The Path to Excellence

During the Thrice Yearning Ceremony and the Noon Offering, we reflect upon the profound nature of the character 'Excellent' (優). This term encompasses many qualities that we naturally admire and aspire to embody in our daily lives.

The Radiance of Excellence

When we speak of excellence, we are referring to a state of being that is refined and pure. Consider the various dimensions of this quality: high quality, reflecting the highest integrity; outstanding, standing out through virtue and dedication to the path; superior, rising above the mundane concerns of the world; beautiful, a grace that manifests from a heart at peace; and elegant, a refined manner that brings comfort to all who encounter it.

Every one of these qualities is something we find naturally joyful to accept. We do not reject such goodness; rather, we are drawn to it. It is so profound that it can put our minds at ease and lift our spirits, making it difficult to resist the pull of such virtue.

The Diligent Path of Cultivation

However, you must realise that these qualities are not obtained by chance. They do not appear out of thin air. To achieve such a state, you must put in the necessary effort and dedicate yourself to the work of cultivation. This process begins within the heart. You must take your own heart and refine it, just as one would polish a rough stone into a precious gem.

Refining the Heart and Mind

This transformation requires a deliberate shift in how you perceive and interact with the world:

• From Negative to Positive:
• You must change your tendency to see the bad and think of the bad, replacing it with the habit of seeing the good and thinking of the good.From Selfishness to Altruism:
• You must transform the focus on your own self-interest into a selfless dedication to the benefit of all beings.From Attachment to Release:
• You must refine your attachment and delusions, replacing them with the practice of letting go and dwelling in a state of non-thought.From Ego to Harmony:
• You must transform the "self," personal ego, and selfishness into a spirit of compliance and kindness, which naturally fosters good relationships with others.From Affliction to Joy: You must change your afflictions and sorrowful expressions into a state of inner coolness and a radiant, smiling face.

The Blossoming of a Pure Life

If you can truly commit to this path, everything in your life will begin to transform. Your circumstances will shift toward the excellent, the good, and the harmonious, aligning perfectly with your aspirations. Everything will become excellent, and everything will be good. This is the natural result of a heart that has been purified through the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way.

This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe, as chief writer.

Namo Amituofo