The Path of Swift Action

Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

Students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, as you move through your days, 24/7, what have you truly gained in your practice? What have you learned? If your body shows signs of imbalance, should you not adjust your path? If you act in a certain way, and others see and follow your example, ensure that you do nothing harmful. When you do what is good for others, it is also good for you. Even if it is difficult for you personally, you must face it and overcome it. This brings joy to everyone, and we all share in the merit. Therefore, you must act. In truth, you should embrace the state of no-self, focusing only on the collective. Whenever you encounter an opportunity to benefit the community, you must act without hesitation.

Swift Actions for Spiritual Growth

There are certain things that require your immediate and swift attention to ensure your progress remains steady and true:

• Overcoming Drowsiness: If you find yourself becoming drowsy during your practice, you must act swiftly to clear your mind and enter the space of true concentration.
• Changing Personality Traits: You must work to change your personality traits and truly repent for past errors. This is the most effective method to dissolve karma and resolve the conflict with your karmic creditors.
• Daily Lessons: You must cherish every second and engage in diligent practice. Chanting Namo Amituofo, performing prostrations, and reciting the Sutras are essential daily tasks that must be performed without fail.
• Benefiting Beings: Any action that brings genuine benefit to other beings should be undertaken with speed and sincerity.

The Highest Achievement

The most important pursuit is your diligent practice, which leads to the achievement of becoming an awakened being, allowing you to save yourself and others. You must act swiftly to increase your compassion, Wisdom, mind-capacity, and your ability to be inclusive. You must also act swiftly to cultivate the Four Immeasurables: Loving-kindness, Compassion, Joy, and Equanimity.

Opening the Mind

Open your mind-capacity wide. When you see others making progress and benefiting the masses, you should rejoice and offer praise. Do not let jealousy arise in your heart; do not let it influence every thought and intention. If an action harms your virtue, or if it benefits you at the expense of others, you must stop immediately. When you see the faults of others, use them as a warning to yourself so that you do not commit the same errors. This is the mark of true Wisdom. Namo Amituofo.