The Path of Suffering, Accumulation, Extinction, and Liberation
An Interview with Venerable Yongning
Reflections on the Dharma and the Path to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss
This interview with Venerable Yongning was recorded on June 28, 2019. In this discussion, the Venerable shares profound insights into the nature of the , the necessity of cultivating the mind, and the universal reach of the Buddha’s teachings, offering guidance for all beings seeking liberation. The record was transcribed by the disciple Shi Faxin.
Venerable Yongning speaks:
"Namo Amituofo. For the Dharma to endure in this world, it requires the collective effort and unity of all practitioners. The Dharma is not merely about external practice; more importantly, it is about cultivating the mind. A heart that is truly grounded and steady does not seek to compete or contend with others. The survival in this world is often harsh and realistic, but this is only because people do not understand the underlying principles of cause and effect. Consequently, they fall into a state of competition that mirrors the animal realm.
The Choice of the Human Path
The human body is a unique vessel; one can ascend toward or descend into lower realms. This trajectory depends entirely on the attitude of one's heart in the present moment. Throughout life, we face numerous trials and tests. What kind of heart do we reveal in these moments? Often, the pure, infant-like heart we possess at the beginning is overshadowed by the grand ambitions of youth and the worldly desires of adulthood. It is only when we reach the end of our lives that we begin to search for our true destination.
Many people smile in public while weeping in private. They feel the deep suffering of life, but they do not know how to escape it. Initially, the Dharma acts as a potent medicine for the soul. It provides exactly what the heart needs most, offering a sense of warmth and stability. Once a practitioner has gradually elevated their own state of mind, they naturally understand the importance of spreading this helpful Dharma to others.
The Universality of the Dharma
This Dharma is not limited to the human world. It extends to the animal realm, the hells, the hungry ghosts, the celestial realms, and throughout the entire universe and the infinite dimensions of the Dharma Realm. The reach of the Dharma can be vast or minute, near or far. It permeates every corner of existence, boundless and infinite, allowing all beings to experience , tolerance, and true liberation.
Even if a being cannot be saved immediately, the simple act of planting the name of Namo Amituofo into their ensures that they will be saved in the future. Every person's for learning and attaining Buddhahood are different. The Buddha saves those whose conditions have matured, and as long as there are people to protect and uphold the Buddha’s teachings, the Dharma will continue to flourish. Those who support the Dharma are themselves people of great fortune; by helping others to awaken, they awaken themselves, and by helping others to find liberation, they find their own.
The Great Vows of Namo Amituofo
This is a magnificent and subtle truth that will lead to ultimate achievement. The Dharma lineage of Namo Amituofo is here to lead all beings, to save them from all suffering, and to cleanse them of all worldly dust. Namo Amituofo made the great vow to establish the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. The forty-eight vows found in the Infinite Life Sutra are the foundation of this practice and achievement. The mind-capacity of Namo Amituofo is boundless; he leads all superior beings to gather in one place.
This is the true meaning of the Four Noble Truths: suffering, accumulation, extinction, and the path—a state that is unborn and undying. The beauty of the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss is beyond description. I hope that all beings will sincerely make the vow to be born there together and to walk this path together. Namo Amituofo. May we all enter this boundless, infinite realm together."
Namo Amituofo.
More from Master Yongning
The Path to a Pure Heart
Venerable Yongning discusses the profound necessity of purifying the heart, explaining how the depth of one's practice is determined by the degree to which one can relinquish the self and worldly attachments.
The Transformation from Demon to Practitioner
Venerable Yongning shares his profound journey from a powerful demon to a dedicated practitioner, reflecting on the transformative power of the Dharma and the moment he was subdued by Practitioner Su.
The Prison of a Stubborn Heart
Venerable Yongning explores the destructive nature of stubbornness, revealing how a rigid heart traps spirits in cycles of suffering and how letting go is the only path to liberation.
Transcending the Cycle of Suffering
Venerable Yongning reflects on the root causes of human suffering, the profound regret of spirits trapped in the cycle of rebirth, and the path to liberation through repentance and chanting Namo Amituofo.
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library