Do Not Be Ignorant: A Teaching on Awakening

The Veils of Confusion

The wise person is one who has attained Wisdom. In contrast, the ignorant person is one who remains lost in the fog of confusion. They cling to things that have no lasting value, chasing after fleeting shadows while turning their backs on the ultimate Truth. How many of us spend our days drifting, letting the precious seconds of our lives slip away like water through our fingers? We are often busy, yet we are lost, having no true foundation to rely upon. We search everywhere for a place to rest, yet we do not know how to be humble. We are weak, yet we do not know how to practise the path.

The Endless Cycle of Samsara

We do not believe in the laws of karma and cause and effect, treating the cycle of rebirth as if it were the natural, permanent state of existence. We rush into the six realms of existence without a second thought. We create causes for suffering, yet we remain blind to the consequences. When we fall into the lower realms, such as the animal realm, we can only exhaust our old karma; we cannot accumulate new merit or Wisdom. We are unable to plant the seeds of virtue, and we mistake this suffering for pleasure. There seems to be no end to this cycle of pain.

The Radiance of the Buddha-name

The ignorant person does not know they are ignorant, and the foolish person does not know they are foolish. When will they finally wake up? When the sound of the Buddha-name enters our ears, the obstacles within our Six Roots begin to clear. Our consciousness gradually becomes bright. Within our minds, we begin to realise the need to leave suffering behind. Wisdom begins to manifest, bit by bit, dissolving our confusion and spiritual obstacles. When knowledge and action become one, we will finally leave behind the suffering caused by ignorance. We must resolve to leave suffering behind and walk the path with sincerity.

Entering the Land of the Golden Lotus

Never let go of the Buddha-name. By doing so, we will enter the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. If we encounter magnificent conditions, the Buddha will guide us to take refuge, and the power of the Buddha-name will break through the darkness of space and ignorance. Awaken, chant the Buddha-name, and enter the Land of the Golden Lotus. This teaching was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

Namo Amituofo