See Through and Let Go
Teachings from Master Xuanzang
July 28, 2019

The Essence of Letting Go
What does it truly mean to see through and let go? If there is something to see through, then you must let it go. If there is nothing, then what is there to let go of? In this illusory world where existence and non-existence are intertwined, beings of the six realms of existence come and go, exhausted by the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death, trapped in the endless cycle of reincarnation. If you are attached to your heart, it is difficult to truly see through and let go. You must learn to be without a heart of attachment, free from obstacles, for seeing through and letting go is naturally this way.
Follow the Buddha-heart and the Buddha-vow of Namo Amituofo with single-minded focus, without a second thought or another intention. Although we say this, seeing through and letting go is a lesson that every practitioner must master throughout their life.
Transcending Emotional Entanglements
To see through and let go, one must address the various attachments that cloud our true nature:
- Emotional Entanglements:
- See through the emotional entanglements of the world and let go of the mutual desires between people. These are merely the result of Causal Conditions, creating endless entanglements that prevent you from finding peace.Affection and Love: See through the bonds of family affection and romantic love. Let go of the grievances between men and women. These are all like scenes in a dream; when the play ends, everyone disperses, leaving only sorrow and resentment behind. Do not enter this dream, for it is difficult to wake from. Wake up quickly and do not remain deluded.
The Transience of the Physical and Mental
Our physical existence is a temporary manifestation governed by the laws of nature:
- The Physical Body:
- See through birth, aging, sickness, and death. Let go of your attachment to . It is formed by the convergence of the four elements—earth, water, fire, and wind—and separates when those conditions dissipate. Do not cling to it. If you can dedicate your body and mind to the service of all beings, you are a truly wise person.The Five Aggregates: See through the Five Aggregates—form, feeling, perception, impulse, and . Let go of the suffering, emptiness, and impermanence of these states. They are all illusory; having leads to suffering, and having leads to attachment. You must diligently practise the Three Learnings of , Concentration and Wisdom to realise true Wisdom and break through these illusions.
Wealth, Fame, and the
The world often traps us in a cycle of chasing external rewards that hold no lasting value:
- Fame and Power:
- See through the pursuit of fame and power. Let go of your status and position. These are all products of , and in the end, the and the causes and effects result in nothing left. Return to your original simplicity to find true freedom.Wealth and Prosperity:
- See through the desire for money and wealth. Let go of your possessions and family assets. You come into this world with nothing, and you leave with nothing. You cannot take even a fraction of a cent with you. Use your Generosity to transform wealth into -wealth, taking with you only your and merit. This is the path of wisdom and .Beauty and Youth: See through the vanity of beauty and youth. Let go of the desire to appear handsome or elegant. Time leaves its mark without mercy. You should instead practise to realise your true self, which is eternal, keeping your heart forever youthful and your appearance forever compassionate.
Purifying the Heart and Mind
To reach the , one must purify the internal landscape of the mind:
- The Five Desires and :
- See through the Five Desires and the Six Dusts. Let go of the worldly emotions of the mundane world. These are all long-term pains disguised as short-term pleasures, leaving you covered in scars. You must stop these desires, purify your mundane body, and attain clarity.Vanity and Pride:
- See through the vanity of worldly glory. Let go of the desire for fine clothing and superficial appearances. These only mask your true face and cause you to lose your purity and Goodness. Practise purity and Goodness to reveal your bright, original nature.Ego and Selfishness: See through ego-attachment and personal views. Let go of selfishness and self-interest. These lead only to insecurity and conflict, where both sides end up hurt. You must remove your ego and views, so that every moment becomes a good moment and every day a good day.
The Path of Diligent Practice
See through the difficulty of self-control and let go of complaints and dissatisfaction, for these are all summoned by your own thoughts and controlled by . You must seek to resolve the conflict, repent for your past ignorance, and perform for liberation, so that you may leave suffering behind and be reborn in the Western Pure Land.
If you find yourself trapped in a sea of suffering, or if you are burdened by illness, grievances, or the debt of karmic creditors, do not despair. Many have sought a way out for lifetimes without success. Now, you have encountered the magnificent opportunity of Namo Amituofo manifesting in this world at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. This is a rare Dharma affinity. You must truly apply yourself with diligent practice, never letting a single second pass in vain. Find your true self and your , align with the Ultimate Vow of the Buddha, and save all beings connected by karmic affinity, helping them leave suffering behind and be reborn together in the Western Pure Land.
Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
Namo Amituofo
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library