During the solemn proceedings of the , as we invite spirits to join us in the , we are blessed with the compassionate guidance of . This discourse, recorded by Venerable HaiZe, serves as a vital reminder for all practitioners who seek to leave suffering behind and find true happiness. It is a call to action, urging us to look beyond the surface of our daily lives and focus on the ultimate goal of our practice.
Namo Amituofo addresses us as children, reminding us that our time in this world is limited. The physical body we inhabit is not our permanent home; it is a temporary vessel. A wise person understands that this borrowed, fragile form is a precious opportunity. It is a tool that we must use to cultivate our true self—that which is infinite and eternal. To live for the sake of alone is to be lost in the cycle of rebirth, but to live for the sake of the true self is the path of the wise.
The False and the Eternal
Many beings remain deeply attached to this physical body, mistaking it for their true identity. However, we must understand the nature of this existence: The physical body is subject to the laws of impermanence. It ages, it degenerates, and it is constantly changing. It is the result of Causal Conditions and is driven by the momentum of our past . Because it is always in flux, it is not the truth. The true self is unchanging. It is a state of meditative concentration that remains untouched by external circumstances. It does not rise or fall with the shifting tides of the world. Once you understand this distinction, you will no longer be swayed by the illusions of the material world. When you grasp this truth, you will find the clarity to dedicate your life to the work of True Cultivation.
The Path of Unwavering Dedication
When you encounter opportunities to help other beings break through delusion and attain , do not hesitate. Just go straight ahead. When you find ways to help yourself and others rediscover the true self, do not waver. Just go straight ahead. This is the essence of our practice: to act with a heart of , unburdened by the ego or the concerns of the temporary self.
As you progress and become an awakened being, the Six Roots—our eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind—will begin to function in a profound and different way. This is not a mystical transformation for its own sake, but a natural result of your purification.
The Purification of
When your eyes are used to see what is beneficial for all beings, your vision will naturally expand. You will see deeper and further than ever before, eventually reaching the clarity of the five eyes. Similarly, when your ears are used to listen for the needs of others and to receive the Dharma, your hearing will transcend the limitations of the present moment. You will eventually be able to hear the sounds of the past, present, and future.
The secret to this development is simple yet profound: Use your Six Roots to serve the greater good of all beings. Whenever you see an opportunity to perform an act of Goodness, do it immediately. By consistently acting for the benefit of others, you help your Six Roots become fully clear and unobstructed. This is what it means to use the false to cultivate the true. It is the practice of knowing the infinite and understanding the boundless. By dedicating every moment to the welfare of others, you are walking the path of the Buddhas. Therefore, do not let your time pass in vain. Keep your heart focused, keep your vows firm, and just go straight ahead.
