Severing Doubts to Attain Rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss
Teachings from Bodhisattva Ashvaghosha
Recorded on February 17, 2019
February 17, 2019
Whether one is a monastic or a lay practitioner, the path of spiritual practice often presents a remarkably similar set of challenges. Many practitioners find themselves trapped in a cycle of uncertainty, struggling with a lack of confidence in their own potential. They may harbour doubts about the sutras they hear or even question the existence of their own Buddha-nature. Often, they fall into the trap of observing the successes of others and feeling the sting of jealousy. This leads to a life of self-pity and resentment, or perhaps a life of blind, confused conformity, where they simply follow the crowd without understanding the true purpose of their actions.
The Burden of Unresolved Doubt
Many individuals have spent decades chanting Buddha's name, yet they remain haunted by persistent anxieties. They frequently approach others, asking questions that reveal their deep-seated insecurity:
- Can I truly attain rebirth in the of Ultimate Bliss after chanting Buddha's name for so many years?Have I listened to sutras and heard the for long enough to be capable of teaching others?Do I possess the necessary qualities to eventually become a Buddha?
They wonder why others, who have studied for only a few years, seem to progress so rapidly and reach the state of an awakened being, while they themselves, despite their own diligent practice, seem to be burdened by even more afflictions. This internal conflict is a significant barrier to progress.
The Foundation of True Faith
To attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, you must first examine your own heart. Do you have genuine faith in yourself? If you harbour doubt within your own mind, how can you expect to reach the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss? You must sever these doubts regarding your own capabilities and the reality of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. When you believe in yourself, release all delusions, and focus your heart on chanting Buddha's name, you will naturally develop the capacity for rebirth. This is because you have cultivated the firm conviction that chanting Buddha's name is the true path to liberation.
Furthermore, when you listen to sutras and hear the Dharma, you must do so with a mind free from suspicion. By listening with faith, you allow your Wisdom (Prajna) to grow, which in turn dispels your remaining doubts. Finally, you must come to the profound realisation that your own Buddha-nature and the Buddha are equal and non-dual. When you understand this, you will recognise that you already possess the conditions required to become a Buddha. Without doubt, you will realise that you are, in essence, a Buddha.
Cultivating the Buddha-Heart
To all the Bodhisattvas and virtuous ones in the Western Land of Dharma Nature, please understand that to chant Buddha's name effectively, your heart must be free from afflictions. You must generate a heart of fiercely diligent practice. Do not be lazy or complacent. You must work to tame your own personality and habits, actively transforming yourself. Learn to treat every person you encounter with the gentleness and of a Buddha. This transformation must occur through a conscious adjustment of your own:
- Actions: Aligning your physical conduct with the teachings of the Buddha.Thoughts: Purifying your mind of negative intentions and self-centred desires.Words: Speaking with kindness and truth to benefit all beings.
By learning to embody the Buddha-heart, the Buddha-conduct, and the Buddha-vow to save all beings, you will naturally sever your doubts. Only through this process can you truly secure your rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The Assurance of Buddhahood
You must believe in your own capacity, believe that there is genuine hope, and believe that the Buddha is real. Most importantly, you must believe that you are truly a Buddha. If you can maintain this faith, then at the moment of your passing, your chanting of Buddha's name will surely lead you to rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. If you can understand these fundamental truths and overcome each of these obstacles one by one, every single person has the potential to become a Buddha. Namo Amituofo.
Ashvaghosha
This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi Haiyuan.
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