True Nature

In the world today there are many beliefs, religions and cultures, many different viewpoints of how to explain our world and our relationship to it. But although we seem to have so many differences, we really have so many similarities. Do not kill, do not steal, do not lie. Do all that is good and nothing that is bad. Do unto others as you would have done unto you. Remember the kindness of others and repay the kindness with gratitude.

Whether we call it caring for and respecting others or loving-kindness or compassion, we believe in helping others, in giving of what we have or who we are, to those who need our help or our wisdom. Today, many people are searching for wisdom, for the understanding of why we are born, why we live, and why we die. We are compelled by conflicting emotions. We are compelled by logic. When we hear of other beliefs the feelings of many people range from fear to curiosity, from surprise to fascination, from suspicion to cooperation.

Everywhere we look, we see societies with greater diverse cultures, societies with more differences, societies that often emphasize these differences. Today many people look outside of themselves, to these differences, believing that they are the reason why so many are so unhappy. But the reason lies within us.

As human beings, we undergo the sufferings of birth, old age, sickness, death, hardships, unfulfilled wishes, separation from our loved ones, and association with those we dislike. The failure of people to understand the real cause of their unhappiness—their suffering—is increasing this very suffering.

To overcome this suffering we need to achieve ultimate wisdom. Accomplishing this is the main objective of our learning and cultivation. Everyone has the potential to realize this state of ultimate wisdom, because it is already an intrinsic part of our nature. It is not something we can obtain externally.

But most of us have become confused through general misconceptions and therefore, are unable to realize this potential. However, if we can break through this confusion, we will realize this intrinsic part of our nature. Thus, the Buddhadharma is an educational system aimed at uncovering our own innate true nature.

Anger or Clarity?

We often think that anger will spur us on to taking action. For example, we think that it will strengthen our resolve and provide the energy we need to remedy a bad situation. But then in our practice, we are told to let go of our negative habits, like anger, that have arisen. To learn to detect the rising of such emotions and stop them from becoming stronger. How do we resolve this seeming conflict?

Underlying our anger in such circumstances is the wish to "do something." But the energy that comes from anger is blind, not insightful. Such anger burns through our good intentions and leaves us exhausted.

With clarity, we will be able to determine whether or not the situation can be allowed to play itself out without any harmful, negative consequences. If the situation looks like it will result in negative consequences, then our becoming angry will not help. Only with a clear, rational mind will, we discern the wisest way to react.

Far to the West or Deep Within Me?

Question: Is the Pure Land real or abstract? West of here or within me?

Response: The Pure Land exists on two levels. One level is that of unawakened beings. The ultimate level—where duality no longer exists—is the state of awakened beings.

As unawakened people, we view the Pure Land as the very real land that is far to the west of us.

But on the ultimate level of understanding, the Pure Land is already within us. We ordinary beings see everything in terms of duality: good or bad, loving or hateful, east or west. Buddhas no longer see duality. They understand that we are all one and that everything outside of us is actually already within us. “Me” doesn’t exist for we are already one with everything that is. When my mind focuses solely on Amitabha, I am Amitabha. When it focuses solely on the Pure Land, I am one with the Pure Land and it is already within me.

Holding On to a Breath

Everything is in a constant state of flux, ever-changing, continuously moving. In our comfort with the known and worry about the unknown, we often wish things would stay the way they are even when they are not ideal.

But the reality is that we cannot hold on to life and stop it from changing.

Breathe in and then hold your breath. Do not let it go, do not breathe out. How does this holding of your breath feel? In a matter of seconds, holding on to our breath becomes increasingly uncomfortable. At some point, we cannot help but expel that breath. 

Just as we cannot hold on to our breath, we cannot keep change from occurring. Change is as natural as our breathing in and breathing out.

An Aspiration

So long as space remains,
So long as sentient beings remain,
I will remain,
In order to help, in order to serve,
In order to make my own contribution.  

~ Buddhist Vow