The Essence of Faith in Mahayana Buddhism

This interview was recorded on April 4, 2019, at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Bodhisattva Ashvaghosa, who now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, shares his profound insights on the nature of faith and its critical role in the practice of Mahayana Buddhism. This session was recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe.

Bodhisattva Ashvaghosa speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Ashvaghosa. 'The Awakening of Faith in the Mahayana' is one of the treatises I authored during my time in India. In that era, the Buddha’s teachings were flourishing, yet I observed that many people held distorted perceptions of the Dharma. Erroneous views and deviant practices were rampant. People sought the Buddha’s teachings merely for peace of mind, to remain free from illness, to secure wealth, to ensure career success, or even to find a suitable marriage partner. Even those who studied the Dharma in search of liberation often struggled to encounter the True Teachings, failing to grasp their profound essence.

The Origin of the Awakening of Faith

For those with good roots and blessings, encountering a true Venerable or a genuine spiritual friend allows one to walk the correct path of practice. However, those whose causal conditions are not yet mature may easily fall under the influence of deviant teachers. Even when one manages to encounter the True Teachings, many only grasp the superficial aspects, failing to penetrate the true meaning and receive the genuine benefits of the Dharma. It was with this in mind that I took up my brush to write 'The Awakening of Faith in the Mahayana.' My hope was that this treatise would enable those with karmic affinity to gain a correct understanding of the Buddha’s teachings, to learn the true Mahayana Dharma, and ultimately, to attain genuine liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

Today, my spirit, having reached the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, has appeared at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre due to the magnificent causal conditions shared with Practitioner Su and the many disciples here. I wish to present my understanding of the foundational Dharma to serve as a reference for all of you. If this can help the disciples here receive the benefits of the Mahayana Dharma, I shall feel deeply gratified, as it is a small way to repay the Buddha’s kindness. Today, I wish to speak with you about 'faith'—the confidence in oneself and in the Buddha’s teachings—as discussed in my treatise.

The Crucial Nature of Faith

The meaning and importance of 'faith' are frequently emphasised in the teachings of Practitioner Su and the ancestral masters. Why do I feel the need to stress this again here? It is because I have observed that the afflictions, ruminations, and emotional obstacles experienced by the disciples here all stem from an insufficient level of faith in themselves and in the Dharma. If one’s faith were truly firm and unwavering, these issues could be resolved with ease.

I ask you all to reflect: for what purpose did you come to this centre? Was it to seek healing for an illness? Did you come seeking assistance because you encountered unfavourable circumstances in your daily life? Did you come because of the physical decline and weakness that comes with age? Or perhaps you arrived here seeking deliverance from karmic creditors and spiritual attachments? Since you have already overcome so many obstacles to reach this place, and after these years of study, I ask you now: how much faith do you truly have in yourself? How much faith do you have in Namo Amituofo? And how much faith do you have in Practitioner Su?

The Test of the Heart

Does the depth of your faith waver when external conditions intervene, when your environment changes, or when you encounter various obstacles and 'tests' during your practice? Does your confidence in yourself and in the Buddha diminish due to the friction or interpersonal challenges that arise among the fourfold assembly? Do you begin to harbour doubts when you experience physical discomfort or illness? Does the inconceivable nature of what you see and hear at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre lead to confusion and questioning? When answering these questions, there must be no hesitation or intellectualising. The most direct response is the most authentic answer from your heart.

If there is even a slight pause when you answer, that response is already tainted and unclear. It is no longer the original intention of your true self; it has fallen into the trap of discursive thought and has become polluted. This phenomenon is frequently seen in both practice and daily life. I raise this point here in the hope that you will learn to discern these moments and heighten your awareness. I offer these questions with a pure heart; if you can answer with a direct mind, it will produce the effect of purification and self-reflection. However, if you respond with self-protection and clouded intentions, you will lose this precious opportunity to purify your original heart.

The Path to True Awakening

The Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are filled with compassion. They often approach problems from various angles, perspectives, and through different texts, all in the hope of helping you purify your defilements, see your original heart directly, and attain Awakening as soon as possible. If you have a sincere desire to learn and a vow to reclaim your true self, you must follow the correct path, make good use of these opportunities and methods, and strive to realise your true nature. If you do not face yourself honestly and openly, you will lose the chance for purification, which would be a great pity indeed!

This is precisely why, regardless of age, environment, or background, some people can attain the magnificent benefits of the Dharma in a short period, while others remain unable to take a single step forward even after decades of practice. I am merely providing a starting point here. I hope you will pay close attention to this issue and learn to face yourself honestly and clearly at every moment, rather than covering up, retreating, or avoiding the truth. By doing so, you will be able to grow and progress rapidly, achieve purification and breakthroughs, and soon reach the goal of Awakening, joining the Buddhas in the mission of saving the world and delivering all beings."