Never Ceasing: The Compassionate Vow of the Awakened

The Vision of the Awakened

Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and those who have realised their true nature possess the Five Eyes, which are perfectly clear and luminous. Their Six Roots are completely pure and fully opened. Because of this, they are able to perceive the profound suffering that ordinary beings, whose roots remain obscured, cannot see. Their hearts are filled with deep compassion for the endless suffering of all beings, and their actions are tireless. They work without pause, and their efforts to save others never cease.

The Burning House of Samsara

The Three Realms of existence are, in truth, a burning house. It is a place of immense suffering! Beings are caught within this fire, yet they do not realise they are burning. They do not recognise the intensity of their own suffering. They live in pain, yet they accept this pain as if it were normal. They endure suffering, yet they mistake this suffering for the natural state of existence. They have become so accustomed to the flames that they no longer seek to escape.

The Illusion of the Self

This physical body is false, and the external world is merely an illusion. Because we reside within this false body and interact with this illusory world, we fail to recognise the illusion for what it is. Consequently, we continue to create all manner of suffering for ourselves. Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and those who have realised their true nature wish to help all beings see through these illusions and perceive the ultimate truth. However, because beings are so deeply immersed in the illusion, they are unwilling to leave it behind. They continue to be reincarnated, trapped in a cycle that is difficult to escape.

The Compassionate Descent

How could Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and those who have realised their true nature bear to watch beings drift away into further suffering? Therefore, they choose to enter into the illusion themselves, performing illusory deeds to reach those who are lost. They fear that they might not be able to save everyone in time, so they descend directly into the world. They do this so that those who have the right conditions may receive Chao Du, be saved, and find liberation in time. They fear that beings will find it difficult to awaken, so they offer lectures and teachings. Through these, those who hear the Dharma can understand the truth and awaken before it is too late. For Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and those who have realised their true nature, entering and exiting the illusion is a constant practice. Their only goal is to save as many as they possibly can. This heart of compassion and this path of action will never cease.

This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.