True gold fears no fire. This ancient wisdom reminds us that if something is truly pure gold, it will not be destroyed by the furnace. In fact, the more intense the flames become, the more the gold is refined, causing it to radiate an even brighter and more magnificent light. Spiritual practice is exactly the same.
The Crucible of Spiritual Practice
To study the Buddha’s teachings and enter the path of practice is a noble endeavour. However, to be able to withstand the various trials and tests that life presents, and to persist until one finally realises one's true nature, is truly not an easy task. It requires the same resilience as gold being tested in the fire.
In this current age of the ’s decline, where the path to spiritual achievement is fraught with obstacles, it is rare to find a practitioner who can remain steadfast.
The Journey of Practitioner Su
Practitioner Su has manifested the achievement of in this difficult era. Working alongside , Practitioner Su performs the work of spiritual deliverance, helping sentient beings reach the of Ultimate Bliss or ascend to the realms of humans and heavenly beings. This ability to perform through the is one of the many ways in which Practitioner Su works to save the world and rescue suffering beings.
The process of seeking the Dharma is long and arduous. It requires a resolute heart, unwavering determination, and the courage to stand firm despite the opinions of others. It is only through thirty years of persistent effort and diligent practice that Practitioner Su has attained the achievement of the Dharma Body. With a keen and sensitive power of observation, Practitioner Su has witnessed the rise and fall of the human heart within the bodhimanda. By detaching from the seven emotions and the , Practitioner Su has washed away the dust of worldly attachments.
The Compassionate Sacrifice
Seeing the immense suffering of all kinds of beings has only deepened Practitioner Su’s vow to save them. This vow is clearly manifested in every action taken. In the course of practice, Practitioner Su has faithfully upheld the teachings found in The Infinite Life Sutra, following the path step by step and putting every word into practice. This way of living is a model for us all.
The most magnificent aspect of this practice is the willingness to take on the suffering of others without a single complaint or regret. This is the most direct and clear manifestation of the Buddha-heart in the work of saving beings. People in this world generally view their physical bodies as extremely important. If they suffer from illness or injury, they immediately seek medical treatment to heal their illnesses. However, Practitioner Su understands clearly that sentient beings only have the opportunity to be saved through the medium of this physical body. This is a matter of Dharma affinity. Since the connection has been made, these spirits must have a way to be released. Therefore, Practitioner Su willingly accepts the reality of bearing the suffering of others.
A Beacon for the Fourfold Assembly
Those who can take on the suffering of others for their sake are truly embodying the heart and actions of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. By clearly recognising that this physical body is temporary, while the act of relieving the suffering of others is a true and lasting benefit, Practitioner Su has gained a profound understanding of the truth. Every experience serves to increase wisdom and benefit an infinite number of beings. Practitioner Su is a true practitioner of , wisdom, , and giving, which makes the existence of this physical body both unique and precious.
True gold fears no fire. This rare and magnificent awakened being should be cherished, respected, and studied by all. It is my hope that the fourfold assembly of disciples and all beings can understand this, learn from this example, protect this path, and draw close to it. Doing so will surely be of great help in your own journey toward realising your true nature and achieving rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
