The Path of Self-Reliance

The Inevitable Solitude of Life's Transitions

In this human life, what must you truly rely on yourself for? As you age, as you fall ill, and as you face the end of your life, you are ultimately alone in these experiences. When you grow old, you must rely on yourself to face and overcome the various discomforts and limitations that come with the passage of time. You must endure the helplessness and suffering that arise when you can no longer manage your own affairs. When you fall ill, you must rely on yourself to face and endure the various physical sufferings that the body brings.

When you face the end of your life, you must rely on yourself to confront and endure the suffering of the separation of the four elements. Once your spirit leaves the body, you must rely on yourself to face your future destination alone. Birth, aging, sickness, and death are experiences that no one can endure for you; no one can take your place.

The Power of Personal Practice

However, within this impermanent life, if you are fortunate enough to hear the Dharma of the Pure Land, you can rely on yourself to chant Namo Amituofo and make the vow to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. If you are fortunate to be at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre where Namo Amituofo truly abides, you can draw near to seek the Dharma, practise to change your personality, and diligently work to see your true nature. You can seek Chao Du to help your deceased family members and karmic creditors, guiding them to the West.

When it comes to your practice, what must you rely on yourself for? Changing your personality is something no one can do for you. You must rely on yourself. When you recognise your faults, you must truly repent and be vigilant not to repeat them. Observing the Precepts and temple rules is something no one can do for you. You must rely on yourself. Through self-discipline and by vigorously overcoming your physical obstacles, you can achieve purification. Only then will your body and mind feel light, and only then can you attain meditative concentration and wisdom.

The Necessity of Self-Correction

Seeing through and letting go is something no one can do for you. You must rely on yourself. Living in the present moment is the key to your success. Overcoming drowsiness and entering space is something no one can do for you. You must rely on yourself. You must let go of your physical sensations and your subjective views. You must abandon the 'self' to enter the state of 'no-self'. Only then can this problem be truly resolved.

Diligence is something you must rely on yourself for. Your vow arises from your own compassionate heart. Saving yourself is the first step in saving all beings. When your vow is manifested in action, then the Buddha and Practitioner Su can provide their blessings and truly help you. Seeking to return to your true nature relies on yourself. When your self-power arises, when you change your personality and listen to the teachings, then the Buddha and Practitioner Su can provide their blessings and truly help you.

The Synergy of Self-Power and Buddha's Blessing

Your daily practice of prostrations, chanting Namo Amituofo, and reciting the Sutras must be done by you, continuously and without interruption. Only then can the Buddha and Practitioner Su provide their blessings and truly help you. Listening to the Sutras and hearing the Dharma relies on your willingness to overcome drowsiness and enter space. When you do this, the Buddha and Practitioner Su can provide their blessings and truly help you.

In every aspect of your life, you must rely on yourself. When your self-power arises and you take responsibility for your own path, then the Buddha and Practitioner Su can provide their blessings and truly help you. Namo Amituofo.