Facing the Tests of Life with Wisdom and Compassion

The Path of the True Practitioner

In this fourth interview with National Master Xianshou, we explore the essential nature of our spiritual journey. The Master explains that only by relying on the teachings of the Buddha and those who have truly realised the truth through practice can we navigate the murky waters of this world. We must learn to distinguish between purity and impurity, breaking through the layers of dust that cloud our vision. Only then can we truly save ourselves and, by extension, save beings. This is the essence of what we call our work and our Dharma practice.

Imagine a kind gardener who has a vast plot of land. This land requires constant tilling, managing, irrigating, and weeding. Only through such diligent care can the garden produce fragrant, beautiful flowers. This is the reality of our practice in the world.

Understanding the Worldly Realm

What is this worldly realm? It is a place where right and wrong are difficult to discern, where Goodness and evil are inextricably mixed, and where gratitude and resentment are deeply intertwined. It is a place where purity and turbidity are hard to separate, and where both light and shadow coexist. In this Five Turbidities and Evil World, it is rare to find clarity, freedom, and purity. Therefore, those who can maintain a clear, free, and pure heart at all times are always worthy of admiration and serve as models for us to learn from.

Indeed, it is not easy to maintain such a cool and tranquil heart. It is rare, and most people believe that only those with significant spiritual attainment and deep meditative concentration can possess such an immovable state of mind. As the saying goes, if one's emotion is not heavy, one would not fall into this worldly realm. Even those who descend from the heavenly realms or other lands—those we call the 'comers-again'—must still face the tests of emotional entanglements, interpersonal conflicts, the greed, anger, delusion, arrogance, and doubt, as well as the wealth, lust, fame, food, and sleep that constitute the suffering of the six realms of rebirth just like everyone else.

The Necessity of Spiritual Resolve

Those who pass these tests move forward step by step, eventually fulfilling the vow they made before descending. Those who fail continue to cycle through the six realms of rebirth, just like ordinary beings. They create negative karma, and under the laws of karma and cause and effect, there is no room for sentimentality or favouritism. Whether one is a disciple, an ordinary person, a monastic, or a lay practitioner, one must understand this clearly. Only then can one remain unmoved by external circumstances and perform the work of liberation while living in the world.

This work of helping beings escape the suffering of life and death is filled with tests. Those who undertake it must possess great Wisdom; otherwise, they risk creating more negative karma and becoming trapped in the three paths of evil retribution themselves. This is why the Buddha’s teachings are so vital. They are the tools we use to cultivate our mind-capacity, compassion, and Wisdom.

The Gardener’s Diligence

Returning to the metaphor of the gardener, one must have a sensitive and alert heart to understand the nature and needs of every plant. Each species is different:

• Some require direct sunlight, while others thrive in the shade or dim light.
• Some need only a trace of water, while others require abundant hydration.
• The soil quality—whether mud, yellow earth, or red earth—must be perfectly matched to the plant.
• Root vegetables, flowers, leaves, and fruits all have distinct requirements.

The gardener must understand these nuances to provide exactly what each plant needs to flourish. By doing so, they ensure the plants grow well and bloom into beautiful, vibrant, or humble yet enduring flowers. Each flower has its own season, and the gardener must maintain them well so that the resulting fruits or seeds can be dispersed, allowing life to continue and flourish.

Walking the Path Alone

The greatest grace the Buddha or Bodhisattva and the ancestral masters bestow upon us is helping us rediscover our original, true nature. Like the gardener, they guide us, but the path is one we must walk ourselves. It is a road that can be long or short, filled with mud and thorns or scattered with fragrance. No one can walk it for you. Even if you are fortunate enough to receive guidance, it depends on whether you are willing to listen and act.

Even if you are warned to avoid swamps and whirlpools, or are equipped with armour and tools to clear the thorns, you must be the one to walk the path and face the tests. Beyond wit and the use of the Six Roots to avoid traps, you need the drive and perseverance to press forward. You will encounter unexpected situations—storms, scorching sun, lack of food or water, or extreme cold and heat. Only a firm will can sustain you.

Passing the Tests

No matter the obstacle, if you can pass one test and move to the next, you will eventually emerge battle-hardened, with no situation able to defeat you. Even when the path is easy and filled with flowers, you must ensure your 'baggage' is full—that you have cultivated enough Wisdom and compassion to remain unswayed by any condition. When you enter the garden, you do not know what lies ahead. Whether you face smooth sailing or adversity, you must let go of comparisons, impatience, and the distinction between the foolish and the wise.

The goal is to emerge from the garden able to face all conditions with a smile and a free heart. That is the sign of success. Regardless of your form, gender, or age, you will enter and exit the 'exam hall' many times. The tests will always be different, but the method remains the same: keep moving forward. Even if you pause or feel weak, as long as you rest and continue, you have a chance to pass. The only true danger is to stop, to retreat, and to refuse to move forward, becoming trapped in a cycle of struggle, life, and death without end.

The Final Treasure

Those who have passed these tests will tell those entering the 'exam hall' that the key to passing every stage lies in three things:

• Mind-capacity: Expanding your heart to embrace all beings.
• Compassion: The heartfelt desire to help others leave suffering behind.
• Wisdom: The clarity to see the truth of all things.

Whether you are about to enter the exam hall, are already inside, or are still standing at the door, remember this: in any situation, with any person, at any time, and in any place, you must remain free and at ease. The greatest Dharma Jewel you can carry in your bag is the combination of mind-capacity, compassion, Wisdom, and the spirit of giving. If you can apply these in time, they will provide unexpected power. I offer this to you all. Namo Amituofo.

Spoken by National Master Xianshou. Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.