Understanding Suffering and Awakening the Heart

The Unveiling of Life’s Hidden Sorrows

How many people truly recognise the suffering of this world? Those who have never tasted suffering do not know what it is. Even those who have suffered often forget it once the pain has passed, as fleeting moments of happiness frequently cause people to lose sight of the hardships they have endured. A person who truly understands suffering will not forget the pain they have experienced simply because their current circumstances are smooth. Instead, they will be filled with gratitude and contentment, understanding that they must share what they have, cherish their blessings, and cultivate further merit.

In the eyes of the world, suffering takes many forms. The poor suffer from a lack of money, struggling daily to secure food and clothing. The wealthy, while possessing every material comfort, suffer from an inner emptiness, unable to find anything that truly satisfies the heart. Those who are caught in the Eight Sufferings know this pain well: the suffering of separation from loved ones, the suffering of not obtaining what one desires, the suffering of being with those one dislikes, the suffering of the five aggregates, and the suffering of birth, aging, sickness, and death. Yet, the ultimate suffering is to live without the teachings of the Buddha, sinking into the ocean of misery with no end in sight.

The Fleeting Shadows of Worldly Joy

Even for those who have achieved worldly success—those who have married, raised children, and attained the five blessings of a home, a car, a spouse, wealth, and children—the happiness they possess is, in its essence, also a form of suffering. Nothing in this world is permanent. Within the cycle of impermanence, joy and sorrow interweave to create the scenes of our different lives. Whether life is perceived as suffering or happiness depends entirely on the state of one's own mind.

Throughout countless eons, we have wandered through the six realms of rebirth, tasting every conceivable form of bitterness. Although we drink Meng Po’s soup and forget our past lives, the cycle of reincarnation continues, and we create new karma, ensuring that the cycle of suffering never ceases. Those who have never truly tasted suffering cannot describe its flavour; they cannot empathise with the pain of others. Even when they see others suffering, they watch as if it were merely a play, failing to develop the necessary discipline to change their ways.

We have shed tears like the vast ocean throughout our many lives, yet we have forgotten them all. Because we do not feel the weight of this suffering, it is difficult to generate the heart of renunciation. When the suffering described in the Buddha’s teachings cannot be felt within one's own heart, compassion remains veiled. In such a state, it is difficult to achieve Buddhahood. Even if one studies the Buddha’s teachings, one may only grasp the surface, failing to penetrate the heart and missing the opportunity for liberation and the realisation of one's true self.

The Noble Path of Compassionate Service

A person who truly understands suffering, even if they are wealthy, will see the suffering of others and feel it as their own. Compassion arises, and they seek the path of liberation through the Buddha’s teachings. Once they achieve success, they do not hesitate; they dedicate their body, mind, and spirit to the service of all beings. Such a disciple of the Buddha is rare and precious in this world. They are surely protected by the Dragon and Heaven Dharma Protectors and blessed by all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.

You have all gathered here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia, coming from Taiwan, Mainland China, Japan, and Hong Kong. You have arrived here due to different Causal Conditions and have overcome various challenges to be present. Perhaps you are here to seek the Truth, or perhaps you have endured the many sufferings of life and wish to find liberation, aspiring to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Some of you may be suffering from illness, aging, or physical weakness and seek healing; others may find your body and mind disturbed by confusion, karma, or the interference of spirits, and you seek the guidance of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to understand the causes and invite the spirits for Chao Du to leave suffering behind. Regardless of your reason, you must recognise the true nature of the six realms of rebirth to enter the Buddha’s teachings, receive their true benefits, and truly awaken your heart to save beings and be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

The Gradual Ascent of the Awakened Heart

Beyond the individual differences in our experiences of suffering and joy, Practitioner Su has repeatedly mentioned that one must open one's eyes to see the suffering of all beings to truly awaken the heart. Depending on the depth of your aspiration, your level of commitment will differ:

• The Heart of Diligent Practice: Striving to improve, catching up with the path, and overcoming various tests and difficulties.
• The Heart of Courage: Moving forward without retreat, regardless of how you are treated or the environment you are in.
• The Heart of Constant Progress: Changing your personality and habits, diligently practising the Precepts (Discipline), Concentration and Wisdom, and extinguishing greed, anger, and delusion.
• The Heart of Service: Contributing money, effort, or time to the temple, working in harmony with others to complete the work of the bodhimanda.
• The Heart of Awakening and Saving Beings: The most important aspiration—to realise your true self, save beings from suffering, and help them be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is the root and foundation of Buddhist practice and the very spirit of the Great Vehicle.

The Eternal Return to Our Original Nature

The value of your aspiration lies in sincerity and true practice. If you do not practise sincerely, your heart will remain clouded by impurities, making it difficult to achieve your goals. A pure heart, acting without attachment, is the True Suchness. By understanding suffering, awakening the heart, and living the vows, you can leave suffering behind. True liberation is the recovery of your original, true self.

Within your true self lies the eternal joy, the true self, and the purity that is always tranquil and free from waves of emotion. That is the unchanging, eternal happiness of your true self. The Buddha is compassionate; Namo Amituofo waits in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss for all of you and for the infinite spirits connected by karmic affinity to leave suffering behind and return home.

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

Namo Amituofo