Seizing the Moment for Your Practice

The Preciousness of Life and Health

What is it that people in this world are constantly pursuing? Many spend their entire lives chasing after wealth, money, fame, profit, status, and power. However, if one does not possess a healthy body or a vibrant life, none of these worldly gains can be enjoyed or maintained. In this world, a healthy body and the gift of life are truly the most precious treasures one can possess.

What is the ultimate goal of your practice? You wish to maintain a healthy Body-Mind-Spirit so that you can proceed directly along the path of your vows. By nurturing this health, you allow your vow-power to manifest and help your aspirations to be fulfilled. When you have life and vitality, you have the time to engage in diligent practice and rediscover your true self. Therefore, it is clear that a healthy Body-Mind-Spirit and the gift of life are just as vital for your spiritual cultivation as they are for worldly success. You must never let your health and your precious life slip away amidst regret and sighs.

The Dangers of Procrastination

Yet, when we observe the current state of many practitioners, we see a concerning trend. Before one's karma manifests—before the conditions of old age and illness arise—good health is easily taken for granted. If you do not know how to cherish this time to engage in diligent practice, you will eventually face the consequences. Once your karma manifests, once you grow old, and once illness arrives, your body will no longer be under your control. You will find that you can no longer be the master of your own life.

In such a state, you may experience being drowsy, or your mind may drift into other space. Your ability to focus will diminish, and you will find it increasingly difficult to listen to sutras and hear the Dharma or participate in the Dharma assembly with a clear, attentive mind. It is often only when health has faded or become impossible to recover that one deeply realises its true value. At that point, even if you feel a strong desire to work hard and practise diligently, you will find that your physical strength is no longer sufficient to match your intentions. This is the inevitable reality of old age and illness.

Practical Steps for Overcoming Obstacles

Therefore, you must make the best use of this very moment, right here and now. Regardless of your current mental state or your physical health, and regardless of whether you are currently struggling with being drowsy, drifting into other space, or already suffering from the effects of age and illness, you must seize this moment to quickly change personality traits. If you find yourself becoming drowsy during your practice, you must immediately kneel on the ground and engage in sincere repenting. If you are already kneeling and still find yourself drifting into other space, then stand up. You should splash water on your face, wash your face, and chant Buddha's name or recite the sutras in a loud, clear voice. You must express your sincere heart to change your ways; only then can the Buddha assist you. Only by seizing the present moment can you truly save yourself.

The Principle of Self-Help and Buddha-Help

If you are careless and allow time to fly by without seeing any improvement in your practice, how can you expect your situation to take a positive turning point? You must understand the fundamental principle of the path: self-help leads to Buddha-help, and self-rescue leads to Buddha-rescue. Your own sincerity and effort are the necessary conditions for the Buddha's compassion to manifest in your life. Do not wait for tomorrow, for tomorrow is never guaranteed. Take hold of this moment, transform your heart, and walk the path of awakening with unwavering determination. Namo Amituofo.