The Wisdom of Discernment: Teachings from Namo Amituofo
A Discourse Recorded by Venerable HaiZe on 30 January 2022
Unravelling the Threads of
In this world, the grievances and debts between people are often difficult to distinguish clearly, for the laws of karma and cause and effect are woven deeply into every interaction. When we lack the clarity of wisdom, we become entangled in these webs of resentment and misunderstanding, unable to see the true source of our suffering.
Those who possess the wisdom of discernment are able to see clearly that the essence of this world is suffering and illusion. Because they understand this, they choose to resolve these grievances through . They use their vast mind-capacity to embrace everything that happens, whether it is pleasant or painful. Although this is not easy to achieve, if you can truly cultivate such a heart, you will be able to bring an end to the cycle of resentment and dissatisfaction that plagues your life.
Seeing Through the Illusion of the World
If a practitioner can reach the state of , they will be able to see through the world entirely. They will realise that all phenomena are inseparable from suffering and illusion. By doing so, they will no longer be confused or entangled by the worldly emotions and desires that bind us to the cycle of rebirth. These include:
- The Seven Emotions: , anger, sorrow, happiness, love, hatred, and desire.
- The : Wealth, lust, fame, food, and sleep.
Because the practitioner sees through the world, they know that it is an illusion. If you take these things to be real, you will inevitably experience suffering. By understanding that all things arise and perish according to Causal Conditions, you will naturally stop clinging to them and stop trying to possess them. Instead, you will be free to practise the Six Perfections.
The Path of the Six Perfections
The Six Perfections are the essential practices that lead a practitioner toward the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. They are:
- Generosity: Giving freely of your resources, time, and to benefit others.
- Discipline: Maintaining the to keep your body, speech, and mind pure.
- Patience: Enduring hardship and provocation without anger or retaliation.
- Diligent Practice: Applying yourself with unwavering effort to your spiritual path.
- Meditation: Cultivating a state of deep, undisturbed concentration.
- Wisdom: Developing the profound insight that perceives the true nature of reality.
When you practise these Six Perfections thoroughly, you will be able to understand the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, and walk the righteous path without deviation. Your true nature will naturally manifest, and you will know exactly what is right and what is wrong. You will understand what should be done and what should be avoided, allowing you to live without creating negative karma. You will enter a state of pure goodness, where you continue to purify your heart and refine your virtues, eventually leading to becoming an awakened being.
The Radiance of the
After becoming an awakened being, you will be able to walk in this world to save beings without being confused or led astray by the myriad states of the world. You will be able to live a life of coolness and ease. By raising the quality of your spirit, you can use the power of your spirit to bring about positive changes in your physical body. This leads to harmony of body, mind, and spirit, allowing you to live with a clear conscience and a peaceful heart.
Ultimately, you will attain the Dharma Body. You will be able to widely perform to guide beings to the of Ultimate Bliss. This is the noble work of saving the world and rescuing beings, so that we may all return together to the Western Pure Land. Namo Amituofo.
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library