The essential core of Buddhist practice lies in genuinely practical application, not merely empty words. The vital foundation of practicing the Buddha’s teachings resides in the pure and compassionate mind (the mind of Loving-kindness and Compassion).
The ultimate teachings of the Buddha can be summarized into three primary vehicles: Pure Land, Zen, and Esoteric Buddhism. Though they appear distinct, they all stem from the Buddha’s boundless, immeasurable Vows to liberate all sentient beings of all realms in all ten directions. These Great Vows do not discriminate between self and others, even in the subtlest moment of a single thought. If one does not understand filial piety and reverence towards grandparents and parents, neglects one’s duties and responsibilities to family and society, fails to cultivate the mind of Loving-kindness to all beings, and disregards the observance of Precepts, Buddha recitation, meditation, and recitation of the mantra (Dharani), while dividing and propagating sectarian views, indulging in arrogance, and claiming to be a practitioner of Buddhism, how can there be any legitimacy in such claims?
In contemporary times, many individuals practicing Buddhism are driven by fame and material gain, overly concerned with appearances and rituals while neglecting the dignity of monastic life and the rules of conduct. They engage in careless Dharma practice and negligence, aimlessly wandering. They abuse the Buddha Dharma to attract followers, commercialize the teachings, exploit the donations of devoted Buddhists, accumulate personal wealth, engage in extravagant and elaborate meals without regard for inappropriate behavior, locations, and time, immerse in frivolous luxurious living, use expensive and unnecessary items to pamper their worldly desires. All continuously nourish their arrogance, self-indulgence, and delusional ego. When they deliver Dharma talks, elaborate ceremonies with colorful flowers, banners, and vehicles await them, surrounded by attendants shielding and fanning them as if they were high-ranking officials. Their speech may be eloquent, but their minds are significantly less likely to genuinely spiritually practice or cultivate what they preach according to the Buddha’s Dharma. They use titles such as “Buddha Dharma, Buddhist Heir, or Buddhist Practitioner” to shield their impure mind and wicked conduct in contrast to the Dharma. If they do not wake up, sincerely repent and cultivate true virtue, how can they avoid the tragic consequences and sufferings in countless lifetimes in the Realm of Avici Hell?
To progress in spiritual practice, one must first understand the fundamental doctrines of Buddhism (the Buddha’s appearance in the world, the Four Noble Truths, the Twelve Conditions of Cause and Effect, the Noble Eightfold Path, the Precepts, the Four Immeasurable Minds, the Six Paramitas, the Law of Cause and Effect and Karmic retribution), and then diligently cleanse the body and mind from the three poisons of Greed, Anger, and Ignorance, purify the three karmas of Body, Speech, and Mind, strictly observe the Precepts, cultivate the virtues of Loving-kindness, Compassion, Inner Joy, and Equanimity, and engage in countless virtuous actions without seeking any personal gain, even in the slightest measure. Only then can the sincere recitation of Buddha’s name, meditation, and mantra practice bring benefits. Otherwise, one should not speak of spiritual practice as it would be like building a house on sand, merely a futile endeavor.
Within the teachings of Buddha, it is essential to cultivate the three aspects of Study (learning the Dharma through wisdom), Contemplation (reflecting deeply on the profound meaning of the Sutras), and Practice (applying the Dharma in one’s daily life). That means using the Right View to contemplate and deeply comprehend the essence of the scriptures, clearly and thoroughly grasping the Buddha’s teachings as a guiding compass for the progress of cultivation. Excessively reading scriptures can lead to confusion due to different interpretations by various teachers based on their individual realizations not aligning. The most crucial factors are faith and genuine practice: having a devoted mind toward the Buddha, one has to diligently and genuinely practice the Buddha’s teachings with a sincere mind. Only like that will enlightenment gradually unfold.
Observing Precepts – Cultivating Meditation -Developing Wisdom has been the path of Buddhist practice for countless generations. There is no other path to liberate oneself from the cycle of birth and death!
Namo Shakyamuni Buddha _()_
Namo Amitabha Buddha _()_
Cổ Thiên
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