The Essence of Prajna Wisdom

The Foundation of True Awakening

Prajna Wisdom is the realisation of one's true nature and the attainment of emptiness. For any practitioner, this wisdom is of the utmost importance, as it embodies the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, which constitute the reality of all things. The suffering experienced within the six realms of existence in this world arises primarily because beings do not understand these truths and act in ignorance. If one can use Prajna Wisdom to teach and transform the world, it becomes possible to correct the erroneous concepts and views held by humanity. By doing so, we can help all beings leave suffering behind and find true happiness. This was the very reason why Shakyamuni Buddha manifested in the human world to teach the Dharma and save the world.

When a practitioner attains Prajna Wisdom and walks in this world, they act in harmony with the heavens, the earth, and all things. This harmony helps bring peace to the world, stabilises the hearts of the people, and prevents disasters. It is a great blessing for the nation and its people, and all beings can receive its benefits. Through this, they may chant Namo Amituofo, attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, leave all suffering behind forever, and only receive all happiness.

The Path to the Heart Light

Prajna Wisdom is the sixth of the Six Perfections practiced by Bodhisattvas. It is attained through the diligent practice of the preceding five:

• Generosity: Giving freely without attachment.
• Discipline: Maintaining the Precepts with a pure heart.
• Patience: Enduring all hardships with a calm mind.
• Diligent Practice: Moving forward on the path without hesitation.
• Meditation: Achieving a state of deep, unwavering concentration.

Once these are cultivated, Prajna Wisdom naturally arises. It is the moment when the light of the heart suddenly appears, illuminating the heavens and the earth, marking the time of Awakening. Prajna is characterised by a state of knowing nothing, yet knowing everything. When not in use, the mind is empty and clear; when needed, it knows all and can do all. This is the wonderful function of the wisdom of Awakening. If a person who saves beings possesses this ability, they will be able to subdue even the most stubborn and rigid beings, convincing them completely so that they may be guided toward the path of salvation.

The Insight of the Wise

A wise person can discern the character and cultivation of others through the smallest details of their daily life, including:

• How they treat others and conduct themselves in society.
• Their speech, behaviour, and subtle mannerisms.
• Whether they harbour habits of arrogance or pride.
• Whether they are truly sincere or driven by selfishness and personal gain.

Because of this insight, the wise can teach according to the capacity of the individual, observing the right conditions to provide guidance. This is not a matter of making discriminations; rather, it is a natural ability that arises from the Prajna Wisdom gained through true practice. It is an essential condition for anyone who wishes to save the world and rescue beings.

The Universality of Truth

Prajna Wisdom is inherent in everyone; it is the original face of our true nature. It is the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. By attaining it, one gains coolness, freedom, and autonomy, no longer controlled by karmic creditors or the cycle of rebirth. Beings are lost in the cycle of rebirth and suffer greatly because they mistake the false for the real and the illusory for the truth. If one who is truly suffering can see through these illusions, let go of their attachments, and receive guidance from a true spiritual friend, they will find a glimmer of hope—the chance to attain Awakening and realise Prajna Wisdom.

Truth is omnipresent, and Prajna Wisdom, being the Truth, is also omnipresent. It is scattered throughout the vastness of the Dharma Realm, without the limitations of time or space. It does not discriminate based on who you are, your gender, or your age; it is the same for everyone, and everyone can realise it according to their own conditions. It does not differ based on the lifestyle differences of this world or the next, nor does it distinguish between physical appearances. Just like our Buddha-nature, all beings are equal. This is because the view of oneness naturally exists within Prajna Wisdom; it is an inseparable part of it.

Natural Abilities of the Awakened

The six supernatural powers—the heavenly eye, divine hearing, reading minds, knowing past lives, the divine foot, and the extinction of outflows—are not external gifts. They are natural abilities that arise from Prajna Wisdom. If they are not present, they do not manifest; if they are present, they appear naturally, anytime and anywhere, without the limitations of time or space, functioning with true freedom.

The ability to adapt to changing circumstances, to foresee events, and to act in accordance with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way without ever departing from them—these are all natural abilities within Prajna Wisdom. The subtle and natural interactions between people, between humans and spirits, and between all things—whether sentient or insentient—and the ability to perform Chao Du to help them be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, are also natural abilities of Prajna Wisdom. These manifest because of the vastness of one's compassion.

Once one sutra is understood, all sutras are understood. One can pick up anything and it becomes a teaching; one can speak the Dharma anywhere, and everywhere becomes a place of teaching. Every aspect of the world one sees becomes a point of realisation. When one looks through their own eyes, they can discern whether they are in control or if their consciousness is being led by the habits of the body's cells. This level of skill is the manifestation of Prajna Wisdom, something that ordinary practitioners cannot easily reach.

The Mission at Hsiang Kuang

The Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is the ultimate representation of the supreme compassion of Namo Amituofo, his ten powers of fearlessness, and the emptiness of Prajna Wisdom. It is praised by all Buddhas of the ten directions and three periods of time. His Forty-eight Great Vows and the ability to allow beings to be reborn while carrying their karma are the means to rescue countless creatures. This, too, is a great vow manifested from Prajna Wisdom.

Practitioner Su of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia has attained this Prajna Wisdom. The various abilities manifested—such as sending beings to be reborn in the Western Pure Land, travelling freely to and from the Western Land, and performing Chao Du through the Dharma Body—have been met with misunderstanding, slander, and jealousy from the outside world. Yet, Practitioner Su only grows stronger through these trials. Not only is the Prajna Wisdom not diminished, but it has also become clear how many beings with wisdom roots from past lives have been suppressed, making it difficult for their wisdom to manifest and causing many to lose the opportunity to be saved and reborn in the West. This is truly a great pity.

To save beings and help them believe that Namo Amituofo and the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss truly exist, Practitioner Su has made a vow to help them leave suffering behind and be reborn in the West. By helping them believe that they can truly find their true nature, Practitioner Su does not hesitate to use his physical body to bear the suffering of beings. Through Chao Du, various interviews that open up space, and the profound and clear explanation of the truth of the Pure Land, he has finally moved the participants to trust and be touched. They are now willing to continue listening to the Dharma, studying the teachings, believing in the laws of karma and cause and effect, and inviting their karmic creditors to be saved and reborn in the West. These actions are the actual manifestation of the compassion of the true nature and Prajna Wisdom; there is no one else in this world who does this.

This path of practice truly requires a great heart, great strength, great compassion, and great mind-capacity to walk straight forward. With a firm will and a courageous heart, Practitioner Su relies on Namo Amituofo, cultivates at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, and trains the younger generation. He hopes that through the combination of self-effort and the blessings of the Buddha, all may diligently practice the Six Perfections, open up space, develop their true nature, and attain Prajna Wisdom early. Only then can the true inner meaning of the Buddha’s teachings be revealed, allowing us to join in the vow of Namo Amituofo to save countless suffering beings and help them be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi HaiZe.