Self-Management and the Path to Awakening

The Modern Illusion of the Self

On the twenty-fourth of August, 2019, I reflected upon the concept of self-management. While this term may sound distinctly modern, it is deeply relevant to the path of the practitioner. In this age of the Dharma’s decline, I have observed the struggles of both monastics and laypeople. I offer these humble reflections on how we might integrate ancient wisdom with modern life to better manage our minds and actions.

For the modern person, the concept of the "self" is paramount. We are taught that without a strong sense of self, one cannot survive or succeed in society. We cling to our opinions, our professional expertise, and our academic achievements as the primary means of securing high-paying positions and social status. This phenomenon is far more intense today than in ancient times. Consequently, parents often pressure their children to prepare for this competitive survival from a very young age. In doing so, children lose the natural innocence of their childhood, forced instead into an environment of constant pursuit, competition, and comparison.

Modern technology has further exacerbated this by creating virtual worlds that offer a temporary escape from reality. Children become addicted to these digital realms, using them to vent their frustrations and doubts. This leads to thoughts and behaviours that deviate significantly from reality, causing harm to both themselves and others. This is a grave concern for our society and our nation.

The Call for Conscious Guidance

One must ask: is this the fault of the parents, or is it a systemic issue within our environment? While many parents recognise the dangers and shortcomings of this modern landscape, they often feel powerless to change it. Some parents are unable to control their own behaviours or fail to notice their own deviations, choosing instead to follow the crowd. This cycle repeats generation after generation, making the problem increasingly visible.

Wise parents will limit their children's exposure to these harmful influences. However, restriction is only a temporary measure; children will eventually grow up. Therefore, it is essential to instil correct behavioural directions and principles from a young age so that children do not lose their way as they mature. This is where Buddhist education—rooted in compassion, goodness, gratitude, and respect for all life—becomes the most intelligent choice for parents. By understanding the laws of karma and the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, children can develop positive, rational self-management. The Buddha foresaw these challenges over two thousand years ago, identifying our current era as the age of the Dharma’s decline. He taught that the Pure Land path is the most effective solution, as the dual power of chanting Namo Amituofo can resolve the Body-Mind-Spirit issues of modern people and bring true stability to their lives.

The Harmony of Inner Discipline

It is natural for people to dislike restraint and crave freedom; this is the inherent nature of all beings. Traditionally, restraint is viewed as an external force imposed upon us, which is why many people shy away from the precepts of the Buddha’s teachings. However, we live in a world governed by the cycle of rebirth and karma. Although every being possesses the Buddha-nature, our long-standing habits of creating karma mean that our body, speech, and mind often express not the pure goodness of our true nature, but rather the murky, mixed habits of our ego. If we simply follow these personal habits while living together, how can we maintain purity? How can our practice achieve any real success? Therefore, the structure provided by Buddhist education and the precepts is absolutely necessary.

If we approach this through the lens of self-management, we take responsibility for ourselves through our own power rather than relying on external force. People are generally more receptive to this approach. While it still involves the "self" and the element of restraint, it is a voluntary act. People are more willing to accept autonomy than external coercion. When self-management and external discipline are harmoniously integrated, the practitioner finds peace and harmony within.

The Journey Toward True Nature

The realities of modern life and the life of a practitioner are increasingly divergent. Before embarking on the path of practice, most people have already been shaped by modern schooling, career pressures, and complex social relationships. This creates a diverse array of ingrained habits and viewpoints. Furthermore, the "self" is an obstacle to practice because it is a product of the cycle of rebirth and karma, not a product of vows. It must be purified and cleansed.

To achieve harmony and unity through practice, one must constantly immerse oneself in Buddhist education and strive diligently. We must work to remove our various personality habits, establish correct views on practice, and clarify any thoughts or behaviours that deviate from the path. Only then can we have the opportunity to escape the cycle of rebirth and stop creating negative karma. Through the methods of practice, we adjust ourselves to be in sync with the Truth and rediscover our true self-nature.

The Pillars of Cultivation

Let us examine how to perform self-management from the perspective of practice, with the goal of achieving purity, goodness, and the Awakening required to save others.

• Follow the Teachings: Regardless of how times change or how lifestyles differ, following the teachings is a duty for all. The sutras contain the Truth and the reality of the universe; they are not limited by time or space. To fulfil the vows mentioned in the sutras, one must act according to their instructions.
• Change Personality Habits: This is where the practitioner must exert the most effort. Through the lectures of the Buddha, Bodhisattvas, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, and Practitioner Su, we are constantly reminded of this importance. This is the key to dissolving karma, avoiding the interference of karmic creditors, healing illnesses, and achieving Awakening. These habits have been accumulated over countless lifetimes and are often the reason we repeat the same mistakes. To succeed in practice and improve our physical health, we must truly change our ways and break through with courage.
• Let Go of Self-Opinion: Do not stubbornly insist on your own views. Instead, be willing to let go of personal opinions and follow the methods taught by Namo Amituofo, the Teacher, Practitioner Su, and other true spiritual friends. Personal opinions are often laden with karma and the biases of worldly experience. These views often conflict with the path of practice and create interference. Because it is difficult to detect these flaws in ourselves, we need the guidance of experienced spiritual friends or those who have realised their true nature to correct our blind spots.
• See Through and Let Go: This includes letting go of attachments to family, emotional dependencies, financial calculations, property, appearance, academic titles, and social status. While these seem inseparable from worldly life, they are external pursuits that must be relinquished for the sake of practice. They are impermanent and illusory. Relying on them creates anxiety, fear, and negative emotions, which are detrimental to purification. Once you understand the truth of karmic cause and effect—that these relationships are often about repaying kindness or settling debts—you can face them with wisdom and compassion.
• Believe in Yourself and Namo Amituofo: The goal of Buddhist practice is to return to the source. It is an internal study. By affirming yourself and relying on Namo Amituofo and your own Buddha-nature, you can achieve Awakening. Do not seek externally. If you rely on external validation, you will be plagued by gains and losses. If you compare yourself to others, you will lose sight of your own true capacity. If you harbour jealousy or anger, you only damage your own virtues. Practice requires positive energy and the abandonment of negative thoughts.
• Convenient Buddha-Recitation: Many practitioners have not yet reached Awakening but vow to be reborn in the Western Pure Land to escape the cycle of rebirth and worldly suffering. They arrange their time to visit the temple or bodhimanda to join in group cultivation. This is a convenient and accessible way to enter the Pure Land path. While ancient practitioners lived simple lives and could easily focus their minds, modern people are often distracted. Therefore, it is essential to listen to the sutras regularly to maintain correct faith and to rely on the guidance of a true spiritual friend.
• Save Beings and Vow for Rebirth in the West: This is the magnificence of Mahayana Buddhism. We do not seek personal liberation alone; we vow that all beings may leave suffering behind. With this compassionate mind-capacity, the possibility of Awakening arises.

Once you have realised your true nature, a new journey begins—the true path of saving beings and leading them to the Western Pure Land. This is the most important goal of this life and the vital mission for all disciples of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre who follow the Buddha.

Namo Amituofo

Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe