Recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
The Enemy Within
Can you truly overcome your own problems? Often, we find that we are our own greatest enemies. The essence of Buddhist practice lies in the ability to overcome these internal obstacles. When we succeed in this, we transform our inner enemies into friends, allowing us to live in harmony and unity. Through this process, we can realise the oneness of all things and finally see our true self.
We must understand that all external people, matters, and objects are subject to the law of impermanence; they are constantly changing. Before we have successfully transformed our , our own physical bodies are also impermanent and in a state of constant flux. Consequently, the , attached spirits, and demon crowds residing within us are also caught in this cycle of impermanence and change.
Maintaining the Purity of the Heart
If you have attained a state of goodness, you must work diligently to maintain it. Do not let it slip away; instead, strive to make your goodness even better, ensuring that no evil thoughts arise. Similarly, if you have attained a state of purity, you must protect it with great care. Continue to purify your mind further, ensuring that it remains untainted by the dust of the world. If you find that your state has turned towards impurity, negativity, or evil, you must be prepared to let go of these tendencies immediately.
Why must we let go of these negative states? Because they represent that is trapped within the cycle of rebirth and . They are not the true self, nor are they the original nature that we all possess. Everything that does not belong to your true self must be discarded.
The Inner Transformation
Diligently practising the will make you fundamentally different from who you were in the past. This is because you are constantly in a state of transformation:
Transforming the bad into the good: Replacing negative habits with wholesome actions.
Removing impurity to enter purity: Clearing away the mental defilements that cloud your original nature.
Turning evil into good: Cultivating a heart of that leaves no room for malice.
You must break through your past subjective views, where you allowed your own opinions and personal preferences to dictate your life. It is time to change your worldly methods of communication and emotional interaction. Instead, adopt a path of silence and self-discipline. By turning your focus inward—through constant self-reflection and rigorous self-examination—you can purify yourself. Only through this deep purification will your original nature gradually manifest.
The Foundation of Faith
In your daily life, you should take the following as your primary goals for learning and improvement:
Listening to sutras and hearing the Dharma: Absorbing the wisdom of the Buddha to guide your path.
Following the teachings of the Buddha: Applying the guidance provided by the masters to your daily conduct.
Embracing the physical and verbal teachings of Practitioner Su: Using these as a mirror to correct your own behaviour.
You must work to overcome your own laziness, stubborn personality, self-protective instincts, and selfishness. Adopt a humble and modest attitude, and be willing to accept kind words and reminders from others. Most importantly, you must have no doubt. You must have faith—deep, unwavering faith—in the Buddha and in yourself. Do not allow yourself to fall back into the whirlpool of rebirth, which is fuelled by constant thinking, comparison, and jealousy.
The Path to Buddhahood
Through sincere repentance and the act of changing your ways, you can clear the path ahead. With the help of the Buddha and the performed by Practitioner Su, you can overcome the obstacles created by yourself and your karmic creditors. By being fiercely diligent in your practice, you will find the opportunity to make progress and finally see your true self. Namo Amituofo.
