What is Truly Good?

Amitabha Buddha's discourse, recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe, on the seventeenth of March, two thousand and twenty-three.

The Mirage of Worldly Success

People in this world pursue what they perceive as good. Perfection and completeness are seen as affirmations of the self and the value of being alive. No matter how much one is affirmed or how valuable one feels, if these efforts only serve to benefit oneself and enhance one's own value and self-affirmation, then at the end of life, everything is empty; nothing can be taken away. If the value of living is dedicated to the selfless service of the masses and the benefit of all beings, rather than existing in this world solely for oneself, then such an existence is truly valuable.

The Preciousness of Every Breath

Life is so fragile. When the breath stops, one must face the consequences of leaving the human world. For the sake of this single breath, how many beings are struggling to stay alive? Even when they suffer greatly, they still strive to hold onto this breath. Therefore, you must cherish every breath of life. Even if you use just one breath to chant a sincere and earnest Buddha-name, it is far better than letting that breath pass by in vain.

Elevating the Spirit

Let your heart not be led by the sensations of the body to suffer greatly, and do not let the "self," personal ego, and selfishness cause you to create karma. Elevate the quality of your spirit and rediscover your true self. This kind of Goodness cannot be replaced by others; you must rely on yourself to grow and receive it, and you will be the one to benefit.

The Path of Selfless Service

True Goodness is to do everything for the sake of all beings. To be able to serve others sincerely and selflessly without seeking a reward is not merely about being good yourself or achieving personal success; it is about being able to save yourself and save others, to end the cycle of being reincarnated, to enter the Western Land, and even to be willing to sacrifice yourself so that others may be well. If you lack the ability or achievement, neither you nor others will have the opportunity for liberation and rebirth in the Western Pure Land!

The Foundation of Diligent Practice

Everything must begin with your own active and persistent practice; only then can you be good, and help others be even better! Namo Amituofo.