Learning to Realise One's True Nature

The Model of the Awakened Being

In the human world, those who have realised their true nature serve as the finest models for our study of the Buddha’s teachings. Their state of being is one of profound coolness and liberation. They are free from the burdens of aging and sickness, and they possess the remarkable skill to travel freely back to the Western Pure Land. Witnessing such mastery, we as later practitioners feel a deep aspiration to follow in their footsteps. We wish to learn from their experience of realising their true nature, walking firmly and steadily toward our own goal.

The Path of Steadfast Practice

Even when you encounter heavy obstacles or tests during your practice, you must overcome these barriers and continue moving forward without hesitation. A wise practitioner understands that every test is a pivotal moment. When these challenges manifest, they determine the direction of your spiritual journey. You must be vigilant, for these moments are the critical juncture where your practice will either advance, retreat, or remain stagnant.

Navigating the Crossroads of Practice

Your progress depends entirely on how you respond to the challenges that arise in your daily life. Consider the three possible outcomes of your efforts:

• Advancing: If you can step-by-step overcome the "self," personal ego, and selfishness, and if you can truly change your ways and break through your limitations, your practice will advance, and you will reap the fruit of realising your true nature.
• Retreating: If you follow the pull of your past karma and allow your actions, speech, and thoughts to be governed by your original "self," personal ego, and selfishness, your practice will retreat. You will find yourself drifting further and further away from the state of realising your true nature.
• Stagnating: If you lack awareness, fail to put the teachings into genuine action, and show no real change in your character, you will remain exactly where you are. In such a state, the goal of realising your true nature will remain a distant and unreachable dream.

We must therefore be diligent in our daily practice, constantly refining our Body, Speech, and Mind to align with the Truth. By doing so, we ensure that every moment is a step closer to the Western Pure Land, where Namo Amituofo truly abides. This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.