The Heart of Respect

The Mirage of Relative Existence

In this human world, we are constantly surrounded by relative concepts: high and low, you and I, light and dark, wealth and poverty. These comparisons create a sense of inequality, which serves as the primary source of our afflictions, the creation of negative karma, the breaking of Precepts, and the commission of harmful acts. When we harbour feelings of dissatisfaction, when we are caught up in constant planning and calculating, or when our thoughts and intentions fluctuate, we are essentially stirring up the dormant forces of karma. This mental turbulence acts as a signal, activating the seeds of past negative causes and allowing the corresponding evil consequences to manifest in our lives. Furthermore, this state of mind awakens the karmic creditors who were previously lying in wait, or perhaps those who had lost track of us, providing them with the opportunity to find us and seek their balance.

Unravelling the Web of Confusion

We live our lives trapped within these complex relationships of cause and effect. It is as if we are ensnared in a dense, invisible web that covers our hearts, binding them tightly and preventing them from beating with true freedom. The Buddha teaches us how to unravel this web of confusion and karma so that we may attain the Buddha's path. This is the essence of the equality mentioned in the title of the Infinite Life Sutra (The Buddha Speaks the Mahayana, Infinite Life, Adornment, Purity, Impartiality, and Enlightenment Sutra), which all of our students recite daily. In the eyes of the Buddha, there is no distinction between high and low among all beings. We must treat everyone with respect and equality. What we are truly respecting is the Buddha-nature that is inherently present within every single person. If you can understand this truth, you will naturally be able to treat all beings with an equal heart. Once you reach this level of understanding, you are not far from the supreme, perfect awakening—the realisation of your true nature.

The Sacred Mirror of Reverence

This is also reflected in the first of the Ten Great Vows of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva: respect for all Buddhas. Regardless of the external appearance of a being, as long as it is a sentient spirit, it possesses the Buddha-nature and is therefore worthy of our respect. While we may prostrate ourselves before the images of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in our external practice, in the ultimate reality, we are also bowing to and honouring the Buddha-nature that resides within ourselves. To respect others is, in truth, to respect oneself. When you can hold this understanding and sincerely apply it in your daily life—treating every person you encounter with this same reverence—you are a person of true awareness. Not only will this help you resolve past grievances and karmic conflicts, but it will also hasten your journey toward Awakening.

Clearing the Dust of Countless Lifetimes

Why do people find it so difficult to achieve this state of mind? It is because our current environment offers no such guidance. Without being taught the truth of reality, people mistakenly believe that the human world is naturally filled with afflictions, suffering, and inequality. It is only after one begins to study the Buddha's teachings that one starts to understand the underlying principles and the true nature of existence. Although this Buddha-nature is inherently present in everyone, it remains hidden. It is covered by the layers of dust and pollution accumulated through accumulated lifetimes of creating karma. If one does not encounter a true spiritual friend and does not put in the work to purify one's practice, it is extremely difficult to resonate with one's true nature and reclaim that inner Buddha-nature.

The Universal Equality of All Living Spirits

Within the six realms of rebirth, every living creature—due to the differences in their karmic retribution—takes on a different form. This includes all manner of life, from the smallest insects and crawling creatures to birds, beasts, and the animals we see around us, such as chickens, ducks, cats, and dogs. In other words, these living creatures are often the destinations where souls are reborn after death. Because they all possess the Buddha-nature, we should treat every single one of them with respect and equality. In many accounts of reincarnation, we often hear stories of deceased relatives being reborn as the next generation in a family or even as a beloved pet.

The Conduct of a True Practitioner

Showing respect to others and to all beings is a form of cultivation and practice. For a true practitioner, this respect for all things and all beings has already been internalised as a natural part of their conduct. Such a person will often receive positive responses and interactions from others in return. The Buddha's teaching of the oneness of all beings can be clearly seen through this practice of respectful equality. To be able to treat every person with sincerity and earnestness, viewing them as one with yourself—this is the mark of a true spiritual friend and a great teacher. Practitioner Su is one such example. All of you are fortunate to have the opportunity to learn close by; you must listen and follow these teachings with a respectful heart, so that you may soon find your way back to your true nature.

This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.