The Path to Spiritual Elevation
A Discourse from Namo Amituofo, Recorded by Venerable HaiZe
April 8, 2023
The Goal of True Practice
For a true practitioner, the ultimate goal of your practice is to realise your true self, to save yourself, and to save all beings so that they may leave suffering behind. This goal is clear and definitive. When you can achieve this, you are truly propagating the Buddha’s teachings. However, reaching the state of an awakened being is not something that can be attained easily; it requires immense effort and dedicated practice. It is certainly not something that can be obtained without hard work.
You are currently using this physical body as a vessel for True Cultivation. By using this body to seek and rediscover your true self, you must inevitably pass through various tests and challenges. These tests are not obstacles; they are the essential process of returning to your true self. Throughout this journey, your spiritual nature will naturally begin to elevate.
The Power of Purification
The most rapid method for spiritual elevation is purification. Through the continuous purification of your Body-Mind-Spirit, you can wash away the accumulated filth of the past. To achieve this, you must strive to be selfless, alert, and grounded, ensuring you do not fall into a state of or drift into other spaces. By engaging in purification, and then more purification, you will remain clear and focused.
Once you have undergone this purification, everything will naturally become clear. You will be able to see the truth and hear the Buddha’s teachings with absolute clarity. As you continue your practice, you will recognise the reality of the world without fear or selfishness. You will be able to break through your difficulties, move forward with determination, and cultivate a heart of that is always filled with , allowing you to bring peace and happiness to all.
Saving Beings Within and Without
If you wish to save beings, you must first save yourself. This includes the vital work of saving the hearts and spirits of the beings within our bodies. You must elevate your own spiritual nature so that you are not disturbed or hindered by these beings, which would otherwise cause you to feel suffering or retreat from your path.
Even if you are currently experiencing physical illness or are being pressured by various forms of suffering, you must realise that the beings within you are suffering even more than you are. Therefore, you should be willing to endure, to repent sincerely, and to chant Buddha's name again and again. Pray that both these beings and yourself may receive the Buddha's blessing, understand the nature of suffering, and resolve it.
The Compassionate Vow
It is my hope that these beings can accept the resolution of their conflicts, receive the invitation to the , and undergo so that they may be reborn in the of Ultimate Bliss. This attitude of compassion will greatly assist in the purification and elevation of your spiritual nature. It will nurture your heart of compassion and inspire the great vow to save beings.
Always remember that you and the beings within our bodies are all part of the same collective of beings. When you act not for yourself, but solely for the benefit of all beings, your spiritual nature will naturally be purified and elevated. Namo Amituofo.
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library