Maintaining Right Practice

The Foundation of Upright Conduct

During the 2019 Taiwan, Hong Kong, and World Disaster Relief and Blessing Dharma Assembly, Namo Amituofo provided this essential guidance on how to conduct ourselves in our daily lives. To walk the path of the Buddha, one must cultivate four fundamental qualities: right knowledge, right understanding, right holding, and right practice.

True wisdom, which is upright, requires one to grasp the principles and meanings of the world. It is not merely about accumulating intellectual knowledge, which often leads to confusion. The consciousness is frequently filled with chaotic delusions; it is not governed by your own personal thoughts, memories, or subjective desires. You must realise that true understanding is the catalyst for transformation. Understanding is the ultimate, righteous truth that leads us home.

Transcending the Deluded Mind

When you encounter problems in this world, you must rely solely on right knowledge, right understanding, and right practice. Do not follow the path of selfishness, and do not be led by the delusions of your own mind. If you rely on your own ego, you will find it difficult to attain peace or stillness. The wisdom of the Buddha’s teachings acts as a compass, guiding all beings on their journey through the vast ocean of samsara.

If you can let go of your own subjective thoughts and attachments, you will be able to follow the light of righteousness. You must know that the only way to turn your life around is to listen to the wisdom of a true spiritual friend. When your actions are no longer dictated by your ego, you have truly changed your tune. You will no longer fall into the endless cycle of rebirth, where it is so difficult to stop the suffering on your own.

The Light of the Righteous Path

By aligning yourself with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, you can finally leave suffering behind and find true happiness. This is the way to ensure that your practice is not in vain. Let this be your daily reminder: to walk the path of the Buddha is to walk the path of selflessness. May all beings hear these words, turn from confusion to awakening, and find their way to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Namo Amituofo.

Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi Faxi.