The we create through our Body, Speech, and Mind is often the direct result of our personal ego, habits, and selfishness. When we act out of these ingrained patterns, we inevitably commit errors that cloud our true nature. These actions do not occur in a vacuum; they ripple through our lives and affect the beings within our bodies. It is essential for every practitioner to recognise that these habits are the primary obstacles to our spiritual progress.
The Vital Role of Spiritual Guidance
We are fortunate when we receive guidance from Buddha or , patriarchs and venerable masters, and true spiritual friends. When these wise beings point out our minor faults at the very beginning, they offer us a precious opportunity to correct ourselves before those small errors grow into major transgressions. By listening to this counsel, we can prevent the accumulation of heavy negative karma, avoid the severe consequences that arise from persistent wrongdoing, and stop the cycle of creating new karma that binds us to the six realms of rebirth.
If we fail to change our ways, or if we repent only to fall back into the same patterns, we must be counselled again. The hope is always that we will eventually take these words to heart and make a genuine, lasting change in our behaviour.
The Danger of Persistent Neglect
What happens when one is counselled repeatedly but still refuses to change? The consequences are grave. The karma created and the faults committed become deeply entrenched. If the scope of this error is small, it may only affect the individual; however, if the scope is large, it will impact the entire community or even a wider group of beings. The negative causes planted and the resulting karmic fruits will be profound and heavy. Ultimately, it is the individual who must bear the weight of this suffering.
When a person ignores repeated counsel, it is a clear sign that their true self is struggling to take charge. Instead, they have allowed other forces to take control of their life, such as , attached spirits, or demon crowds. When these forces take the lead, is driven to create endless karma, and the spirit is left to endure immense suffering.
for and Others
As practitioners, we must cultivate our compassion and Wisdom in our daily lives. When we successfully change our ways and resolve not to repeat our past mistakes, we are practising true compassion—not only for ourselves but for all the beings within our bodies. Conversely, if we repent but then return to our old habits, we are being unkind to ourselves and to the beings who depend on our spiritual stability. Therefore, you must protect and make good use of this human body, for it is the vessel through which you can achieve liberation.
The Path of the Wise
Those who have not yet realised their true nature often find their hearts unstable and easily swayed by external circumstances. Because our hearts are not yet firm, we are vulnerable to the distractions of the world. This is why the practice of chanting is so vital. Through the Buddha's , we can cultivate , Concentration, and Wisdom, which in turn strengthens our mental note and resolve. In the sound of the Buddha-name, repeated continuously, we can effectively halt our delusions, discriminations, and attachment. This is the path of the wise, and it is the only way to ensure we remain on the right path toward the of Ultimate Bliss.
Namo Amituofo
Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe
