Emptiness can give rise to all things, and within all things, we can realise the nature of emptiness. To see emptiness and existence as one is to be truly free. This state of being is not merely a philosophical concept; it requires both genuine practice and personal realisation. When you are in the state of emptiness, you can be free; when you are in the state of existence, you can use it with great skill. Within the realm of existence, you should take what is available and use it to teach and save all beings. Emptiness and existence are not two separate things. Whether you are in the state of emptiness or the state of existence, you can remain cool, clear, and unhindered.
The Art of Letting Go
To walk the path of the Buddha, you must learn to release your attachments. When it is time to let go, do so immediately without hesitation. To be able to let go is to be a person of true freedom. When it is time to release, do so without holding onto anything. To release is to be a person of true coolness and clarity. Consider these essential practices for your daily life:
Letting go of attachments: Do not cling to the past or the future, for these are merely mental constructs.
Releasing the desire to possess: Do not store up things, whether material or emotional, as these only weigh down your spirit.
Cultivating a pure heart: By releasing your burdens, you allow your original nature to shine through, bringing you peace and clarity.
Living in the World of Form
When you are in the world of existence, you must know that existence is illusory. You should not be deceived by these illusions. You should not allow existence to create obstacles for your practice, nor should you be stained by the phenomena around you. Instead, you should use existence skillfully to teach and save beings. This is true freedom. Conversely, when you are in the state of emptiness, you must know that this emptiness is not a void. Those who have realised their true nature move freely within this state. From the true self, all things can arise. You do not feel a sense of lack because of emptiness; you lack nothing. This is true autonomy.
The Purest Environment for Growth
Within the Buddha’s gate, are pure. You should have few desires and know contentment. When you have no desires, you find true happiness, and you will not view emptiness as a state of lack. Whether we speak of emptiness or existence, these are merely words used in the Buddha’s teachings to express a meaning that is ultimately beyond words. Your heart should not dwell in emptiness, nor should it dwell in existence. Do not cling to emptiness, and do not cling to existence. Whether you are in the state of emptiness or existence, you must remain without rising thoughts or moving intentions. This is the great cultivation of a true practitioner.
The Nature of the Western Land
Emptiness and existence as one is the nature of equality. Consider the of Ultimate Bliss, which was built from the flow of ’s own true self. In this state of equality, there is no division of the four lands, the three grades, or the nine levels. As long as you are a being of the Western Land who has entered the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, you can equally enjoy everything that exists there. Your wishes will be fulfilled; if you wish for something, it appears, and if you do not, it vanishes. At that moment, even if it is not there, it still exists; even if it is there, you do not need it, so it is as if it is not there. This is the true meaning of emptiness and existence as one.
The Ultimate Practice
Those who have realised their true nature, such as Namo Amituofo, all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, and the patriarchs and venerable masters, all embody this truth. The six-character name of Namo Amituofo is the key to this realisation. When you chant until you reach the state of chanting while having no thoughts, and having no thoughts while still chanting, you have reached the state where emptiness and existence are one. Namo Amituofo.
