The Truth of Perception and the Path to Awakening

The Symphony of the Six Roots

For most people, the body’s Six Roots—the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind—are in constant motion. Except for the brief respite of sleep, these senses are active every second of every day. They serve as our primary tools for interaction, expressing our internal states and intentions while facilitating communication with others. However, for those who have not yet realised their true nature, the operation and expression of these Six Roots are governed by four destructive forces: delusion, discrimination, attachment, and constant conceptual thinking. Because we rely on these forces, we inevitably create various karmic phenomena, which in turn bind us to the cycle of the six realms of rebirth.

The Unveiling of the Awakened Heart

In contrast, those who have achieved Awakening are free from the influence of delusion, discrimination, and attachment. They are no longer governed by the ego-driven mind. Instead, they can utilise the functions of their Six Roots without limit. This allows for the manifestation of extraordinary capabilities that the world often mislabels as supernatural powers or psychic abilities. In truth, these are simply the natural functions that emerge once one has undergone purification and realised their true nature. They are vastly different from the abilities of worldly mediums or those possessed by spirits. It is a grave error to slander the salvific work of those who have truly purified themselves; such actions carry the heavy karmic consequence of falling into the hells.

Transcending the Mirage of Samsara

The laws of karma and the six realms of rebirth are, in essence, illusions. They are constantly changing, subject to the laws of birth and extinction, and possess no fixed duration. Yet, for the ordinary person who has not realised their true nature, these are the very processes they must endure within the human world. To escape the dominance of karma and the cycle of rebirth, one must find the path to Awakening. The practice of the Buddha’s teachings is the primary method for achieving this. Within these teachings, the Pure Land Dharma Gate serves as the ultimate shortcut. The entire purpose of Pure Land practice is to enable one to realise their true nature—to clarify the mind and see one's original nature. Only after achieving this can one truly, accurately, and effectively teach sentient beings, help them leave suffering behind, and lead them to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

The Veils of Sensory Perception

When we interact with the external world, we rely on the functions of our eyes, ears, and other senses to interpret what we see and hear. People place immense trust in their own eyes and ears, yet they remain unaware of how many illusions are embedded within these perceptions. Because we accept these illusions as reality, we generate further illusions of our own. This is why the human world is filled with such confusion; we drift further and further away from the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. Eventually, we become lost, finding it increasingly difficult to discover our true selves or to realise our true nature.

Seeking the Compassionate Guide

To break through these illusions and reclaim our true nature, we require the guidance of a true spiritual friend. In this world of constant rebirth, such a teacher is incredibly difficult to find. Many people claim the title of teacher while remaining trapped in the same illusions as their students. They pass these misconceptions down from generation to generation, mistaking falsehoods for the truth. When will there be a moment of clarity? This is the unfortunate reality of the age of the Dharma’s decline.

The Weight of Karmic Shadows

If your eyes or ears suffer from defects or limitations, understand that this is a manifestation of karma—the result of negative actions committed in the past. How can one expect to see the truth of reality or the ultimate Truth when viewing this world through a body shaped by karmic consequences? To realise one's true nature, one must be pure and good, free from the immediate manifestation of negative karma. One must be selfless, without ego, and without wandering thoughts. Only then is Awakening possible.

The Vision Beyond the Mundane

Those who have realised their true nature possess pure Six Roots. Their ability to see and hear transcends the limitations of ordinary people. They can perceive the causes and effects of events with absolute clarity, remaining unclouded by external circumstances. If they perceive that others are following a misguided path, they can detect it immediately. They will not join in the corruption, nor will they follow the crowd, even if this leads to being misunderstood or isolated by others. In such situations, who is truly lost and who is truly awakened? Often, the awakened are viewed as lost, while the lost are respected and followed by the masses. When right and wrong are inverted and the Truth is obscured, even the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas sigh in sorrow. Saving the world is no easy task; without the immense strength and courage of an awakened being, it is nearly impossible to persist in this defiled and suffering-filled world.

The Grace of the Hsiang Kuang Path

It is a tragedy that so many lost beings, lacking the guidance of a true spiritual friend, make poor judgements and engage in improper behaviour, thereby creating negative karma and suffering the consequences. In comparison, the students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre possess tremendous blessings. You are guided directly by Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su. This is the difference that good roots, blessings, and Causal Conditions make.

The King of Buddhas and the Bodhisattva’s Vow

Namo Amituofo, the one who has realised supreme, perfect Awakening, has been building the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss for ten kalpas. He is the most honoured among light, the King of Buddhas, and the refuge of the Dharma Realm. Meanwhile, Practitioner Su, in this defiled and suffering world, demonstrates what it means to realise one's true nature and attain Buddhahood. He uses his skills according to conditions, maintains perfect decorum, remains gentle and upright, and takes on the suffering of sentient beings. These are qualities that current practitioners lack and must strive to emulate.

The Steadfast Journey of Diligence

The act of taking on the suffering of sentient beings is a burden that causes many practitioners to retreat, yet Practitioner Su carries it upon his own shoulders. He faces and overcomes physical suffering with steadfast strength, leading everyone toward the path of Awakening and rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is truly no small feat. You must understand this clearly. You must cherish every second and never allow yourself to become lazy or complacent. If you wish to realise your true nature, the opportunity may be lost in a single moment of relaxation.

Awakening to the Pure Land Vow

Even so, if you are a student of Hsiang Kuang who truly wishes to realise your true nature and save the world, if you recognise the truth of this world and sincerely vow to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, then regardless of how many or how few there are, Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su are here. If you listen, let go of worldly attachments, ego, and personal views, and truly change your ways, you will all have the chance to realise your true nature and attain Awakening.

A Heart of Gratitude and Repentance

The slander, attacks, and suffering that Practitioner Su endures for the sake of sentient beings are beyond what most can imagine or tolerate. Yet, he continues to save beings without a single complaint or regret. This is a great blessing for all students and spirits. You must know how to be grateful and how to repent. If you understand the suffering of sentient beings, practise diligently to change your ways, and, after realising your true nature, join Practitioner Su in saving beings and leading them to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss so that the Pure Land teachings may be passed on, that would be the greatest comfort to Practitioner Su.