The Compassionate Heart is the heart of the Buddha—a heart filled with deep and sorrow for all beings. How many of us can truly fathom the depth of this love? It is a love that transcends all worldly boundaries, reaching out to those who are lost in the darkness of ignorance.
Buddhas and Bodhisattvas possess the Five Eyes, which are perfectly clear and luminous. They are endowed with supernatural powers that allow them to perceive the entirety of existence. They see clearly:
The past lives of every being, with all their accumulated causes and conditions.
The present circumstances of every individual, including their hidden struggles and joys.
The future trajectory of every soul, depending on the choices they make today.
They see beings bound by the chains of suffering, unable to break free. They witness how we are trapped in our own ignorance, unaware of the truth, and how we continue to harm one another. It continues to grow and consume beings without pause, and we remain lost in a sea of suffering with no end in sight.
The Descent of the Beings
When the beings of the Western Pure Land witness this, they cannot remain indifferent. They descend into this world, one after another, to offer their help. Their mission is clear:
To rescue those who have a karmic affinity with the Buddha.
To guide them away from the cycle of rebirth and suffering.
To lead them safely into the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
However, this world is the Five Turbidities and Evil World. The obstacles are immense. Because the karmic obstructions of beings are so heavy, it is difficult for the pure to enter their hearts. Our own deep-seated attachments and wrong views are difficult to let go of. Consequently, demon crowds run rampant, keeping beings trapped in misery and making it nearly impossible for them to turn their around.
The Path of Saving Without Attachment
When beings from the Western Pure Land enter this world, they become a bright beacon of light. Often, those with the right karmic connections are able to receive the benefits of the Dharma. Through their compassionate actions to save the world and guide beings to the West, these practitioners also help themselves. They elevate the grade of their own lotus flower and move closer to the perfection of the Buddha's .
Buddhas and Bodhisattvas do not have a mind that clings to the act of saving; yet, they never rest in their work of salvation. They practise the path of saving without the concept of saving, and saving without the act of saving. When our hearts and actions are in sync with this truth, that is the moment we are truly saved.
The Duty of the Practitioner
People in this world are often obsessed with protecting their own bodies, fearing illness, pain, and loss. Only the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are willing to sacrifice themselves to save others. They take on the suffering of beings to resolve their pain. This is the mark of the truly compassionate one. To save beings with a compassionate heart, to help them leave suffering behind and find happiness—if one can truly do this, then one’s heart is in sync with the Buddha-heart.
As a practitioner, you must realise your own responsibility to save others. You must remember that you are also one of these beings. Therefore, your diligent practice is your fundamental duty. You must strive for progress every single day. To remove defilements and attain purity is what you ought to do. If you ensure that everything you do is done with sincerity and purpose, you will not have wasted your time. Only then will you not fail to honour the grace of the Buddha.
