This is a record of an interview with Venerable Yongning, who shares insights on the necessity of consistent daily practice for those seeking rebirth in the of Ultimate Bliss. Recorded by the disciple Shi Faxin on August 1, 2019.
Venerable Yongning speaks:
". Even though Practitioner Su may not be by our side at every moment, our dedication to practice must never falter. Beyond the guidance of our Great Teacher, our own self-cultivation is an indispensable part of the process of spiritual purification. We must understand that the path to is not a sprint; it is a journey that must be approached step by step. You must plant your feet firmly on the ground with each step before you can move forward to the next. There are no shortcuts in this work.
The Process of Polishing
Listening to the sutras is how we come to understand and rectify our shortcomings. Through these teachings, we learn how to adjust our mindset and change our ways. This is not something that happens overnight; it is a gradual, meticulous process of polishing away our sharp edges. These 'sharp edges' are the habits we have accumulated from the past until this very life in the mundane world. We have carried these habits for as long as we have been alive. On the surface, they may not seem particularly harmful, but over time, they often lead us into deep-seated attachment that obstructs our rebirth in the Western Pure Land.
When we try to change a habitual action or a familiar way of perceiving things, we often feel uncomfortable. This discomfort is a sign that we have fallen into the trap of regarding that person or object. Once you understand this principle, you must learn to view all things with detachment, without grasping at them. To love all things, to work with all things, and to perfect all things—this is a serious and solemn matter that requires constant vigilance.
The Infinite Life Sutra and the Power of
When we are respectfully reciting the Infinite Life Sutra (The Buddha Speaks the , Infinite Life, Adornment, Purity, Impartiality, and Enlightenment Sutra), every sentence we chant is rich with profound and expansive meaning. Whether it is the Buddha’s vows, the description of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, or instructions on how to practise and turn away from evil toward Goodness, the sutra is crystal clear. By internalising these teachings and applying them to our daily practice, we raise our level of awareness every single day. Your practice will never be the same again if you truly live by these words.
When performing prostrations, do so with a heart of utmost reverence. Let your mind be free from idle thoughts. As you chant the Buddha-name, feel it circulating through every cell in your body. Allow the Buddha’s light to shine upon you, filling you with its energy. Most importantly, in the moment of prostration, be free of thought. When beings have this sincere connection, they will be guided by the Buddha light to the Western Pure Land. Your body will naturally become lighter, and you will find yourself increasingly free from illness and pain.
Achieving Success in Practice
Every link in the chain of practice is indispensable. Only with a heart of absolute sincerity can one achieve success in their practice. Every day, we listen to the sutras, perform prostrations, and recite the sutras. But ask yourself: is your heart becoming more purified? You are the one who knows yourself best. Practice is something you must refine within yourself. Through diligent practice and purification, your innate nature will emerge, enabling you to help more beings and truly attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Hold firmly to the Buddha-name, rely on the Buddha’s power, and be diligent and unceasing in your efforts.
