The Essence of Practice: Humility and Modesty

The Gentle Path of Humility

The essence of spiritual practice is found in two vital qualities: humility and modesty. The Buddha’s teachings are attained only through a heart of profound respect. We must always remember that there is always someone more capable, and there are always heavens beyond our own heavens. To the students of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, please realise that the universe extends far beyond what we can perceive. The heavenly realms are boundless, the seas and skies are endless, and the number of beings is infinite.

Consider the world around you. The soil, the dust, the sand, the pores of your skin, and even the microscopic cells within your body—each of these is a living spirit. Each is a sentient being with its own life. Every single one of these entities possesses the Five Aggregates: Feelings, Perceptions, Mental Formations, and Consciousness. They have the ability to see, hear, perceive, and know; they possess a spirit. When you contemplate this, you begin to understand that a single human body is composed of countless living beings working in concert.

The Infinite Web of Sentient Life

Each of these beings has its own unique habits, personality, and preferred environment. In a healthy body, the needs of these cells are met, and the organism thrives. However, when the energy required by these cells is not provided, various illnesses manifest. This is a natural law that has existed since the dawn of life. Perhaps you have known this, or perhaps, had you not read these words today, you would have remained unaware of this truth forever.

There are countless things in this universe that we do not yet know. They are unprecedented to us, yet to others, they are entirely ordinary. This is why you must always remain humble and modest. There is nothing worthy of self-satisfaction or pride. Never hold your head high in arrogance when looking at others. Remember that the rice stalk, when full of grain, bows its head toward the earth. Similarly, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas always look down upon all beings with compassionate eyes and gentle, lowered hands.

The Radiance of a Humble Heart

The more one understands the truth of the universe and the reality of the Buddha’s teachings, the more humble and modest one becomes. Such a person feels a deeper sense of shame for their own shortcomings and offers greater respect to others. There is only one type of person who is exempt from this need for humility: the one who has reached complete and perfect Awakening—those who know everything and can do everything. These are the Buddhas, such as Namo Amituofo and Shakyamuni Buddha. Yet, even these Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and ancestral masters treat every single living being with the same respect they would offer to a Buddha.

The more humble and modest a person is, the more they inspire respect in others. Humility is a sign of deep cultivation, inner refinement, and the capacity to embrace those who are different. The more discerning a person is, the more clearly they can see these distinctions. There is a common saying: A half-filled bottle makes the most noise. This describes those with little knowledge who act as if they are experts, showing off their shallow skills. A discerning person sees through this immediately, leaving the arrogant one in a state of embarrassment.

The Silent Language of Respect

The language of the heart is expressed through our actions and behaviour. Those who truly understand how to respect others are naturally gentle and straightforward. Their speech and conduct reveal a natural, polite reverence that makes others feel as though they are bathed in a gentle spring breeze. Conversely, arrogance and pride only cause others to drift away. Even if you are close friends with someone, if they are lost in pride, you can only advise them from the sidelines, knowing that one must bear the consequences of their own joy and suffering alone.

If you can truly grasp this, I hope you will reflect upon it and improve. Do not let this encounter go to waste. Throughout history, those who were not ashamed to ask questions of others were able to overcome their own limitations and achieve the joy of complete understanding. From ancient times to the present, the art of stone carving has evolved from simple, primitive forms to exquisite elegance. This progress was only possible because artisans were willing to learn from experts, seek advice, and refine their skills through constant practice.

The Steadfast Journey to the Western Pure Land

Every process of evolution is an effort to benefit both oneself and others. If you truly wish to learn any skill or path, you must set aside your ego and humbly ask for guidance. Only then can you receive the sincere and heartfelt teachings of another. It does not matter if the teacher is an adult or a child, wealthy or poor; if they possess a specialty, they have accumulated their knowledge bit by bit. This is even more critical when it comes to the matter of life and death—the true skill of achieving rebirth in the Western Pure Land.

Especially in the most subtle aspects of practice, you must humbly and respectfully accept guidance to achieve a breakthrough. Perhaps it is that very point of breakthrough that marks the moment your cultivation succeeds. As Practitioner Su often reminds everyone, there is no such thing as a free lunch. Every bit of effort yields a corresponding result. If you do not advance, you retreat. This is true for learning the Buddha’s teachings and for how you treat others.

Your mindset is the key. Avoid the trap of acting superior, for if you do, you will never learn the essence of the path. Staying grounded and working steadily is the only way to ensure success in any field. Humility and modesty are the essential methods to ensure that your practice can flourish, supported by the elements of nature and the favourable conditions of the universe. Whether you are learning new knowledge, entering a new environment, or seeking the true, profound skills of the Buddha’s gate, you must remain humble. Once you have attained true skill, you must be even more humble, or you will face great danger. If you are not careful, you may fall into the abyss. As the saying goes, there are many monks and practitioners at the gates of hell. Without someone to save them, there is no hope of escape. Unless one has realised their true nature, one must remain vigilant. Let us encourage one another in this.

Recorded by Venerable HaiZe.