The Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way

January 31, 2019

The Eternal Flow of the Dharma

The Dharma flows like an eternal river, a lineage of wisdom that has been passed down through the ages without end, dedicated to the salvation of all spirits. In this current era of decline, the world is filled with suffering and hardship. Beings are tossed about in the vast ocean of karma, finding it nearly impossible to escape. Imagine a person drowning in deep water, their head barely above the surface, their heart burning with anxiety as they struggle to stay afloat. Even if the hand of the Buddha is extended to pull them to safety, they might hesitate, preferring to let go and sink back into the depths. Why? Because they are tethered by the emotions of family and companions, and they find it impossible to let go of their attachment to fame, wealth, and status.

How many lifetimes must one wait for the Buddha to offer salvation again? We must not allow this cycle of sorrow to continue for countless eons. Today, the light of Namo Amituofo shines through the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. We hope that all those connected by karmic affinity will recognise that this opportunity is difficult to encounter in millions of years. This is your chance to be rescued from the whirlpool of karma. By chanting the six-character Buddha-name, you can transform your karma and cultivate a lotus in the Western Pure Land.

The Sincerity of True Deliverance

The merits of the Avatamsaka Sutra and the Lotus Sutra, along with the entire Tripitaka and the twelve divisions of the scriptures, are vast and boundless. Yet, all these profound teachings are contained within the single Buddha-name of Namo Amituofo. If you can chant the Buddha-name with an unmoved mind, a lotus will appear to guide you to the Western Pure Land. The true meaning of resolving conflicts and performing Chao Du lies in sincerity. You must let the beings you are trying to save feel your genuine heart—a heart that truly wishes for them to leave suffering behind. It is not merely about hoping that your karmic creditors will quickly leave your body to alleviate your own physical pain or illness. If your motivation is selfish, these karmic creditors will surely be unwilling to resolve the conflict.

The Mechanism of Thought and Karma

People are accustomed to the constant movement of their minds. Usually, every thought and intention arises first, followed by actions of the body and speech, or sometimes all three occur simultaneously. Regardless of the sequence, once an intention is formed, a cause is planted. When the conditions mature, the result will manifest; this is the unchanging Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. If you can reach a state where no thoughts arise, and your actions are simply in accordance with conditions, you will not plant new karmic seeds. Consequently, no matter what external conditions you encounter, there will be no negative results to endure, and you will be free from suffering.

The Body as a Vessel for Service

To achieve this state, one must possess meditative concentration. Within this deep meditative state, one understands the laws of the world and remains undisturbed by obstacles. When there is no interference from karmic creditors, the mind becomes clear and autonomous. The time for becoming an awakened being is then not far off. To be without a wandering mind and without idle thoughts is to be truly at ease. Why do people choose to seek out their own afflictions instead? By planting causes and reaping results, the cycle of rebirth becomes endless. If you know the pain of these afflictions and do not wish to suffer anymore, you must learn to regulate your thoughts. Do not allow evil thoughts to arise; ensure that every thought is a thought of Goodness. You must maintain awareness and meditative concentration. Do not be turned by external environments. When your meditative concentration manifests, you can transform your environment. All the laws of the world return to the One; all return to the ocean of the Dharma of Namo Amituofo.

Returning to the Righteous Path

Consider the body of Lay Practitioner Xu. It should be a place of stillness, yet it is naturally filled with the sounds of life: the flow of blood, the movement of the digestive system, the air entering and leaving the nostrils, the friction of joints, and the beating of the heart. If you sit quietly and listen to these sounds, you will realise that what appears to be a calm exterior is actually a body filled with activity. This body can be used for infinite benefit, but it is not for your own selfish use. It is to be used for the sake of all beings. It is a vessel to carry on the legacy of the past and to open the way for those who follow. If you use this body only for yourself, it remains a body carrying karma, and you will continue to suffer the consequences. For those who possess a human body, the only path is to see through and let go. This body is born to serve; it is the path for those who are truly wise.

Lay Practitioner Xu was once a wise person, but later lived only for themselves, thereby losing the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. This is why they did not understand the Truth, leading to the current consequences, and why Practitioner Su also went astray. Although the physical form has changed, it remains precious. If one can return to the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, it is still possible to save infinite beings. Master Xuanzang and Lay Practitioner Li are here to assist in this process.

This message was recorded by the Buddhist disciple Venerable HaiZe.