The Process of Practice: Teachings from Ashvaghosha Bodhisattva

The Call to the Path

Practitioners often embark upon the spiritual path for a variety of reasons. Some are driven by the weight of suffering, while others are moved by a vast, compassionate heart to save all beings. Many seek the ultimate Truth, hoping to find the true meaning of life or to address the perceived inadequacies within their own existence. They wish to ensure that their lives are not lived in vain. To walk this path, to maintain one's original intention, and to overcome the myriad obstacles encountered along the way—all while striving for the ultimate goals of Awakening, self-liberation, saving others, and rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss—is truly a noble and commendable achievement.

The Trials of the Modern Age

In this age of the Dharma’s decline, sentient beings carry heavy karma. Consequently, the process of practice is rarely smooth; it is filled with challenges and tests. We are often our own greatest enemies, stumbling and rising again through repeated setbacks. The achievements of the ancestral masters were never easily attained; they were forged through blood, sweat, and unwavering perseverance. This highlights that practice in this Five Turbidities and Evil World is not an easy task, yet it is absolutely necessary. Without it, the hearts of sentient beings have no refuge. We would pass through life in a rush, not knowing where we came from or where we are going after death, trapped in the cycle of rebirth and suffering without end.

The Preciousness of Time

Within the short span of a human life, the time available for genuine practice is even more fleeting. How much of our time is spent in confusion, helplessness, or hesitation? Even for those who are diligent, how much time is truly spent in sincere practice? Consider the following:

• How often do we fall, only to stand up, dust ourselves off, and continue running forward?
• How much of our life is truly dedicated to the path of Awakening?

The Pure Land Dharma Gate is a magnificent opportunity. With the right conditions of good roots, blessings, and Causal Conditions, we are able to carry our karma and be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is an opportunity that is difficult to encounter even in millions of years. It requires the support of countless good causes and conditions. Sadly, many practitioners lose their way, entering misguided paths or even falling into the hands of demonic beings, losing their precious wisdom-life in the process.

The Light of the Teacher

Whether one is a Venerable, a lay practitioner, a volunteer, or a Dharma protector, each carries a responsibility. This is especially true for the Venerables, who shoulder the mission of transmitting the Buddha’s teachings. During the process of practice, we must be cautious and attentive, guided by a true teacher. A true teacher is like a bright lamp for a ship sailing at night, ensuring the vessel does not lose its direction or fail to find its way home. Good companions are the strength that encourages the ship to move forward. In the Pure Land practice of chanting the Buddha-name, Namo Amituofo and the Buddha-name itself serve as an infinite, ever-present energy station for us to replenish our spirit.

Letting Go of the Self

When challenges manifest, one must first reflect inwardly: Where does this suffering come from? Often, it arises because we have failed to follow the teachings, failed to open our hearts, or failed to have faith in the Buddha and in ourselves. We fear opening up, fearing that we will be looked down upon, disregarded, or abandoned. These feelings stem from our attachment to gain and loss, our sense of insecurity, and our fear of being hurt. Consequently, we build walls to protect ourselves, closing off our hearts and becoming unhappy. We may even fall into anger, resentment, or blame. While these states may appear during the process of practice, they are not the qualities of a true practitioner.

We must learn to let go of all these feelings and our need for self-protection. These are all products of the ego, and they act as poisons that obstruct our practice. True practice cannot exist where there is a strong sense of self. When the ego is present, it is like a great mountain blocking our view; we cannot see the path ahead, and our practice cannot succeed. Only by thoroughly letting go of the self can we leave suffering behind, see the path clearly, and reach our destination.

The Path of the Awakened

Meeting a true teacher during the process of practice is vital for success. The teachings of a true teacher—whether through formal lectures, personal conduct, or the way they save beings according to conditions—are essential. Even the natural world, including the mountains, rivers, flowers, trees, and all living creatures, serves as an object of learning and teaching. Those who have realised their true nature are the teachers of all beings in the heavens and on earth. Their process of Awakening and practice serves as the best study material for us to follow.

Learning directly from an awakened teacher is the fastest way to achieve success. Consider the history of Dharmakara Bhikshu, who, under the guidance of his teacher, Lokesvararaja Buddha, was shown the manifestations of two hundred and ten billion Buddha lands. This allowed Dharmakara Bhikshu to choose what he desired and to form his great vows. This inspired his supreme vow, leading him to establish the Forty-eight Great Vows. Over the course of five kalpas, he followed these vows to create the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, attain Buddhahood, and take the name Namo Amituofo. It was because of the teachings and manifestations of Lokesvararaja Buddha that Dharmakara Bhikshu could make his vows, and thus, the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss exists today. This is the importance of a true teacher.

A Rare Opportunity at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre

The Infinite Life Sutra, compiled by Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, details the process of practice and the achievement of Namo Amituofo. Today, the fourfold assembly of disciples at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is blessed with true teachers, including the Universal Buddha, Namo Amituofo, Great Master Xuanzang, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, and Practitioner Su. This is truly inconceivable! As members of the fourfold assembly, we have the rare chance to follow in the footsteps of the Buddha. We must cherish this opportunity to save others and attain Buddhahood with all our hearts.