The Essence of Purity and the Path to Awakening

Venerable Yongning, a monastic practitioner, shared these reflections on the nature of purity and the practice of the Pure Land. This interview was recorded on August 21, 2019, at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, where the Venerable resides and continues to seek deliverance through the teachings of the Buddha.

Venerable Yongning speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. What is the purpose of purity? It is the purity within the heart, the purity of the external appearance, and the purity that exists even within the midst of movement. When one is truly pure, one perceives the external world with absolute clarity. One is not moved by the magnificent beauty of the mountains and plains, nor is one swayed by the gentle charm of a bridge over a stream. In this state of purity, there is no attachment to emotion or sensation; there is only understanding and compassion. One is not deluded by this world. Every situation that manifests is a fresh beginning, and every day is the present moment. We move forward without looking back, and we do not linger on the past—eventually, we do not even need to look back at all.

The True Nature of Practice

The passing of each day is not like the aging of the world. We must not waste a single second. Every moment of awakening brings us one step closer to realising our true nature. Every moment of insight becomes the strength to save other beings, and every moment of letting go brings greater clarity. To observe the world is to see its suffering; if we become trapped in the cycle of shared joy and shared sorrow, our days will pass by in a flash. The body is merely a framework that houses the original nature of the spirit. Only through genuine practice can one gain the ability to use this body and spirit with complete freedom.

When we look at the vast number of beings in the outside world, we must realise that our own body is the same. Just as the vast universe is filled with countless spirits, our 'small universe'—the body—is identical. Within this body, there are fifty trillion cells, each having a different karmic connection to our past. If we look at the 'bad'—the illnesses or the suffering—with shock or rejection, and fail to repent, the body becomes a vessel for receiving retribution. It cannot gain the understanding of our karmic creditors because the habits and selfishness within the body remain as they were before. It is no wonder the body cannot find peace.

The Path to Lightness and Clarity

Conversely, when we look at the 'good'—when we maintain a pure heart—the body does not experience such turbulence. Our karmic creditors, seeing our dedication to performing Buddha-work, reciting the Sutras, making prostrations, walking meditation, and changing our hearts, will choose to depart. The body naturally becomes light, and the head naturally becomes clear. If, while performing Buddha-work, you still experience physical discomfort or feel drowsy, you must examine whether you are still mixing good with evil. You must identify where the evil lies within your practice, examine yourself thoroughly, and completely transform those evil thoughts and hidden faults. Reflecting inward and practicing self-awareness are the fundamental roots that support all spiritual practice.

Lower your eyes. See without seeing, and see even when you are not looking. Do not look at the faults of others. Do not look at the various behaviours of others; look only at their goodness. Even if others have ten thousand illusions in their hearts and engage in various discriminatory actions, you must still treat them with a heart of tolerance. Giving people the opportunity to change their ways is also a form of compassion. This world still requires education, which is why it is necessary to actively preserve the Buddha’s teachings. We use these teachings to save beings, and through digital means, we allow the Dharma to spread its branches and leaves. The Dharma is the ultimate truth that leads everyone out of suffering. Everyone in their heart possesses this longing, but they are still searching or are too deluded to enter the path.

The Great Physician and the Truth of the Universe

Today, Practitioner Su is actively unfolding the Dharma, telling everyone truths that have never been presented before, and unravelling the mysteries of the human body, its pores, and its cells. With the five eyes fully opened and clear, he sees everything—including the blood vessels within the body and the number of spirits gathered on the vessel walls. He knows their past causes and future effects with absolute clarity, without the slightest discrepancy. Only in this way can he make sentient beings submit willingly. When he meets their requirements, they are willing to follow him to liberation, allowing physical symptoms to be alleviated or even to disappear. That the Buddha is the Great Physician is proven by Practitioner Su. Beyond the human world, the spirits filling the void can also be guided to a good place or to the Western Pure Land through a single Buddha-name. Such deep merit is attained within this purity. Infinite Wisdom and virtue arise accordingly. There is no second Dharma; it all arises from a heart of compassion. We act out of compassion, and in doing so, we 'act without acting, and act while not acting.' When we truly act, we truly attain, and when we truly act, the Truth manifests. The Buddha-heart is the Buddha manifest.

Namo Amituofo."