The Path to Awakening: Teachings from Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva
An Interview with Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva
Recorded on April 13, 2019
The Lament of the Worldly Mind
People often sigh, lamenting how quickly the days pass by. Those who have lost their sense of purpose feel a deep weariness, sighing that despite all their hard work and struggle, they have achieved nothing of substance. Those who are ill, unable to see any signs of recovery, can only offer themselves small comforts, hoping that at the very least, their condition has not worsened. When students or job seekers face rejection after an examination or interview, they may find themselves kneeling before the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, saying, 'I have no affinity with this school or this career. Please, guide me toward the true direction of my life.'
Yet, we must remember that when the mountain path is blocked, the road will turn; when the road is blocked, people will find a new way. Truly, heaven never leaves a person without a path forward. If you can clearly see the true face of this illusory life—recognising that it is merely a collection of false appearances—you will no longer be overly concerned with gains and losses. Causal conditions arise and then fade away, only to arise once more. Within this cycle of birth and death, your heart is the master that governs everything. Whether you encounter fortune or disaster, happiness or misfortune, and whether your karmic destiny can be transformed or is fixed, all depends on the direction in which your heart is travelling.
The Stability of the Awakened Heart
Once you realise your true nature and find your original self, your heart will remain stable and undisturbed, regardless of the external environment. Everything you experience is merely a series of changes within an illusory realm. Your emotions—, anger, sorrow, and happiness—are simply responses to the conditions you encounter at that moment, or perhaps a performance enacted to teach and guide other beings. Deep within, your heart remains eternally still and unmoved. The qualities of an awakened being are constant and do not change based on external circumstances:
- Wisdom: The clear, unobstructed understanding of the truth.
- : The boundless desire to help all beings leave suffering behind.
- Mind-capacity: A vast, inclusive heart that embraces all existence.
When you are in any situation, you will not be startled or afraid. You will face it directly and take responsibility for your actions. You will be able to transform the environment rather than being controlled by it, walking the middle path without deviation. Such a person is truly worthy of our respect and praise.
A Rare and Precious Spiritual Connection
In this present age, finding someone who has truly realised their true nature is as difficult as searching for a needle in the vast ocean. It is a rare and precious treasure, yet today, this opportunity is right before your eyes. Practitioner Su, originally from the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, saw that many beings in this world were connected by karmic affinity but remained unable to distinguish between the illusory and the real. They could not find their true self and were lost in the cycle of rebirth, suffering through countless hardships.
Out of great compassion, Practitioner Su chose to descend into this world to grow alongside us, learning to chant Namo Amituofo and striving to realise one's true nature and attain Buddhahood. Because of this, we have a rare and precious spiritual connection. We are fortunate to have met and gathered here at Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre. 24/7, Namo Amituofo, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, and Practitioner Su are watching over us, guiding us along the path of and salvation. You must cherish this opportunity with all your heart.
This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
Namo Amituofo
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library