The Source of Buddha Wisdom

The Stillness Within the Temple

Words of Namo Amituofo, recorded by Venerable HaiZe on September 3, 2022.

The Buddha does not sit in the temple merely to be admired or worshipped by the public. Rather, the Buddha uses this skillful means to bring a sense of profound stillness and stability to your heart. This is a quality that people often lack in their daily lives, yet it is a natural manifestation of the Buddha's original nature.

When you see the dignified image of the Buddha, you immediately feel a sense of respect arise within you. This dignity is not accidental; it is the result of the diligent practice that the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas undertook during their own time on the path of cultivation. Because they have achieved such profound states, they are able to observe the specific needs of all beings and manifest in different forms to suit those needs.

The Radiance of Compassionate Wisdom

This is the manifestation of the Buddha's compassion and Wisdom (Prajna). By presenting themselves in ways that beings can accept and relate to, the Buddhas can begin the work of teaching and transformation. Through this guidance, they help beings leave suffering behind and find true happiness. This is the essence of the Buddha's action: first, to hook beings with their desires, and later, to lead them into the Buddha Wisdom (Prajna). Within the temple, the monastics are those who take on the responsibility of this teaching and guidance.

Buddhas and Bodhisattvas exist in a spiritual state. Their images and appearances are merely tools used for receiving beings. By observing the hearts and the Causal Conditions of beings, they appear in various forms to achieve the ultimate goal of saving them. So, where does Buddha Wisdom (Prajna) truly come from?

The Unfolding of the Awakened Path

Buddha Wisdom (Prajna) arises after one has achieved the state of an awakened being, where the six roots are pure, complete, and perfect, and the Five Eyes are clear and bright, allowing for a state of total clarity. In this state, both the body and spirit are entirely pure and good, without a single trace of impurity, shining with a transparent, radiant light. You can see every person, every event, and every object with absolute clarity. Because you are walking in accordance with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, your actions are naturally aligned with the whole. There is no force or struggle involved; it is simply the natural way of being.

When your heart is sincere and honest, your supernatural powers will naturally manifest. You will be able to observe the past, present, and future of all beings. You will know their strengths and their weaknesses, allowing you to help them cultivate their virtues and overcome their shortcomings. This enables them to change their ways and live in harmony with others.

By observing the capacity of beings and providing teachings, you allow them to engage in diligent practice and purification in the most direct way, ultimately reaching the fruit of an awakened being. However, it is essential that beings listen to the teachings and follow them, change their personality traits, let go of subjective views, release the ego until they reach the state of no-self, and maintain a firm vow to save all beings, for only then can their true self be revealed. Namo Amituofo.