In this world, people often mistakenly believe that this physical body is who they truly are. They identify themselves through their physical form, their names, their social status, and the various roles they play in life. You might see yourself as a child or a parent, a grandparent, a teacher or a student, a manager or an employee. However, you must realise that these are merely temporary roles and identities within the six realms of rebirth.
Whether one is a common labourer, a person of high status, or a member of the nobility, the nature of this existence remains the same. Even if one were to be reborn in the hells, as a hungry ghost, an animal, an insect, or a being in the heavenly realms, these are all manifestations of caught within the cycle of . Throughout countless lifetimes of wandering in samsara, you have experienced all these states. You have been dominated by the force of your own karma, finding it difficult to take charge of your own destiny.
The Chains of Karma
Because of the thoughts you harbour, you attract , attached spirits, and even demon crowds that come to influence and control your actions. This false self is constantly subject to the laws of impermanence, birth, aging, sickness, and death. It is always in a state of flux, and your heart shifts according to the external environment. In your pursuit of satisfying the desires of this body, you have committed many wrongdoings. The five roots of hell—wealth, lust, fame, food, and sleep—follow closely behind, binding you to this cycle.
This self is a false self. Because you cling to this physical body, your state of being remains unsettled. When dies, the spirit drifts according to its karma, and it is uncertain where it will go next. This is why it is so vital to look beyond the surface of your daily life.
The Luminous True Self
The true self is your original nature. This true self is sincere, without deception, selfless, transparent, cool, at ease, and filled with light. In this state of true nature, there is no concept of a separate self; there is only the existence of all beings. Everything you do is for the sake of all beings, following their needs to help them, and providing teachings based on their individual capacities. You must reach a state of to clearly see the problems that others face.
This true self is currently covered by layers of karmic dust. Only when these layers are washed away can your original nature manifest. Once it is revealed, you can live a life that is truly autonomous. You will be able to:
Save beings without being influenced by them.
Transform the environment without being turned by it.
Merge into one with the heavens, the earth, and all living things.
Remain unmoved, like a mountain that does not shift, no matter what happens.
The Path to Ultimate
Within this state of true nature, infinite wisdom, virtue, and auspicious characteristics reside. Yet, the journey does not end there. To fully realise this, one must practise the Six Perfections of the Bodhisattvas:
Generosity: Giving of oneself without attachment.
Discipline: Upholding the to maintain a pure heart.
Patience: Enduring all hardships with a calm spirit.
Diligent practice: Moving forward on the path without hesitation.
Meditation: Maintaining a state of deep concentration.
Wisdom: Achieving the perfect understanding of reality.
Only when these six are perfected can you truly see your true self and attain Buddhahood. This is the true you. .
