The Nature of Truth

The Illusion of Perception

With true sincerity, one must quickly repent and change their ways to resolve the grievances of all beings. Unless you have reached the state of realising one's true nature and attaining Buddhahood, everything you perceive in this world—whether you label it as true, false, empty, or real—is merely an illusion. We often find ourselves caught in a cycle of questioning our own perceptions: Is what we deem 'true' actually true? Is what we label 'false' truly false? Is what we consider 'empty' truly empty, or does what we call 'real' hold any substance? These doubts arise because we are still wandering within the realm of illusions.

The Constant Nature of Truth

Consider the nature of change. When circumstances shift, if you allow your heart and mind to change along with them, you are caught in the web of the false and the empty, tossed about by the changing tides of the world. However, if you remain steadfast and do not change when circumstances shift, you are touching upon the true and the real. Truth cannot be replaced by falsehood, and reality cannot be replaced by emptiness. This is the fundamental distinction between the transient world and the eternal nature of the Dharma.

The Path of Sincerity

In every moment and in every place, you must face your life with a sincere and honest attitude. Do not be false, and do not deceive yourself. Every time you attempt to cover up your mistakes, you drift further away from your Buddha-heart. This self-deception acts as a veil, obscuring the light of your original nature. It is only through the courage to be honest with yourself that you can begin to strip away these layers of illusion.

Returning to Your True Self

You must use your awareness to examine yourself at all times. This constant self-reflection is the practice of a dedicated student of the Buddha. By maintaining this vigilance, you will eventually find your way back to your original, true nature, which has always been pure and perfect. Do not let the illusions of the world distract you from this goal. The path to awakening is found in the sincerity of your heart and the clarity of your awareness. This discourse was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.