The Four Virtues of the Bodhisattva Path: Teachings from National Master Xianshou

The Silent Work of the Heart

While it is easy to understand these principles intellectually, putting them into practice is a profound challenge. If you are able to embody these virtues, do so quietly and without seeking recognition. In this silence, you will naturally reap the benefits of the Dharma. The process of purification is not measured by how many tasks you complete, but by the depth of the work you perform within your own heart.

If one were to quantify the affairs of this world, the vastness of the Dharma Realm could not contain them. The true capacity of the heart is infinite, and it can only be known once you realise it yourself. Once you have reached this state, you will find that there are no external boundaries and no sense of a separate self. Where does the spirit of these four virtues reside? It exists only when there is no-self. When there is no-self, the mind is vast enough to contain all things.

The Boundless Path of the Buddha

The focus must always remain on this: save those who are connected by karmic affinity, and for those who are not, create the conditions to connect with them. The ultimate goal of the Buddha’s teachings is to learn from the Buddha and become a Buddha. Once a Buddha is formed, they work to save all beings, guiding them together onto the Buddha's path. Once you become a Buddha, you possess total freedom in your transformations. When the Buddha is in your heart, your own body is the Buddha.

All beings are you, and you are all beings. You can perceive the desires of all beings. You will know how to provide healing for their illnesses and how to return to them what they truly seek. Even without being asked, you will know how to study and teach the Dharma extensively. This is the path of selfless contribution, where one sees only the suffering of others. When you see Practitioner Su acting in this way, you should strive to emulate such conduct.

Embodying the Virtues in Daily Life

How do we practise these four virtues in our daily lives? We must follow these principles:

• Act according to conditions, but do not cling to them:
• Use your skills wisely and with purpose, not according to personal whims.Save beings and invite those with karmic connections:
• Let your true self guide your compassion. When you apply the wonderful Dharma, you will naturally reap the benefits.Maintain dignified conduct:
• Let your presence inspire respect and cause others to follow the right path.Ensure your conduct is virtuous: In every action—whether walking, standing, sitting, or lying down—let your heart be free from attachment and distraction.

The Compassionate Vow to Relieve All Suffering

Gentleness brings peace to the heart, while sincerity allows one to see the true nature. When your Body, Speech, and Mind are gentle and harmonious, your true nature will shine through. To take on the suffering of all beings is the only way they will be willing to leave their pain behind. However, to truly take on the suffering of others is a rare feat. Most people are primarily concerned with their own bodies; they see the suffering of others only in passing. If they can save them, they might, but if it is difficult, they simply let them be.

Those connected by karmic affinity at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre are fortunate to be saved. If they can be saved, we must save them. If they are difficult to save, we must let the Buddha-name enter their hearts. There will surely come a day—perhaps even this very moment—when they will find liberation in the Dharma-Nature Land. Only a true Bodhisattva can act in this way. When all four virtues are achieved, you will advance steadily upon the Buddha's path. This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.