The Path of Actual Practice

The Foundation of a Transformed Heart

The true essence of Actual Practice is found in the opening of one's heart. It is not merely a concept, but a tangible way of living that manifests in our daily interactions. How do we recognise this practice in our lives? It begins with the cessation of greed. When you have truly let go of stinginess and greed, you will naturally understand the value of Generosity and sharing. You will realise that your resources are not meant solely for your own use, but are tools to benefit others.

Furthermore, this practice is visible in the absence of anger. When you open your heart, your mind-capacity expands accordingly. You begin to develop a heart as vast as that of the Buddha, capable of embracing countless suffering beings and welcoming them into the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. However, this is only possible if you are truly Living the Vows: The Direct Way to Enlightenment.

The Necessity of Self-Transformation

To engage in the Actual Practice of saving beings, you must first save yourself. It is essential to achieve personal liberation from the ocean of karma. Your primary focus must be on your own practice: transforming your karma and becoming an awakened being. Only then will you possess the ability and the strength, under the Buddha's blessings, to save countless suffering beings.

If you have not yet achieved this for yourself, you remain a being bound by a karmic body. You are still drifting, following the currents of your own past actions. If you cannot even master your own mind, how can you hope to avoid sinking into the ocean of karma? Therefore, in every step of your Actual Practice, you must be cautious and diligent:

• Do good and avoid evil, for selflessness and no-self are the keys to progress.
• Do not regret the good deeds you have performed.
• If you find yourself committing an evil act, you must stop immediately.

Cultivating the Roots of Goodness

Actual Practice requires a genuine effort to change personality traits. This is not a passive process; it requires active, conscious effort in your daily life. You must strive to:

• Think good thoughts
• Speak good words
• Perform good deeds

By consistently doing this, you will give rise to all roots of goodness and achieve the fruit of Bodhi. This is the true meaning of changing one's personality. Even if this process requires significant time, mental energy, and physical strength, it is a worthy endeavour. If you do not do this in your current life, you will continue to suffer in the next. However, if you work to change your personality until those negative traits are gone, you will be spared from such suffering in the future.

The Ultimate Goal of Rebirth

To be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss and become a being of the Western Land is the goal of every practitioner who is diligent in their vows. Such a practitioner is truly autonomous. Once you have reached the stage of realising your true nature and attaining Buddhahood, you will be able to return to the Saha world to save beings with whom you have karmic affinity. This is the ultimate fruition of your dedication and the highest expression of compassion.

Namo Amituofo