The Significance of the White Inner Garment and Coffee-coloured Robe

The Sacred Manifestation of Virtue

During the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, Shakyamuni Buddha offered profound teachings regarding the monastic community. One’s status and one’s character are reflected in how one carries oneself. Today, we observe the monastic community, who are still in the early stages of their journey, yet they are beginning to embody the Dharma. There will come a day when their presence will shake the very dust of the heavens. The specific attire—a white inner garment worn beneath a coffee-coloured outer robe—is a unique manifestation of virtue, distinct from the traditional robes of other monastic orders.

This attire is not merely a uniform; it is a symbol of the purity of the original nature and the grounded, humble practice required in this age. The white inner garment represents the inherent purity of the true self, while the coffee-coloured outer robe signifies the stability and the down-to-earth nature of the practice at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. This distinction is vital for the monastics to realise their unique role in the world.

Retreat and the Search for the True Self

The monastics are encouraged to undertake a period of retreat in Australia. Before one can effectively guide others, one must first find one's own true self. This is the priority. When you are in retreat, you must focus on the following:

• Mastering the Rituals: Learn the proper use of Dharma instruments, the performance of rituals, and the recitation of sutras.
• Cultivating Inner Stillness: Seek the cool, refreshing clarity of the heart within yourself.
• Developing Wisdom: Once the original wisdom is found, it becomes easy to apply it to the outside world.
• Resisting Distractions: Use this wisdom to block the influence of external attachments and the entanglements of others.

Every step you take must be in accordance with the Buddha’s words. By following the teachings step by step, according to the conditions and the time, you will be prepared for the day when the temple opens its doors fully, and the monastic community gathers in the solemn hall.

The Responsibility of the Five Monastics

The work of the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha Jewel is truly extraordinary. You must be diligent in every minute and every second. Do not let a single moment pass in vain, for every moment of sincerity brings a corresponding benefit, and every act of merit is a seed for the future. You are currently in a period of intense practice, and you must adhere to your daily schedule. Do not let sleepiness or emotional obstacles hinder your progress. If you ask what constitutes the Precepts, it begins with these two foundations:

• Maintaining a Cool and Clear Heart: Keep your mind free from the heat of afflictions.
• Honouring the Buddha’s Kindness: Never forget the grace of the Buddha, the support of the celestial deities, and the protection of the Dharma protectors who assist the five monastics.

You must also repay the kindness of all beings by helping them reach the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. The ten directions have already assisted the Sangha Jewel in launching this vessel of the Dharma. You must clearly understand your responsibilities as monastics. If you become lax, it will be difficult to sustain this path, and it would be a waste of the compassion and effort that Practitioner Su has invested in protecting the Sangha Jewel for the benefit of the world.

Upholding the True Teachings

The heart that seeks to save the world is as vast as the ocean. Do not fear the constraints of the Precepts. It is only through the Precepts that one can attain the path of Awakening. Only then can meditative concentration and wisdom reach their highest levels. The ultimate reliance is on the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. There is no absolute, rigid Precept that exists apart from the heart itself.

Why is it difficult for the True Teachings to manifest in this world? It is because of the many spiritual obstacles and karmic debts of the Dharma-Ending Age. The choice of the white inner garment and the coffee-coloured outer robe is not to distinguish ourselves from other monastics for the sake of vanity. It is because every child of the Buddha possesses the power of the original nature. While other monastic communities may be well-versed in the Precepts or intellectual study, they may struggle to achieve the ultimate perfection of the Dharma. They are often trapped within the cycle of karma.

When the sages see this, they weep. Within the Precepts platform, we see the potential for true practice, yet many do not know the path. The five monastics must protect their purity, for they know that even the slightest stain of the Five Poisons—greed, anger, delusion, arrogance, and jealousy—must be let go. Practitioner Su holds the string of your hearts together. If the beads of the rosary are scattered, the connection to the void is broken. The five monastics carry a heavy responsibility on their shoulders, for in the future, you will lead thousands of beings.

A Future of Infinite Light

When the foundation is firmly established, you will not be swayed by time. Whatever fears arise, meet them with a steady heart. If you understand the Buddha’s intention, you will remain clear and awake. Each member of the monastic community has their own unique role to play, and each will shine with their own brilliance. The Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is a place where the light of the Fragrant Lotus shines upon the dust of the world. This light breaks through the void, and this merit arises in response to the needs of the time.

To turn the tide of the Dharma-Ending Age, you must be clear about this light. Keep your body and mind filled with this light at all times. If you do this, how can you fail to see your true self? Do not doubt the monastic attire; it is the true intention of the Buddha, designed to transform the suffering of this age. The bright white colour is a testament to the purity of the path. Why remain in the dark cycle of suffering? I hope that the three robes will be fully prepared, for the Dharma work requires the proper appearance. When you are fully ordained and hold the three robes, you will be a complete and dignified monastic. Be diligent, do not waste the kindness of the Buddha or the beings of the ten directions. Never forget your original vow, your Bodhicitta, and your heart to attain Buddhahood. If you persist, you will surely succeed.

Namo Amituofo