The Path of Practice is the Path of Cultivating the Mind
The Eleventh Letter of Venerable Master Dixian
Recorded by Chief Writer Shi Faxin on September 15, 2017
Venerable Master Dixian, a revered figure in the Buddhist tradition, provides profound guidance on the true path of cultivation. This message, recorded by Chief Writer Shi Faxin on September 15, 2017, serves as the eleventh letter from the Master, who now resides in the of Ultimate Bliss.
Venerable Master Dixian speaks:
"The path of practice is the path of cultivating the mind. From ancient times until today, the essence of practice has always been about clearly understanding this one thing. Yet, how many people can truly manage to look only at their own hearts, rather than scrutinising the actions of others? True practice brings a sense of clarity, transparency, and profound comfort to the heart. Why is it that people do not pursue this kind of ease? Instead, they choose to follow worldly habits and emotional attachments. The Prajna wisdom that arises from genuine practice requires no deliberate thinking, nor does it involve calculating or weighing one's thoughts. Even if one is born into wealth, choosing the most humble and simple path of practice leads to the most refreshing and cool heart—a state that requires no impurities or distractions.
The of Saving Beings
The path of saving beings proceeds in full swing only after one has properly adjusted and refined oneself. I admire the journeys of the patriarchs and venerable masters of the past. I, Dixian, would not dare to call my own travels a pilgrimage, but whenever I am invited, as long as time permits, I am always delighted to go and lecture on the sutras, no matter how long the duration. Truly helping beings is a form of -joy that springs from the depths of the heart. In a world that is clearly and distinctly understood, there must not be the slightest trace of discriminations. Otherwise, the path of practice will become extremely twisted and convoluted. What is the use of discriminations? It only serves to increase one's own unnecessary afflictions. This is also a form of ignorance and spiritual obstacles. When spiritual obstacles manifest, one must sincerely perform repentance. After performing repentance, one returns to the original starting point of practice. Namo Amituofo—this single holy name is hung upon the heart. There is not a single other thought in the mind; even if one tries to think, it becomes empty, it is empty, and it was always empty.
The Pitfalls of Ego and Pride
On the blue lotus platform, you may be a noble practitioner, yet you are a practitioner who has achieved no real success. Simply because you began your practice earlier than others, have practiced longer, or possess a louder reputation, you have become a 'tonsure master' who holds your head high while looking down on others with disdain. At this point, the titles of 'monastic' and 'practitioner' are no longer suitable to be applied to you. Gradually, as decays, and you rely on herbal medicine to soothe your throat, the 'tonsure master' becomes nothing more than a sick cat lying on a bed. How did the original vow of practice fade away so completely? It has been utterly exhausted and dragged down by this physical body. From the changes in your complexion, one can see your final destination. This human body was obtained in vain, and your life has been wasted. Those who walk this path are truly pitiful, and they are truly lacking in . If you say you do not understand why you have ended up this way, then there is even less reason to speak, for you have not even examined your own behaviour and conduct, let alone examined your heart.
Overcoming the Demon Within
I, Dixian, have always spoken in a gentle manner, but the phenomena of the current Dharma-ending age seem to be beyond what gentleness alone can remedy. Practitioners of the past understood the truth with a single hint. Today's practitioners may be given many hints, yet they still may not understand. What is to be done? I, Dixian, am in the Western Land, and I hope that the lost children will turn back. Today, the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is helping many from the Demon Realm to turn back; they are now called Bodhisattvas because they have turned towards good hearts and good thoughts. If we ourselves do not yet possess good hearts and good thoughts, are we not more 'demonic' than the demons themselves? In truth, practice is fundamentally about overcoming the demon nature within the heart. Is this not the overall outline of the Shurangama Sutra? Children, it is time to turn back and examine yourselves. Do not deceive yourselves into thinking you are practicing. I, Dixian, am sending this message through the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Perhaps my words are a bit intense, but they are always for the benefit of everyone. As long as something teaches people to be good, it should not be criticised; otherwise, one will fall back into demon nature oneself. It is not worth it. Namo Amituofo."
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library