Recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
August 2, 2025
The Vital Importance of Clear Direction
In your spiritual practice, if your direction is not clear and your vows are not firm, you will inevitably encounter hesitation when faced with difficulties. Some practitioners may even choose to retreat entirely. When this happens, it becomes difficult to make any diligent progress, and you may find yourself merely circling in place, unable to move forward on the path to .
If you wish to truly advance, you must establish a clear direction and hold fast to your vows. You must have absolute faith in the Buddha and in your own capacity to return to your true nature. Your practice must be vigorous and powerful; you should strive forward with the determination to overcome any obstacle. Only then can you transcend the complex web of and personality traits that form what we call the Net of Heaven and Earth. By breaking through this net again and again, you will achieve success in your practice.
Understanding the Net of Heaven and Earth
This Net of Heaven and Earth is the very environment in which beings in the six realms of rebirth have suffered for countless lifetimes. It is a trap from which it is incredibly difficult to escape. This net is woven from three primary threads: your own heart and mind, the fundamental confusion that obscures your true nature, and the karma accumulated from your past thoughts, words, and actions.
Within this net, the —greed, anger, ignorance, arrogance, and doubt—and the —wealth, lust, fame, food, and sleep—are spread everywhere, ensnaring the soul. This net is woven deeply into your heart. Often, when you attempt to break free, the net only appears to tighten. This occurs because your past karma and the interference of negative forces manifest, causing you to lose control of your own mind. This is a test of your faith, your vows, your perseverance, your determination, and your ability to take action. This is the manifestation of .
The Power of the Path
In this age of the ’s decline, the karma of sentient beings is profound and heavy. Your own self-power is often insufficient to break through this Net of Heaven and Earth. Fortunately, we have the Pure Land two-power method. If your vows are selfless and dedicated to the benefit of all beings, and if your practice is conducted in accordance with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, you will be able to receive the Buddha's when your own self-power is activated.
Namo Amituofo, with his great , observes the potential of every being. He knows exactly where you are lacking and provides the support and sustenance you need to rely upon. If you follow the teachings of the Infinite Life Sutra (The Buddha Speaks the , Infinite Life, Adornment, Purity, Impartiality, and Sutra) and put them into practice, you are acting in accordance with the Truth. Furthermore, by chanting the name of Namo Amituofo—arousing the Bodhi mind and single-mindedly recite Namo Amituofo—and vowing to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, you establish a clear direction. This is the most effective method to shatter the Net of Heaven and Earth.
Aligning with the Right Way
If your faith, vows, and practice are motivated by selfishness, or if you violate the or the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, you are not acting in accordance with the Dharma. In such cases, even if you attempt to exert your own effort, it is difficult for the Buddha's power to reach you. However, if you are facing the challenges of ageing, illness, or other forms of suffering, and you pray for relief, you must ensure your vows are pure.
If your prayer includes a vow to practise generosity, perform good deeds, and diligently cultivate your practice to achieve success, or if you vow to propagate the Buddha’s teachings and introduce others to Namo Amituofo and the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, you are acting for the benefit of all beings. Through such sincere prayers, you will certainly receive the Buddha's blessings and see your wishes fulfilled.
