Venerable Yongning, who sought deliverance through the teachings of the , currently resides at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. This interview, which explores the dissolution of the ego and the inherent unity of all sentient beings, was recorded on July 26, 2019.
Venerable Yongning speaks:
". Many animals possess a fierce and volatile nature. In order to protect themselves, they often put on a display of being incredibly strong, ferocious, and intense. In many instances, this temperament is impossible to contain, and what manifests outwardly is pure aggression. Yet, no matter how fierce an animal may be, they all share a singular weakness: emotion. Beyond the instinct to protect themselves, all this ferocity is also directed toward protecting their mates and their young. They may even sacrifice their own lives to shield their offspring. In the animal kingdom, this seems to be a mandate of heaven, but from the perspective of Buddhist practice, we must go further. Not only should we abandon the fierce and rigid aspects of our personality, but we must also cast aside our dependency on and possessiveness toward those we care about.
Expanding the Scope of
We must look beyond our immediate partners and loved ones. We need to expand our concern to encompass a piece of land, a forest, a grove of trees, the birds, the clouds, and even the vast void beyond the Earth. There are so many spirits out there that are in desperate need of care and salvation. The method to achieve this is not overly difficult; it can be unlocked simply by reciting a sincere 'Namo Amituofo.'
Think about the 'you,' the 'me,' and the 'other' among all things. Each of them has, at some point, been 'me,' and each has belonged to 'me.' If we take this 'self' as the centre and radiate outward, every single being is 'me.' Every single one belongs to 'me,' and yet, none of them truly belong to 'me.' I am part of the vast sky, the starry heavens, the blooming flowers, the constellations, and the microscopic particles of the universe. I have experienced countless transformations, so if you ask which one is truly 'me,' the answer is: all of them.
The Illusion of Distinction
The spiritual nature of every person is identical. There is no distinction whatsoever, and there is no such thing as who is right or who is wrong. Concepts of right and wrong, beauty and ugliness, are merely discriminations created within the human world. These various discriminations are what forge our personalities. Now, I realise that such personality traits are not desirable; they are merely habits cultivated within the chaotic environment of the human realm.
The human body is inherently complete and capable of reaching the entire Realm. However, due to the various discriminations, attachments, thoughts, and impurities of the external environment, this clear and bright body becomes obstructed. If one understands the Truth and knows how to let go, this body can function to its fullest potential. Once there is no 'self,' the general state of the Dharma Realm becomes clearly visible.
The Power of the True Self
The human body is naturally endowed with the Divine Foot, the ability to read minds, the heavenly eye, and the knowledge of past lives. These are meant to be used for the purpose of salvation. Sentient beings are sentient beings, but they are also ourselves. By following the Truth and finding our true self, we become one with the universe. Through the power of the Buddha and our own efforts, we can reach the entire universe. We become unborn and undying, existing eternally within the Dharma Realm. This is something everyone possesses inherently; everyone is a Buddha. Every single phrase of 'Namo Amituofo' brings us closer to this realisation. Namo Amituofo."
This interview was recorded by the chief writer, Buddhist disciple Shi Faxin.
