Persisting on the Right Path

The Virtue of Unwavering Persistence

When you encounter a path that is truly right, you must hold fast to it with unwavering persistence. By 'right,' we mean that regardless of how the external environment shifts or changes, if an action aligns with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, you should proceed without fear. You must continue forward with a steady heart, for this is the path that leads to liberation.

The Necessity of a Virtuous Guide

However, we often struggle to distinguish between what is right and what is wrong, as our perceptions are frequently clouded by past habits and attachments. This is why we require a teacher who has achieved Awakening—a virtuous guide to lead us forward. Without such guidance, we risk wandering into the darkness, losing our way, and suffering the bitter consequences of our mistakes. A true teacher acts as a beacon, ensuring that we do not stray into the shadows of confusion.

The Crisis of the Modern Era

In this current age, the line between good and evil has become increasingly blurred. Often, even adults, parents, and teachers have lost their own sense of direction. How, then, can they teach the next generation to find the correct path and goals? How can they guide them to live in a way that does not harm themselves or others? Often, the result is that the next generation becomes even more lost, drifting further away from the Right Way. Once they have strayed, it becomes difficult for them to turn back. They fall into the cycle of reincarnation and the hells, suffering in a state where there seems to be no end to their pain.

The Responsibility of the Hsiang Kuang Students

The students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre are truly fortunate. At this time, you have received the guidance of the Buddha, your teachers, and Practitioner Su. Through listening to the sutras and hearing the Dharma, and through the teachings provided in the lectures of Practitioner Su, you have the opportunity to clearly distinguish between right and wrong in your daily life, adjust your mental notes, speech, and actions to align with the Dharma, and engage in diligent practice towards Awakening. Only by grounding yourselves in correct knowledge and understanding can you effectively educate the next generation, ensuring that neither you nor your children become lost in this turbulent, defiled world.

Taking Action with a Vow

There is much to be done in this world. Yet, if you feel your strength is insufficient and you achieve nothing, or if you fail to raise your vow to save the world alongside the Buddha, then you will accomplish nothing at all. You must transform your heart and take action. If it is the right thing to do, you must persist in it! Namo Amituofo.