Recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
The concept of dedicating one's entire life to the path, known as Jin Xing Shou, refers to the commitment to uphold and practise the teachings of the Buddha throughout the entirety of one's physical existence. It is a vow to remain steadfast in one's conduct and attitude from this moment until the final breath of this life. This is not merely a temporary effort, but a lifelong devotion to the truth.
The Eternal Vow to Rediscover the True Self
To dedicate your life to the path is to cultivate a profound faith in the Buddha and in yourself. It is a journey of rediscovering your true self. When you encounter the teachings of the Buddha, the patriarchs and venerable masters, and true spiritual friends, you must listen with an open heart and accept these truths with sincerity. This faith is not passive; it is the catalyst for transformation. You must:
Listen deeply to the teachings of the masters.
Transform your behaviour by putting these teachings into daily practice.
Accept the sutras as the guiding light for your conduct.
You must believe that you, and indeed every single being, possess the original nature and the Buddha-nature. Through the power of faith in the Buddha and through diligent practice and purification, you can surely find your way back to this true self.
Walking Unwaveringly in the Footsteps of the Buddha
Dedicating your life means following the Buddha’s path in every circumstance. Regardless of how the external world changes, your commitment to the Buddha’s work of saving beings must never cease. You must realise that you are also a being in need of salvation; therefore, in the act of saving others, you are simultaneously saving yourself.
Even when you face obstacles or when negative forces attempt to disturb your body and mind, your faith in the Buddha must remain firm and unshakable. Do not alter your vows or your direction. Relying on the power of the Buddha, you can transform these challenges and continue to walk the path with unwavering resolve.
The Sacred Resonance of the Buddha-Name
To dedicate your life is to chant one Buddha's name to the end. Even if your mind feels scattered or unable to focus, you must understand that only Namo Amituofo can truly save you. Hold fast to the Buddha-name without interruption. By doing so, you will eventually see the Buddha come to lead you into the of Ultimate Bliss. Only then will you be able to:
Leave behind the sufferings of aging, sickness, and death.
Achieve liberation from the cycle of being reincarnated.
Transcend the three realms of existence.
Attain the path of Buddhahood within the Western Pure Land.
Furthermore, let the sacred name of Namo Amituofo enter the ears of all beings. Once the name enters the ear, it becomes a seed of the path that will eventually lead to their liberation.
The Noble Vows of the Monastic Community
For the monastic community, who represent the Sangha Jewel within the Three Jewels—the Buddha, the Teachings, and the Sangha Community, dedicating one's life means upholding the Discipline () without fail. You must diligently practise the Precepts (Discipline), Concentration and Wisdom to extinguish greed, anger, and ignorance. The practice of holding the Precepts, the manifestation of meditative concentration, and the opening of wisdom are the fundamental attitudes and actions of a true practitioner. You must remain diligent and never become lazy, for your responsibility is to rediscover your original face, purify your nature, and save beings from suffering.
The Path of Gratitude and Universal Salvation
Dedicating your life also involves the propagation of the . By using Buddhist education to spread the Buddha’s teachings, you allow the public to understand the laws of and cause and effect. When people come to know Namo Amituofo and the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, they will naturally make the vow to chant the Buddha-name and seek rebirth there. This allows them to fulfil their wish to be reborn in the West, thereby achieving liberation from the cycle of being reincarnated and leaving suffering behind.
Finally, dedicate your life to repenting and gratitude. You must remain humble and modest, never allowing pride to take root. Having created countless negative karma over many lifetimes and having caused harm to many beings, you must now use this life to practise with a heart of deep repenting. Through diligent practice and the eventual rediscovery of your true self, you will be able to benefit all beings, thereby repaying the four great debts of gratitude: the kindness of the Buddha, the kindness of the country, the kindness of parents, and the kindness of all beings.
