My children, can you truly take the words of into your hearts? If you can hear them, are you then able to put them into practice? I see you hesitate, and you dare not say that you are capable of doing so, is that not correct? It is indeed true. I know that some of you are currently working hard, while others may only be listening without taking action. Some of you may not have even begun to listen at all. Regardless of where you stand, I ask you this: Are you able to follow these teachings?
Those of you who are currently in the midst of diligent practice may answer that you have not yet fully achieved this. For those who have not yet begun to act, you may truthfully reply that you have not yet started. My children, the appearance of the words of Namo Amituofo in this world is a rare and precious occurrence. It requires the convergence of immense Buddhist affinity for these teachings to manifest. Whether these words are directed toward an individual, the entire bodhimanda, or the fourfold assembly, they are all words intended to help you attain Buddhahood.
The True Purpose of Our Practice
Why do we engage in practice? The purpose is to realise one's true nature and attain Buddhahood, and to save the world and rescue all suffering beings. This is not merely a slogan to be recited; it is a commitment that begins with saving oneself. How does one save oneself? It is achieved through the following:
Diligent practice: Maintaining an active and persistent effort without flagging.
Resolving conflicts: Engaging in the work of to resolve the grievances of others.
Daily practice: Ensuring your daily lessons—prostrations, chanting Namo Amituofo, and reciting the Sutras—are never interrupted.
Service and transformation: Serving the community and working to change personality traits that hinder your spiritual growth.
All of these actions are ultimately for the sake of saving yourself. This is because only when your own , spiritual attachments, and demon crowds are saved, and when they are willing to retreat and resolve their grievances, will you have the opportunity to be saved and realise your true nature.
The Path of Purification
This is the understanding that every child of Hsiang Kuang must possess. Realising one's true nature is by no means something that can be obtained easily. It requires one to exert significant effort and to give one's absolute best. You must let go of all attachments and desires; only by removing defilements and attaining purity can you find your original nature. Consider what constitutes these defilements:
Attachments and desires: These are the primary stains that cloud the mind.
Personality and subjectivity: Your rigid personality and subjective views act as barriers to the Truth.
Resistance to guidance: An inability to listen to the Buddha's words or the advice and counseling of a true spiritual friend is a sign of deep-seated defilement.
Physical and mental decline: Aging and illness are often indicators that one has strayed from the proper path.
Negative : Seeing, speaking, and thinking in ways that are harmful are all forms of impurity.
The Radiance of a Pure Mind
Conversely, there are qualities that lead to purity. When you are free from greed, without desire, and follow the conditions of life, you are pure. When you are free from anger, maintaining a gentle and compassionate heart, you are pure. When you are free from ignorance, responding to the world with Wisdom, you are pure. When you are free from arrogance, remaining humble and modest, you are pure. When you are free from doubt, having faith in yourself and faith in the Buddha, you are pure. Practice is the ongoing process of removing defilements and attaining purity until the final goal is reached.
My children, you must take the Buddha's words into your hearts and put them into practice. Only then will you not waste your Buddhist affinity with Hsiang Kuang. This is your opportunity to receive the Buddha's teachings, achieve liberation from the cycle of rebirth, and realise your true nature to attain Buddhahood. Namo Amituofo.
