The transmission of the Buddha's teachings is a sacred responsibility that rests upon the shoulders of the Three Jewels: the Buddha, the , and the Sangha. These three are not merely external concepts but are the foundational pillars that support the liberation of all beings. To understand the depth of this transmission, we must look closely at what each Jewel represents in the life of a practitioner.
The Buddha is the Great Awakened One, the one who has attained complete . He is the ultimate practitioner of the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. Within each of us resides the Buddha-nature, yet to manifest this, one must possess a physical body. It is through this temporary vessel that we engage in diligent practice, striving with courage and persistence until we reach the goal. When one realises their true nature, the Buddha-nature within is fully revealed, and the light of the Buddha shines forth.
The Essence of the Three Jewels
The Dharma is the profound content of the Buddha's realisation. It exists specifically to resolve the confusion of all beings and to save them from the depths of suffering. The Dharma clarifies the laws of and cause and effect, while illuminating the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. When we speak of the Dharma of our true self, it is something that arises from the heart. By following these teachings, we embark on a journey to rediscover our original nature, which already contains infinite wisdom and boundless Dharma.
The Sangha represents those who are pure, dedicated to the noble task of propagating the Buddha and the Buddha's teachings. The Sangha of our true self can only be achieved through the power of our vows. It is through the strict observance of the and consistent practice that the monastics are able to find their way back to their true self.
Embodying the Three Jewels
Once a person in the human world achieves the state of an awakened being and attains the Buddha's path, they simultaneously embody the identity of the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. They possess the function of all three, becoming a great talent within the Buddha's gate. Such a person is capable of ensuring that the water of the Dharma flows eternally. This flow of Dharma water serves several vital purposes:
It nourishes the dryness of our Body-Mind-Spirit.
It resolves the suffering caused by birth, aging, sickness, and death.
It allows the six-syllable name of to resonate throughout the entire Dharma realm of emptiness.
The Call to the Hsiang Kuang Community
The students of Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre now find themselves in a sacred Buddha-land. This is a rare and precious opportunity. In particular, the monastics bear the heavy responsibility of ensuring the transmission of the Buddha's teachings continues. You must be proactive, engaging in diligent practice without a moment of slackness, so that you may rediscover your true self as soon as possible.
The Infinite Nature of the Dharma
The Dharma arises because beings are lost in confusion. To resolve this confusion, the Buddha taught the 84,000 Dharma gates, which are in reality an infinite number of methods. Those who are wise, those who have realised their true nature, are able to provide guidance according to the capacity of the individual. They respond to the needs of the moment and manifest the Dharma accordingly. This is why the Buddha's teachings are truly inexhaustible. Namo Amituofo.
