English

Straying from the Righteous Path

The Mirror of the Righteous Path

My dear children in the , do you often find it difficult to discern whether your own words, thoughts, and actions have strayed from the righteous path? It is a common challenge for those walking the path of cultivation. To gain clarity, you must use the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way as a mirror for constant self-reflection. By holding your intentions up to this light, you can clearly see where your practice may have faltered.

Transparency and the Public Good

Consider the nature of your daily activities. When you speak or act, ask yourself if these deeds are suitable for the collective. Are they actions that the fourfold assembly of disciples can accept and support? If you find that you must hide your words or actions, or if you would be ashamed for others to see, hear, or know of them, then you have certainly deviated from the right path. True practice is transparent; it is rooted in the welfare of all beings rather than the selfish pursuit of personal gain. When you speak and act, let your motivation be the benefit of the many, not the narrow interests of .

Harmony Within the Bodhimanda

Your conduct must always align with the established rules of the temple. Do not allow your behaviour to become a source of disruption or chaos within the bodhimanda. Instead, strive to serve the fourfold assembly of disciples, ensuring that the temple remains a place of convenience and smooth progress for all. Never let your actions become a source of harm to the temple or an obstacle to the work of saving infinite suffering beings. A true practitioner is a pillar of support, not a source of friction.

Correcting the Course of Practice

If you find that your practice of purification is instead leading to the manifestation or worsening of old illnesses, you must pause and look within. This is a sign that you should conduct a rigorous self-examination. Ask yourself if there are any thoughts, words, or actions that have violated the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. If you discover such errors, do not despair; simply acknowledge them and make the necessary corrections immediately. By realigning your heart and actions with the truth, you will find your way back to the path of .