Teachings from , recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi Haize, on 23 October 2022.
The Symbolism of Perfection
People in this world often cherish pearls as one of the most precious treasures of the heart. The value of a pearl is determined by its quality. A superior pearl is large, round, and smooth, possessing no flaws whatsoever. Because of these qualities, the pearl has become a symbol of perfection, wealth, and nobility, and it is deeply loved by people everywhere.
When you look at the necklaces of pearls and precious jade worn by Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, or the perfect, wish-fulfilling jade pendant worn by Namo Amituofo, you are witnessing the magnificent dignity manifested by the Buddha's perfect Three Bodies. Similarly, the pearl ornaments displayed by Avalokiteshvara and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva are manifestations of pure dignity. These are the compassionate displays of the auspicious characteristics of all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. They inspire all beings to feel and praise, for these adornments are the natural manifestation of the Buddha-nature within them after their spirits have been elevated.
The Inconceivable Power of the
Practitioner Su also demonstrates inconceivable events through the Body of an awakened being. When performing , the Dharma Body manifests countless billions of incarnations, and even countless billions more beyond that. When inviting spirits to be saved, Practitioner Su is able to assist them in profound ways:
Returning to their past lives to stop conflicts and wars.
Helping families reunite and restoring their homes to their original state.
Providing compensation in the form of gold to resolve karmic debts.
Removing the external forms of various beings, such as those in the animal or insect realms, to restore them to their original, pure state.
By fulfilling these wishes, Practitioner Su is able to resolve the suffering and difficulties of these beings, allowing them to accept the Chao Du and find liberation.
The Treasures of the
The Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is adorned with the Seven Treasures. Among these are the trees made of the seven precious substances: gold, silver, lapis lazuli, crystal, amber, fine jade, and agate.
In truth, the number seven is merely a symbolic figure. The beauty and magnificence of the Western Pure Land far exceed what can be described by seven treasures alone. In the bodhimanda of the West, there are countless Mani jewels, the kings of all treasures, used to create exquisite necklaces. Pearls are also among these treasures. All of these are manifestations of the great , the heart of equality, and the Ultimate Vow of Namo Amituofo.
The Equality of All Beings
Whether we speak of the seven treasures, pearls, or necklaces, we must understand that all of these are beings, and all possess a spirit. Although their external forms appear as various jewels or precious jade, in reality, all beings possess the same true self and Buddha-nature. They have simply taken on different forms as jewels due to the different karmic causes they have created.
The Western Pure Land is fundamentally a world of equality. The various magnificent and dignified sights seen there are also manifestations of this equality. In the heart of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, there is no distinction between high or low, superior or inferior. To Namo Amituofo, every single being possesses Buddha-nature, and he treats every being with absolute equality.
However, because of the differences in the minds of sentient beings, they may have different preferences or attachments. Therefore, although the Western Pure Land is a world where the principle and the phenomena are both equal, there are still distinctions such as the borderland, the four lands, and the nine grades of rebirth. This is because the direction of the hearts of those in the Western Pure Land differs. If the heart has not yet reached true equality, there will be differences in both principle and phenomena. Because the spiritual qualities of beings differ, when they are reborn, they naturally arrive at the place that corresponds to their state of mind, which manifests as different external environments. This is something that all Buddhist practitioners should understand, so that you may strive towards the realisation of the equality of all beings. Namo Amituofo.
