Cultivate True Essence and True Spirit, Great Talent and Virtue Will Manifest

Xuefeng

“If a person aligns their body and soul through self-cultivation, true essence and true spirit will reside within, and great talent and virtue will manifest.”

Many people find it difficult to understand the Diamond Sutra. They read it repeatedly but only grasp “all conditioned phenomena are like a dream, an illusion, a bubble, a shadow,” without uncovering the Sutra’s vast and profound depths. The Diamond Sutra encompasses the infinite mysteries of the universe, which is why I call it the “Himalayan Mountain of wisdom.” So why do so many people fail to grasp its meaning?

The issue isn’t one of intelligence, cultural background, or Buddhist knowledge. Rather, it’s about not having the aspiration for Mahayana (the Great Vehicle) or the highest aspiration. The World Honored One said that he spoke for those with a Mahayana heart and the highest aspirations. Without this aspiration, we naturally won’t understand it.

Now, let’s explore how to cultivate this Mahayana and supreme aspiration.

First, envision yourself as the “father” or “mother” of all people in the world (remember, this must come from the heart, not just in words). Imagine every person on Earth as your beloved child. People of all races—white, black, yellow—are your precious ones; Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Communists, and others are all your family. You wish for all your family members to live harmoniously, to be happy and joyful, to neither harm nor exploit nature, to enjoy good food, clothing, and rest, and to be filled with hope and anticipation for the future. To think this way is to have this aspiration. With this mindset, you view human society, the meaning of life, and the principles of existence, setting your own coordinates and benchmarks. You write and speak about the teachings, discuss the principles of the Tao, and act accordingly. In doing so, true essence and true spirit will gather within, and you will embody great talent and virtue.

Second, place yourself in the position of the “son” or “daughter” of all the world’s people. People of every nation are like parents who nourish you; they are kin with whom you are deeply connected. You should honor them, share their burdens, and not seek to take from them but instead consider how you can give back. Emulate the spirit of the cow, which consumes grass yet offers rich, sweet milk to nourish its caregivers. In doing so, true essence and true spirit will come to reside within, manifesting as great talent and virtue.

Naturally, aspiring to guide all one’s “children” and “parents” to the Pure Land, to enjoy endless life’s pleasures and eternity, is also an expression of this aspiration.

By minimizing selfish desires and maximizing your capacity to serve and contribute, you gather true essence and true spirit and cultivate great talent and virtue.

In this way, you will feel refreshed and clear-headed, bright of heart and eye, achieving “actionless action.” The universe can fit within your chest; the Earth can rest upon your palm.

In this way, you will gradually understand the Diamond Sutra, comprehend the teachings of Jesus Christ, and grasp the wisdom and spirit of Laozi.

In this way, you will understand why Lifechanyuan promotes revering the Greatest Creator, revering life, revering nature, and walking the path of the Greatest Creator.

In this way, you will understand why Lifechanyuan advocates for unifying all faiths and aims to initiate the Lifechanyuan era for humanity—its profound purpose and meaning. Even if the guide says nothing, you will know how to speak, act, live, and practice.

Try developing a Mahayana and supreme aspiration, and you will surely gather true essence and true spirit, becoming a person of great talent and virtue.

Through our transformation of consciousness, the myriad phenomena of the vast world will change.