The magnificence of the Buddha’s teachings lies in the transmission of the heart. The ultimate, perfect, and final goal of all our practice is rebirth in the of Ultimate Bliss. These are the fundamental truths of our existence. Have you truly heard them? Have you allowed these words to penetrate the depths of your being?
Recently, many have been speaking with great effort and sincerity. I have seen your actions and heard your voices. We, the elders who have already passed from this world, have spoken many, many words to you. But can you truly digest these teachings? Do you truly wish to become the kind of beings described in the sutras—those who lack the to receive the Dharma? No one desires such a fate. Ultimately, whether or not you achieve rebirth in the Western Pure Land is a matter for you to decide. If you choose to continue wandering through the six realms of rebirth, you are choosing your own path of suffering. Is it not true that all is self-created? If that is the path you choose, it is a great tragedy. I sincerely hope that you will not make such a decision. Remember, no one truly wants to suffer, and these words are offered to save your wisdom-life.
The Poison of Sweet Words
Truth is often bitter to the ear. In fact, even the most pleasant words can act as a deadly poison. Why is this? Because sweet words can easily stir the hearts of those who lack meditative concentration, their arrogance and vanity. Therefore, words that sound pleasing are often the most dangerous. The essence of learning the Buddha’s teachings lies in cultivating an unmoved mind. If you are swayed by praise and disturbed by criticism, when will you ever achieve the fruits of the path? How many people truly understand the profound meaning of practice?
The most terrifying state is to be self-righteous and convinced of one's own correctness. Today, the state of the Dharma in China is not ideal. I will speak plainly: there is too much attachment to fame and profit hidden within our institutions. This is a grave matter. If we do not diligently adjust and correct this, the future of the Buddha’s teachings is difficult to imagine. Furthermore, consider the vast desires buried within your own body, mind, and spirit. What are they? Only you know the truth of your own heart. Can it be that we are learning the Buddha’s teachings only to practise falsehood? We speak of cutting off desire and changing our personality traits, yet how many of us have truly achieved this? I dare to speak these truths because I must be accountable to the vast emptiness, to the Truth, and to the great of the Buddha.
A Call to Return to the Truth
The rise and fall of the Buddha’s teachings depend entirely on the human heart. Everyone says that the hearts of people today are not as they were in ancient times. But where exactly has this decline occurred? The Dharma is being influenced by this decline, and it is on the verge of decay. Who among you dares to say that these words are false? To oppose the laws of and the Truth is to invite harm upon oneself. I urge you all to remember that we are all part of the same family within the Buddha’s gate.
Anyone may come to see me. I am here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Only by facing the truth directly do you have the opportunity to realise your true nature. Even if you do not seek Awakening, you should at least preserve the good image of the Buddha’s teachings. At the very least, seek a peaceful and secure end for yourself. I hope that you will all reflect deeply on these words. .
