Advancement and Retreat in the Path of Practice

The Mirror of Personal Practice

When we speak of advancement and retreat in our spiritual journey, we must understand that this is a matter for self-reflection. It is not a metric to be used for comparing ourselves with others. As a practitioner, your primary responsibility is to realise your true nature, save yourself, and contribute to saving the world. This is the sacred duty you have undertaken.

During your diligent practice, it is entirely normal to experience both progress and setbacks. These fluctuations are not external events; they are internal states of being. You must learn to evaluate your advancement or retreat based solely on the condition of your own heart.

The Heart as the Gauge of Progress

The state of your heart is the ultimate indicator of your spiritual standing:

• When your heart is pure, you are advancing on the path.When your heart is stained by the Five Poisons or the Five Desires, you are retreating.

Because we live in a world defined by impermanence, there is no such thing as standing still. If you are not actively advancing, you are inevitably retreating. This is why the journey requires constant vigilance and a steady, forward-moving intention.

Navigating the Cycles of Impermanence

The path of practice is often a cycle of movement and adjustment. You must keep moving forward, walking straight ahead with unwavering focus. If you encounter a test on your journey and find yourself retreating, do not be discouraged. Instead, face the obstacle directly, break through the barrier, and resume your progress. By repeatedly breaking through these tests, you will eventually reach the moment when you realise your true nature.

The Stillness of the Awakened Being

Only the realisation of your true nature is the absolute Truth. Once you have attained this state, your heart will remain still and unmoved, regardless of external circumstances. For those who have realised their true nature, advancement and retreat become natural, effortless movements. They walk upon the righteous path without ever deviating.

This state of being is natural and authentic. True freedom and ease arise from this inner stillness. Only when you have achieved this can you truly stand independent, fully capable of saving yourself and saving the world. Realising your true nature is a task for the present moment; you must be active, courageous, and vigorous in your pursuit. Let your practice be an act of repaying the kindness of the Buddhas as you seek to return to your original, true self.

Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.