The Path Beyond the Surface

This message was recorded on July 3, 2017, at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Venerable Master Sheng Yen, having sought deliverance through the compassionate guidance of Namo Amituofo, now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. In this eighteenth letter, he offers his reflections on the nature of true practice and the importance of looking beyond the surface of worldly appearances.

Venerable Master Sheng Yen speaks:

"Magnificent is this Dharma affinity, worthy of praise are the virtuous practitioners. With Namo Amituofo personally leading the way, this temple sails forward. What is manifested here is absolutely, wondrously real. Every Dharma assembly, every word of the Dharma teachings—all of it is true. Why would one refuse to step forward? To cut off one's own path of practice is truly a foolish and lamentable thing to do."

The Illusion of Worldly Reality

"Believe in the reality of the world, yet have no faith in the True Void. The Truth cannot be found within the mundane realities of this world; it cannot be realised there. If your heart and mind-capacity are merely shuttling back and forth within the confines of this world, it can never truly open up or expand.

The path of practice is as vast and distant as the void itself. One must observe the Ten Directions of the Dharma Realm with one's own eyes. There are immeasurable sentient beings seeking to be saved. Only by expanding your mind-capacity and broadening your vision—only by opening your perspective to such a vast scale—can you truly see all those who cry out in suffering, all the Dharma affinities, and everything else that exists."

The Depth of True Buddha’s Teachings

"Do not cling to anything. You must hasten to realise and practise the Truth. What I, Sheng Yen, have said is merely a fragment; if you can understand that, you will see it is only the surface. The true Buddha’s teachings must be seen through the teachings of the Buddha. It is the immeasurable Wisdom (Prajna), the true Wisdom (Prajna). I, too, see the teachings of the Buddha every day. These teachings can assist your Wisdom-life, allowing the Truth to emerge from the chaos. The fourfold assembly of the Dharma Drum Mountain must listen to what the Buddha says.

Namo Amituofo."

Written by Sheng Yen. This message was recorded by the disciple Shi Faxi.