In the noble endeavour of spreading the Dharma and saving the world, one of the most significant tasks is the act of giving lectures. When we give lectures, we are utilising the profound power of language to introduce the Buddha’s teachings to all beings—both those we encounter in our daily lives and the countless sentient beings throughout the Dharma realm.
The purpose of this teaching is to ensure that , mind, and spirit of all beings receive genuine benefit from the Buddha’s wisdom. Through these teachings, they may find the path to true liberation. Those who give Dharma talks also carry the responsibility of spreading the path and the practice of chanting . By doing so, they help people and beings find peace and happiness in this present life, ensuring that their spirits, which never truly die, can enter the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss and find their perfect, final home.
The Precious Role of the Sangha Jewel
Within the Three Jewels—the Buddha, the Teachings, and the Sangha Community—the Sangha Jewel is held in the highest regard. These are the monastics who have attained a human body and dedicated their lives to the path. They are called a jewel because they possess the capacity to propagate the Buddha’s teachings, ensuring that the lineage of the Dharma is passed down from generation to generation.
In ancient times, only those who had achieved were permitted to give Dharma talks. However, in this age of the Dharma’s decline, such individuals are extremely rare. Consequently, learning to give Dharma talks has become a fundamental part of the training for the Sangha. This is not a task to be undertaken alone; it requires the careful guidance of a qualified teacher.
Adhering to the Universal Principle
It is of the utmost importance to understand that the Buddha’s teachings must always follow the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. When you are engaged in teaching, you must strictly adhere to this foundation and never deviate from these core principles. The most appropriate and safe way to teach is to follow the methods and content provided by your teacher.
If one were to give Dharma talks based solely on personal, subjective views, it would be a great misfortune. This is because, if one has not yet achieved Awakening, one remains a being burdened by the weight of . When you speak the Dharma, you must remember that every listener possesses different levels of understanding and different spiritual potentials. A speaker who can observe the potential of the audience and tailor their words accordingly is one who is truly in accord with both the capacity of the listener and the truth of the Dharma.
The Opportunity at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Today, the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre serves as a place where Namo Amituofo truly abides. Practitioner Su, who has realised his true nature, has graciously offered to teach the monastics how to give Dharma talks. Through this, the Sangha members have the precious opportunity to inherit the thirty years of experience that Practitioner Su has gained in his study of the Buddha’s teachings and his own Awakening. The monastics must cherish this opportunity to learn and refine their ability to teach.
The Essence of Faith, Vows, and Practice
The spirit of the Pure Land path lies in Faith, Vows, and Practice. The reason this path is so effective, capable of benefiting beings of all spiritual capacities—whether high, middle, or low—is that it is universally accessible. Regardless of one's depth of potential, all can diligently uphold the six-character name of Namo Amituofo. Through this dedicated practice, one can attain , Concentration, and Wisdom, eventually leading to Awakening and rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
In the interplay between our daily lives, our spiritual practice, and the goal of Awakening, we must learn how to harmonise these elements. How do we reach the goal of Awakening or ensure our rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss? The methods for purification and practice must be taught to the public by those who have learned to give Dharma talks. Therefore, learning to teach is a vital responsibility for the Sangha. You must be diligent in your studies. Namo Amituofo.
