The Modern Perspective on Spiritual Practice

The Modern Perspective on Cultivation

1. Lack of Clarity in Understanding

Many people mistakenly believe that by learning Buddhist teachings and the classic writings of great masters, they can attain enlightenment and Buddhahood solely through studying scriptures and cultivating their mind. Little do they know that without undergoing refinement (such as skill development, meditation, and Zen practice), facing trials (tests of character and temperament), and verification (applying learned theories in self-liberation and helping others), those who have not reached these various stages are merely engaging in superficial foundational practices. The curiosity and aspiration to seek teachers and inquire about the path with an open heart are often misinterpreted as a greedy desire for supernatural powers; this is what we call a lack of clarity in understanding.

2. Belief in Cause and Effect

All beings in the cycle of six realms must understand that “a human body is hard to obtain”!

The so-called “one-life theory” posits that the material world is the only reality, viewing life merely as the duration of individual existence; once death occurs, it is “the end of everything.” Generally, materialists hold this view; however, many scholars adopt an eternal perspective on life, believing that a person’s brief existence is not the beginning of our being but merely a fleeting moment within eternal time. Buddhism shares this viewpoint; thus, it emphasizes the existence of “three lifetimes’ cause and effect” (namely past lives, present life, and future) and asserts that all beings possess an indestructible soul (only their physical body dies). Furthermore, each rebirth occurs with a different body or even within different species (beings reincarnate according to their karma into one of the six realms: heavenly realm, human realm, asura realm, hungry ghost realm, hell realm, or animal realm). This cycle is what we refer to as samsara.

The saying goes: “To know the causes of past lives, look at what you experience in this life; to know the fruits of future lives, consider your actions in this life.” It suggests that everything one encounters in this lifetime—whether good or bad, fortunate or unfortunate—is closely related to karma cultivated in past existences (including previous lives). Therefore, those who have received kindness must repay it; those who harbor grudges must seek revenge; debts must be repaid; those who harm others will ultimately be harmed themselves.

Cause and effect are inseparable like shadows following forms—one can never escape them (unless one actively engages in good deeds afterward to atone for past misdeeds). However, accepting such a viewpoint is not easy; most people must undergo long periods of experience and often pay significant prices before gradually grasping this truth. This journey represents what one must traverse on the path of human existence!

Samsara among six realms and three lifetimes’ cause-and-effect applies to all living beings with spirit—this is an unchanging law of the universe. Whether studying Zen or esoteric teachings or Pure Land practices—the truly cultivated individuals who have undergone trials and insights are exceedingly rare. Moreover, verifying these truths through actual experiences becomes even more challenging—this is something worth reflecting upon.

3. The Truth About Supernatural Powers

While discussing Buddhist principles eloquently without delving deeply into spirituality (self-nature), if one’s meridians are opened up or if one has attained supernatural powers through internal observation and cultivation processes without a solid foundation from past lifetimes’ practice (“roots”), achieving success within a single lifetime becomes impossible!

True cultivation requires genuine practice leading to real verification—a connection with divine guidance where heaven aligns with humanity—not merely academic study based on scripture. True aspiration arises only after recognizing one’s true nature before genuinely exercising one’s heavenly duty!

4. Seeking Teachers for Guidance

Why do we struggle to progress during our daily practice sessions? Many assume it’s due to incorrect methods preventing improvement or deeper meditation because their mindset hasn’t changed.

Relying solely on theoretical knowledge from Buddhist texts will not lead one toward true understanding or realization regarding life’s essence. Regardless of how diligently one studies or practices without grasping life’s roots—achieving sage-like states remains unattainable.

5. Unconsciously Following Troubles

Troubles are inseparable from life just as enlightenment also exists within it; daily living can give rise both to troubles and enlightenment. Realizing at present—troubles equate to enlightenment—without troubles there can be no enlightenment.

Enlightenment arises from purifying troubles—that’s the subtle relationship between troubles and enlightenment: troubles equal enlightenment! If one can observe correctly with depth—they can enter the path.

Enlightenment signifies severing worldly troubles leading toward attaining wisdom akin to nirvana.

If one’s practice does not align with middle-path teachings—they will never attain enlightenment but remain outsiders disconnected from Buddhism’s essence. If cultivation cannot detach from worldly environments—it should objectively regard surrounding people/events while seeking genuine awakening.

Right equality: All beings—all phenomena—all sects are equal.

Right awakening: Understanding all realities without clinging onto illusions while keeping one’s heart from seeking externally.

As stated in the Vimalakirti Sutra: “Troubles equal enlightenment.” Transforming troubles leads directly towards enlightenment itself! Enlightenment emerges from our awareness gained through life’s various disappointments.

Yet our hearts often unwittingly follow along with disturbances—how can practitioners cultivate themselves so their hearts do not sway along with circumstances but instead transform circumstances through inner strength? This represents true mastery!

by – Phoenix Mountain Range Compassionate Phoenix Palace