Bearing the Suffering of Beings: The Teachings of Master Xianshou

The Four Pillars of Virtue

Master Xianshou, a great ancestral master of profound wisdom, observed the qualities possessed by the patriarchs and venerable masters throughout history. He distilled these into four essential virtues, providing a clear roadmap for all Buddhist practitioners who seek to achieve the ultimate goal of practice. These four virtues are:

• Skillful use of the Dharma:
• The ability to apply the teachings appropriately according to the Causal Conditions of each situation.Dignified conduct:
• Maintaining a presence that inspires respect and reflects the Precepts.Gentleness and honesty:
• Being humble and modest, free from arrogance, which allows beings to feel comfortable and willing to learn.Bearing the suffering of beings: The most direct expression of compassion, where one takes on the burdens of others to help them leave suffering behind.

These virtues are not merely external displays; they are the natural manifestation of a heart that has begun to awaken. When you truly believe in these virtues and demand them of yourself, they will naturally shine through your actions in a way that no one else can replicate.

The Path of Faith, Understanding, Practice, and Realisation

The journey to Awakening is built upon the foundation of right faith and right understanding in Buddhist education. One must first understand the Dharma, then put it into practice, and finally, through this diligent practice, attain the proof of realisation. Those who embody these four virtues naturally possess the qualities of an awakened being. Their actions are never forced or artificial. Because they understand the suffering of beings, their compassion arises spontaneously, leading them to make vows, engage in diligent practice, and work in this world to save beings.

The Illusion of the Physical Body

We must recognise that our physical body is merely a temporary combination of the Four Elements: earth, water, fire, and wind. Because these Causal Conditions are constantly changing, the body itself is in a state of perpetual flux. Most people mistakenly believe that this body is their true self. They protect it with great care, fearing any harm or discomfort. Consequently, when the body experiences illness or pain, the mind is immediately drawn into suffering, creating a cycle of emotional distress.

Once this attachment to the body manifests, even if you strive to work for the benefit of others, your heart has already been tainted. When the mind is clouded by such attachments, it is difficult to truly manifest the four virtues or achieve the goal of saving beings. At such moments, your practice encounters an obstacle; your true nature cannot shine through, and there is no virtue to speak of. This is especially true when it comes to bearing the suffering of others. Without a vow of compassion, it is nearly impossible to genuinely take on the burdens of another.

Breaking Through the Ego

A heart that is truly sincere is a heart of oneness, capable of overcoming any difficulty. If your heart is divided—if you have hidden agendas or attachments—it is no longer pure, and you will inevitably face barriers that are difficult to break through. A sincere heart is singular and boundless, allowing you to respond to the needs of others with perfect timing. If you are truly dedicated to helping beings leave suffering behind, you will not fear the suffering of your own body or the demands of your karmic creditors. When you can say, 'My body may suffer, but my heart does not,' you have reached a significant milestone in your practice.

Therefore, the primary task for any Buddhist practitioner is to let go of the ego. This 'ego' includes the spirit that feels lost and suffering within the cycle of rebirth, as well as the physical body formed by the Four Elements. Both are merely illusions. Your feelings, your perceptions, your possessions, your opinions, your methods, and your thoughts—all these are driven by afflictions and attachments, controlled by the laws of karma. A true practitioner does not allow themselves to be controlled by karma; they live with autonomy, freedom, self-awareness, and inner peace.

The Buddha's Compassion and Our Vows

Namo Amituofo understands the suffering of all beings with absolute clarity. The Buddha sees the pain of our bodies and the struggles of our spirits perfectly. However, unless a being is truly willing to leave suffering behind, even the Buddha cannot force their salvation. For those who are determined to be free, the Buddha offers his blessings, resolving their conflicts and leading them to the Western Pure Land. Many monastics, witnessing the immense power of the Buddha to save beings, willingly join in this work of saving the world. Where is the Buddha? The Buddha is present wherever there are those who share his heart, his vows, and his path.

The Ultimate Test of Compassion

If you are truly committed to bearing the suffering of beings to help them find happiness, you must be willing to take on this responsibility directly. You must realise that all beings are one with you; all possess the same Buddha-nature. The only reason we perceive differences—you and me, high and low, close and distant—is because of our confusion. If bearing the suffering of others leads them to have faith, to study the Dharma, and eventually to become a Buddha, then any suffering you endure is worth it. This is the manifestation of the Buddha-heart, the Buddha's power, and the Buddha-vow. The Buddha will surely protect you, assist you, and provide his blessings, ensuring that your practice reaches fruition.

Many practitioners retreat from the path of saving the world because they fear the suffering of the body. They are unable to accumulate virtue and good roots because they cannot sacrifice themselves for others. They remain trapped by the distinction between 'self' and 'other' and are limited by their physical form. They cannot break through the barrier of the body, and thus, they struggle to pass this test. This is a great injury to one's practice and a major hurdle that prevents many from realising their true nature. Yet, you must understand that it is precisely by passing through this test that you can witness the true, selfless compassion within you. The resulting elevation of your spirit is the primary reason why so many practitioners finally achieve Awakening.