Master Xuanzang on the Profound Truth of No-Self
Teachings from Master Xuanzang
Recorded on March 1, 2019
The Illusion of Form and the Empty Heart
All phenomena in this world arise from the heart. When the heart is empty, there are no forms; this is the state of the Empty Form. The Empty Form is not a single thing, yet it contains everything. It lacks nothing, for all things arise from it. is the essence of all sentient beings. This is clear and evident. For this reason, , all sentient beings, and the Buddha are one. This is called the One Body. To know this Truth and to realise it is to be an awakened being. It has always been this way. Return to your original nature, and everything is as it should be.
The Freedom of Living Without a Self
Yet, because of this empty heart, what is manifested outwardly is for the needs of all sentient beings, and thus it is limitless. Everything you touch comes naturally as a ; everything can become a Dharma, and all Dharmas are in sync. Because there is No-Self, selfishness cannot take form. Thus, one becomes selfless, and in selflessness, there are no thoughts. Karmic obstacles cannot manifest, and hindrances cannot arise. Life is no longer limited; one's destiny is for the sake of all sentient beings.
The True Spirit and the Great Vow
Knowing the suffering of spirits, one acts with positive intent according to karmic affinity, resolving their grievances and guiding them to the of Ultimate Bliss. The awakened being is the true self, moving freely through the human world. It is the state of permanence, bliss, true self, and purity; emptiness and purity are one. One plays in the human world, teaching those connected by karmic affinity. The Great Vow is fully manifested, and this life is dedicated to saving the world. This is also the original vow. There are no obstacles, no distinctions; there is only this one true spirit. It is neither born nor does it die, and even this spirit is but a name. Birth and death are one; there is only the Truth.
The Path to Buddhahood
The ultimate reality is the self, and the self is the ultimate reality. The appearance of birth is the self, and the self is the appearance of birth. The appearance of death is the self, and the self is the appearance of death. The awakened being is the true self; the true self is the spirit, and is but a temporary vessel. In reality, there is No-Self. I am everything, and everything is me. This is the true self at this moment. All merge into one. Be grateful for everything. Respond with Prajna, and interact with Wisdom. The mind-capacity is infinite, and is boundless. One can manifest anywhere, and the body need not be ill. The spirit is immortal and can travel to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. To be free from illness and death is the Great Way. This is true Buddha-action, fulfilling the Buddha-vow. When the power of the Buddha is manifested, this is what it means to be a Buddha. This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
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Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
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