Greatness is born from the capacity to encompass. When you open your heart and expand your mind-capacity, you gain the ability to save an infinite number of beings. If your heart is small and narrow, you will struggle even to save yourself, let alone others.
If you attempt to save beings without a sufficiently vast heart, you will find yourself unable to move them, and instead, you may find yourself being influenced or led astray by them. A person with a great mind-capacity can encompass everything, including individual persons, groups, communities, and the myriad beings throughout the Realm, the universe, and the vastness of empty space.
The Boundless of the Awakened
True greatness is found in the ability to encompass all. The hearts of Buddha or and Those who have realised their true nature are without boundaries. They encompass everything without end. They are able to accept and embrace all sentient beings throughout the ten directions of the Dharma Realm.
This acceptance is not limited by space or time, nor does it matter where a being comes from. As long as it does not violate the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, every being can be saved and leave suffering behind. We must counsel all beings to chant Buddha's name, make the vow to enter the of Ultimate Bliss, and attain Buddhahood. This is the only way to leave behind ultimate suffering and find ultimate happiness.
The Universal Scope of Deliverance
Greatness through inclusivity means that one can accept the faults and shortcomings of others. You must not hold onto past grievances. Instead, you should respect every person as a Buddha who has simply become confused and lost their original nature. You must be able to accept all types of beings, regardless of their status or background, whether they are rich or poor, noble or humble, or hold different professional roles.
This inclusivity extends to all beings in the natural world, including the mountains, rivers, and earth, as well as the smallest insects and creatures that crawl or fly, and those who have suffered through the wars and conflicts of various historical eras.
The Example of
is the Universal Buddha who encompasses the entire Dharma Realm. When he was Dharmakara Bhikshu, he witnessed the suffering of all beings. Without a single trace of self-interest, and with a heart completely free from the ego, he contemplated deeply on what all beings truly needed. It was from this profound contemplation that he made the Forty-eight Great Vows.
He vowed to encompass all sentient beings in the Dharma realm, ensuring that no one is left in suffering and that no one is left unsaved. It is only through this vow to save all suffering beings that the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss could be established.
The Strength of Forgiveness and the Path
Greatness through inclusivity means you can tolerate the slander, disregard, hostility, and distrust of others. You must be able to endure verbal and physical harm without holding grudges or keeping score. By living entirely in the present moment, you can fulfil the Buddha-actions required to save countless suffering beings.
As a practitioner of the , you must encourage yourself and work on your own self-liberation. You must develop the skill of chanting Buddha's name to ensure your rebirth in the Western Pure Land. By cultivating this skill, you simultaneously perfect the Six Paramitas, reach , and complete your spiritual achievements. In this way, you will follow Namo Amituofo to save beings and guide them to rebirth in the Western Pure Land. Namo Amituofo.
