Respecting Every Buddha

Teachings from the Teacher
Chief Writer: Venerable HaiZe

July 15, 2022

Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offers these words of guidance:

My dear children, please listen closely. In the study of the Buddha’s teachings, we must distinguish between the realm of principle and the realm of practice.

The Sacred Union of Principle and Practice

On the level of principle, you must come to know that all beings possess the same true self and Buddha-nature. When you truly realise this, you will naturally treat others with the utmost reverence and respect. In doing so, you are not only honouring them, but you are also honouring your own true self. If you can grasp this principle and apply it to your daily life, your understanding and your actions will be in sync. When your conduct aligns with your wisdom, you will surely receive the true benefits of the Buddha’s teachings and attain profound insights.

The Sorrow of a Divided Path

However, consider the alternative. If you understand the principle that all beings possess the Buddha-nature, yet you fail to show respect or reverence to others in your daily interactions, you have failed to bridge the gap between theory and reality. When you do not apply what you know to your actual life, your understanding remains merely an intellectual concept. Your knowledge and your actions become disconnected, existing in separate worlds. You fail to integrate them, and you cannot harness the full potential of the Dharma. This is a truly regrettable state for any practitioner.

The Infinite Radiance of All Beings

You must understand the vastness of the Dharma Realm. The scope of those who possess this inherent nature is infinite: beings of the six paths of existence, the four saints, all creatures within the vastness of the Dharma Realm, earthly creatures, including all flowers, grasses, and trees, and even the smallest particle of dust. Every one of these is a being with a spirit. This spirit is indestructible, and in essence, every one of them is a Buddha. Although they may have taken on different forms through the cycle of rebirth, their true nature remains unchanged. Therefore, in every situation, you must treat all beings with respect and care.

The Threshold of Eternal Awakening

This is the fundamental framework of the equality taught in the Buddha’s teachings. When you can clearly see that every being is a Buddha, you will naturally act with reverence. In your daily life, regardless of how others behave, you must remain steadfast in your respect. Whether you are navigating changes, transitions, or difficult adjustments, you must maintain this attitude. This is what it means to have your principle and practice in sync. If you can truly achieve this, you are standing at the threshold of Awakening. Namo Amituofo.