The Essentials of Practising Buddhism

This is a record of an interview with Venerable Yongning, who reflects on the core principles of Buddhist practice. The interview was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on April 16, 2023.

Venerable Yongning speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Venerable Yongning. Many people choose to embark upon the path of spiritual practice, yet so many lose themselves halfway through the journey. It is a tragedy that happens far too often.

Spiritual practice is, at its heart, the process of using the trials and tribulations of this physical body to elevate one's inner spirit. As for the specific methods one employs or the location where one chooses to practise, these are matters that vary from person to person. However, regardless of the Dharma gate or the style of practice one adopts, one must possess a crystal-clear understanding of the ultimate purpose of this endeavour. Why are you practising? What is the goal of your life?"

The True Purpose of Spiritual Practice

"When we follow Practitioner Su as she performs the work of Chao Du, we see the reality of the spiritual world. Recently, we have been involved in the deliverance of beings from various major temples in China. When we look at the entire space of these temples—including the architecture, the sacred sutras, and even the trees and flowers planted in the grounds—it becomes painfully clear that many practitioners are still trapped within these spaces. This includes both the lay devotees and the Dharma protectors. Why have they ended up in such a state?

Furthermore, when we observe Practitioner Su's Dharma Body entering the hells to rescue suffering beings, we see many monastics there, wailing and enduring the consequences of their actions. Without the compassionate intervention of Practitioner Su, they would have no opportunity to escape those realms. Even if their time in hell were to expire, they would still be forced by the weight of their karma to continue suffering in other realms of the cycle of rebirth."

The Entanglement of Body, World, and Desire

"The connection between the 'body' and the 'world' is forged through 'desire.' Desire acts as a powerful glue, binding the body to the world so tightly that the body cannot bear to leave behind its cravings, nor can it escape the myriad temptations of the world.

When a person truly begins to 'practise Buddhism,' they are essentially working to separate these three elements: the body, the world, and desire. The goal is to ensure that the body is no longer influenced by the world and is no longer driven by the whims of desire. The body must begin to take back its sovereignty; it must not allow itself to be easily manipulated or controlled by external forces.

In this arduous process, what is the ultimate objective? It is nothing more than the elevation of one's own spirit. Once the body is no longer controlled, no longer tempted by the world, and stripped of its worldly habits and ego, the spirit naturally begins to rise. It is a process of shedding the heavy layers that have kept us anchored in samsara for so long."

The Weight of Past Sins and Karmic Creditors

"However, many people fail to reach the end of this path. They may start with great enthusiasm, but when various tests and obstacles manifest, they struggle. Eventually, they are dragged away by the body's old habits, losing their ability to master themselves, and ultimately facing failure.

The body has many ways to tempt the human heart. Every individual has their own weaknesses, and when we look at these weaknesses through the lens of our many past lives, we see that they are tied to immense karmic forces. Therefore, the moment a person begins to practise, they are not just facing current challenges; they are facing the accumulated sins of countless lifetimes. A powerful, overwhelming force of karma is simultaneously exerting its influence on the body.

Yet, karma is not something to be feared. It is not impossible to resolve. What is required is a heart that is truly, sincerely willing to change. Our personal habits and ego have followed us for thousands of years, and this 'stench' of the past attracts the karmic creditors with whom we have created enmity. They follow the Law of Cause and Effect to collect their debts, creating all sorts of obstacles that make it difficult for the practitioner to move forward."

Stepping Firmly Toward the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss

"As life draws to a close and the goal becomes rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, the path of practice must be walked with steady, firm steps. We must be diligent and move forward with unwavering focus. Countless tests are designed to refine this physical body. We must ensure the body can withstand these trials, that it can break free from the control of desire, and that it can cast off the temptations of the world. We must stop the body from remaining entangled with the world, gradually elevating our inner spirit, and resolving our conflicts with our karmic creditors through reconciliation and deliverance.

Only then, at the moment of death, can one be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss with total freedom and ease. Many people, however, cannot break through these difficulties. They lack sufficient awareness and have no clear goal. When the tests arrive, they follow the feelings of their bodies. Very quickly, they are dominated by the karmic creditors or demons within them. They lose control of their own bodies and find it increasingly difficult to be the master of their own lives. In such situations, they drift further and further away from their goal of practice, often without even realising it. They let their bodies age day by day, eventually falling back into the cycle of rebirth—perhaps into a spiritual space, perhaps into the hells, or elsewhere—losing the precious opportunity for liberation.

A human body is hard to obtain, and the Buddha's teachings are hard to hear. Since you have already heard the Buddha's teachings, you must actively seize this opportunity. Save yourself and save others; benefit yourself and benefit others. Together, we shall be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss and never fall back into the cycle of rebirth. This is the essence of practising Buddhism: to achieve liberation and escape suffering once and for all.

Namo Amituofo."