The Virtue of Respecting Others

Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

During the first session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony held on the 20th of December, 2024, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offered profound guidance on the essential practice of respecting others.

The Natural Expression of a Pure Heart

Respecting others is not a forced social obligation. Rather, it is a genuine expression of reverence that arises naturally from within the heart. When your inner state is one of sincerity, your words, actions, and demeanour will reflect this naturally, without any sense of effort or artificiality. How your mind is oriented will inevitably manifest in your physical conduct and your speech. If you can truly cultivate this spirit of respect, you will naturally find that you are treated with the same respect by others. This is the simple, yet profound, law of cause and effect in our daily interactions.

The Insight of the Awakened Practitioner

In our daily lives, we interact with others through countless small gestures, conversations, and attitudes. For those who have attained a certain level of attainment in practice—those we might call individuals with open eyes—the truth of a person's character is visible long before they speak or act. They do not need to wait for a person to express their attitude through words. Instead, they can perceive the quality of a person's heart at the very moment a thought or intention arises. They can discern whether a person is truly respectful or merely performing a role, and they can see the subtle seeds of good or evil within those thoughts. This level of perception is a direct result of one's diligent attainment in practice.

The Ten Great Vows as a Foundation

The Ten Great Vows of Bodhisattva Samantabhadra are the path that leads us back to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. These vows are not merely external rules; they are the foundation of our inner work. Each vow is rooted in the understanding that every being possesses the original Buddha-nature. When we act in accordance with these vows, we are operating in harmony with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way:

• Respect for all Buddhas: Recognising the sacred potential in every living being.
• Praising the Tathagata: Acknowledging the inherent goodness and wisdom of all.
• Extensive cultivation of offerings: Giving of oneself to support the growth of others.
• Repenting of spiritual obstacles: Clearing the path of past karmic burdens.
• Rejoicing in the merits of others: Cultivating a heart free from jealousy.
• Requesting the turning of the Dharma wheel: Seeking the guidance of the teachings.
• Requesting the Buddhas to remain in the world: Keeping the light of wisdom present.
• Constantly following the Buddha's teachings: Aligning our lives with the path of awakening.
• Constantly harmonising with all beings: Meeting others where they are with compassion.
• Dedicating all merits universally: Sharing the fruits of our practice with everyone.

Seeing the Buddha in Every Being

Respecting others is the concrete manifestation of our respect for all Buddhas and the embodiment of our compassion and wisdom. Whether a person is young or old, rich or poor, noble or humble, they are all, in essence, a Buddha. The only reason they may appear different is that their original Buddha-nature has been obscured by delusions, attachments, afflictions, and the heavy entanglements of karma. This is why we see such a wide variety of discriminations in this world. When we encounter those who are bound by these delusions, we should not judge them. Instead, we should feel a deep sense of compassion and respect for their hidden Buddha-nature. By doing so, we create positive connections and avoid the pitfalls of creating negative karma, which is a vital aspect of navigating our lives in this world.

Living the Path of Universal Virtue

In the Infinite Life Sutra, it is clearly stated that all those who attended the Buddha’s Dharma talks were practitioners who followed the virtues of Bodhisattva Samantabhadra. They lived their lives according to the Ten Great Vows. If you can sincerely respect and practise these ten vows, you fulfil the conditions of being a virtuous person. You are encouraged to uphold these vows not only in your formal practice but in every moment of your daily life. Remember that when you respect others, you are ultimately respecting yourself. You are honouring the Buddha-nature that resides within both yourself and every other being you encounter. This is the path to true liberation.

Namo Amituofo