Walking the Righteous Path and the Buddha's Path

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe.

The Righteous Path and the Buddha's path are both expressions of the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. Depending on the individual, the timing, the location, and the karmic conditions, one may find oneself walking upon different paths. It is essential to understand that these paths are not arbitrary; they are reflections of the inner state of our hearts.

The Duality of Paths

Where there is the Buddha's path, there is also the demon path. Where there is the righteous path, there is also the deviant path. These different paths arise from different states of the heart, and they lead us to practise different forms of Dharma. Consider the following distinctions:

• If you possess a Buddha-heart and follow the Buddha’s teachings, you will naturally walk upon the Buddha's path.
• If you possess a demon-heart and follow the path of magic, you will naturally walk upon the demon path.
• If you possess a righteous heart and follow the True Teachings, you will naturally walk upon the righteous path.
• If you possess a deviant heart and follow the path of delusion, you will naturally walk upon the deviant path.

Because the Dharma arises from the heart, it is the heart that determines which path you are walking upon. This is not something that can be artificially manufactured or dictated by any being; it is a fundamental aspect of the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. This is precisely why the Buddha’s teachings encourage everyone to put in the work within their own hearts.

The Profound Silence of the Buddha

The Buddha’s teachings are the methods that Shakyamuni Buddha used to teach the world for forty-nine years. Yet, it is recorded that Shakyamuni Buddha once said that he had not taught a single Dharma. Why would he say such a thing? It is because the Dharma he taught is, in its essence, the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. It exists inherently, yet it can also be considered as having no form at all.

Living in Harmony with the Universal Principle

All forms of Dharma arise because of the heart, and they are spoken only because of the needs of beings. When a person has realised their true nature, they can move freely and act in accordance with the situation, yet they never depart from the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. They are like a clear mirror, reflecting the truth of the universe without being stained by it. We must strive to cultivate such a heart, ensuring that every step we take is aligned with the righteous path and the Buddha's path, ultimately leading us to leave suffering behind and find true happiness. Namo Amituofo.