Who is a Buddha? In the ultimate sense, every single being is a Buddha. Therefore, every person you encounter, every object you use, and even the food you consume is, in essence, a Buddha. This is because every being—whether human, animal, plant, or even the smallest insect—possesses a spirit within. Every one of these spirits holds the original nature, the true Buddha-nature.
You may wonder, if all beings are Buddhas, why do we distinguish between them? Why do we specifically call a Buddha, or refer to Practitioner Su as a Buddha, while others remain unrecognized? The distinction lies in the state of their being. Namo Amituofo, Practitioner Su, and all enlightened Buddhas have completely cleansed themselves of all dust and defilement. Their inner true nature and Buddha-nature are fully revealed, allowing the light of their heart to permeate their entire being. Every pore of their body is unobstructed, radiating the brilliant light of the Buddha.
The Radiance of
The countenance of a Buddha is compassionate and dignified, inspiring , praise, and reverence in all beings who behold them. They have achieved perfect self-, the awakening of others, and the perfection of all virtuous actions. This is why we address them as Buddhas. Conversely, why do we fail to see the Buddha-nature in the people, objects, and food we encounter daily? It is because their true nature has been obscured.
Originally, all beings are complete and perfect. However, layer by layer, they have been covered by the dust and grime of worldly attachments. Their true faces are hidden, and they no longer reflect the countenance of a Buddha. Instead, they manifest according to the state of their own hearts, wandering through the various realms of existence, from the highest heavens to the deepest mountains and valleys.
The Unsettled Heart
All of you here are fortunate to be in the presence of the Buddha, listening to the sutras and hearing the , seeking to rediscover your true nature. Yet, I must ask: where does your Buddha-heart reside right now? From what I observe, your Buddha-heart is still present, but it remains hidden because your heart is neither settled nor at peace. This lack of stillness affects your entire being—your cells, your , the attached spirits, and even the demon crowds surrounding you. They, too, remain unsettled and anxious.
In such a state, how can your practice be purified? How can you make progress? It is not that purification or progress is inherently difficult. Rather, it is because you hold onto rigid personal views, subjective opinions, and stubborn personality traits. To be honest, these are very difficult to adjust and subdue.
The Lion’s Roar of Practitioner Su
Practitioner Su, you have worked so hard! If you were not constantly calling out to the disciples, how could you shake their hearts and capture the attention of their karmic creditors so that they might listen to your words? If not for the Lion’s Roar of Practitioner Su, how could the hearts of the disciples and the spirits be awakened? Practitioner Su has expended a vast amount of energy to save you and all these suffering beings. If Practitioner Su did not possess an inexhaustible source of energy, how could he follow you at every moment, offering constant reminders and guidance? His only purpose is to awaken these sleeping Buddhas.
The Call to Awaken
When will you finally wake up? Namo Amituofo is waiting, I am waiting, and Practitioner Su is waiting day and night for your transformation. Once you suddenly awaken and renew your spirit, the very appearance of the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre will change. Follow the Buddha’s path. Who is a Buddha? Namo Amituofo is a Buddha; all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are Buddhas; the ancestral masters are Buddhas; Practitioner Su is a Buddha. And as we wait for the fourfold assembly of disciples to awaken, know that you, too, are a Buddha.
