Knowing Yourself: The Path of Self-Reflection

The Discomfort of Transformation

In the process of spiritual practice, the most essential task is to truly know yourself and to adjust your heart and actions accordingly. When you step away from the familiar comforts of your secular life, you may find that your old ways of thinking and behaving are no longer suitable for the path of awakening. You might even discover facets of your personality that you have never encountered before, leading to internal contradictions and self-doubt. You may find yourself unsure of how to face these new challenges. If your willpower is not firm and your vow is not strong, you might even feel the urge to retreat from your practice.

At such a critical juncture, the guidance and assistance of a true spiritual friend are absolutely necessary. They provide the light needed to navigate the shadows of your own mind.

Navigating the Shift from Karma to Dharma

In your past life within the secular world, you were accustomed to following the flow of karma. Everything around you—the people, the events, the objects, and even your own sense of self—was caught in the cycle of karmic conditions and the causes and effects. You were constantly navigating a web of seeking to collect debts from others, repaying debts you owed to others, repaying kindnesses received, and resolving grievances and resentments.

However, when you enter the path of practice, you are no longer drifting in this cycle. Instead, you are guided by the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. This requires a fundamental shift in how you live.

The Foundation of Humility

To walk this path, you must observe the Precepts and align your daily life with the schedule of the temple and the monastic community. The situations you encounter and the conditions you face are entirely different from those in your past life. Consequently, you must learn how to interact with others all over again. In this environment, there is no hierarchy of high or low, superior or inferior. Instead, you must cultivate the qualities of being humble and modest in all your interactions, a willingness to learn from everyone you meet, and a spirit of cooperation rather than competition.

By letting go of your ego, you create the space necessary for your true nature to shine through.

The Ultimate Goal: Selflessness

Therefore, throughout the process of practice and purification, you must make a firm vow to adjust your heart and actions. You must clearly recognise your role and your responsibilities within the community. You should constantly examine yourself with these questions: Am I truly Living the Vows: The Direct Way to Enlightenment? Am I following the teachings of the Buddha? Am I actively working to change your ways and correct my past mistakes?

This is the work of a dedicated practitioner. By consistently engaging in this self-reflection, you will eventually be able to enter the state of letting go of the self, reaching the state of no-self, and ultimately, achieving a state of complete selflessness. Namo Amituofo.