Do Not Deviate from the Right Way

The Weight of Karma and the Path to Liberation

Your karma carries this Body-Mind-Spirit back into the cycle of rebirth, into suffering upon suffering. If you truly wish to leave suffering behind, you must undergo a transformation. Do not deviate from the Right Way, for such deviation is an obstacle that prevents you from seeing the Truth clearly. When you stray from the Truth, your life force diminishes. If your years of practice are insufficient, and you fail to achieve success in time, it is a great pity to have come into this life in vain, especially when you have had the rare fortune to encounter the Buddha, the teachers, and Practitioner Su.

The Danger of Emotional Entanglements

If you are at Hsiang Kuang, you have the opportunity to reach the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. To fall back into the cycle of rebirth instead would be a profound loss. Do not deviate and lose this precious opportunity. Above all, do not deviate by becoming trapped in emotional entanglements. The emotions of this world are thick and difficult to unravel; they bind you tightly and pull you back into the cycle of rebirth. You must possess the wisdom to let go first. Achieving your own liberation is the priority. If you can transform your emotional entanglements into Dharma affinity, that is the moment you truly begin to save others.

The Strength of the Six Harmonies

The Six Harmonies of the monastic community are essential. They are the foundation upon which we stand together:

• Harmony in views: Sharing a common understanding of the Dharma.
• Harmony in precepts: Practising the same discipline together.
• Harmony in living: Residing together in peace and mutual support.
• Harmony in speech: Communicating without conflict or dispute.
• Harmony in joy: Sharing the same joy in our practice and progress.
• Harmony in benefits: Ensuring that all resources and benefits are shared equally.

Gathering your hearts into one is true unity. Only then will you have the strength to face all beings, transform your karma, and see your true self. The obstacles within your heart can only be resolved if you are willing to turn away from deviation and return to the Right Way. The Six Harmonies are not easy to maintain because of the ego, but if you can let go of the self, the Six Harmonies will naturally be achieved.

The Path of Saving the World

Achieving the harmony of the monastic community is for the purpose of saving all beings. You are one among many, and as you work to save others, you are also saving yourself. When you can be saved, all beings can be saved. This is the true path of saving the world and helping all beings leave suffering behind. Namo Amituofo.