During the , we reflect deeply upon the nature of our existence. Many people in this world mistakenly believe that their 'self,' personal ego, and selfishness are simply a natural part of who they are. They accept these traits as inherent, failing to realise that these very characteristics are the fundamental causes and effects that bind us to the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, death, and reincarnation.
There is a common saying that a single grain of rice can nourish a hundred different types of people. Indeed, the diversity of human character is vast. However, we must understand that our individual , our experiences in the cycle of rebirth, the presence of our , and the phenomenon of attached spirits are all directly influenced by these distinct 'self,' personal ego, and selfishness.
The Urgency of Transformation
You must view these ingrained habits as a great affliction. It is essential that you work to change your ways and eliminate these negative tendencies. The sooner you discover these flaws and the faster you work to correct them, the better your outcome will be. If you delay, you leave yourself vulnerable to the following consequences:
The Manifestation of Karmic Creditors: When your past karma matures, these karmic creditors will appear to seek balance, leading to suffering and disaster.
The Burden of Suffering: When you face the results of your past actions, you must bear the pain yourself; no one can endure it on your behalf.
The Creation of New Karma: In your struggle to cope with these difficulties, you may react with further negative emotions, thereby creating even more karma.
Those of you who are disciples at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre have likely had profound experiences in this regard. Yet, one must ask: why is it still so difficult to truly change? Why do we still frequently see practitioners suffering in body and mind, unable to take charge of their own lives, due to the interference of karmic creditors and attached spirits?
The Depth of the Hidden Self
The reason for this struggle is that many practitioners believe they have changed, but this is merely a superficial appearance. Deep within, the core 'self,' personal ego, and selfishness remain untouched, and the heart has not truly let go. Consider the following obstacles that often remain hidden beneath the surface:
Unresolved Intentions: There are still unclear thoughts and lingering attachments that have not been purified.
Unsettled Grudges: Past grievances and of resentment remain, waiting to be cleared.
Emotional Entanglements: There is still a difficulty in letting go of deep-seated emotions, such as love, desire, and attachment to worldly comforts.
You may believe that you have already let go of these things, but in reality, they are merely hidden deep within the heart. They may not be visible in your daily routine, but they are triggered by the slightest fluctuation in your mind. When you are caught off guard, these hidden tendencies rise to the surface. For instance, when your arrogance is challenged and you find it difficult to accept guidance because you feel you are losing face, these internal fluctuations awaken your karmic creditors and attract attached spirits. This is how you find yourself repeating the same mistakes and suffering the same pain once again.
The Path to True
Your practice must be a process of steady, step-by-step advancement. Any fluctuation in your mind, any experience, any image, or any word that arises in response to external conditions serves as a mirror for your progress. If these things can still stir up past emotions or trigger memories, it is a clear indication that your skills are not yet mature. It means your heart is not yet pure, you are still attached to phenomena, and you have not yet truly "see through" and "let go" of the world.
My children, if you wish to save yourselves, you must learn to overcome these mental fluctuations. You must transform your 'self,' personal ego, and selfishness. You must continue to purify your mind, deepen your meditative concentration, and cultivate a vast, compassionate heart. You must diligently practise the (Discipline), Concentration and Wisdom. Only then will you be able to realise your true nature.
Remember, Awakening is merely a process. The ultimate goal is to save yourself and all other beings, and to return to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. You must follow and Practitioner Su closely and continue to march forward without hesitation, aligning yourself with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way.
These teachings were recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
