The Ninth Vow of Samantabhadra: Constantly Follow Sentient Beings
Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju
13 November 2019, Thrice Yearning Ceremony, Australia
On November 13, 2019, during the third session of the held in Australia, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided profound guidance on the ninth of Samantabhadra’s Ten Vows: Constantly Follow Sentient Beings.
The Unity of Heart, Buddha, and Beings
Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju teaches us that beings are Buddha, and Buddha is one of the beings. Our own heart is also a being. In the ultimate sense, the heart, the Buddha, and all sentient beings are one entity, not three separate things. When we realise this, we see that there is no division between ourselves and the world around us. We are all interconnected within the vast expanse of the .
The Profound Meaning of Following Sentient Beings
If we do not violate the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, we understand that all beings and we are one. As we operate within the union of and wisdom, the act of constantly following sentient beings takes on a deeper, spiritual significance:
- Following Intent: To constantly follow sentient beings is to follow one's own heart. This is the true meaning of following one's intent.
- Knowing the Heart: To know the heart of sentient beings is to know one's own heart. This is the true meaning of knowing the heart.
- Fulfilling Wishes: To fulfill the wishes of sentient beings is to fulfill one's own wishes. This is the true meaning of fulfilling wishes.
Entering the State of No-Mind
When you truly practise this—following intent, knowing the heart, and fulfilling wishes—you will find that your thoughts, afflictions, and confusion no longer manifest. You will enter a state of no-intent, no-mind, no-thought, no-affliction, and no-confusion.
This is the path to liberation. My fellow practitioners, you must strive to carry out this vow. By constantly following sentient beings with a pure heart, you will eventually reach the moment of . This teaching was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
Namo Amituofo
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