The Great Function of the Essence
Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju
The great function of the Essence is to be applied for the benefit of all beings. It is not for one's own pleasure, nor is it for personal gain. To understand the Essence is to understand how to live in accordance with the Truth.
The Application of Principle and Wisdom
The Essence is applied through the Universal Principle and through proper conduct. It is never applied through force, nor through actions that violate the sacred rites of propriety. Furthermore, the Essence is applied through wisdom and insight. It is never applied through ignorance or the darkness of delusion.
- The Universal Principle: We align our actions with the Truth and the Right Way.
- Proper Conduct: We uphold the dignity of the in all our interactions.
- Wisdom: We cultivate the clarity to see through the illusions of the world.
The Path of Practice and Purity
The Essence is applied through the Six Perfections and the myriad practices of a . It is never applied through the pursuit of the or . When we chant Buddha's name, we are applying the Essence to become a Buddha. We must be careful never to stray into deviant or eccentric paths, for such paths lead only to the realm of demons.
The State of
The Essence is applied through the cultivation of a heart that is free from the burdens of the ego. This means we must strive for:
- Selflessness: Letting go of the small, grasping self.
- No-self: Realising that the ego is an illusion.
- No-thought: Maintaining a mind that is not caught in the cycle of wandering thoughts.
- No-heart: Resting in the purity of a heart that is not attached to worldly concerns.
Conversely, the Essence is never applied through selfishness, attachment to , the proliferation of wandering thoughts, or a heart that is burdened by worldly desires.
Truth, , and Courage
The Essence is applied through reality and truth. It is never applied through harm or falsehood. It is applied through the Dharma and through benevolence and righteousness, never through non-Dharma or the absence of virtue. We apply the Essence through sincerity and the work of saving beings, never through arrogance, pride, or the desire to cause harm. Finally, the Essence is applied through Goodness and compassion, never through evil or the entanglements of worldly emotion. The Essence must be put to its proper use; it should never be held back by fear.
The message of this teaching was written by the chief writer, the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
Namo Amituofo
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Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
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