The Subtle Dharma: The Infinite Nature of Buddha's Teachings

Teachings from Namo Amituofo, recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe, on the first day of January, 2023.

The Boundless Nature of the Dharma

The Buddha's teachings are truly infinite. As the one who fully embodies and practises the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, every action the Buddha takes is drawn from the vastness of the Dharma Realm and is in perfect harmony with the Truth. Because of this, the actions of the Buddha are often beyond the limited perception and understanding of ordinary people. However, just because we cannot fully comprehend these actions does not mean they do not exist.

The Six Sense Organs: eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind are not possessed solely by those in the human world; they also exist within the animal realm. Yet, for those beings, their spiritual nature is heavily obscured, and their ignorance is manifest. Although they possess the Six Sense Organs: eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind, they lack the opportunity for purification. Their lives are primarily driven by the manifestation of their karma, and their senses are used almost exclusively for the sake of basic survival.

The Potential for Purification

In contrast, human beings possess the Six Sense Organs: eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind and, crucially, the opportunity for practice and purification. When we engage in this process, the inherent capabilities of our Six Sense Organs: eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind can be revealed and restored. It is through this restoration that the many methods for saving the world and helping all beings can be manifested and put to effective use.

Within these methods, there exists the Subtle Dharma, which possesses profound and delicate qualities. This Dharma is revealed through the body, and it provides essential support for the growth of our Body-Mind-Spirit. The Buddha's teachings are truly without boundaries, and the Universal Principles are precisely what the Buddha wishes to share with everyone.

The Dharma in Daily Life

When these facts of reality are related to the rediscovery of our true self and the path of practice, they become the most important lessons to share, especially for those who are dedicated practitioners. The original nature of the true self is empty and vast, and it is also without boundaries. Therefore, everything related to the Truth, the rediscovery of our true self, and our practice is infinite.

The Buddha's teachings are not profound or inaccessible; they are everywhere. Since the Universal Principles are infinite, the reality of every situation we encounter in our daily lives, and within our own Body-Mind-Spirit, is an expression of the Dharma. Consider the following aspects of your existence:

• Daily Living:
• Eating, dressing, sleeping, and walking are all expressions of the Dharma.Internal States:
• Every thought and intention that arises in your heart is an expression of the Dharma.External World:
• The mountains, rivers, earth, flowers, trees, and all living creatures—including insects, birds, snakes, frogs, and domestic animals—are expressions of the Dharma.Interpersonal Relations: The way we interact with others, as well as the processes of self-exploration, self-discovery, and internal reflection, are all expressions of the Dharma.

Beyond Words and Rituals

The Buddha's teachings do not reside solely in profound or difficult-to-understand texts, nor are they confined to the practice of sitting in meditation within a temple hall. While texts are necessary tools used in Buddhist education to describe the Truth and teach the public what the Dharma is, the true Dharma cannot be fully contained by words alone.

If one says that the Dharma does not rely on words, this is also a part of the Truth. Words are merely tools for communication and understanding; they are a small part of the reality that is contained within the Dharma. Similarly, activities such as sitting in meditation, chanting Namo Amituofo, reciting sutras, and performing prostrations are all methods for recognizing, understanding, and attaining the Dharma.

These practices are methods for realising the Truth. They are contained within the Dharma and serve as direct, rapid ways to help yourself achieve purification. By engaging in these practices, you can understand and realise the Truth, which is the very essence of the Buddha's teachings. Namo Amituofo.