On the eleventh of September, 2017, the disciple Shi Faxi respectfully invited to provide teachings for the benefit of all beings. Namo Amituofo began by addressing the state of the human mind, which is often shrouded in a vast, dense fog. Why is our inner light so frequently obscured? It is because of the heavy weight of our past , which accumulates over countless lifetimes. This weight causes the heart to waver and the spirit to regress. Without the courage to advance, without the strength of a great, rushing river, and without the clarity of a pristine mountain stream, our practice becomes stagnant.
When we fail to move forward, our journey is like a ship that cannot reach the open sea. Our practice becomes fragmented and difficult to sustain. We find ourselves caught in a cycle of internal conflict, where the heart is constantly tossed between confusion and clarity, leading to a state of perpetual suffering and sinking deeper into the cycle of rebirth. We lack the great, luminous power required to lift our spirits, and we lack the fire of determination to ignite our true resolve.
The Cycle of Forgetfulness and the Path of Return
One might ask: what is the purpose of our practice, and what is the ultimate destination we seek? The of Ultimate Bliss still awaits us, yet many who have come before us have already returned to the cycle of samsara. We often fail to see the path clearly because we are prone to retreating. It is a great pity that we do not grasp the essence of the teachings, remaining trapped within the knots of our own making. This brief, blind existence leads to a thousand kalpas of suffering. Regret is of little use when one is already lost in the vast, spinning wheel of rebirth.
When we return to this human world, we are taught the same truths again and again. Yet, because we have forgotten our past, we continue to walk the same paths of error. This is what we call our personality—a collection of habits based on our own desires. We have forgotten the lessons of our past lives, and if we could only see the truth within, we would understand the nature of our predicament.
The Unwavering Heart Amidst the Worldly Performance
To truly awaken, one must be sensitive and alert, moving forward with a clear spirit. When you observe the world through your Six Roots, you must ensure that your heart remains unmoved by external circumstances. All wisdom is found in the Buddha, and everything else in this world is merely a reflection that helps us realise our own shortcomings. The past is gone, and we can no longer change it; however, we must be vigilant and guard our hearts in the present moment.
Do not be swayed by the company you keep. Instead, focus entirely on changing your own ways. Whether a situation seems good or bad is irrelevant; the only thing that matters is your willingness to correct your faults. Everything in this world is merely a test for your heart, and all external appearances are simply a performance in which you are participating.
The Clarity of the Moon and the Flow of the
An unwavering heart is the mark of superior wisdom. When your heart is not moved by external conditions, you have truly begun to understand the nature of your own actions. If you do not know what you possess, you must change what you see. When you recognise a fault, you must correct it. Do not concern yourself with the faults of others; focus only on your own self-correction. A person who is truly dedicated to changing their ways will not engage in idle speech or verbal errors.
If you can maintain this focus, why should you worry about the dust of the world? Your heart will become like the moon—bright, clear, and perfectly round, without any jagged edges. You will become like flowing water, moving freely everywhere without obstruction, flowing directly into the great ocean of the Buddha's wisdom.
The Final of the Buddha-nature
Your life will be filled with vitality and a flourishing spirit. Your heart will be luminous, and your spirit will be vibrant. All true practice lies in the process of change. If you are willing to embark on this journey, you will eventually see the truth with your own eyes. Do not let the illusions of the world shake your resolve. It is far better to change yourself than to be distracted by the world, for every change is a step toward progress.
Gradually, you will reach perfection. Gradually, you will return to your true self. Your Dharma body will be complete, and you will exist in a state of eternal peace, beyond all movement and stillness. Why should you worry about not finding happiness? Smile as you look upon the human world, for you are awakening your Buddha-nature and becoming a true manifestation of the Buddha. These teachings were recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi Faxi.
