The Path of the True Practitioner

The Universal Call to Practice

A practitioner is not defined by a specific role, such as being a Venerable, a lay practitioner, an office worker, or a student. Rather, anyone who possesses the sincere heart to correct their own conduct, character, and habits can join the ranks of those who practise. The path of practice is not something distant or unreachable, nor is it the exclusive domain of those who have left the home life. If one wishes to advance further, to realise one's true nature, and to find liberation from the cycle of rebirth, one may do so through the pure environment of a temple or bodhimanda. Through dedicated practice, one can achieve the noble goal of saving oneself and saving others.

What, then, defines a true practitioner? It begins with the purification of the heart, ensuring it is free from the pollutions of the world. A true practitioner treats all beings with a heart of compassion. From this state of selflessness, no-self, and no-thought, a natural dignity and grace emerge from within. This is reflected in every movement, every word, and every action. Such qualities cannot be cultivated overnight, nor can they be forced or feigned. They are the natural result of a heart that has been truly purified, without the slightest trace of artificiality. If one’s practice is tainted by calculation, hypocrisy, selfishness, or hidden agendas, the very meaning of practice is lost. It is no longer natural or pure, and such a person can hardly be called a true practitioner. Perhaps they were once on the path, but they have since strayed.

The Daily Lessons of the Dharma

The Buddhas and Bodhisattvas compassionately teach us the conduct expected of a practitioner. As the Great Master Xian Shou proposed, one must act according to conditions, maintain dignified conduct, be gentle and upright, and take on the suffering of beings. The Six Paramitas—Generosity, Discipline, Patience, Diligent Practice, Meditation, and Wisdom—are the directions in which a practitioner must strive. The Three Learnings of Precepts, Concentration, and Wisdom are the core subjects of study in Mahayana Buddhism.

Reciting the Sutras, prostrations, and chanting the name of Namo Amituofo are daily lessons essential for maintaining one's progress. These, combined with studying the teachings and participating in Chao Du Dharma assemblies, are excellent methods for understanding the truth of the universe and purifying the body and mind. Every method mentioned has been personally experienced by countless practitioners throughout history. While these methods may be adjusted to suit the changing times and environments, their purpose remains the same: to effectively guide practitioners in transforming themselves so they may realise their true nature, save themselves, save others, and attain rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Overcoming the Shadows of Karma

During the process of practice, if you find your behaviour becoming erratic, or if you often feel confused and unable to take charge of your own life, it is a sign that you are currently being dominated by your karma. You may be under the influence of karmic creditors or attached spirits. You are still a long way from the ultimate goal of Mahayana Buddhism: to realise one's true nature, attain Buddhahood, save oneself and others, and leave suffering behind to find happiness. When such problems arise, you must overcome them one by one. The most important step in beginning your practice is to truly understand the suffering of all beings. Only then can a genuine heart of compassion arise within you.

Only by understanding the suffering of others, or by having experienced suffering yourself, can you develop the renunciation necessary to seek liberation. This is the fundamental condition for practice; without it, it is difficult to maintain your resolve. The process of practice is essentially the work of improving the habits and personality traits we have acquired in this world, allowing our natural, flawless true nature to shine through. If you do not put in the effort to learn and improve, it is difficult to achieve success. There is no such thing as luck in practice. You must be determined to improve your worldly habits and attitudes, and you must never easily forgive your own faults. Days pass one by one; while it is not a dream to be free from sickness and death, it requires great boldness and diligent practice. Otherwise, even if one leaves the home life, one remains subject to the whims of fate and the ravages of birth, aging, sickness, and death.

The Pure Land Spirit

For those in the Pure Land school, Namo Amituofo and the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss are the very spirit of our practice. You must have unwavering faith to activate the two powers of the Pure Land: your own effort and the blessings of the Buddha. If you wish to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, you must see through and let go of everything in this world. To see through is to be able to let go, and to let go is to be able to see through. What must you let go of? This includes career, studies, family, parents, children, and all emotional attachments such as friendship and romance. To let go does not mean to abandon them, but to ensure that your heart is not burdened by the slightest attachment. If your loved ones are by your side, even a small amount of attachment will obstruct your ability to realise your true nature and hinder your rebirth. If you can be with them while having no trace of attachment in your heart, then realisation and rebirth become possible. This is the true skill. This is where the real practice lies.

For worldly people, such attachments and emotional ties are not easy to release. This is why practitioners often need to distance themselves from family and emotional entanglements. Only when one has achieved success in practice can one truly have the opportunity to save one's family. Otherwise, everyone sinks together into the Five Desires and the Six Dusts, trapped in the cycle of rebirth. This is the preciousness of a true practitioner. Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is a rare and precious Pure Land for practitioners. Practitioner Su leads many Venerables and lay practitioners here in diligent practice, hoping that everyone will truly see through and let go, so that they may find their true nature as soon as possible through group cultivation.