The Responsibility of the Sangha in the Age of the Dharma’s Decline
The Forty-second Letter of Practitioner Zhao Puchu
Recorded on September 15, 2017
The Weight of Our Shared Responsibility
To break the common misconceptions that the world holds regarding Buddhism, we must all work together with unwavering dedication. This effort is not limited to China alone; it is a necessity that spans the entire globe. To achieve this, we must be willing to transform our past approaches to practice and cultivate a deeper, more authentic understanding of the Buddha’s teachings. This is a responsibility that every Buddhist organisation and individual must carry. Because the entire structure of the Buddha’s teachings is currently facing a period of decline, we must all shoulder a portion of this burden. We must each contribute our own strength to rescue the and ensure that the True Teachings endure for generations to come.
Perhaps you may feel a sense of confusion or resistance, wondering why your own practice needs to change. Consider this: who are the ones most frequently found standing before the gates of the hells? Is it not often those who claim to be followers of the Buddha? If we study the Buddha’s teachings yet still fall into the three realms of existence, how can the reputation of the Buddha’s gate be upheld? As the Dharma has been transmitted to this present age of the Dharma’s decline, we rarely see the eminent monks and great virtuous ones of the past. Their noble conduct and exemplary character seem to exist only within the pages of historical books.
The Hidden Shadows Within the Sangha
Today, the appearances of monastics are diverse, yet regardless of their outward form, they often share common traits. Many still retain subtle, polluted habits that hinder their progress. Some of these habits are clearly visible from the outside, while others remain hidden deep within the inner self. If you possess the eye of the Dharma, you can discern these signs. In more severe cases, even the general public can clearly see the discrepancies in conduct. If the Sangha Jewel, one of the Three Jewels, does not manifest the dignity of the Buddha’s teachings, how can we expect to uphold the legacy of Shakyamuni Buddha?
Beyond Worldly Literature
Nowadays, it is common for monastics to publish books, and the range of topics is vast. These works often cover spiritual , practical methods for daily practice, and psychological insights. While these books are certainly tailored to the interests of modern readers, if you look closely, you will find that they are often merely worldly reading material. They may provide temporary relief for a reader’s emotions, or they may help a monastic gain a following of devoted admirers who are infatuated with their words. However, you must ask yourself: do these books truly help these people escape the six realms of existence? I strongly suggest that every monastic who publishes such works should add a chapter dedicated to the importance of, and the methods for, achieving rebirth in the of Ultimate Bliss. Such an addition would have a profound impact on the world. Of course, the prerequisite is that you yourself must be capable of achieving rebirth in the Western Pure Land; only then do you have the absolute qualification to publish such a supreme Dharma.
The True Path of Saving Beings
Monastics do not need to strive to be popular figures or crowd-pleasers. Instead, they must make a genuine contribution to this worldly realm to ensure that their life as a monastic is not spent in vain. This contribution must be the act of saving beings and guiding them to rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. It is not enough to simply perform rituals, strike musical instruments, or chant sutras in a Dharma assembly. These actions alone are not sufficient to easily save beings and ensure their rebirth. To truly save others, you must possess the skills of the and the Reward Body.
Does this mean there is still a long road of practice ahead for all of us? If you are willing to contribute your strength to the Buddha’s teachings and shoulder the responsibility of the Tathagata’s work, I sincerely encourage all virtuous ones to visit the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. There, you can witness the reality of saving beings through the Dharma Body. You can see for yourself the purity and dignity of the Three Jewels. Do your utmost, and join the Buddha in saving infinite suffering beings. Namo Amituofo.
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library