The True Nature of Right and Wrong

These profound teachings were provided by Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju and recorded by the Venerable HaiZe on the fifth of March, 2023.

The Compass of Eternal Wisdom

What is truly right, and what is truly wrong? These are not matters of mere personal opinion or shifting social convention. In the eyes of the Buddha, right and wrong must be measured against the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. These three pillars serve as the ultimate compass for our existence. When we align our thoughts, words, and actions with these eternal standards, we walk the path of wisdom. However, human beings often struggle to maintain this alignment because of the limitations of our own perspectives.

The Dangers of Subjective Delusion

We are frequently misled by our own subjective views, personal feelings, and internal biases. Because our minds are not yet clear, we often fall into the trap of mistaking wrong for right, and right for wrong. This confusion is the root of our suffering. When we act upon these distorted perceptions, we inevitably plant a negative cause. In time, this leads to the ripening of evil consequences, which bring forth the heavy burden of suffering. This is precisely why Buddhist education and education regarding the laws of karma and cause and effect are so vital. They provide the clarity needed to see through our own delusions.

The Erosion of Our Inherent Goodness

In the modern world, we observe that relationships between people—and especially between the young and the old—are becoming increasingly distant. As these bonds weaken, Ethics and Morality are being ignored or dismissed. In truth, much of our inherent Goodness is passed down through the generations within these family and social relationships. When we neglect these bonds, we lose the very environment where our inherent Goodness is nurtured and preserved. As society grows indifferent toward Ethics and Morality, the inherent Goodness within us begins to fade, and we lose our guiding principles for daily life.

Rediscovering the Authentic Self

In the absence of a higher standard, people begin to substitute their own limited, subjective opinions for the truth. This leads to a proliferation of attitudes and behaviours that appear correct on the surface but are fundamentally flawed. Fortunately, Buddhist education and the study of the laws of karma and cause and effect remain available to us. They preserve the direction of the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. Through diligent practice and continuous purification of our body, mind, and spirit, we can begin to peel away the layers of confusion. This process allows us to rediscover our true self. By doing so, we enable ourselves and others to see their true nature and reveal the original, authentic face that we have possessed all along.

The Technology of the Dharma Body

Furthermore, the Chao Du performed by the Dharma Body is a profound manifestation of what can be described as the ultimate technology of the human body. It is a real, verifiable application of spiritual power. Through empirical practice, we can see the answers to what is right and what is wrong for ourselves. We need only to walk the path with sincerity and faith.

Namo Amituofo