The Vessel for Becoming a Buddha

This message was recorded on August 10, 2017, as a spiritual transmission from the late Venerable Master Sheng Yen. In this letter, the Master addresses his disciples at Dharma Drum Mountain, urging them to reflect on their original intentions and the necessity of unwavering faith in seeking rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Venerable Master Sheng Yen speaks:

"The reach of Dharma Drum Mountain is truly vast, as boundless as the void itself. Are you all willing to continue this endless journey of effort? Dharma Drum Mountain—I hope that each of you will become a vessel for becoming a Buddha. Think of the gold that lies within your hearts; how must it be polished and refined so that you may each manifest as a future Buddha?

The Importance of Remembering Your Original Vow

Do you still remember the magnificent original intention that first brought you to the path of practice? Or has it gradually slipped away amidst the indulgence of your daily lives? Do not forget your original intention—do not forget your original intention. This is a reminder that teachers must constantly repeat. In the Sangha University, most of the students come from society, willing to dedicate themselves to monastic life and the study of the Buddha-Dharma. When these children first arrived, they all possessed a precious vow. But as you progress along the path of practice, how much of that original vow remains?

The true compassion of the Buddha allows me, even now, to continue educating all of you in this way. The most important aspect of practice is the perseverance to see it through to the very end. It is not about how eloquently you spoke when you first began. The variables encountered on the path of practice are the greatest tests of all. To break through these tests and adjust your own character—this is what we call true practice. Your vow should not retreat; rather, it should grow stronger. The greater the vow you make, the clearer the direction of your achievement becomes.

The Certainty of Rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss

Seeking rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss must be the grand vow of your entire life. No matter how arduous, difficult, or painful the setbacks may be, your desire to seek rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss must be genuine, sincere, and filled with faith. Children of Dharma Drum Mountain, how much do you truly know about the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss? To what degree does your faith reach? If you still harbour doubts about a direct journey to the West, then what kind of final destination can your practice possibly pursue?

Practice must be built upon sincerity and faith. I hope to teach you all this: no matter how the world changes, this heart of practice must remain firm. There is no such thing as 'change' when it comes to the path; there is only a heart that remains consistent from beginning to end, and a goal that remains unchanged—that goal is the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. If you keep your eyes fixed on this point, everything else becomes irrelevant to you. Then, the defiled desires of the mundane world will not easily deceive you.

A Call to the Future Pillars of the Dharma

I have entrusted the various responsibilities of Dharma Drum Mountain to all of you, my disciples. If your vows are not firm and your resolve is not powerful, then the system of Dharma Drum Mountain will be very difficult to lead. You must remember that the students are watching how their mentors conduct themselves. You are the younger generation, the future pillars of the Dharma; this education cannot be allowed to fail. You must look clearly at every small matter and every subtle movement of your own character. You should come to find me; I am abiding here, and I look forward to my children coming to visit. Namo Amituofo."

Recorded by the disciple Shi Faxi.