Ashvaghosha was born into a wealthy and prominent family in India. From a very young age, he possessed a brilliant mind and an insatiable curiosity about the natural world. During his youth, he had the rare opportunity to encounter the Venerable Ones—those who had renounced the worldly life to become monastics. In that era, to be a monastic was to hold a position of the highest honour, and they were treated with the utmost respect and courtesy by kings, ministers, and the public alike.
The young Ashvaghosha was deeply moved by the presence of these monastics. He observed the and wisdom that radiated from their eyes, the dignified grace of their every movement, and their unparalleled eloquence in explaining the truth. These qualities inspired a profound sense of admiration and reverence within him. Consequently, he made the resolute decision to leave his life of comfort and join the ranks of the monastics, dedicating his existence to the pursuit of the ultimate truth.
Weaving the into Song and Scripture
After entering the monastic life, Ashvaghosha was granted the opportunity to immerse himself in the vast ocean of the sutras. He was constantly filled with awe at the depth and breadth of the Buddha’s teachings. Possessing a natural talent for poetry, song, and literature, he began to express his deep understanding of the Dharma through these artistic forms. He sought to make the profound truths of the Buddha accessible to all.
Through his writings, treatises, and various descriptive works, he meticulously integrated and organised the essential teachings of the Buddha. His efforts were instrumental in helping the people of his time to study and comprehend the Dharma. Some of these precious materials were eventually transmitted to the East, to China, where they have been preserved for generations. The of Faith in the is perhaps one of the most well-known treatises attributed to him. While some of his works have been lost to the passage of time, others remain preserved in India. The widespread chanting and celebration of the Dharma during that era served as a powerful catalyst, helping countless individuals to grow in their faith, strengthen their vows, and deepen their practice.
The Radiance of Compassion and Wisdom
Compassion and wisdom are not merely innate qualities; they are largely developed through the diligent study and application of the Buddha’s teachings. When these qualities are cultivated, they naturally manifest within one’s inner world of body, mind, and spirit. As they grow, they radiate outward, influencing the world around us. This is why the society of that time was able to enjoy an atmosphere of peace, harmony, and stability—it was the direct result of the propagation and sincere practice of the Buddha’s teachings.
The Noble Mission of the Monastic
The mission of the monastic is to serve as a teacher to both celestial beings and humanity. It is their sacred duty to establish the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, ensuring that the truth is clear and accessible so that they may guide the masses and all sentient beings with whom they share a karmic connection. In ancient India, the status of the monastic was held in high regard, providing them with an environment conducive to deep practice, free from the distractions of worldly concerns. As true practitioners and teachers, they embodied qualities that are worthy of our emulation.
Once one has achieved Awakening, one realises that all Buddhas walk the same path. From this state of clarity, one can engage in the broad work of teaching and propagating the Dharma. At this level of realisation, the practitioner sees that all beings are essentially one with themselves. Any differences we perceive are merely the result of , leading to varying degrees of confusion or awakening. Therefore, the teacher must apply the principle of teaching according to the capacity of the student. By maintaining a heart of equality, the teacher can foster a sense of shared awareness. In this way, the teachings provided can truly benefit all who receive them, allowing them to gain the genuine benefits of the Buddha’s teachings and achieve the ultimate goal of leaving suffering behind.
A Sanctuary in the Modern Age
Today, the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia possesses the very conditions necessary for this noble work. With residing here, the centre upholds the supreme Dharma of the Pure Land. Practitioner Su, who has attained Awakening, works alongside monastics and lay practitioners who are all striving toward the same goal of Awakening. Together, they are writing a rare and precious chapter in history—a chapter dedicated to the purification of , mind, and spirit, the attainment of Awakening, and the broad mission of saving sentient beings, helping them leave suffering behind and attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
This message was recorded and written by the Buddha’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
