Most people in this world are trapped within the cycle of rebirth, unable to take charge of their own lives. They remain unaware that their true self-nature possesses the inherent power to be free. Those who are lost in delusion place the 'self' at the centre of everything, allowing selfish thoughts to dominate their hearts. They cling tightly to their own opinions, refusing to let go. They mistake this temporary, physical body for their true self, failing to realise that this body is merely a product of Causal Conditions—arising and passing away in a constant state of flux.
Because they identify so strongly with this false body, they create negative to satisfy its demands. They allow the karmic forces of the cycle of rebirth to manifest within them, leading to the inevitable suffering of aging, sickness, and death. They have not yet understood that they can use this very body as a vessel to seek out their true self and attain genuine freedom. Such individuals often lack the affinity to encounter the Buddha’s teachings. Without the guidance of a true spiritual friend to help them navigate their confusion, they spend their entire lives lost in a fog. One lifetime passes in the blink of an eye, and they are left to wonder: when will they ever have the chance to encounter the Buddha’s teachings again?
The Hidden Dangers on the Path
A practitioner is truly fortunate, for they have the rare opportunity to break through delusion and attain , to see their true nature, and to attain Buddhahood. However, even a practitioner can fall into the trap of being lost without realising it. They may commit transgressions and create negative karma without even being aware of their actions. They may become lost in the : wealth, lust, fame, food, and sleep.
They may also be lost in the —Greed, Anger, Ignorance, Arrogance, and Doubt—without knowing it, or perhaps they know but find them too difficult to change. When every thought and intention leads to the creation of negative karma, they may not realise they are breaking the , or they may know but find it difficult to stop. This leads to the accumulation of karma that binds them to the Three Evil Realms. Their goodness gradually fades, and they drift further and further away from the ability to see their true nature. To spend an entire life of practice still lost in delusion, ultimately suffering the pain of the separation of the four elements at the end of life, is a profound waste of this precious human existence.
A Sanctuary for
At this very moment, the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre offers a rare and precious spiritual connection. We are blessed with the teachings of , the guidance of Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, and the lectures provided by Practitioner Su. This is the perfect time for every practitioner to focus on breaking through delusion and attaining enlightenment.
The Luminous Path of the Awakened
What does it mean to be awakened? An awakened being acts with wisdom and in every situation:
They do not create negative karmic connections with others, but instead work to cultivate broad, positive Dharma affinities.
They are always ready to provide convenience to others, knowing that by making things easier for others, they are truly making the path easier for themselves.
Whether they encounter favourable circumstances or adversity, they remain calm, following the flow of conditions with a free and easy heart.
They engage in diligent practice every day, experiencing continuous small awakenings to clear away the blockages and obscurities within their minds.
They remain content with little or no desire, knowing how to be satisfied, and by removing defilements, they attain purity and see their true nature.
The fourfold assembly must cherish this opportunity. Namo Amituofo.
