The True Riches of the Spirit: Teachings by Master Shang Xuan Xia Zang

The Mirage of Worldly Success

People in this world often crave wealth and status, while fearing the state of poverty. This is because, in the eyes of the world, wealth represents a collection of desirable things: financial abundance, high social standing, and the pursuit of fame and profit. To possess these is to feel a sense of satisfaction and to be held in high regard by others. Conversely, poverty is often perceived as a state of lack and insufficiency. It is associated with the struggle to survive, the hardship of earning a living to support one's family, and the pain of being looked down upon by others. How many people have become lost within these illusory appearances? They fail to find their way back to their original, pure nature, and instead, they remain under the control of the karmic forces of the cycle of rebirth.

How many individuals, in their desperate pursuit of glory and riches, strive to secure a prominent place in society? From a young age, they are conditioned to believe that they must never fall behind others. They are taught to be the best in every endeavour, fostering a competitive and aggressive personality. Even as children, they learn the habits of comparison and rivalry, always believing that they must be better than the best and stronger than the strongest. In this process, they lose the ability to understand what it truly means to be content and grateful. They feel inferior because of poverty, leading to a loss of self-esteem and deep depression. Because of these false appearances—which are merely manifestations of karmic forces—they experience endless afflictions. They look back at the days of their lives, filled with joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness, and the Five Desires, trying to fill the emptiness within their hearts.

Awakening to the True Riches of the Heart

People often forget the satisfaction they once possessed because they are constantly yearning for more. They forget the happiness they once felt because they are consumed by current suffering and worry. They forget the Truth they once held because they are busy chasing after illusions. We must realise that both wealth and poverty are impermanence. They are not eternal; they change, they transform, they alternate, and they are constantly being reshaped. True wealth and true poverty are not measured by worldly money or social status. Instead, they are measured by the abundance or the deficiency within one's heart.

Those who are filled with Dharma joy do not feel poor even if they do not have a single cent; instead, they feel they are the wealthiest people in the world. Those who have suddenly awakened to the Truth do not feel inadequate because they lack formal education; instead, they recognise themselves as the most fulfilled and liberated beings within the vastness of the Dharma Realm. Those who have encountered a true spiritual friend do not lose heart when they face obstacles or setbacks; instead, they are grateful for these tests and trials, which allow them to grow and become stronger. Those who have firm Faith, Vows, and Practice do not abandon their path or waver in their determination when faced with obstacles; instead, they move forward with even greater perseverance.

The Steadfast Path of Faith, Vows, and Practice

Those who have truly delved into the Pure Land teachings, following the footsteps of the Buddha, are blessed by the light of Namo Amituofo. They are nourished by the Buddha-water and protected by the Buddha-vow. They do not retreat because of worldly family ties or emotional attachments, and they certainly do not forget their great vow to realise their true nature, save beings, and achieve rebirth in the Western Pure Land. When they see beings suffering, their compassion arises. They do not distance themselves from the righteous path just because they are personally comfortable; rather, they practise with even greater diligence, striving to recover their original nature.

For those who have been reincarnated through the six realms of existence, enduring the exhaustion of life and death, the encounter with the True Teachings is a profound blessing. They vow to seek rebirth in the Western Pure Land, so that they may forever leave behind the suffering of the cycle of rebirth. The many relative concepts in this world are confusing for those who do not understand the True Teachings and who are controlled by various delusions and false appearances. They spin in the whirlpool of the cycle of rebirth, causing immense harm to their bodies and their spirits.

The Radiant Path to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss

Only the True Teachings of the Buddha can save everyone and reveal the clear path forward. The great Dharma of Namo Amituofo is the light upon this path. By relying on the vow of Namo Amituofo and the recitation of the Buddha-name, we are guided toward the path of liberation. We can forever leave behind the cycle of rebirth and enter directly into the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. May all beings find this light, awaken to their true nature, and return to the home of the Western Pure Land.

Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

Namo Amituofo