The Virtue of Humility and Courtesy
Teachings from Namo Amituofo
Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe
The Foundation of Spiritual Growth
Humility and courtesy, in their deepest sense, represent the state of being modest, respectful, and refined in one's conduct. These virtues are among the most precious spiritual assets passed down by our ancestors. They are not simply cultural habits but are fundamental requirements for elevating the quality of one's spirit and advancing along the path toward realising one's true nature. Within the framework of character education, the practice of humility and courtesy serves as a vital pillar.
To be truly humble and courteous is to possess the clarity to recognise the strengths and virtues in others while remaining acutely aware of one's own limitations. This awareness naturally fosters a sense of humility and modesty. When you genuinely respect the Buddha-nature within others from the depths of your heart, this respect will naturally manifest in your outward behaviour, leading you to treat everyone with grace and sincerity. This is not just a social convention; it is a profound act of character development and the steady growth of one's moral conduct.
The Gateway to
The Buddha’s teachings remind us that every being possesses the same inherent true self and Buddha-nature. Learning to offer sincere respect to the Buddha-nature in others is the essential precursor to realising it within yourself. Those who have realised their true nature are invariably individuals of impeccable character and virtue. The reason the Buddha’s teachings were able to flourish so magnificently in China is that the traditional etiquette and rituals of the culture were already in perfect harmony with -nature.
When children receive a solid foundation in character education from a young age, their minds remain relatively free from the pollutions of the world. If they later engage in spiritual practice or receive guidance from the monastic community, they already possess the necessary personality foundation. As they begin to learn the Buddha’s teachings, they find the process of returning to their true self and original nature much more accessible. They are better equipped to meet the requirements of purification, pure goodness, and the necessary practice to ensure their actions are in sync with their true self. This alignment allows them to realise their true nature and return to their original state. This is why the traditions of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism were able to integrate so seamlessly in China; they all follow the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, such as the laws of and cause and effect and the importance of filial piety.
Navigating the Age of Decline
Realising one's true nature is equivalent to finding the original face you possessed before your parents were born. In the past, the Buddhist community in China produced many great talents, and it was common to see those who had realised their true nature appearing in the world. Consequently, the great root and foundation of the Buddha’s teachings—the return to one's true self—could be continuously passed down through the generations.
However, in this current age of the ’s decline, various forms of false teachings and magic have infiltrated the Buddha’s teachings. This has caused the True Teachings to be obscured and polluted, leading people further and further away from their true self, making those who have realised their true nature increasingly rare. We live in a defiled and evil world of suffering, a state brought about because the True Teachings have not been widely propagated and have instead been distorted and twisted. People today often find their hearts have no place to rest, leading them to seek the Dharma externally.
The Path of Internal Reflection
What many do not realise is that seeking externally will only leave one feeling increasingly empty and anxious. It drives one further away from the True Teachings, the Truth, and the Right Way, and ultimately, further from realising one's true nature. The only way forward is to seek within through internal reflection. By committing to a life of purification and pure goodness, you can ensure that your Six Roots are pure. When the natural instincts of your Six Roots are allowed to manifest, you will be able to recognise the facts of reality clearly, walk firmly upon the path of the and the righteous norms, and remain in sync with your true self. Through this, you will be able to realise your true nature sooner and engage in the noble work of saving the world and helping all beings achieve rebirth in the of Ultimate Bliss.
Namo Amituofo
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library