The Perfection of Wisdom and Conduct
Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju
Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
November 4, 2022.
The Path of All Buddhas
All Buddhas walk the same path. Every Buddha possesses wisdom, merit, and power that are completely perfect and fulfilled. Among the ten titles of a Buddha, one is known as 'Ming Xing Zu,' which signifies the perfection of wisdom and conduct.
- Ming refers to the light of supreme Wisdom.
- Xing refers to the practice of virtue, the upholding of , and the refinement of one's conduct.
- Zu refers to the state of being complete and perfect.
Therefore, 'Ming Xing Zu' describes the state where one's wisdom and one's practice have reached the ultimate level of perfection.
The Sanctuary of the Buddha
Within the temple, the Buddha sits majestically in the main hall. People come to offer prostrations, to show their reverence, and to offer their prayers. Why do we do this? It is because the Buddha possesses perfect wisdom, virtuous power, and auspicious characteristics. Because the Buddha is complete in every way, He is able to respond to the sincere wishes and needs within the hearts of all beings.
In the sutras, the Buddha provides us with clear guidance to walk upon the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way without deviation. Therefore, the World-Honoured One instructs us to believe in, accept, and put into practice the teachings found within the sutras.
The Role of the Sangha Jewel
Within the Three Jewels—the Buddha, the Teachings, and the Sangha Community—the Sangha Jewel plays a vital role. Because the members of the Sangha possess a human body, they can interact directly with the people. They are here to help you resolve the doubts in your heart by using the correct knowledge and views of the Buddha’s teachings.
This is why people feel such deep reverence for the Buddha in their hearts. When you see the Buddha, you find peace of mind, because the Buddha provides a sense of true security and protection. You are never alone when you walk the path of the .
Your True Nature
It is important to remember that the Buddha also attained Buddhahood through practice while in the human world. This manifestation shows us that if you are fiercely diligent in your practice while you have a human body, you too can rediscover your original Buddha-nature. In reality, your true self and your Buddha-nature are one and the same, integrated perfectly with the entire Dharma realm of emptiness.
Every single being possesses this same Buddha-nature. You have the potential to be exactly like the Buddha. When you show respect and make offerings to the Three Jewels, you are, in essence, showing respect and making offerings to your own true self and your own Buddha-nature.
The Unity of Heart and Vow
The Buddhas and Bodhisattvas manifest in this world for one reason: to save beings from suffering. They help you resolve your confusion so that you can walk upon the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. If you can successfully rediscover your true self and your Buddha-nature, you will be able to stand as one with the Buddhas.
Because you have a human body, you have the unique opportunity to live out the Buddha-heart, the Buddha-vow, and the Buddha-actions in both this world and the spiritual realms. At this very moment, Practitioner Su is in sync with the Buddha-heart, manifesting the Buddha-vow, and following the Buddha-actions. Simultaneously, the Buddha is in sync with the heart and vows of Practitioner Su, following the actions of Practitioner Su. This is because all Buddhas walk the same path; their hearts, their vows, and their actions are perfectly in sync.
Therefore, all practitioners and the fourfold assembly of disciples must be fiercely diligent. While you still possess this human body, you must work to rediscover your true self and your Buddha-nature. By doing so, you will accomplish the Buddha's path of saving yourself and saving all other beings.
Namo Amituofo.
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Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library