away the clouds of ignorance, the sun will shine through, and the light of your true nature will manifest. All these teachings and the changes you experience within your body, mind, and spirit are lessons you must be able to endure, for they are the necessary steps to reveal the nature that has been obscured for so long.
The Necessity of Guidance
This process of manifestation requires that you listen to the sutras and hear the Dharma. Through the guidance provided in these teachings, you will be able to discern the direction of your path and find the methods to resolve your difficulties. You must move forward step by step, with each footprint marking a genuine effort in your practice.
Questions of Endurance
As you walk this path, you will inevitably encounter various conditions brought about by your own personal ego, habits, and selfishness. You may face old age, illness, of confusion, or the manifestation of and the demands of your . When these challenges arise simultaneously, I ask you to reflect deeply on your capacity to endure:
Can you endure the various physical conditions that arise from your own habits and ego?Can you endure the process of purification, letting go of your physical sensations and breaking through your deep-seated attachment to ?Can you let go of the "self," accept direct and honest advice, listen to the teachings, and truly change your ways?Can you endure the suffering when your karmic creditors appear, and instead of reacting with anger, use sincere repentance to resolve the conflict and perform ?Can you be selfless, giving of yourself without calculation, and endure the requirement to continue your diligent practice without ever becoming lazy?Can you endure the sting of false accusations and slander without being harmed, maintaining your composure and continuing to move forward on the right path?
The Path to True Benefit
My children, I ask you to reflect upon these questions. Can you truly do these things? Compassion, wisdom, tolerance, and a vast mind-capacity are the wonderful methods for enduring these trials and solving the problems of life. These virtues are waiting for you to put them into action. If you can truly embody them, you will surely attain the great benefit of realising your true nature.
