Recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
On the fourth day of February, 2024, during the first period of the day, Namo Amituofo offered these profound teachings to all practitioners.
The Boundless of the Awakened
Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and those who have realised their true nature dedicate their entire existence to the work of saving beings. In their state of profound , they no longer perceive their own suffering. They do not cling to the needs of the ego or the pains of the physical form. Instead, their vision is entirely focused on the suffering of all beings. They do not seek to resolve their own personal distress; rather, their only wish is to see all beings liberated from their burdens. This human body is a precious vessel, for when it is used in the service of the , it possesses the potential to save infinite beings.
The Essential Foundation of Self-Rescue
Before one has realised their true nature, one is often unable to effectively save others. It is a natural law of the path that one must first attend to their own spiritual rescue. You must engage in diligent practice to see your true nature. When you finally achieve this, that very moment of awakening becomes the moment you are truly capable of saving others. You may ask yourself: do you possess the heart to save others? The answer lies in the strength and clarity of your vow.
The Depth of Your Vow: The sincerity of your commitment determines whether your aspiration will manifest in reality.
The Power of Your Practice: The intensity of your effort acts as the fuel for your vow.
The Clarity of Your Intent: Without a clear, unwavering focus, even the most noble vow can become obscured by the distractions of the world.
The Path of Diligent Practice
My child, you must examine your own heart. Are you truly engaged in the work of saving beings? Are you practising in accordance with conditions, or are you merely seeking to save yourself? Perhaps you have even lost the desire to save yourself, choosing instead to drift aimlessly along the currents of your ? Those who possess true awareness understand the suffering of all beings. They recognise that they are themselves a part of this vast collective of suffering. To resolve the suffering of the many, one must first resolve the suffering within oneself. Because your own suffering is fundamentally the same as the suffering of all beings, by resolving your own, you are simultaneously resolving the suffering of the world.
Overcoming the Obstacles to Awakening
If you have not yet succeeded in your own rescue, you remain bound by the same suffering as all other beings. How, then, can you hope to save them? Therefore, before you have realised your true nature, a practitioner who possesses true compassion and wisdom will be fiercely diligent. You must strive to:
Dissolve your karma: Actively work to clear the negative seeds stored within your .
Transform your karma: Change the direction of your life from one of entanglement to one of liberation.
See your true nature: Reach the state of awakening and ensure your rebirth in the of Ultimate Bliss.
Attain ultimate liberation: Only when you have achieved this can you possess the true power to save beings and resolve their endless suffering.
If you do not diligently transform your karma, you remain a being defined by . If you cannot even save yourself, how can you possibly have the strength to dissolve the karma of others? Today, however, true practitioners who sincerely wish to save others are rare. Many fail to maintain their diligent practice. Because their perseverance and consistency are insufficient, they often give up halfway or allow their hearts to retreat from the path. You must cultivate the capacity for deep repentance. By maintaining your diligent practice, you can halt the momentum of your karma and finally earn the opportunity to see your true nature and witness the Truth.
