The Eternal Present Moment
Teachings from Bodhisattva Ashvaghosha
Recorded on February 9, 2019
The Nature of the Present Moment
The present moment is inherently empty. Every passing second, every fleeting minute, and every breath you take is the present moment. When you truly realise your true self-nature, you will understand that there is no high or low, no superior or inferior. All your delusions, discriminations, and attachments are merely obstacles that cloud this inherent clarity.
In your diligent practice, you must learn to let go of the ego. When the heart is empty of self-clinging, the true self-nature reveals itself naturally. This emptiness is not a void; it is the state where your true self-nature shines forth. If you cling to the concept of emptiness, you lose the present moment. To be at ease and follow the conditions of life is to be truly present.
to the True Self
There is not a single thing, not a single speck of dust, that can obscure the clarity of an awakened being. Although you may realise your true self-nature, you must remain free from the concepts of impurity and purity, and free from flawed thoughts. This state is immediate; it is constant and eternal. You must know that the nature of all things is empty. Every step you take and every thought that arises is the present moment. It is natural, and it has always existed.
The virtue of all things is bright, and the nature of the mind is inherently empty. When you see your own heart, you will find that there is no other present moment to seek. Whether in darkness or in light, the present moment is clear. Even in a single instant, the present moment is revealed. Within the snap of your fingers, there are many present moments. In every fleeting instant, you must awaken and know that your life exists only in the present.
The Path of Diligent Practice
To all the Bodhisattvas in the Western Land of Nature, do you understand that life exists only in the present? When you listen to sutras and hear the Dharma, you are learning the preciousness of this life. You must know how to grasp the present moment, refrain from all evil deeds, and diligently perform all virtuous acts.
When you listen to Practitioner Su deliver Dharma talks, you are learning how to change your personality traits and adjust your heart. This is to ensure your heart becomes purely good, allowing you to save more beings. By doing so, you enable more people to reach out and save others in turn. To pass on the Buddha’s teachings without any selfish desire is the only way to reach the state of an awakened being. This is not a goal that can be achieved in a single lifetime if you hold onto personal attachments. You must examine your own heart and be mindful of what thoughts you are harbouring.
Cultivating Clarity of Mind
To all the Bodhisattvas in the Western Land of Dharma Nature, how is your present moment right now? Are you feeling dull and heavy, or are you clear and bright? Can you maintain your awareness, and where is your heart directed? You must know how to find your way back. Gather your heart and mind, observe yourself with immediate clarity, and focus intently on listening to the Dharma. Every word and every sentence you hear is the present moment.
Ashvaghosha
The interview message was recorded by the chief writer, the Buddha's disciple, Shi Haiyuan.
More from Teachings of Aśvaghoṣa Bodhisattva
The Endless Compassion of the Buddha: An Interview with Bodhisattva Asvaghosa
Bodhisattva Asvaghosa shares his profound insights on the salvation work conducted by Practitioner Su and the salvation team during the global pandemic, revealing the boundless compassion of Namo Amituofo.
Bodhisattva Asvaghosa’s Teachings in the Dharma-Nature Land
Within the Western Dharma-Nature Land, Bodhisattva Asvaghosa manifests in infinite forms to guide beings toward rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, demonstrating the boundless compassion of Namo Amituofo and the saving power of Practitioner Su.
Exhaustion, Suffering, and Freedom: Teachings from Bodhisattva Asvaghosa
Bodhisattva Asvaghosa shares profound insights on the origins of human exhaustion and suffering, and how we can transcend these through the practice of Namo Amituofo and the cultivation of Precepts (Discipline), Concentration, and Wisdom.
A New Phase: Teachings from Bodhisattva Ashvaghosha
A new phase brings a new atmosphere. After a period of deep cultivation and seclusion, the time has come to step forward and serve all beings. Bodhisattva Ashvaghosha shares profound insights on the necessity of the Three Learnings of Precepts, Concentration, and Wisdom, and the vital mission of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in saving infinite suffering beings.
More by Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
The Final Curtain Call of Chu Ke-liang
A candid reflection from the late Taiwanese entertainer Chu Ke-liang on his life, his career, the karmic weight of his influence, and his ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The Soul's True Equality: A Conversation with Mahatma Gandhi
This is a record of an interview with Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and his journey to the Pure Land.
A Reflection from the Western Pure Land
This is a record of an interview with Zhao Puchu, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life in the 20th century. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa Hui, on April 18, 2026.
The Truth Behind My Rebirth: A Message from Liu Suqing
Liu Suqing, the elder sister of the renowned practitioner Liu Suyun, shares her harrowing journey through the spirit realms and her ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss through the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
The Burden of a Historical Name
This is a record of an interview with Lin Biao, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life approximately 54 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on May 18, 2026.
The Poet’s Journey to the Western Pure Land
A reflection on the life, tragedy, and ultimate spiritual liberation of the ancient statesman Qu Yuan, who found peace through the teachings of Practitioner Su.
About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library