Everything is Originally Nothing

The Original Purity of the True Self

In the profound stillness of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, we are reminded of the fundamental nature of our existence. Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju teaches us that the state of 'nothingness' is not a void, but the original, authentic state of our true self. In this state of original purity, there is no room for the defilements that cloud our hearts. When we speak of this original state, we refer to the absence of the Five Poisons and the Five Desires that bind us to the cycle of reincarnated existence.

The Illusion of Attachment

We often find ourselves trapped in a world of 'having'—having thoughts, having desires, and having attachments. When we allow our hearts to be governed by these attachments, we move away from our true self and enter into a realm of illusion. This is where the cycle of karma and suffering begins. We must realise that when we cling to the following, we are merely chasing shadows:

• The Five Poisons: Greed, anger, delusion, arrogance, and doubt. These are the internal obstacles that prevent us from seeing our true nature.
• The Five Desires: Wealth, sex, fame, food, and sleep. These are the external attachments that keep our minds tethered to the material world.

If you do not let go of these 'haves,' you cannot achieve true purity. As long as these attachments remain, your heart remains heavy, and your path to awakening is obscured.

The Consequences of the Five Poisons

The teachings warn us clearly of the consequences of holding onto these attachments. If you allow these poisons to take root in your heart, you will inevitably face the following outcomes:

• Greed: When greed is present, your desires become insatiable, and a forest of suffering grows within your heart.
• Anger: When anger consumes you, your merits are destroyed, and you invite the retribution of the hells.
• Delusion: When you fall into delusion, the light of your wisdom is extinguished, and you risk falling into the animal realm.
• Arrogance: When arrogance takes hold, others will distance themselves from you, and it becomes difficult to accomplish any virtuous work.
• Doubt: When doubt clouds your mind, you cannot make progress, and you will find yourself retreating at every step.

The Path to True Freedom

Conversely, when you learn to let go, you open the door to a life of peace and clarity. By cultivating the absence of these attachments, you transform your life:

• Without Greed: Your heart finds true peace and contentment.
• Without Anger: You are able to face the world with a smiling, compassionate face.
• Without Delusion: Your innate wisdom is finally able to manifest.
• Without Arrogance: You naturally embody the virtue of humility.
• Without Doubt: Your faith becomes unshakable and powerful.
• Without Attachment to Wealth, Fame, or Sensory Pleasures: You are free from the burdens of the material world, allowing for restful sleep and a focused, quiet dedication to your practice.

Even in the basic necessities of life, such as eating and sleeping, one must maintain a sense of balance and moderation. When you can truly let go of everything, you reach a state of perfect emptiness. It is within this emptiness that you can finally realise your true self and give rise to the infinite potential of the universe. In this state, you become like the Tathagata—free, at ease, and completely liberated in heart and spirit. This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

Namo Amituofo