The Essence of Patience in Practice

The Journey of Returning Home

In this world, people are often lost within the swirling dust of worldly affairs. We are deeply stained by the impurities of our environment, and we have become strangers to our own true self. Because we do not learn the Dharma, we do not know how to navigate the complexities of life. However, once you come to know the Truth, you must strive to act in accordance with the Dharma. Seeking to rediscover your true self is the very essence of the process of practice.

Because the depth of our confusion varies, the journey back to our true self is different for everyone. For some, it is a path of ease; for others, it is fraught with difficulty. Why is this so? It is often because the 'self,' personal ego, and selfishness are so difficult to change. When the manifestation of karma occurs and our karmic creditors appear, the path becomes arduous. We encounter many obstacles, and the ease with which one reaches an awakened being depends entirely on whether one has the good fortune to encounter a good teacher.

The Guidance of a Good Teacher

If you have a good teacher to guide you, even when you encounter difficult situations or reach a dead end, you will receive the necessary reminders to change your ways. Through this guidance, you can resolve the conflict, make steady progress, and achieve the purification of your heart, eventually leading to an awakened being. Without such guidance, we are often left to wander in the dark, unable to see the path forward.

The True Meaning of Patience

When we speak of Patience (Endurance) in the context of practice, it is not merely about gritting one's teeth. Rather, it is the foundation for cultivating compassion and expanding your mind-capacity. True Patience means that you use your compassion, your vast mind-capacity, and your ability to embrace whatever happens in your life without harboring any dissatisfaction or resentment. This is the clear sign that your practice is making genuine progress.

Consider the Chinese character for Patience: it is composed of a knife positioned over the heart. If you are merely suppressing your feelings, you are essentially holding a knife over your own heart. When you practise this kind of 'patience,' you may still have:

• Internal feelings of resentment or bitterness
• A sense of being wronged or treated unfairly
• A stubborn refusal to accept the situation
• A hidden, simmering dissatisfaction

When these emotions are not truly resolved but merely suppressed, this 'patience' becomes a destructive force. It is like a bomb waiting to detonate. When it finally explodes, it will harm both you and those around you. This is not the true meaning of Patience (Endurance) in the Dharma.

Transforming the Self

To truly practise, you must change the 'self,' personal ego, and selfishness. You must be willing to turn your heart around and engage in the practice of repenting for your past deeds. By doing so, you can resolve the karma and the obstacles that stand in your way. My disciples, you must discern these truths clearly and put them into practice with a sincere heart.

Namo Amituofo