Great Compassion Without Conditions and the Oneness of All Beings

The Unified Heart of the Universe

The principle of "Great Compassion Without Conditions and the Oneness of All Beings" is the practical conduct of viewing the universe as a single, unified entity. Whether a being shares a karmic connection with us or not, we all emerge from the same source. There is no distinction between self and other, high or low. Our purpose is to bestow happiness, alleviate suffering, and rescue all beings from the cycle of rebirth. Throughout this world and beyond, across the entire Dharma realm of emptiness, if you look closely, you will see that sentient and insentient beings alike attain perfect wisdom. We all share the same true self, the same Dharma nature, and the same Buddha-nature. We are fundamentally one. The only reason we perceive differences in form and thought is due to our delusions, discriminations, and attachments.

Reverence for the Buddha-Nature Within

Among the Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, the first is to show respect for all Buddhas. This is because every being possesses Buddha-nature and is worthy of our reverence. Regardless of how others treat us—even if they criticise, slander, or harm us—we must remain unmoved. We must maintain our composure and continue to treat them with respect. This is the natural state of our true self. Whether a being appears humble or insignificant, even down to the smallest insect, we must treat them with reverence and never cause them harm, for we are inherently one. To live in accordance with this truth is the mark of one who has realised their true nature.

Cleansing the Dust of the Soul

In this Dharma-ending age, sentient beings are controlled by their karma and destiny, making it difficult to find liberation. If one is not clear-minded and able to distinguish between the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, one is easily confused. If one falls onto a deviant path, it becomes difficult to escape, and the opportunity to realise one's true nature and achieve rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is lost. Although we are one with all beings, we have been mired in the six realms of existence for countless lifetimes, becoming deeply polluted. Our characters and habits are inconsistent. To uncover our original nature and the boundless compassion inherent within us, we must work diligently. We must overcome our personal ego and selfishness, correct our mistakes, wash away the dust of the world, and engage in purification, and then more purification. Only then will we have the chance to reclaim our true self.

The Boundless Vow of the Western Pure Land

"Great Compassion Without Conditions and the Oneness of All Beings" is the realm of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. One must possess a heart as vast as the Dharma realm of emptiness to establish a Buddha-land. Namo Amituofo spent five eons establishing the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. It transcends time and space, and its reach is boundless. Sentient and insentient beings, whether they have a karmic connection or not, can all leave suffering behind and be reborn there. This is all based on His Ultimate Vow—a state of equality and oneness where all share in ultimate bliss. It is the supreme expression of this great compassion.

The Path of Selflessness

Practitioners can also establish their own Buddha-lands. Every step of purification that students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre take today is preparation for realising their true nature and establishing their own Buddha-lands. The first step is to open your heart to compassion. If you still cling to a sense of "self," you are far from this realm. Therefore, the entry point to learning from the Buddha is to remove the ego. You must see through and let go of anything you consider "mine" or "myself." Do not hold onto these things; only then can you enter this state.

The Footprints of the Compassionate One

To protect and save all beings from suffering without discrimination, without seeking reward, is the compassion that flows naturally from a sincere heart. It is a state of selfless, altruistic devotion. Consider Shakyamuni Buddha: He renounced his life as a prince, endured immense suffering, and sought the path to liberation. He realised the Truth and the reality of the universe, finally attaining Buddhahood under the Bodhi tree. Afterwards, at the request of celestial beings, he began teaching the Dharma and spent forty-nine years travelling to save the world.

The Buddha’s teachings reached everyone: royalty, ministers, elders, those in the mountains and forests, the earth, stones, flowers, grass, insects, birds, celestial beings, and even the lowest-caste scavengers in India at the time. With his noble hands, the Buddha reached out to a scavenger, teaching him that all beings are equal and that everyone can become a Buddha just like him. The scavenger was so moved by the Buddha’s compassion—that he did not despise the smell of filth upon him—that he became one of the Buddha’s disciples. Every detail of the Buddha’s life is a practical demonstration of "Great Compassion Without Conditions and the Oneness of All Beings."

The Infinite Reach of Chao Du

Today, at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, under the presence of Namo Amituofo, Practitioner Su uses the power of the Dharma Body to perform Chao Du, rescuing spirits and helping them be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. The beings saved include those from the ten directions of the Dharma realm and the entire universe. In this work of deliverance, there is no discrimination. All are considered connected. From the smallest dust particles to the galaxies and stars, spirits are rescued from the cycle of rebirth and the suffering of exhausted energy. This work continues day and night without rest. The heart is tied to these spirits; if we delay their rescue by even one day, they suffer for one more day. This is the manifestation of the great compassion of "Great Compassion Without Conditions and the Oneness of All Beings."

The Boundless Sacrifice of Practitioner Su

Practitioner Su manifests in a human body in this life. Although he has realised his true nature and has long dedicated his body and mind to the service of the Dharma, why must he still endure the trials of this world? It is because his vow is so vast and boundless. The beings he saves often lack sufficient merit and have not yet formed the necessary Dharma affinity. Yet, with infinite compassion, he teaches the fourfold assembly to realise their true nature and spread the Dharma, hoping to help all spirits leave suffering behind and be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Therefore, he must lead the fourfold assembly through these trials, taking on the suffering of beings to save them. He also provides for the fourfold assembly, hoping they will realise their true nature and save the world. He also ensures that the fourfold assembly does not suffer karmic retribution for receiving offerings if their spiritual achievements are not yet complete. This is truly the height of compassion, and all students should be deeply grateful.

A Vow to Repay the Grace of the Dharma

Practitioner Su and the students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre follow the Buddha’s instructions, adapting to conditions and working diligently to teach the Dharma. The number of listeners is immeasurable, and the number of beings saved through Dharma assemblies and Chao Du to be reborn in the Western Pure Land or the celestial realms is also boundless. The only wish is that the Pure Land teachings can be spread and manifested, so that all suffering can be alleviated. This is truly a rare and precious manifestation of "Great Compassion Without Conditions and the Oneness of All Beings."

All students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre and the spirits of the Dharma realm should be grateful for the grace and protection of the Buddha. The benefits of the Dharma we have received are not easily attained. We must work diligently and persistently, realise our true nature, attain the Dharma Body, inherit the skills of Dharma Body Chao Du, and spread the Pure Land teachings to the world. By saving ourselves and others, we can leave suffering behind, be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, and repay the kindness of the Buddha, our teachers, and Practitioner Su.

Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.