The Nature of the Buddha and the Nature of the Demon

During the Thrice Yearning Ceremony held on the sixteenth of January, 2021, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided profound guidance on the nature of the Buddha and the nature of the demon. To walk the Buddha's path, one must keep one's thoughts aligned with the Buddha's thoughts. By doing so, you can break through the thoughts of a demon and transform your demonic actions into those of a practitioner.

The Shadow of the Demon

What is a demon? It is a state of being that is biased, crooked, and far from the Right Way. When we allow our hearts to be clouded by negativity, we fall into the trap of the demon. This manifests in several ways:

• Holding onto hatred and resentment: We harbour deep-seated grievances and dissatisfaction that poison our inner peace.
• Stubbornness: Our personalities become rigid and difficult to discipline, making us resistant to the Truth.
• Self-centredness: We act according to our own whims, refusing to change even when we are clearly in the wrong.
• Emotional volatility: We are prone to anger and rage, allowing our deep-seated habits to dictate our behaviour.
• Destructive desires: We force our own desires upon others while seeking to destroy what we dislike.
• Harmful actions: Ultimately, these behaviours cause immense suffering to both ourselves and others.

The Radiance of the Buddha

In contrast, what is a Buddha? To realise one's true nature and attain Buddhahood is to be completely free from the ego. A Buddha is one who has awakened themselves and is dedicated to awakening others, working tirelessly to save all beings from the cycle of rebirth. This path is defined by a heart that is vast and boundless:

• Selflessness: A Buddha has no sense of a separate self, acting only for the benefit of all beings.
• The Four Immeasurables: A Buddha embodies Compassion, Joy, and Selfless Giving, extending these virtues to every corner of the universe.
• Boundless Action: Every physical action taken by a Buddha is for the sake of all beings, creating a ripple of infinite, positive influence.

Aligning with the Buddha-heart

You may ask, how should one learn from the Buddha? The answer lies in the alignment of your entire being with the Buddha's presence. You must:

• Chant Namo Amituofo: Let the name of the Buddha be the constant focus of your mind.
• Align your heart with the Buddha-heart: Cultivate the same desire to understand and alleviate the suffering of all beings.
• Embrace the Forty-eight Great Vows: Make these vows your own, ensuring that your every action is directed toward the goal of entering the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

The Transformation of Karma

The Buddha has the power to subdue the demon and pacify the resentment that fuels it. It is important to remember that the Buddha is a being, and the demon is also a being. Both share the same original nature. The difference lies only in the choices made by the heart. When you let go of the heart and actions of a demon, the Buddha's path is naturally realised. By transforming your karma, you can attain the highest state of awakening. This teaching was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

Namo Amituofo