Please self-examine whether you are truly practicing?
Millions of people are learning Buddhism, Taoism, and practicing, so why is there still life and death? Aside from not yet realizing one’s true nature, most are merely engaging in superficial practices (surface-level cultivation) and have not genuinely implemented or comprehended the true meaning of Buddhist and Taoist teachings.
It is important to understand that practice is about real implementation, not hollow theories. Nowadays, those who study the path often discuss profound concepts and seek outward appearances; very few truly engage in “real cultivation and sincere understanding.”
If practice is merely habitual—attending classes, listening to teachings, chanting Buddha’s name, or meditating—without using it to help oneself or others and failing to apply Buddhist and Taoist principles in daily life, it is a tremendous waste of one’s precious time.
True practice requires right knowledge and right views; wisdom must be harmonious. One should not cling to the notion that “my practice is the true Dharma while others are heretical.” Rejecting what differs from one’s own practice leads to discrimination, which fundamentally contradicts the compassionate essence of Buddhist teachings.
It must be understood that since time immemorial, humanity has wandered through the sea of suffering—reincarnating without knowing where to return—because of attachment to the “illusory,” “dreamlike,” “drunken” nature of this world,
losing oneself in false realms without recognizing their falseness, entering the sea of suffering without realizing its pain—being born only to die, dying only to be reborn—forever trapped in reincarnation.
People often say: “Life is like a play.” You may act freely but do not become so engrossed in your role that you forget your true self. The joys and sorrows on stage are merely performances; do not cling too tightly. Never forget: “For the character on stage, do not forget the true ‘I.'”
A practitioner must realize that life is not a dead end; rather it depends on how one seizes opportunities during reincarnation periods while genuinely engaging with the profound path leading to Nirvana—the true understanding of transcending life and death.
Therefore, future achievements will not stem from your abilities or talents nor from how many people you have helped or how eloquently you speak about principles. It certainly does not come from your high status or power or how large your temple or number of followers may be;
instead, it comes from what radiates from deep within your heart—a greater wisdom that embodies humility and an expansive mind. Only then can you act with integrity in all matters while embracing acceptance everywhere. Thus “making vows” and achieving a complete heart-mind state becomes crucial for determining success or failure in this lifetime’s cultivation.
※ Everyone believes they are cultivating; please self-examine how many points you have achieved?
1. Did you come with a vow and fulfill it upon returning?
2. Have you let go of worldly matters?
3. Are you bound by career, family ties, or relationships while forgetting your sacred duties and vows?
4. Have you relinquished fame and fortune?
5. Have you removed selfish desires?
6. Have you changed your habits and nature?
Consider those who wear the cloak of cultivation but engage only superficially with habitual participation as class members or temple service personnel without delving into their heart-mind—it is impossible for them to become conducive conditions for genuine practice.
Carrying human emotions, personal desires along with worldly attachments makes it impossible to return to the Western Pure Land; wouldn’t that Pure Land just turn into another sea of suffering?
Currently, practitioners need to “be present in this world yet have a heart detached,” freeing themselves from mental shackles. Some practitioners may claim they are cultivating but still carry numerous worldly troubles that hinder their progress—even when at temples or halls they remain preoccupied with mundane concerns,
making it impossible for them to cultivate living fully in the present moment. How can one cleanse away accumulated dust over lifetimes? How can one remove their inherent habits? How can one change their fate in this lifetime?
※ In cultivation know: “Do not mistakenly think you’re practicing when you’re actually being led by fate onto another cycle!”
The ancients said: “Grasping life’s turning points” requires slowing down your pace a bit—observe carefully and contemplate: What do I possess? What am I lacking? Tread cautiously through difficulties and adversities; wisely utilizing them transforms crises into opportunities.
Throughout our lives we constantly face troubles surrounding us which cause suffering; however we must remember: “Knowing how to let go is life’s greatest wisdom.”
When you release ego-attachment without comparing yourself with others at that moment deep within your soul emerges an unparalleled tranquility—a peace-filled joy—that represents a truly pure Bodhisattva heart.
Whether at home or as a monastic practitioner, everyone’s standards for examination remain consistent: After years—or even decades—of “practice,” when hearing society criticize vegetarian practitioners as having “the worst hearts,”
what thoughts arise within you upon hearing such words? Is it society’s criticism that’s wrong? Or should we reflect upon ourselves instead?
When displaying insincere compassion at temples but returning home or work environments reverting back into selfishness showcasing personal desires—you lose sight of what genuine cultivation should embody—you will understand why this occurs.
Reflect on someone whose words do not match actions (inconsistent behavior), compounded by excessive worldly attachments leading them astray—their senses uncleaned—“here bound by forms there ensnared by dust”—how could they escape life’s sea of suffering? Nowadays some individuals merely eat vegetarian meals for several years attend classes for some time study Buddhist teachings,
yet fantasize about being reborn into Western Pure Land or returning to ultimate reality—it’s sheer folly! Little do they realize how much effort ancient sages invested during their paths towards enlightenment,
enduring countless hardships before achieving realization; if one does not make firm vows nor cultivate completeness within their heart-mind nor grow wisdom then nowhere will feel like home—and thus waste this lifetime’s opportunity for universal salvation needing another chance later on.
The ancients said: “True Dao has true tests; true Dao requires real practitioners.” To sever life-and-death cycles requires individuals possessing great capacities—not just joining gatherings seeking merit through good deeds alone! As common saying goes: “A cow bears burdens worth thousands while an ant carries grains”—both exerting utmost effort!
If a practitioner’s ability & wisdom score ten points yet they haven’t even put forth half those efforts—is success possible? In secular paths—a fleeting existence—we all know how best arrange our lives striving towards betterment.
Yet on spiritual journeys involving vital matters concerning birth & death—why remain unaware regarding self-regulation & self-discipline allowing body/mind/spirit opportunities elevate?
Present-day practitioners failing sincerity simply perform superficially fulfilling obligations only! “To put it plainly—the weighty karmic burdens overshadowing your birth-death (severing cycles) sacred endeavors over time will obscure inner conscience.”
※ Methods for escaping life’s sea of suffering include making firm vows & seizing present moments!
During cultivation processes if responsibilities seem overwhelming & vows unfulfilled—we often find countless excuses! Remember before truth there exists no such thing as ‘excuses’ nor ‘difficulties’ before holy beings—they only ask whether we’ve resolved firmly!
Making firm vows serves as key criteria evaluating success/failure hence amidst three offerings five methods’ aspirations—you must utilize these aspirations severing birth-death cycles!
P.S.: Three Offerings: Material Offering (财施), Dharma Offering (法施), Fearlessness Offering (无畏施)
Five Methods include Form (相), Name (名), Awareness/Thoughts (觉想), Right Wisdom (正智), Suchness/Reality (真如). Among these Awareness/Thoughts refers specifically distinguishing awareness.
The first three pertain worldly laws whereas latter two transcend worldly laws.
At temples–do NOT demand others treat oneself kindly instead ask yourself how much you’ve contributed towards temple?
In familial relationships–parents’ hearts embody Bodhisattva spirit applying equal care towards fellow cultivators & sentient beings.
In terms mundane endeavors–apply diligence akin business spirit nurturing sacred endeavors ensuring success!
Regarding interpersonal relations–avoid unnecessary disputes simply embrace joy!
In mental states–accept both favorable/unfavorable circumstances maintaining equanimity!
In work settings–treat workplace like temple utilizing interpersonal connections harmoniously aiding others’ transformation! Remember: “Only steadfast determination lays foundation roots cultivating spirituality!”
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The greatest difference between sages & ordinary beings lies here: Both traverse paths toward spiritual growth facing setbacks/tests alike- sages persist unwaveringly whereas ordinary beings falter amidst challenges retreating back; Courage + Perseverance = Consistency throughout journey!
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The ancients remarked:“Enduring labor easy but enduring resentment difficult.” Enduring labor means sacrificing devotion/efforts willingly accepted hardships—that’s every practitioner’s mission nothing noble about it!
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The challenge lies enduring resentment facing adversities/poverty/downfalls remaining open-heartedly honest/unbiased showcasing inner joy—that defines heroes among heroes.
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“Without toil yielding sweat where would smiles harvest?” Understand during Buddha/Bodhisattvas’ presence treating sentient beings akin mothers nurturing children tirelessly offering guidance willing bear sins on behalf sentient beings until salvation achieved—they vow never attain Buddhahood until all saved.
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Cultivation aims awaken each individual’s inner temple rather than performing mere superficial acts (“surface-level practices”) requiring genuine efforts don’t become mere ‘tourists’ within temples!
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This leads us back saying:”All roads lead Rome likewise entering Buddha-path opens doors everywhere,” simple approach:”Three Treasures provide entryway Dao!”
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The Faith Door – enters through nature itself.Buddha teaches maintain constant reflection preserving inherent purity free stains.
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The Wisdom Door – enters through heart itself.Dharma reveals treasures hidden within mind liberating all habits/nature.
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The Compassion Door – enters through body itself.Monk cultivates strong aspirations establishing steadfast resolve consistently throughout journey
Cultivation should never cling any specific method adopting calmness/equality/joviality distancing oneself all dust-bound realms/forms allowing mind remain unaffected external circumstances instead transforming surroundings via innate Buddha-nature naturally manifesting forth.