The Harmony of Proactivity and Following Conditions

The Path of Diligent Practice

Proactivity and following conditions are two sides of the same coin. When we speak of the purpose of saving yourself and others, reaching the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss and finding one's own Buddha nature, we are speaking of observing the conditions of the world, holding firm to our vows, and putting those vows into action. This is the essence of our practice.

To truly practise, one must cultivate faith in Namo Amituofo and faith in one's own true self. This requires a proactive approach to change personality traits, ensuring that our daily practice remains consistent and uninterrupted. We must learn to let go of the self, for it is the ego that binds us to the cycle of being reincarnated. To support this, we must strictly adhere to the fundamental guidelines of our conduct:

• The Five Precepts: Refraining from killing, stealing, adultery, lying, and the consumption of intoxicants.
• The Ten Good Deeds: Cultivating wholesome actions by avoiding killing, stealing, adultery, lying, harsh speech, divisive speech, idle chatter, greed, anger, and delusion.
• The Three Learnings: Diligently studying and applying the Three Learnings of Precepts, Samadhi, and Wisdom.
• The Six Paramitas: Practising Generosity, Discipline, Patience, diligent practice, Meditation, and Wisdom.

You should pursue these practices with proactive courage and vigour. By doing so, you hasten the day you see your true nature and gain the ability to help all beings connected by karmic affinity to leave the sufferings of samsara behind.

The Vow to Save All Beings

When it comes to the mission of saving countless suffering beings, you must act with proactive determination. Beings are suffering, and often there is no one to guide them. At such times, the Buddha or Bodhisattva manifests in this world. Through the power of the Buddha’s blessings, we must take it upon ourselves to help these beings leave suffering and gain happiness. We must never be lazy or negligent in this duty.

In our work of saving others, we may help them move from the Three Evil Realms into the path of goodness, or we may assist them in chanting the name of Namo Amituofo so that they may fulfil their wish to be reborn in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. The Pure Land path is magnificent because it covers all levels of capacity, welcoming both the sharp and the dull.

The Supreme Power of the Buddha-Name

You must proactively and with a sincere heart recite the name of Namo Amituofo. Do not dwell on the past, and do not worry about the future. There is only the present moment, and in that moment, you must chant one Buddha's name to the end. From the moment you first generate the aspiration to the moment you become a Buddha, you will come to realise the supreme power of this Buddha-name.

As you proactively work to achieve your own liberation, you must also follow conditions to save others. Once you have achieved the awakening of seeing your true nature, you will find that the Six Roots naturally manifest. These are not external forces added to your body, but the natural abilities of your original nature being revealed:

• Knowing past lives: Understanding the karmic causes that have led to the present.
• Heavenly eye: Seeing the truth of the world beyond physical limitations.
• Divine hearing: Hearing the cries of suffering beings across the universe.
• Reading minds: Understanding the hearts of others to provide the right guidance.
• Divine Foot: The ability to travel freely to assist beings in need.
• Extinction of outflows: The final attainment of freedom from all karmic burdens.

Skillful Means in Action

Proactivity and following conditions are the essence of our "skillful means." Whether you are working to save the world, helping others reach the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, or selecting the right Dharma to teach, you must know when to be proactive and when to follow the natural flow of conditions. Always remember that your goal is to save yourself and others, reaching the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss and finding your own true self. Namo Amituofo.