The Path to Realising the Buddha Body

Words of Namo Amituofo. Chief Writer: Venerable HaiZe.

April 3, 2022

The ultimate goal for all Buddhist practitioners is to realise one's true nature. Once one realises their true nature, it signifies a state of absolute purity, free from all defilements. This is the Pure Land, the very foundation of purity.

The Clarity of the True Nature

A Buddha is one who has achieved self-realisation and, in turn, helps others to do the same. They are able to help all beings rediscover their Buddha-nature and true self. Because those who realise their true nature and attain Buddhahood can perceive the entire truth of all things, they see that, in essence, there is no conflict; everything is inherently peaceful and at rest. However, beings in this world remain trapped in a cycle of confusion because they are clouded by impurities. They cannot see the full truth of reality, and thus, they remain unable to attain the state of purity, living instead in a world of turbulence and suffering.

The Crucible of the Human Body

For one who has realised their true nature, the process of manifesting the attainment of Buddhahood requires the use of the human body to undergo various trials. These trials serve as a verification to ensure that one’s practice is perfectly aligned with the true self. There must not be even the slightest gap or error in this alignment. Why is such precision necessary? Because even the smallest gap can become a point of impurity, potentially spreading and contaminating the original state of purity.

The Radiance of the Buddha Body

When a practitioner, while in the human body, cultivates until they realise their true nature and attain the fruit of Buddhahood, a profound transformation occurs. The physical body is converted into the Buddha-nature. Every pore and every cell in the body becomes pure and untainted. The internal organs undergo the same transformation. The entire body becomes transparent and unobstructed. In this state, the energy of the universe and the golden light of the Buddha manifest. This is what it means to realise the Buddha body.

Serving the World Through Countless Manifestations

This body is then used by the true self. The true self and the spirit take full command. The state of having countless manifestations is the natural state of the spirit. Guided by the true self, the practitioner functions within this unity to save the world and rescue all suffering beings. Namo Amituofo.