The Essence of Practice

The Many Facets of Human Action

Practice manifests in a multitude of forms throughout our lives. Often, we act out of habit or necessity without truly understanding the direction of our efforts. We may act for the sake of the physical body, for the accumulation of wealth, or to satisfy our endless desires and thoughts. However, true practice begins when we shift our focus. We must learn to act in order to seek the Dharma and to fulfil our sacred vows. When we realise we have made mistakes, we must act to correct them. Most importantly, we must act with the singular purpose of helping all beings leave suffering behind and find their way to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Worldly Actions Versus Transcendent Practice

In this world, most of our actions are driven by self-interest. We act to satisfy our own needs and desires, and only when we have a surplus do we consider performing acts of Goodness. Yet, there is a profound difference between worldly charity and the practice of the Dharma. When we engage in giving, we must examine our intentions:

• Blessings: If we give while remaining attached to the appearance of the act, if we seek something in return, or if we desire recognition for our generosity, we are merely accumulating Blessings.
• Merit: If we give without attachment to appearances, without seeking anything in return, and without the need for fame, we are cultivating true Merit.

The Path to Awakening

The transcendent path of practice requires us to go beyond the world. Within our daily practice, we must work diligently to remove the "self," personal ego, and selfishness. We must strive until we are completely free from the "self," personal ego, and selfishness. Only then can we become an awakened being, free from the cycle of creating karma through biased actions. As we accumulate Merit and cultivate Virtue, we must dedicate ourselves to the broad work of saving beings and helping them leave suffering behind. By maintaining a steady and peaceful mind, we can chant Buddha's name with ease and ensure our rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This teaching was recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe.