The Sincerity of the Heart and the Attitude of Practice
Teachings from Venerable KaiLin
Recorded on August 7, 2019
The Mirror of Daily Practice
Every single day at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre, I observe the lives and progress of the fourfold assembly. From the early morning hours until the end of the day, I carefully watch and contemplate the various activities that form the foundation of our spiritual life. These daily lessons include:
- Prostrations to the Buddha, which humble the ego and purify .
- Walking meditation, which brings into every step.
- Reciting the Sutras, which aligns our thoughts with the wisdom of the Buddhas.
- Listening to teachings, which provides the intellectual framework for our practice.
- Personal diligent practice, where one takes responsibility for their own spiritual growth.
When I observe the assembly, it is much like looking at a microcosm of society. I see a vast spectrum of human nature reflected in how each person approaches their tasks. Some approach their practice with immense and gratitude, while others are deeply earnest and focused. There are those who are truly diligent, striving for perfection in every movement, yet there are also those who seem lost, merely going through the motions, or treating their practice as a chore to be finished as quickly as possible. Each individual here serves as a living textbook, offering lessons that we can all learn from if we are willing to look with an open heart.
The True Purpose of Our Journey
For those who sincerely wish to achieve success in their practice, this centre provides the perfect environment to apply, implement, and verify everything you have learned from the Dharma. It is especially after the daily lessons are completed that one’s true heart and attitude are most clearly revealed. Perhaps some of you arrived here initially with the intention of protecting your physical body or seeking healing for your ailments. While this is not a wrong intention, it is merely a starting point.
It is far more important to recognise the profound significance of this place, to understand its preciousness, and to realise how rare it is to encounter such a sanctuary. You must learn to let go of the worldly burdens you brought with you. Instead, use your heart to experience, to feel, and to verify the truth of the teachings. The Buddha is truly present here; Namo Amituofo truly abides in this place. When you kneel before the Buddha, you should be able to feel that the Buddha is using the light of to shine upon every one of you.
The Living Presence of Namo Amituofo
Every day, I witness the Buddha looking upon the fourfold assembly with eyes of infinite compassion. Namo Amituofo is constantly using the Buddha’s light to shine upon you, bestowing and energy so that you may possess a more powerful spiritual strength. If your faith and your mental note can align with the Buddha, I believe you will certainly be able to perceive this powerful energy. If you have not yet had any such experience, you should begin to examine your own attitude and behaviour. Ask yourself if there is anything in your conduct that contradicts the teachings of the Buddha.
The Buddha is truly compassionate. I also hope that the fourfold assembly will learn from the Buddha’s compassion, the Buddha’s mind-capacity, and the Buddha’s Ultimate Vow to help more beings who are wandering in the human world. Do not continue to focus solely on protecting your own physical body. When you step out of your own small world, you will discover that the universe is actually vast and open. Once you open your mind-capacity, you will naturally let go of selfishness.
Transformation of Body and Mind
When your mind is transformed, your physical body will naturally be nurtured by these good thoughts and will begin to improve. Even your cells will undergo a transformation because of this shift in your internal state. By doing so, you will:
- Achieve good causes through your daily actions.
- Reap the good fruit of your spiritual labour.
- Practise only what is good and virtuous.
- Ultimately find a peaceful and auspicious end to your journey.
Namo Amituofo.
Venerable KaiLin
Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi Facie
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library