The Dangers of Attachment in Modern Practice

This is a record of the twenty-eighth letter from Venerable Master Wei Jue, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This message was recorded by the disciple Shi Faxi on July 14, 2017.

Venerable Master Wei Jue speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. The path of the Buddha’s teachings is a profound journey that truly requires the guidance of a true spiritual friend. It demands a transmitter of the Truth who is upright, firm, and dedicated to the propagation of the Dharma. The Buddha’s teachings do not tolerate even the slightest hint of partiality or selfishness. This is a very serious matter, and it is only now, from my current vantage point, that I have come to fully realise the gravity of this reality.

The Decline of the Dharma

Since ancient times, the compassionate and virtuous deeds of the World-Honoured One, along with his personal manifestations, have left behind the Buddha’s teachings to be passed down through the ages. Yet, one must ask: why has the Dharma gradually entered this era of decline? We can be certain that this did not happen without cause. There is a reason for this decay, and it is a question that every one of us must explore. We can no longer afford to treat this as someone else’s problem.

Every disciple within the Buddha’s gate, whether monastic or lay, has a responsibility. We must honestly examine ourselves and provide evidence of our own practice. Only through such sincere self-reflection is it possible for the Buddha’s teachings to see a new ray of hope—a moment where the Dharma can once again touch the deepest hearts of all people, moving them to their very core.

The Subtle Trap of Attachment

In the world today, true practice and genuine cultivation are not easy to find; they have become exceedingly rare. For modern people, the willingness to overcome the self, to let go of everything, is a monumental challenge. The modern world has cultivated a habit of clinging to things, of wanting to possess. Even those who consider themselves practitioners often fall into these same patterns of behaviour. Let me provide a few examples so that you may clearly understand what I am trying to express.

The ascetic clings to their austerity; the one who follows the Precepts clings to the rules; the practitioner of Chan clings to their meditative concentration; the Pure Land practitioner clings to the practice of chanting; the one who gives charity clings to the act of giving. When these attachments are present, everything becomes false. Even if the action itself is a good deed, it becomes a massive boulder blocking the path to true achievement.

The Path to True Achievement

Modern people are far too prone to a sense of restless emptiness. Perhaps this is an influence of our current era and environment, or perhaps it is the manifestation of karma accumulated over countless eons. Whatever the cause, you must never allow yourself to cultivate the habit of attachment. Because when you cling to 'having,' it brings with it a host of other hidden problems. For instance, if you are attached to the results of your work, you will easily become caught up in gains and losses. You will find yourself waiting for the applause of praise, or conversely, you will be deeply affected by the waves of criticism. You will easily become arrogant, and just as easily, you will fall into despair. This is merely a small illustration of the problem.

You must learn to do things without a mind—without the 'self' interfering. This is the only way to practise the true Buddha’s teachings, to live a true life, and to potentially attain true achievement. I hope that everyone will take these words to heart. Observe yourself closely and see if you possess these incomplete habits. You must change them. Above all, do not fall into the trap of attachment. I share this with you today in the hope that you will place your faith in the Truth. Namo Amituofo."

Recorded by the disciple Shi Faxi.