The Foundation of Awakening

The Foundation of the Buddha's Path

Awakening, the inherent awareness within us, serves as the fundamental bedrock upon which the entire path to Buddhahood is built. Awakening is the defining line that distinguishes the worldly life from the transcendental life. It is also the essential difference between the life of a monastic and that of a lay practitioner. While our original nature is identical, the specific efforts required to transcend the six realms of rebirth, to purify the mind, and to realise one's true nature and attain Buddhahood differ according to our roles. For those who have left the home life, the path is dedicated to saving the world, rescuing sentient beings, and ensuring the transmission of the Buddha’s teachings and the Pure Land Dharma-lineage while living in this world.

The Path of True Liberation

To truly awaken is to recognise the suffering inherent in the cycle of rebirth, the reality of birth, aging, sickness, and death, and the truth of impermanence. One must cultivate a deep and thorough sense of detachment from these sufferings, both within the heart and through one's actions. Awakening also means confronting the painful reality of the "self," personal ego, and selfishness. We must be willing to see through and let go of them, for this is the only way to grow. Furthermore, one must recognise that the volatility of emotions is a great obstacle to spiritual growth. Therefore, you should face all circumstances with a heart that is calm, steady, and without ripples.

Cultivating Stillness and Gratitude

Awakening involves understanding that our growth depends on the support of countless Causal Conditions. Without these conditions, it would be impossible to achieve success. Therefore, you should always keep a heart of gratitude and wear a smile upon your face. It is not easy to arrive at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre; do not allow anger to arise. It is truly a pity to let anger over trivial matters burn away your forest of merits. You must remember that there is nothing in this world that compares to the Buddha. The Buddha-heart is unmoving, free from anger, free from attachment, selfless, and pure. All disciples should strive to emulate this.

Emulating the Buddha-Heart

As Bodhisattvas who are awakened sentient beings, we must see through the cold and warmth of the world, let go of emotional attachments, and thereby elevate our spirits. If you can harmonise compassion, Wisdom, and mind-capacity, the great path to realise one's true nature and attain Buddhahood becomes accessible to everyone. This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

Namo Amituofo