Practising Down-to-Earth: A Guide for the Diligent Practitioner

The Foundation of Self-Reliance

To walk the path of the Buddha is to walk firmly, step by step, with your feet planted securely upon the ground. You must not rely on others to carry you; instead, you must rely on your own strength and determination. This requires you to release all selfishness and the instinct for self-protection. With unwavering faith in Namo Amituofo, you must move directly forward without hesitation or doubt.

The Daily Discipline of the Heart

Your daily practice is the bedrock of your spiritual life. You must commit yourself to the following essential activities without ever becoming lax:

• Prostrations, chanting, and reciting Sutras: These are your fundamental daily lessons, which must be performed with sincerity every single day.
• Opening your eyes to the suffering of beings: As you practise, you will begin to see the pain of others, which naturally fuels your desire to seek your true nature.
• Listen to sutras and hear the Dharma: This must be done without interruption, ensuring that your mind remains constantly nourished by the wisdom of the Buddha.

Serving Others and Awakening

True progress in your practice is measured by how you serve the community and how you transform your own character. You must be willing to change personality traits, truly change your ways, and truly put the teachings into action without complaining about the difficulties. When you serve, you must do so with a heart that gives without seeking any reward. Every step you take should be for the benefit of all beings rather than for your own gain. It is through this selfless dedication that you will eventually find your way back to see your true nature.

The Path of Compassion and Wisdom

Compassion and wisdom are the tools that allow you to transform adversity into a path of growth. You must develop a mind that is vast enough to embrace the shortcomings of others. As a true spiritual friend, you must protect all beings, offering guidance and pointing out where they might change their ways, even when it is difficult to hear. You must give of yourself without asking for anything in return, driven only by the desire for diligent practice and the goal to see your true nature.

Walking the Path of the Buddha

By serving the masses with a down-to-earth approach and engaging in continuous lectures on the Dharma, you will find that your mind naturally subdues all demons and grievances. Through the power of the Dharma Body, you can perform Chao Du to save countless beings. With eyes that are clear and bright, you will see the truth of reality. You must never violate the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. By walking in accordance with these, you will follow the Buddha in the work of saving the world and rescuing all beings. The history of Practitioner Su’s journey in learning the Buddha’s path is truly a model for us all to study and emulate. Namo Amituofo.