The Path of Practice, Repentance, and Realising One's True Nature

The Trap of the Ego

If you spend your life allowing your personality and ingrained habits to take charge, you will inevitably remain trapped within the cycle of karma and rebirth for countless lifetimes. Before you reach the state of realising one's true nature, you must learn to let go of your delusions and attachments. Only then can you realise the wisdom and virtue of the Tathagata that resides within you. This process of letting go is the very essence of your practice.

On the path of practice, you will encounter many tests. These challenges are designed to help you sift through the chaff, removing the impurities and stains of the mind so that only the pure essence remains. You must repent and turn towards goodness, striving for a state of absolute purity and kindness. This is the only way to reach the goal of realising one's true nature. Often, you cannot see your own problems. When a true spiritual friend points them out, you may find it difficult to let go of your pride. Many people create enmity in such moments, yet the one who suffers the most is the person who refuses to listen. This is a common situation, and it highlights why the first thing you must face in your practice is yourself—the 'I' that has carried you through the cycle of rebirth since time immemorial. For this 'I', you must recognise, face, and change your ways; this is the only way to walk the path of realising one's true nature. If you seek a shortcut to this goal, you must embrace what Practitioner Su often mentions: no-self. Paradoxically, the more you try to change, the more you may find yourself trapped in your own rigid ego-attachment.

The Alaya Consciousness and Karmic Seeds

Throughout your many lives, you have accumulated countless habits of confusion, resentment, and anger. These often manifest without your awareness, and in those moments, you are once again creating negative karma. Deep within you lies the Alaya consciousness, which acts as the master of your internal world. Its capacity is immense; it records every word, thought, and action you have ever taken. Even if you are a kind person in this life, who can say that you have not harmed others in the past? Although those events have passed, they remain recorded in your Alaya consciousness. They may even manifest as physical ailments, such as unexplained chest pain or a heavy heart. Furthermore, practitioners often create negative karma in their daily interactions without even realising it. By the time you notice, you may already be facing the consequences of your actions. To reflect on your life is to realise that if you let your personality and habits rule, you will remain in the cycle of rebirth. While changing your ways is not easy, it is the only way to purify yourself and move forward. Alternatively, you may choose to live your life in a state of no-self, non-action, and a pure heart, arriving empty-handed and departing the same way, free to travel to the Buddha-lands.

The Wisdom of Non-Attachment

In my own life, I experienced many ups and downs. I possessed a talent for writing that earned praise, but I also had a sharp tongue that caused harm and created enmity with others. Before I understood the Truth, I was sometimes aware of these faults, and at other times, I was completely oblivious. In this world, people are often obsessed with distinguishing right from wrong, you from me, and good from bad. We always have reasons to justify our behaviour. However, when a true spiritual friend points out your blind spots, the situation often undergoes a complete transformation. What you thought was right becomes wrong, and what you thought was wrong becomes right. In the end, who is the one suffering and creating karma? It is you. There is a saying: 'A practitioner does not see the faults of the world.' This is the mark of the wisest person. If you can reach this state, you will realise that right and wrong, you and me, have nothing to do with your true nature. Such a person is naturally joyful and filled with gratitude, serving as a wonderful example for all practitioners.

Why do you still feel the same despite your efforts? It is because your eyes, ears, and body are still being led by the six consciousnesses. If you rely on your past experiences and karma, you will find it impossible to escape ego-attachment and your own subjective views. However, when you allow the Six Sense Organs to be led by their original nature, everything will naturally align with the Truth. There will be no conflict, no discrimination, and no dissatisfaction. Silent observation is one of the best methods for a practitioner, provided the environment supports it. The students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre have the perfect conditions for this. I encourage you to try it—whether for three days, a week, or ten days. Look inward at all times, do not look at others, and do not rely on words. Focus entirely on inner reflection.

The Ultimate Goal of Awakening

Realising one's true nature is the goal of every practitioner. For the students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, realising one's true nature is a vital step in the process. You must pass through this gate to gain the energy to continue your journey. You are not just facing human beings; you are preparing to help beings in the six realms of existence, the four holy realms, and indeed, the entire Dharma Realm. To become a teacher of celestial beings, you must be as clear, transparent, and flawless as a crystal to handle the various situations you will encounter. This is why we practise. The teachings, theories, and methods of the Buddha are all designed to help you reach the goal of realising one's true nature, which is the only way to lead a truly happy and fulfilled life. While it is not only through Buddhism that one can reach this state, it is the most convenient and direct path. Shakyamuni Buddha demonstrated this by enduring hunger, asceticism, and the elements to attain Buddhahood. After he realised his true nature, he provided different teachings based on the capacity of his disciples, allowing the light of Awakening to shine upon the world and establishing the lineage of the Buddha’s teachings.

Realising one's true nature is not something that happens in an instant, which is why there is a continuous process of practice and purification. Taking the vows and observing the Precepts are simply methods established to guide practitioners. All these various methods share the same goal: to realise one's true nature and attain Buddhahood. Once you have truly attained this, you can be placed anywhere, and you will be able to face any situation or test with ease and grace. At that point, you will naturally possess the qualities you have always sought: sincerity, purity, equality, compassion, and wisdom. As the Buddha said, all beings possess the wisdom and virtue of the Tathagata, but they cannot realise it due to their delusions and attachments. Therefore, before you reach the state of realising one's true nature, you must let go of these delusions and attachments to reveal your original nature.

A Path for the Students of Hsiang Kuang

During the Tang Dynasty, when I lived, Zen Buddhism was flourishing. Meditation and the study of Zen were everywhere. Yet, for a true practitioner, the work of purification must be done by oneself; no one can do it for you. The students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre are truly blessed to have Practitioner Su leading the way, opening the great path of chanting Namo Amituofo to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, just as Shakyamuni Buddha once opened the great path of the Buddha’s teachings for all beings. I rejoice in seeing all students realise their true nature and attain Buddhahood.

National Master Xianshou

Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi Haize