Comparison and Equality: Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

During the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, we are reminded that our hearts and actions are often clouded by the habit of comparison. This tendency arises from the physical sensations of our bodies and the accumulated laws of karma and cause and effect from our past and present lives.

The Trap of Dualistic Thinking

When we engage in comparison, we inadvertently create a world of dualities. We begin to categorise our experiences into:

• High and low status
• Good and bad outcomes
• Right and wrong actions

Because of these constant discriminations, we experience a cycle of suffering and fleeting happiness. This is the very nature of beings who are reincarnated within the six realms of existence. As a practitioner, you must realise that this cycle is not the ultimate truth of your existence.

The Equality of Buddha-nature

Every single being, without exception, possesses the same true self and Buddha-nature. This is the absolute reality. The only reason we perceive the six realms of existence is due to our own confusion and lack of clarity. When we are lost in this confusion, we manifest the various forms of beings we see in the world today. If you can truly understand this principle, you will recognise that all phenomena and all forms are illusory rather than real.

The Wisdom of Respect

Buddha or Bodhisattva manifest in various ways for one purpose: to alleviate the suffering of beings and to help them rediscover their true self and Buddha-nature. Those who have realised their true nature see the reality behind the illusion. Consequently, they are able to show profound respect for all beings, viewing every individual as a Buddha.

In the Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra, the first vow is respect for all Buddhas. This is a fundamental practice and a vital part of the Dharma. It is a vow that aligns perfectly with our true self.

Skillful Means and the Still Heart

Buddha or Bodhisattva teach beings using various methods, tailored specifically to each person’s potential. While these methods may appear different on the surface, the heart of the Buddha or Bodhisattva remains perfectly equal and free from all discriminations. This is the skill of those who have realised their true nature: their meditative concentration remains unmoved, even while their actions vary to suit the situation.

When teaching, they see the condition of each being with absolute clarity, yet they are never pulled away or influenced by the karma of those they help. Equality is an inherent part of our true self. If you can practise treating all beings with equality and respect, you are moving closer to the truth and making steady progress toward realising your true self.

Namo Amituofo