Busy-ness and Stillness: Teachings from Master Xuanzhuang

The Whirlwind of Worldly Toil

People live their lives in this world, but one must ask: for what purpose are we so busy? For whom do we toil? We spend our days chasing after many things: the desire to marry and raise a family; the pursuit of wealth, prestige, and social status; the struggle to manage the inevitable cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death; the constant need for medical care and the pursuit of power and influence; the basic necessity of securing three meals a day; and the indulgence in wealth, lust, fame, food, and sleep.

We busy ourselves to secure a place in society. We exhaust our energy pursuing external material goods and satisfying internal desires. We are also kept busy by the complexities of human relationships, our own wandering thoughts, afflictions, delusion, discrimination, and attachment. Whether one is poor or wealthy, the state of being busy remains the same.

Seeking the Light Beyond the Veil

Busy-ness has become the defining characteristic of modern life. Many people spend their entire lives in this state of constant motion, mistakenly believing that this is simply what life is, with no sense of timing or direction. How many people are truly busy for the sake of elevating their spiritual level? How many are busy for the sake of serving the masses and benefiting all beings? How many are busy for the sake of dedicating themselves to illuminating the path for others?

These noble intentions seem to have been forgotten. We often forget that we cannot survive independently in this world. We rely on the silent, selfless contributions of countless others to live, learn, and grow in this human world. Therefore, as Practitioner Su often reminds us, we must understand that to be a true human being, one must take from society and, in turn, give back to society.

The Mirage of Constant Motion

A busy life is composed of many layers: the fluctuation of our mental notes, our personal ego and selfishness, our strategic plans, and the environments and people we are accustomed to. In this state of busy-ness, people pay the price with their bodies and their very lives. Yet, what do they receive in return? They receive only the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death, and the continuation of the six realms of rebirth in the next life.

Many people encounter the Buddha’s teachings because they face setbacks, disappointment, illness, the passing of loved ones, or difficulties in life. They seek spiritual support. For some, this encounter is merely a fleeting moment; they find temporary relief for their problems and a sense of peace, only to return to their busy lives. For others, they find true spiritual solace and establish a karmic affinity with the Buddha’s teachings, creating a brief moment of stillness in their lives, like a dragonfly skimming the surface of the water.

The Serene Horizon of the Awakened Heart

There is another group of people who, through these opportunities, encounter the Buddha’s teachings and open a new chapter in their lives. They begin to explore and learn the Truth. However, how many truly understand the Buddha’s teachings and realise the preciousness of having realised their true nature? From ancient times until now, many have travelled over mountains and across rivers to seek the guidance of Venerables and wise teachers in order to find the truth of life, to liberate themselves from the six realms of rebirth, and to realise their true nature. Some give up halfway, while others achieve their wishes. These processes and results of seeking the Dharma become the very substance and conclusion of their lives in this world.

Stillness is the appearance of one who has realised their true nature. It is a state of eternal joy, true self, and purity. It is a realm of light. The Land of Eternally Quiescent Light in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is precisely such a world of light—a state of no-thought and absolute freedom. What is manifested externally is infinite Prajna wisdom and compassion. The spirit and Dharma Body are unborn and undying, neither increasing nor decreasing. The preciousness of Mahayana Buddhism lies in its ability to help us recover this stillness of our true self. It allows us to save beings according to Causal Conditions, manifesting the appearance of liberation, and enabling the spirit and Dharma Body to function fully. It allows one to dedicate this light, compassion, and wisdom completely, without any loss to oneself.

A Sanctuary for the Soul’s Return

Human life is difficult to obtain, and the Buddha’s teachings are difficult to hear. In today’s society, being able to meet someone who has realised their true nature and attained Buddhahood is even more difficult—there is no greater difficulty than this! Even when those who have realised their true nature are busy with the work of giving back to society and fulfilling their vows, their inner world remains as still and bright as ever, regardless of the time or place. They are not led by external environments; they have no emotional fluctuations or disturbances. They are able to radiate the light and warmth within them to those around them, dedicating themselves selflessly and without ego. Furthermore, they teach and perform Chao Du for sentient beings with karmic affinity, helping them be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Such awakened beings of the Mahayana Pure Land are rare in this world. If you are fortunate enough to meet them, you must cherish the opportunity and follow their teachings.

The emptiness of the true self seems like an unreachable wish for many. Countless people cannot find the entrance; they spend much energy and money, and even invest great wealth, only to receive the same results of birth, aging, sickness, death, afflictions, suffering, and the cycle of rebirth. The disciples of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, under the guidance of Namo Amituofo and the awakened Practitioner Su, are able to encounter this supreme Dharma of rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Regardless of the difficulties or obstacles you encounter in the process of seeking the Dharma, you must face them bravely and break through them. In the end, you will surely realise your true nature and fulfil your wish. Recorded by the Buddha’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.