The True Essence of Buddha’s Teachings

This is a record of an interview with Venerable Yongning, who reflects on the true essence of the Buddha’s teachings as practised at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. This interview was recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on December 13, 2019.

Venerable Yongning speaks:

"With the Great Dharma currently before us, it is time to examine the mindset with which each of you approaches your own practice. When you listen to the Dharma talks given by Practitioner Su, you all naturally aspire to soar through the heavens, to attain the perfection of the Five Eyes, to perceive the suffering of all sentient beings, or to witness the infinite nature of space. Furthermore, deep within your hearts, you make vows to reclaim your own Dharma Body just as Practitioner Su has done, and you come to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre to verify these truths with your own eyes. The testimonials and accounts that have been written and shared are all entirely authentic. Yet, they represent only a tiny corner of the truth—merely a single point within the vast, boundless scope of the Chao Du work that is being conducted here. There is so much more, an immense and infinite amount of Chao Du work, that has not yet been brought to light.

The True Meaning of Chao Du

For those of us in the human world, nothing is more pertinent or vital than the Chao Du of our own family members and loved ones. In terms of the Causal Conditions of this lifetime, these family members are your closest kin, and even your dearest friends. When you face the moment of separation—the 'white-haired person sending off the black-haired person'—you truly feel the impermanence of life. You realise that you may never see them again, or that they have become nothing more than memories of the past. However, within the vast, encompassing power of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, you can locate your departed family members and guide them to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is of far greater benefit than merely burning incense, performing prostrations, or observing memorial days, which often leave them trapped in the ghost realm or continuing to cycle through the fruits of their karma. Once they reach the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, there is truly no more suffering, and most importantly, there is no more separation.

Resolving the Cycle of Resentment

As for your own karmic creditors, they have followed you through countless lifetimes. They dwell in dark spaces, their hearts filled with resentment that has not faded for a single day. Their desire to seek revenge keeps them tethered to you tightly, waiting for the moment when your vitality wanes so they can strike all at once. This causes your physical body to endure endless torment; your body suffers, and the spirits that follow you continue to suffer as well. The Chao Du performed at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is different from anything else. Through the explanations provided in Practitioner Su’s Dharma talks and the invitation of spirits during our sessions, the karmic creditors residing within the physical body gradually come to understand the principle of letting go. They realise how foolish they have been, and they see that many lifetimes have already passed. They understand that all this waiting has not been worth it, and that the light is right before them. By approaching these karmic creditors with the most sincere heart, you can resolve the conflicts and conclude the karma that has persisted for eons. You can even practise diligently here, transforming your karmic retribution into the power of your vows.

A Path Without Retreat

The vows you made in the past and the accumulations from your previous practices all manifest when you finally encounter the true Buddha’s teachings. This lifetime is the time to conclude your karmic debts and fulfil your vows. You must practise diligently on the path of faith in the Buddha and the path of vowing to save all beings. Achievement is something that belongs to those who walk the path day by day; practice is a matter of moving forward step by step. You should see clearly that you have no path of retreat left. Take bold steps forward, helping yourself to awaken, and in doing so, helping all sentient beings to awaken. Only then will this human body not have been brought into this world in vain."

Namo Amituofo.