Relying on the Dharma, Not the Person
The Twenty-Ninth Letter of Venerable Master Sheng Yen
Recorded on July 14, 2017
This is a record of the twenty-ninth letter from Venerable Master Sheng Yen, who now resides in the of Ultimate Bliss. This message was recorded by the disciple Shi Faxi on July 14, 2017, at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia.
Venerable Master Sheng Yen speaks:
"Namo Amituofo. The of Namo Amituofo is truly beyond words. It is so vast, so expansive, and so profoundly merciful. Since we have the opportunity to learn in this lifetime, we must walk the path diligently and practise with sincerity. Only then will this life not be spent in vain, wasted away.
The Transmission of Truth
That I, Sheng Yen, have been able to continue writing these letters through such —from the first one until now—is not because these truths belong to me. Rather, they are the true teachings of the entire universe. Anyone can access them. I am merely using the voice of a foolish monk to transmit this message, hoping to cast a brick to attract jade—to inspire more capable practitioners to come forward. This is the true education of Namo Amituofo.
The Perfection of Buddha's Teachings
The Buddha’s teachings are the supreme and most beautiful Truth. Every sentient being, whether sentient or insentient, truly needs to follow this path of cultivation. The Buddha’s teachings are magnificent and complete. From birth to death, and even throughout the vastness of space, they provide perfect guidance. Such profound skills can only be provided by the Buddha and the Truth itself. Only then can all sentient beings wholeheartedly take refuge and never be separated from it throughout their lives.
A Warning Against Idolisation
The principles of the Buddha’s teachings can indeed be proclaimed and transmitted by anyone; anyone can use them as material for teaching. However, whether every person is the embodiment of the Truth is another matter. This is precisely why we must 'rely on the , not the person.' Today, I, Sheng Yen, simply wish to praise the Buddha’s teachings and the Truth before all of you. I want to use this opportunity to tell the public: you must 'rely on the Dharma, not the person.' Do not become infatuated with any specific Venerable. You must keep this point firmly in mind; otherwise, you will certainly not achieve rebirth in the Western Pure Land. Namo Amituofo."
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library