The Subtle Obstacles to Spiritual Success

This interview was recorded on July 20, 2017, featuring the Venerable Master Dixian. In this profound reflection, the Master discusses the subtle attachments that hinder spiritual progress and the urgent need for transparency in practice during this age of the Dharma’s decline.

Venerable Master Dixian speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. The sincerity with which everyone has dedicated their lives to the practice and the act of chanting Buddha's name is absolutely beyond question. Yet, many still find themselves unable to achieve spiritual success. If we investigate the root cause, we find it lies in a single, microscopic thread of attachment that remains deep within the heart. This—the subtle within the subtle—is the true essence of practice.

The Danger of the Hidden Shadow

I do not say this to point fingers at anyone. I use my own example, Dixian, to warn practitioners—especially those who serve as abbots—that you must convey the correct concepts of the Buddha’s teachings to your disciples. You must be vigilant, for even if there is only a tiny, dark speck of attachment hidden in the depths of the heart, the price one pays is often the inability to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is a problem that absolutely cannot be ignored.

A Lesson from the Heavens

You might think that because I, Dixian, spent my entire life in practice, authored countless volumes, received immense respect and praise from the Dharma Realm, and guided many disciples to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, that I would have reached the ultimate goal. Yet, at the moment of my own passing, because I had not let go of a single, lingering thread of attachment to my disciples, I ended up in the twenty-seventh heaven instead. In this age of the Dharma’s decline, there is no truth that should be covered up, for the situation has become far too urgent. Practice requires absolute honesty. One must be truly pure, transparent as a pearl, within oneself.

A Call to Reflection

These are the realizations I gained after reaching the heavenly realms. From the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, I can see that the state of the Buddha’s teachings today is even more precarious than it was during my time. Everyone needs to see this clearly! This is essential for the continuation of the Dharma lineage and for securing your own certainty of being reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Both are monumental tasks that no one studying the Buddha’s teachings can afford to overlook. Think back on this: how much have we truly done for the Buddha’s teachings, and how much certainty do we actually have about reaching the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss? It is truly worth deep reflection."

Namo Amituofo.

Written by Dixian.

Message recorded by the chief writer, Buddhist disciple Shi Faxin.