The Wisdom of Advancing and Retreating

Thrice Yearning Ceremony and Noon Offering

The Wisdom of Advancing and Retreating

Teacher's teachings, chief writer: Venerable HaiZe

April 11, 2021

Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju's teachings:

The Path of Discernment

In the journey of a practitioner, one must possess true wisdom when deciding whether to advance or retreat. Everything is mind-only; therefore, one must always rely on the righteous path to guide every thought and action.

The Dangers of Misalignment

If you should advance but choose to retreat instead, you lose a great benefit. Conversely, if you should retreat but choose to advance, you lose propriety. It is very easy to manifest arrogance without even realising it, as the ego often hides in our choices. If your subjective view is too strong, it becomes difficult to walk the righteous path. Creating karma and suffering from the resulting evil retribution is something that one must bear alone.

Cultivating Wisdom and Compassion

If you are fortunate enough to receive the skillful guidance of a good teacher, you will understand the Truth well. You should rely on this guidance to correct your past mistakes. Knowing when to advance and when to retreat appropriately is the practice of wisdom. Furthermore, serving and benefiting all beings is the practice of compassion. When you work silently and diligently, the merit you accumulate is immeasurable.

The Ultimate Benchmark

Being able to advance toward the Buddha-land is a great blessing. If you find yourself retreating, you must immediately strive to catch up with renewed vigour. Remember that the Buddha is your only true benchmark, not anyone else. In the space between advancing and retreating, if you remain mindful and sincere, you can see your true self. By aligning your heart with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, you will find the clarity needed to progress steadily toward the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.