In this Five Turbidities and Evil World, it is rare to find a being who is entirely pure and free from defilement. Those who have achieved such purity are either those who have reached the state of an awakened being, or they are Buddhas and Bodhisattvas who have chosen to return to the world to save sentient beings. They act as a bright beacon for those of us struggling in the darkness of this world, offering guidance and pointing the way forward through the difficult path of practice.
When the light of the Buddha and the shadows of demons coexist, we must have a clear light to guide our journey. Without such guidance, we are like travellers on a dark road, constantly hindered by great boulders or stumbling in the gloom. However, if we are fortunate enough to receive the salvation of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, we can choose the right path. Even if we stumble, we can rise again and continue our journey.
The Unfailing Power of the Buddha-name
As long as you have a single breath remaining, the path may be difficult, but it is not impossible. If you are truly sincere about saving yourself, if your vow remains steadfast, and if you never retreat from your diligent practice, you will have the opportunity to reach your destination, escape being reincarnated, and achieve an awakened being. What is this vow? It is the commitment that, no matter what situations you encounter—even if old age or illness manifests—you will remain steadfast in your practice. You must grasp the Buddha-name and never let it be interrupted. Your vow to seek rebirth in the of Ultimate Bliss must never waver, and you must never again enter the cycle of being reincarnated.
My children, please remember that the Buddha-name must never be interrupted, regardless of the time, place, or situation. If you find that your chanting has lapsed, as soon as your awareness arises, you must immediately resume the Buddha-name. The Buddha-name is the bridge that allows the Buddha's to support your own diligent practice. If the Buddha-name is not raised, the Buddha's power has no point of entry to assist you.
The Sincerity of Prostrations
The same principle applies to your prostrations. If you perform prostrations but your heart is empty of the Buddha, if your ears do not hear the Buddha-name, and if your eyes are closed to the presence of the Buddha before you, how can the Buddha's power provide its blessings? How can you avoid falling into being drowsy or becoming lost in another space? My children, please be sincere in your desire to save yourself. You must put these teachings into actual practice, moving forward step by step with your feet firmly on the ground.
Transforming
What is the essence of this vow? It is the need to change your personality. If you do not change your personality, your will find you, and the manifestation of will bring you great suffering. When you find yourself unable to see the good in others, when you listen to malicious words, or when you allow yourself to become angry or regretful, you are creating the very situations that lead to suffering, illness, and the decline of your physical and mental state. These are the reasons you cannot master your own life. Whenever these situations occur, it is a sign that you have deviated from the . You must reflect, engage in repenting, and change your ways.
If you are truly sincere about saving yourself, you must act quickly to transform your personality and correct your erroneous behaviours and perspectives. You should strive to:
Look for the good in all things.Speak words that are beneficial and kind.Do what is right and virtuous.Refrain from anger and regret.Keep your heart free from unnecessary worries.
By living each day, each minute, and each second with a kind and purified heart, you will eventually reach a state of natural, effortless action. When your heart is free from attachments—when you no longer dwell on what is good or what is bad—you will simply act with a pure, direct intention. This is the true meaning of diligent practice. Only by sincerely saving yourself in this way will you reach the time of an awakened being. .
