Not Forgetting One's Roots

The Foundation of Our Existence

Where do our roots lie? A root is the very foundation of our being. To understand our place in the universe, we must look back to the sources that have nurtured us. The root of our physical body is found in our parents, who gave us life. The root of our worldly knowledge and personal achievements is found in our teachers, who guided our development. Most importantly, the root of our spiritual practice is found in the Three Jewels—the Buddha, the Teachings, and the Sangha Community, which includes the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, the sutras, the ancestral masters, the virtuous guides, and the monastics.

The Three Jewels encompass a vast and supportive network that sustains our journey toward liberation. These enlightened beings provide infinite compassion and guidance, while the sacred texts contain the wisdom of the universe. The great patriarchs have preserved the Dharma through the ages, and our mentors and the community of practitioners provide the personal instruction and support necessary for our growth.

The Tapestry of Karmic Connections

Let us reflect upon the physical body. We only possess this form because of our parents. Once we are born and our spirit enters this body, we become an individual entity. From that moment, we begin to weave a complex web of karmic relationships with our parents. This relationship continues throughout our growth until the moment of our death, when the experiences of this particular lifetime come to an end.

For the average person, the events and encounters we face before death are deeply intertwined with our karma and our Causal Conditions. We are born into a world shaped by the actions of our past. To not forget one's roots is to recognise that this very life, and this very body, exist because of these intricate karmic bonds. It is because of these Causal Conditions that we have been brought together, and it is through these connections that we have been granted the precious opportunity to hear the Dharma, to engage in practice, to escape the cycle of rebirth, and to realise our true nature. Therefore, we must understand the importance of gratitude and strive to repay the kindness of our parents and our teachers.

The Path of the Practitioner

For those who have chosen the path of a practitioner, especially those who have left the household life, it is vital never to forget one's roots. Once you have entered the Buddha’s gate, you are supported by the blessings of all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. You are further assisted by the teachings of the sutras, the wisdom of the ancestral masters, and the guidance of your virtuous mentors and the monastic community. It is through this collective support that you are able to achieve spiritual achievements, nurture your Dharma Body, and cultivate your wisdom life. Thus, these teachers are also your roots.

The Ultimate Repayment

What is the best way to not forget your roots and to repay this immense kindness? The answer lies in your own transformation. You must achieve Awakening, for by doing so, you fulfil the highest purpose of your existence. You must then dedicate your life to helping all beings leave suffering behind and find true happiness, guiding them toward rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Therefore, you must engage in diligent practice. You must learn to set aside your ego and your personal attachments. You should practise for the sake of not forgetting your roots, for the sake of Awakening, and for the sake of repaying the kindness of those who have nurtured you. You must practise to save the world, to rescue suffering beings, and to ensure the continuation and flourishing of the Buddha’s teachings and the Pure Land path. Namo Amituofo.