Words of , recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe.
April 30, 2022
From the very moment a human being is born into this world, they begin to live entirely within the world of . Consider the child in their most innocent state: they cry when they are hungry and smile when they are satisfied. When they feel physical discomfort, they cry out, and when they are clean and comfortable, they naturally fall into a state of quietude. This is simply living within the natural reactions of the physical body.
The World of the Self
As the child grows older, they begin to interact with the external world, and a vast array of begins to emerge. When they see their parents, they feel a sense of security and reveal a smile; they might even laugh naturally when tickled. They cry when they are sad and laugh when they are happy. They cry when they wish to find their parents and smile when their parents appear. All of these experiences are lived within the realm of the self and its sensory .
As one continues to grow, this life of living within and its sensations becomes more deeply ingrained. By the time one reaches adulthood, this existence becomes even more complex. Everything is inextricably linked to the self. People take this for granted, assuming that this is simply how life is meant to be. They follow various roles and identities, constantly striving to satisfy the needs and desires of the self. They pass through an entire lifetime burdened by the sufferings of birth, aging, sickness, and death, never once breaking free from the influence of the self.
The Practice of Shrinking the Ego
If you choose to embark upon the path of practice, you must learn to shrink the ego until you reach the state of . Only then will you have the opportunity to realise your true self. To shrink the ego, you must follow these essential steps:
Cultivate humility: Be humble and modest in all your interactions, letting go of your own views and ego-attachment.
Practise harmony: Learn to follow the needs of others and cooperate fully with the monastic community.
Observe discipline: Strictly adhere to the rules of the temple and the guidelines set forth by the monastic community.
The Clarity of No-Self
Before one reaches the state of an awakened being, even when one is engaged in good thoughts or experiencing positive vibrations, there is still the presence of one's own views, one's own knowledge, and one's own attachments. Even the most subtle and minute perceptions, opinions, and attachments are still tainted and impure. They are not as clear as the state of emptiness and purity, where there is no thought, no vibration, and no self. In that state of no-self, one can see the truth of reality with absolute clarity.
Everything must be done with the welfare of all beings as the primary focus. When you do not allow even the slightest trace of the ego to interfere, you have achieved true no-self. This is the true face of your self-nature, and it is the only way to find the opportunity for .
Living for the Sake of All Beings
You must move from a state where the self is present in every moment to a state where the ego is shrunk, and then shrunk again. You must stop clinging to any sensation of the body. You must let go of the sense of self, the feelings of the self, the views of the self, the attachments of the self, and the selfishness of the self. 24/7, you must hold firmly to the name of Namo Amituofo, engaging in purification, and then more purification.
You must offer your body as a gift to all beings. This body exists for the sake of all beings, and this life has come into being for the sake of all beings. If you possess this heart, you will be filled with gratitude in all things. Only then can you truly enter the state of no-self, where there are only sentient beings. When the —the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind—are fully purified and your sensitivity and awareness are complete, that is the moment of awakening.
This is the process of practice. With the Buddha-heart, the Buddha-vow, and the Buddha-actions, you walk the Buddha's path. Follow Namo Amituofo to save the world, rescue all beings, and guide them to the of Ultimate Bliss.
