In the sacred journey of spiritual practice, we often encounter two fundamental movements: elimination and growth. Elimination refers to the gradual, intentional removal of our deep-seated negative habits, while growth signifies the blossoming of our inherent virtues and Wisdom. As you progress through your days of practice, the intensity and sincerity of your efforts will naturally lead to profound outcomes. Whether you are diligently applying the Three Learnings of , Samadhi, and Wisdom, practising the Six Perfections, or simply chanting the name of , the depth of your effort determines the quality of your transformation.
It is essential for a practitioner to understand the skills and knowledge required to navigate the world. However, when it comes to the path of transcendence and spiritual cultivation, you must face the necessity of adjusting your heart and transforming your mindset to continue your journey. Through constant self-reflection and the willingness to change, you will begin to see the shifting balance between what is being eliminated and what is being nurtured within you. This is a dynamic process, one that requires both patience and unwavering resolve.
The Shedding of the Old Self
As you refine your practice, you must identify the obstacles that cloud your original nature. These are the traits that keep us bound to the cycle of rebirth and prevent us from finding true peace. You should strive to eliminate the following: the arrogance and stubbornness that make one believe they are always right; the competitive nature that seeks to compare oneself with others; and the negative emotional states such as greed, anger, doubt, and the intense fear of loss or desire for gain. Furthermore, you must work to clear away the mental obstructions—the persistent delusions, discriminations, and attachments—that prevent you from seeing the truth of the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way.
This process of elimination is not merely about suppression; it is about letting go of what no longer serves your spiritual evolution. When you stop clinging to your subjective views and your rigid personality traits, you create the space for your true nature to shine. It is a process of unburdening the heart, allowing the light of the to penetrate the layers of ego that have long obscured your inner clarity.
The Flourishing of Virtue and Wisdom
As these negative traits are cleared away, you create the fertile ground for your true nature to flourish. You must actively nurture the virtues that align with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. Focus on growing these qualities: and Wisdom, which allow you to see the nature of reality; and gratitude, which foster a heart content with the of life; and mind-capacity and tolerance, which enable you to embrace all beings with a heart as vast as the sky. Cultivate stability and the ability to see through and let go of worldly burdens, while strengthening your ability to hold the Precepts and chant Namo Amituofo with a focused, undistracted mind.
You will find that as you grow, you gain a sense of inner peace that is unshakable. You will notice that you have grown a point of gentleness, while having less of a point of rigidity. You will have grown a point of humility, while having less of a point of arrogance. This is the natural fruit of a heart that is dedicated to the path of .
The and the Path of Awakening
The balance between elimination and growth is a true test of a practitioner’s Wisdom, vows, and actions. You can see this clearly in the difference between the paths of the Great Vehicle and the . Those who follow the Great Vehicle are moved by the sight of the suffering of all beings; they vow to save others and help them leave suffering behind. This is a far more profound path than that of the Small Vehicle, which focuses primarily on seeking one's own liberation. To be a practitioner of the Great Vehicle is to expand your heart until it encompasses the needs of all beings.
This process of elimination and growth is not a hidden mystery. It is visible in your daily practice and your self-discipline. It is visible when you listen to the sutras and hear the Dharma, and it is most visible when you engage in honest self-reflection and work to change your personality traits. By becoming a little more gentle and a little less rigid, by becoming a little more humble and a little less arrogant, you are walking the path toward true liberation. May you continue to chant Namo Amituofo all the way, transforming your life with every breath.
