All Buddhist practitioners who listen to sutras and hear the are engaging in the study of the Principle. This is the intellectual foundation of your practice. It is essential that you first understand that all sentient beings possess the same Buddha-nature and the same true self. This fundamental nature is constant; it does not change regardless of the circumstances you face in life. This is what we call the Principle of No Obstruction, which serves as the primary reference point for all your spiritual endeavours.
You can learn to integrate this understanding into your life, allowing the Principle to permeate your daily affairs. This means applying the Truth to every move you make, every word you speak, and every interaction you have with others. When you truly grasp this, you begin to see that the world is not a collection of separate, conflicting parts, but a unified whole governed by the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way.
The Natural Expression of Purity
The more you purify your heart, the more you will find yourself living in accordance with the Truth and the Right Way. This is the state of Phenomena of No Obstruction. It is a life where your actions flow naturally without conflict or resistance. You must realise that purity is not a title reserved exclusively for those who call themselves Buddhist practitioners. Rather, it is the natural, unadorned state of anyone who walks the path of the Truth.
When one is pure, there is no need for concealment or affectation. Consider these aspects of a life lived in purity:
Authenticity: You no longer need to hide your true self behind masks or social pretences.
Harmony: You interact with others with genuine kindness, fostering healthy and supportive relationships.
: Your smiles and your actions become natural expressions of a heart that is at peace.
Many people who have never studied the Buddha’s teachings are still able to live in harmony with others. This is because the state of no obstruction is an inherent quality of the Buddha-nature and the true self. It is not a secret knowledge held only by the initiated; it is a natural attitude toward life that is available to everyone.
The Harmony of Principle and Phenomena
If you have not yet clarified the Principle, if you have not yet adjusted your heart or changed your ways, you will remain trapped in selfishness and discriminations. In such a state, it is impossible to enter the realm where Principle and Phenomena are no longer obstructed. However, for those who are pure, there is no need to study deep or complex theories to live a life of freedom. Because your purity is in sync with your Buddha-nature, your life naturally reflects that nature.
When we speak of the harmony of Principle and Phenomena, we mean that the underlying truth of reality and the external events of your life are perfectly aligned. There is no friction between them. As you walk through this world, your positive actions—those that align with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way—will naturally receive support. When your actions are consistently right and free from bias, your external life will naturally align with the purity of your internal true self.
Returning to Your True Nature
These states of no obstruction are not categories created by the mind to discriminate; they are simply natural phenomena. We classify them only to help you, the student, gain a clearer understanding of the path. By categorising these experiences, you can deepen your recognition of the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way.
I encourage you to follow this path with diligence. When you act in accordance with these truths, you will find that your life becomes free from deviation. You will find your way back to your true self much sooner. Do not let your mind be clouded by confusion; instead, let your every action be a reflection of the purity that already resides within you. By doing so, you will leave suffering behind and find the happiness that is your natural birthright.
