How many practitioners truly understand the depth of the Buddha’s teachings? It is a common occurrence for many to know only the surface of the , while remaining ignorant of its profound essence. When the path of practice becomes difficult, or when one’s expectations are not met, the practitioner may begin to doubt the Buddha. In extreme cases, they may even slander the Buddha, abandon their practice, or turn toward misguided paths. This is a truly regrettable outcome.
When you find yourself in such a state, it is vital that you listen to the words of a true spiritual friend. If you have encountered obstacles, it is almost certain that there is a part of your practice that is not in accordance with the Dharma. If you can truly repent, change your ways, and shift your focus, you will still receive the Buddha’s and see your wishes fulfilled.
The Immutable Law of
The Buddha does not hold onto the mistakes of His children. He does not stop caring for you simply because you have committed errors or spoken ill of the Dharma in the past. However, the Buddha is the embodiment of the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. If you act in ways that contradict these principles, and if, after receiving guidance and teachings, you still refuse to repent or change your ways, you will find it difficult to escape the suffering caused by the laws of karma and cause and effect.
It is not that the Buddha refuses to save you. Rather, the laws of karma and cause and effect are the fundamental rules of the universe. Everyone must abide by them, and no beings are exempt. The Buddha can teach you how to avoid making mistakes, but He cannot do the work for you. You must rely on your own strength to walk the path. The Buddha cannot create causes or receive the consequences on your behalf, nor can He suffer the pain of your for you. Whether the outcome is good or bad, it is something you have created and must experience yourself.
The Necessity of Personal Effort
Therefore, my children, please be cautious in your speech and actions. Do not simply follow your own desires, for that is often the manifestation of your past karma. When you act on impulse, you are merely creating another cycle of karmic retribution, leading to negative causes, evil consequences, and profound suffering. It is a great pity to be in a place where the Buddha resides, to receive His teachings, and yet fail to put them into practice, ultimately leading to unnecessary suffering.
The most important thing you can do at this moment is to cultivate a heart of sincere repentance and resolve to change your ways. This is your opportunity to start anew. As long as you bring forth a sincere heart, it is never too late. Even if your first attempt at repenting lacks true sincerity, or your second attempt feels incomplete, do not be discouraged. If you persist until your third attempt, where your true heart finally manifests, you will be able to change your ways and ensure you do not repeat the same mistakes. All of your efforts will then be worth it.
The Urgency of Time
Life is limited, and the suffering of beings is endless. Do you truly have so much time to waste, making the same mistakes over and over again, only to repent and repeat the cycle? Are there not countless beings who cannot wait for your salvation? If you lose this precious opportunity to be saved and reborn in the of Ultimate Bliss, you will fall back into the cycle of being reincarnated. In that cycle, the suffering is truly beyond words.
My children, do not lose your faith in the Buddha simply because you have strayed from the path for a moment. Do not blame the Buddha because of your aging, your sickness, or your hardships. The Buddha remains unaffected by your doubts, and He does not blame you, for He knows that you are suffering. However, the laws of karma and cause and effect will not stop, slow down, or overlook your actions simply because you are in pain. They continue to operate with absolute clarity, recording every thought and deed. When the conditions mature, you will inevitably taste the bitter fruits of your actions:
The suffering of aging, sickness, and death.
The suffering of being unable to master your own body and mind.
The suffering of being unable to take charge of your own destiny.
Although the Buddha does not wish to see you suffer, He cannot prevent it, as all these experiences are the result of your own actions. At such times, the Buddha and your true spiritual friends will continue to tell you what to do, without ever growing weary. I ask you to listen, to stop throwing tantrums, to stop being stubborn, and to stop acting on your own whims. Do not let your desires or your demon nature control you, for that will only lead to further karmic retribution.
The Path to
My children, please believe in the words of the Buddha so that you may avoid suffering. Engage in your practice with a sincere heart:
Chant Buddha's name with a sincere, focused, and repentant heart.
Perform prostrations to the Buddha with a sincere, focused, and repentant heart.
Recite the Sutras with a sincere, focused, and repentant heart.
This is when the Buddha can best bless you and provide the help you need. When you are in the presence of the Buddha, you must have faith and you must truly practise; only then will you surely reap the rewards. I look forward to your repenting, your change of heart, and your diligent practice. May you soon become an awakened being, join the Buddha in saving all beings, and together be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
