Teachings on the Path of Awakening from National Master Xianshou

On the seventh of October, 2017, National Master Xianshou provided these essential teachings on the path of practice and the realisation of one's true nature.

The Wisdom of Discernment

You must learn to discern what is appropriate to do and what must be avoided. When you encounter a situation, pause to reflect: is this action in alignment with the Truth? If it is, then proceed with a clear heart. If it is not, then you must refrain from it immediately. Do not hesitate when you know the right path; act with swiftness and resolve.

Govern the world with wisdom, and manage the temple with deep insight. The temple exists to appear in this world as a sanctuary for nurturing and teaching all beings. It is a place where the light of the Dharma shines brightly, guiding those who are lost back to the path of awakening.

The Mission of the Sangha

The monastics, both monks and nuns, must also enter the world. They do so not to become entangled in worldly affairs, but to transform the confusion of the masses and to resolve the doubts that plague the hearts of sentient beings. In this age of the decline of the Dharma, you must be extremely cautious when you hear the Dharma. The laws of the world are vast and varied, and many have already been distorted.

The various schools and teachings have long since merged, yet it is difficult to find a single, pure path that remains untainted in this world. Most people simply take what suits their own preferences. In this current era, the character of the human heart has mutated significantly. It is no longer as it was in the past. To realise one's true nature, you must be clear and bright, free from any trace of impurity or turbidity.

The Ultimate Goal of Buddhahood

You must remove the filth and preserve the essence. To the juniors and those who follow, you must hold a heart of gratitude and never disregard the teachings of those who came before you. Be grateful to the heavens and the earth, to all sentient beings and non-sentient beings, to your parents and teachers, and to your fellow practitioners who walk this path alongside you.

Respect all the laws of the world and honour those who uphold the Dharma. In doing so, you are actually respecting yourself and your own original nature. It is only through this foundation of respect and propriety that you can truly begin to realise your true self. Why do we study Buddhism? We study to become a Buddha. And why do we seek to become a Buddha?

• The meaning of a Buddha: One who possesses Great Awakening and Great Wisdom.
• The meaning of Awakening and Wisdom: To know everything, to be capable of everything, to understand all laws, to be understood by all, and to be clear about all events.
• The state of perfection: When one is all-knowing, all-capable, and all-clear, without any obstacles, this is what we call Awakening and Wisdom.

Refining the Small Details of Daily Life

The affairs of this world are a tangled web of emotions and confusion. How many people truly understand that these are all mere illusions? We are often lost in delusion and inverted views. You must recognise that being an awakened being is the most excellent path. To be an awakened being is to be a Buddha. You must understand that attaining Buddhahood is the highest good.

Attaining Buddhahood means there are no more obstacles, only clarity and the absence of suffering. This is the aspiration of all the Buddha's children. If you wish to see the full picture, you must first attain this clarity. If you wish to realise your true nature soon, you must pay close attention to the smallest details of your conduct. Your daily behaviour brings you closer to your true self.

• Speech: Avoid boisterous laughter, loud shouting, or frivolous chatter. Such behaviour distances you from your true nature.
• Mindfulness in the Buddha Hall: We remind you to speak softly or even remain silent to ensure your heart does not scatter.
• Demeanour: Gather your heart, and keep your movements steady and composed. Do not be light or frivolous, as this invites the disregard of spirits and deities.
• Communication: Avoid harsh words or sharp tones, as these injure both yourself and others. Instead, use gentle and compassionate language to explain yourself. If you make a mistake, simply resolve not to repeat it next time.

In your walking, standing, sitting, and lying down, maintain the dignity of the ancient principles: walk like the wind, stand like a pine, sit like a bell, and lie like a bow. These principles have remained unchanged for thousands of years. It is a great pity if you fail to uphold them. The patriarchs and venerable masters were respected for their virtue precisely because they were meticulous in every small action.

Cultivating the Virtues of the True Self

When opening or closing a door, do so gently. Avoid loud noises, as the sound of collisions easily leads to agitation. When handling bowls and chopsticks, do so with lightness. Do not let your utensils clatter, and do not chew with your mouth open.

When drinking, cover your cup; when eating, remain silent and chant Buddha's name in your heart. Avoid idle talk about yourself or others. When you perform prostrations, do so with clarity. When you recite the Sutras, do so with total focus. Be respectful to those above you and protective of those below you.

Within the virtues of your true nature, you must avoid arrogance, jealousy, and obstruction, as these only destroy you and harm others. Do not engage in these behaviours. Instead, be humble, be modest, and be active and persistent in your practice. Support one another, show respect, and offer Generosity. These are but a few examples for your reference. If you can practise these, you will gain great benefits. If you can uphold the small things, you can achieve great things.

The realisation of one's true nature is a great matter, yet it begins with the smallest actions. In every gesture, do not be hasty. Practise Compassion, Joy, and Selfless Giving. Do not blame others; see all faults as your own and offer your Generosity with joy. When your heart embraces the vastness of the void, your capacity becomes limitless. Naturally, the light of your true self will emerge. This light may manifest at any time and in any place. When you are fully clear and fully enlightened, that is the moment of realisation. The light of your true self is the Buddha-light itself, shining throughout the universe, bringing a smile to the three thousand worlds.

These are the words of National Master Xianshou, recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.