The Sacred Path of Seeking the Dharma

The Eternal Quest for Truth

Throughout history, practitioners who have aspired to achieve true success in their spiritual cultivation have always sought the Dharma from a true spiritual friend. Their ultimate goal is to rediscover their true self. They have been travelling across famous mountains and wearing out their shoes, all for the sake of finding a true spiritual friend. They seek to receive even a single phrase or verse of the Dharma, which they then uphold for the rest of their lives, practising it with unwavering diligence.

Whenever they find themselves lost in confusion or doubt, this single phrase or verse acts like a sudden, powerful awakening. It strikes the mind like a thunderclap, rousing the practitioner from their slumber. By relying on these teachings, many have been able to continue their practice until they finally realise their true nature.

The Profound Wisdom of a True Spiritual Friend

Why do the words of a true spiritual friend carry such immense power? It is because they possess the ability to observe, know, understand, and interpret the root potential of the seeker. They can perceive the practitioner's past and present, and they understand exactly where the confusion lies. Therefore, they have the perfect Dharma to resolve these obstacles. This is why a true spiritual friend is so rare and difficult to encounter, and why meeting one is so incredibly precious.

If you are fortunate enough to find someone who has realised their true nature and receive their teachings, you have been granted a supreme opportunity to become a Buddha in this very lifetime. This is why practitioners always seek the Dharma with a heart of utmost sincerity and respect.

The Unwavering Sincerity of the Seeker

Once a practitioner knows where a true spiritual friend resides, they will stop at nothing to reach them:

• They will travel across a thousand mountains and walk through ten thousand rivers, following the footprints of their teacher.
• Even if they must traverse deep forests and mountains, they will prostrate every three steps.
• They will continue this journey even when their hands, feet, and knees are broken and bleeding, for their heart remains fixed on the goal of seeking the Dharma.

A Rare Opportunity in the Pure Land

My dear children, you are currently residing where Namo Amituofo truly abides, in a place cared for by those who have realised their true nature. This is a true Buddha-land, much like the sacred sites of old where seekers went to find the Dharma. You must understand that you should never let your time pass in vain. Even if you were to practise with the intensity of two days in one, it would still not be enough. How then can there be any room for laziness, or for words and actions that show a lack of respect? When the patriarchs and venerable masters witness such behaviour, they can only sigh.

The capacity of beings in this Dharma-ending age is limited. It is truly a great labour for Practitioner Su to constantly repeat these reminders and offer guidance. The hope is that you will change your ways, awaken, engage in repenting and prostrations, and practise with fierce diligence so that you may soon rediscover your true self.

Namo Amituofo