The Path to True Self-Mastery

The Essence of Spiritual Autonomy

True self-mastery is the ability to remain steadfast in any situation. It means that your true self remains in command, ensuring that your body, heart, and actions are always aligned with the Truth and the Right Way. When you possess this quality, you are not influenced or controlled by external spirits or spiritual attachment. Only those who have realised their true nature can truly live a life of self-mastery. This is because they have transcended the limitations of the ego and the confusion of the material world.

The Security of an Awakened Spirit

The most secure and protected state of being is that of an awakened spirit. Such a spirit is fully in control, using the physical body as a vessel to save the world and rescue beings. By following the Right Way, they avoid the pitfalls of bias and do not create further negative karma. The benefits of this awakened state include:

• The ability to remain entirely in control of one's own spiritual destiny.
• The capacity to use the physical body as a tool for the benefit of all beings.
• The strength to walk the Right Way without deviation.
• The avoidance of creating new negative karma that would otherwise bind one to the cycle of being reincarnated.

Breaking Free from Karmic Bonds

Self-mastery is fundamentally different from the state of being influenced by karmic creditors. When one is burdened by the demands of past karma, the body and heart cannot be the master. Instead, everything proceeds within a cycle of negativity and suffering. In such a state, one is often driven by the unresolved grievances of the past, making it impossible to find true peace or clarity.

The Freedom of a Pure Spirit

Self-mastery means you are no longer controlled by external forces; it is the natural unfolding of a pure spirit. When you achieve this, you can express the sincere voice of your heart, ensuring your actions are upright and free from deviation. This is the life that allows you to break free from the cycle of being reincarnated. You can truly make progress on the Buddha's path, realise your true nature, and achieve freedom over life and death. You will be able to save yourself and other beings, guiding them to rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, and moving freely between this world and the Western Land. This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe, who served as the chief writer.