The Wisdom of Change: Teachings from Skanda Bodhisattva

The Fluidity of Awakened Wisdom

The wisdom of those who have realised their true nature is truly boundless. Because this wisdom is not confined by rigid structures, it manifests in a way where there is a Dharma, yet no fixed method. This fluidity exists because the world we inhabit is not a static, unchanging landscape. Instead, the environment, the people, and the circumstances we encounter are in a state of constant, ceaseless flux. This is the true nature of the world.

An awakened being perceives every situation with absolute clarity. When they offer guidance or adopt a specific approach, it is perfectly suited to the conditions of that exact moment. However, because the next minute or even the next second may bring entirely different circumstances, the previous method may no longer be applicable. Therefore, the awakened being will immediately shift their approach or teaching to respond to the changes unfolding before them. This is the essence of true responsiveness.

Overcoming the Ego through Flexibility

Sometimes, those who are listening or those tasked with executing these instructions may feel confused. They might wonder, "Why did you say one thing just a moment ago, and now you are saying something entirely different?" Because of this doubt, they may hesitate to act, thereby missing the opportunity to learn and adapt. If the listener or the practitioner possesses true awareness and a deep, intuitive rapport with the teacher, they will immediately embrace the change. By following the guidance of the awakened being without hesitation, they can complete the task with the greatest speed and efficiency.

The difficulty often lies in clinging to one's own perspective or becoming fixated on the change itself. When we struggle to let go of the thought, "But you said this before," we find it hard to cooperate or complete the work. In truth, these moments of shifting guidance serve as a vital training ground. They are designed to help the listener or practitioner remove their own views and ego-attachment.

The Importance of Diligent Practice

It is rare to encounter a practitioner in this world who has reached the state of Awakening. To meet such a person, and furthermore, to have the opportunity to seek the Dharma from them, is an even greater rarity. How much more precious, then, is the chance to follow an awakened being, to learn by their side, and to listen to the teachings of the Buddha! You should strive to elevate the quality of your practice and your spiritual life. By doing so, you can cherish your time and, in every passing moment, apply the methods you have learned from the awakened being to help yourself reach Awakening sooner.

To the fourfold assembly of disciples: this rare and difficult-to-encounter opportunity is right before your eyes. Furthermore, you have the benefit of Namo Amituofo truly abiding here, with the Teacher always by your side to provide support and blessings. In such an environment, nurtured by the constant influence of the Dharma, you should manifest the proper conduct of a practitioner. You must strive to be completely free of your own personal habits and selfishness.

• Habits are Karma: Your personal habits and ego are, in themselves, a form of karma.
• Attracting Creditors: These habits act as a beacon, attracting karmic creditors who rely on these very traits to manifest in your life.
• A Vital Lesson: For any practitioner, changing one's personality and habits must be treated as a primary, essential lesson.
• Prescribing the Medicine: Only by addressing these traits can you prescribe the right medicine for your own problems and keep pace with the work of Practitioner Su in saving beings.

The Mercy of Spiritual Deliverance

Recently, the physical body of Practitioner Su has suffered skin injuries due to the spiritual attachment of beings from the earth, which occurred while performing Chao Du to seek rain. When Skanda Bodhisattva and others assist in inviting these beings to leave, they also invite the many karmic creditors that Practitioner Su has taken on over the past twenty years while resolving conflicts and performing Chao Du for the sake of all beings. We are still in the process of inviting these beings to depart, and one can only imagine how countless they are.

Unlike the beings from the earth or typical attached spirits, these beings are invited out with a sense of peace and willingness, without a single complaint. This is because they have spent months and years within the body of Practitioner Su. They have been nurtured by the pure, unpolluted, cool, and wise environment of an awakened being. Moreover, having listened to the Dharma taught by Practitioner Su, they have long since shed the resentment and hatred they held when they first attached themselves. Now, as they are invited to the Dharma-Nature Land and subsequently enter the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, they receive the magnificent reward that comes when one's good roots, blessings, and Causal Conditions have fully matured.

The Power of the Buddha-Name

It is certain that these beings must have accumulated merit and virtue in their past lives. They must have practised great Generosity toward the Buddha's teachings and formed a magnificent Dharma affinity with Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su. It is only because the Buddha-name has once passed through their ears that they can now receive the fruit of rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Therefore, whether you are a Venerable or a lay practitioner, you must cherish every opportunity to chant the name of Namo Amituofo, perform Chao Du, and engage in Generosity to broaden your Dharma affinities.

These subtle and magnificent connections are vital. When the conditions mature in some future time, even through indirect relationships, these affinities may be the very thing that helps you achieve rebirth in the Western Pure Land, fulfilling the deep vows you have made throughout your many lives.

The Core of the Dharma

The reason so many beings in the Dharma Realm receive the benefits of the Dharma and are filled with Dharma joy after listening to the lectures of Practitioner Su is that the teachings are direct and profound. They are free of redundant words, possessing both depth and breadth. Practitioner Su clearly understands the problems of all beings and points directly to the core of the issue. This allows the listeners to have an "Aha!" moment, where they realise their past mistakes and the negative karma they have created, which led to their suffering and evil consequences.

Such teachings flow from the inexhaustible spring of wisdom of an awakened being, washing away the filth in the hearts of beings. Only when one truly understands their own problems can they give rise to a sincere heart of repentance. This is why, at every lecture, there are beings from the Dharma Realm and those present who find themselves unable to control their emotions, kneeling on the ground to repent and weep.

A Final Exhortation

To the karmic creditors and attached spirits residing within the fourfold assembly of disciples: you should let go of your mutual grievances. Allow the disciples to listen to the Dharma in peace. By doing so, you yourselves will receive the benefits of the Dharma and be released from your suffering and sorrow. Here, in this Buddha-land, there is always an opportunity to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. If you can make this change, it will bring immense benefit to both the disciples and the karmic creditors and attached spirits alike.

Namo Amituofo.

This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.