The Power of Perseverance on the Path to Awakening

My dear children,

We currently reside within the Five Turbidities and Evil World, a place where countless obstacles obscure the truth and make the path difficult to discern. However, the practice of Buddhism offers a profound way to save oneself and others from this confusion.

The Rare Light in a Turbid World

The magnificence of learning the Buddha's teachings lies in the rarity of the opportunity. It is incredibly difficult to encounter a true Buddha, a compassionate teacher, and a true spiritual friend in this lifetime. If you are fortunate enough to meet them, it is like finding a guiding light while wandering through the dark, endless cycle of reincarnated life. This light finally guides you out of the shadows, allowing you to leave the cycle of birth and death behind. It provides the hope and the clear path to see your true nature and be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Facing the Shadows of the Past

Throughout this transformative process, you will inevitably encounter various tests and challenges. You may find that your past karma manifests in the form of:

• Karmic creditors who have followed you through many lifetimes.
• Spiritual attachment that seeks to influence your mind and body.

When these obstacles arise, you must summon the inner strength to face them directly. You must cultivate and rely upon the following virtues:

• Compassion: To understand the suffering of all beings, including those who oppose you.
• Perseverance: To remain steady when the path becomes steep.
• Boldness: To confront your own shortcomings without fear.
• Determination and Persistence: To stay focused on your goal of liberation regardless of the circumstances.

The Discipline of Transformation

You must be brave enough to face these challenges head-on. It is essential to quickly repent, change their ways, and resolve the conflicts with your karmic creditors. You must exert significant effort to confront the "self," personal ego, and selfishness that have long governed your actions. Only by engaging in this deep, internal work can you:

• Remove the deep-seated habits that cloud your true nature.
• Correct your improper thoughts and unwholesome behaviours.
• Make genuine progress on the path to purity.

By moving to remove defilements and attain purity, you will eventually rediscover your true self. This is the moment when you become capable of saving yourself, helping all beings, and guiding your own family members toward rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Seizing the Opportunity for Liberation

Students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, you are blessed to have the Buddha and Practitioner Su by your side to guide you. The opportunity to see your true nature and be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is right before you. Please, I urge you to cherish this moment and grasp this opportunity with all your heart.

This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.