The Path of Goodness and the Return to True Nature
Teachings from Namo Amituofo
Recorded on January 6, 2024
Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
The Natural Radiance of Goodness
The inherent goodness within all beings originates from their original nature and manifests naturally. The nature of the heavens is fundamentally good. Therefore, when one lives a life of goodness in this world and diligently practises the Ten Good Deeds, their heart and actions become in sync with the heavenly path. When their life in this world comes to an end, they naturally receive the reward of ascending to the heavenly realms. It is correct to say that this inherent goodness is a part of one's true self.
Many people do not yet fully understand that everyone possesses the true self and Buddha-nature. However, they can accept that this inherent goodness is a natural quality, and thus, this goodness is encouraged to be expressed and developed. The Ten Good Deeds, which are part of the Five and Ten Good Deeds, include:
- Not killing: Respecting all life.Not stealing: Respecting the property of others.Not committing adultery: Maintaining purity of conduct.Not lying: Speaking only the truth.Not using flowery speech: Avoiding deceptive or manipulative language.Not using harsh words: Speaking with kindness and .Not engaging in divisive speech: Promoting harmony among others.Not being greedy: Letting go of attachment to external things.Not being angry: Cultivating a peaceful and patient heart.Not being ignorant: Seeking the truth and understanding the laws of and cause and effect.
These are the commonly known virtuous practices. Depending on how thoroughly one practises these Ten Good Deeds during their lifetime, when their worldly life ends, their spirit will naturally ascend to the heavenly realm that corresponds to their level of virtue. There are twenty-eight levels of heavenly realms, and the spirit will enter one of these levels to enjoy heavenly life and . This is the reward brought about by the goodness cultivated during one's lifetime.
The Cycle of Karma and the Choice of Path
However, once these heavenly blessings are exhausted, the being will descend again, following their karma to be reborn into the next life. If anger arises, one may receive the retribution of the hells; if greed manifests, one may fall into the ghost realm. This is the situation for those who only focus on the Ten Good Deeds.
If one practises the Five Precepts—not killing, not stealing, not committing adultery, not lying, and not consuming alcohol—these serve as the basic conditions for obtaining a human body in the next life. In the Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist traditions of China, the Five Precepts and Ten Good Deeds have always been promoted and taught. In particular, education regarding the laws of karma and cause and effect is the fundamental basis of this teaching.
The Journey Toward
Within the Buddha’s teachings, the Five Precepts and Ten Good Deeds are practised even more thoroughly. By upholding these, one's mental notes and moral conduct naturally elevate. Through constant purification, and then more purification, one eventually reaches the time of Awakening. The true self and Buddha-nature are inherent in all beings, yet they cannot be realised solely because of delusions and attachments. Therefore, helping beings rediscover their true self has become a vital part of Buddhist education.
The process of right faith and right understanding in Buddhist education involves the stages of faith, understanding, practice, and realisation. Within this process, the Five Precepts and Ten Good Deeds serve as the basic foundation for one's character and behaviour. Practising them and realising them is the very process of Awakening. During this journey, one must eliminate the : greed, anger, ignorance, arrogance, and doubt. Furthermore, the —wealth, lust, fame, food, and sleep—are the primary causes for creating the karma of the hells. This is true for ordinary people, and it is even more critical for Buddhist practitioners who know better yet still commit these transgressions.
The Foundation of Body-Mind-Spirit Purification
Consequently, the Five Precepts and Ten Good Deeds become a fundamental link in the path to Awakening. If you wish to realise your true nature, you may self-examine how well you are practising these basic skills. This is a method to ensure that your good heart is revealed and your good actions are manifested. It allows you to work on purification simultaneously, helping your Body-Mind-Spirit to be cleansed. Such purification of -Mind-Spirit is essential for the attainment of Awakening.
Namo Amituofo
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library