The Path of Diligent Practice

The Eternal Call to Diligent Practice

Diligent practice is a fundamental duty that every practitioner must uphold. It is the essential path for those who seek to reach Awakening, realise their true self, and ultimately attain Buddhahood. Even those who have already attained Awakening must continue to demonstrate this diligence, serving as a living example for all beings to follow. Why must they continue to practise even after reaching such a high state? It is because they see the infinite suffering of all beings. Their hearts and actions, driven by the vow to help all beings leave suffering behind, never cease. If even an awakened being must remain diligent, how much more so must those of us who have not yet reached that state? We must never allow our efforts to falter or stop.

Cherishing Every Moment at Hsiang Kuang

You must clearly understand this truth and hold it firmly in your heart. When you possess this deep recognition, you will naturally learn to cherish every minute and every second of your life. This is especially true when you are at Hsiang Kuang: A Sacred Sanctuary. Do not let your time here pass in vain. Every single time you chant the Buddha-name, it is a precious investment in your own liberation. Every moment spent in this pure environment is an opportunity to move closer to your true self.

The Obstacle of the Ego

Many members of the fourfold assembly of disciples long to hear the Buddha’s words directly, yet they find themselves unable to manifest this ability. The reason for this is simple: your purification is not yet sufficient. When you receive the Buddha’s words, the teachings of your teachers, or the counseling provided by Practitioner Su, how do you respond? If you do not accept these teachings directly, but instead begin to transform them through your own thinking—analysing whether they are reasonable or whether they are truly so—you have already allowed your ego-attachment and personal views to interfere. These thoughts are forms of pollution. How can you expect to achieve a state of purity when your mind is clouded by such analysis?

The Power of Direct Acceptance

You must understand that the words spoken by Namo Amituofo, by your teachers, and by Practitioner Su, who is an awakened being, all flow directly from the true self. When you accept these teachings immediately and without hesitation, you are actively purifying your Body, Speech, and Mind. This direct acceptance provides immense assistance in your journey toward early purification. From this, you can see that there is a world of difference between the effect of a mind that is constantly generating thoughts and a mind that remains still. This is precisely why Namo Amituofo, your teachers, and Practitioner Su constantly remind the fourfold assembly of disciples not to generate unnecessary thoughts.

Overcoming the Drowsiness of the Mind

The fourfold assembly of disciples must be willing to face these truths and learn to listen. When you are able to overcome the drowsiness that you cannot seem to control, and when you can remain awake and alert while entering the space of the temple, your practice will see long-term, significant progress. Do not let your mind drift into the shadows of confusion. Stay present, stay focused, and remain diligent in your practice. Namo Amituofo.