The Wisdom of Seeing Through

The Illusion of Waiting for Pain

During the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, we gather to reflect upon the nature of our existence. Many people believe that they must wait until they have been deeply hurt or have suffered immense pain before they can truly see through the illusions of this world. However, if you wait for such painful experiences to arrive, you are already trapped within the cycle of suffering.

Even after you have endured such wounds, you may still fail to see the truth. If you remain caught in your suffering, then the pain you have endured has served no purpose. You have failed to learn the necessary lessons, and you continue to be manipulated by the forces of your own karma. When you are caught in this cycle, even the most profound Dharma teachings may seem ineffective. It is not that the Dharma lacks power; rather, it is because the practitioner has not yet opened their heart to receive it.

The Perfection of the Dharma

The teachings of the Buddha are vast and perfect, capable of leading any sincere student to the ultimate achievement of Buddhahood. If a practitioner finds that they cannot make progress, it is not a fault of the Dharma itself. Instead, it is a matter of the individual's own readiness and their specific circumstances. We must consider the factors that influence our progress:

• Dharma Affinity: The unique connection one has with specific teachings based on past lives.
• Timing and Conditions: The convergence of the right time, the right place, and the right people.
• The State of the Heart: Whether one approaches the teachings with sincerity or with a mind clouded by doubt.

The Dharma does not have levels of high or low; these distinctions exist only within the human heart. The moment you truly see through the illusions of life is the moment you achieve liberation.

Seeing Through the Illusory Mask

To see through the illusory mask of life is to step into a life of true liberation. What does it mean to truly see through? It means that you are no longer tormented by the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death. Even if your physical body experiences pain or discomfort, you understand that this suffering is limited to the physical form alone.

Your heart and your spirit remain untouched by these external conditions. You begin to live a life of spiritual freedom, where your inner state is no longer dictated by the changing circumstances of the world. This is what it truly means to see through the illusions of existence.

A Life of True Practice

My dear child, the life of a practitioner is a journey toward this profound clarity. Only through dedicated practice can your life attain the genuine liberation that comes from seeing through the veil of reality. Do not let your time pass in vain. Cherish every moment, for it is within the heart of your practice that you will find the strength to transcend suffering and return to your original, true nature. Namo Amituofo.

Teacher's teachings recorded by Chief Writer: Venerable HaiZe

29 May 2021