The Crucible of Spiritual Growth
An Interview with the First Patriarch of the Huayan School, Venerable Du Shun
Recorded by Chief Writer Shi Haize on February 27, 2018
This article presents the teachings of the First Patriarch of the Huayan School, Venerable Du Shun, regarding the trials and tribulations encountered by the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre. Recorded by Chief Writer Shi Haize on February 27, 2018, this message offers guidance on the nature of and the path to liberation.
Venerable Du Shun speaks:
"To bring a truly monumental task to completion requires an immense amount of vows, strength, persistence, and unwavering perseverance. It is a continuous, unbroken chain of effort. Throughout this process, one must endure countless trials, often woven together with blood, sweat, and tears. It is precisely because of this arduous journey that the final achievement becomes so exceptionally precious and rare.
The Trials of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Since the inception of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, the students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre have faced a multitude of tests. These trials have manifested in many forms—internally, through the shifting roles and changing dynamics of the practitioners as they learn to work together; and externally, through the varied responses of those who have come seeking healing. We have observed the physical transformations of these individuals, and we have witnessed their actions upon returning to Hong Kong. Some have been so moved that they have dedicated themselves as volunteers for spreading , while others have lost their resolve, turning back and even attempting to harm the students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Truly, as the saying goes, 'one type of rice feeds a hundred different kinds of people.' This is simply the nature of the Causal Conditions between the temple and these individuals.
Although these Causal Conditions are intricate and complex, they are not chaotic. Within the vast operation of this universe, the karmic conditions and the causes and effects between all beings are unfolding with a rhythmic, orderly precision. This is the profound mystery of the Truth. It is a law that governs all, and understanding it allows one to see the hidden order behind the apparent chaos of human interactions.
Transcending Conventional Boundaries
The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre has stepped outside the rigid frames and limitations often imposed by conventional Buddhism. Guided by the instructions of Namo Amituofo, who is truly present in this world, the Centre is taking steady steps to transcend worldly concepts. We are unleashing our innate potential to save the world and deliver sentient beings. After Practitioner Su realised the absolute Truth of the situation, she understood that in today's society, it is not enough to merely speak of the Dharma. We must help people understand that once the physical body is exhausted and decays, the continuation of one's spiritual life must be secured. To be free from the cycle of rebirth and the various sufferings of samsara, the only path is to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
To bring people to this level of , one needs more than just words. One must possess the ability to demonstrate the Truth directly. When people can see and feel the tangible improvement and recovery of their own bodies from sickness and suffering, only then will they truly accept the words spoken and the work being done. This is the compassionate method of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
A Path Toward True Liberation
Under the watchful eyes of the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and the ancestral masters, and under the firm, compassionate leadership of Practitioner Su, the students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre continue to march forward with courage and clarity.
To know Namo Amituofo and to truly believe in Namo Amituofo is to unlock the power to live your own life to its fullest potential! Rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is the only path to true liberation. Namo Amituofo."
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library