By Rev. Hui Tsung
The virtues of Constant, Bliss, Inner self, and Pure come from the Mahā-parinirvāna sutras, the chapter of Life, which are the ultimate, perfect four virtues of all Buddhas; these virtues are also the goal of all Buddhist practitioners who are seeking…
“Constant” indicates the spiritual body of Buddha; which means unmoving.
“Bliss” indicates parinirvana; which means no birth and death.
“Inner self” indicates Buddha nature; which means carefree.
“Pure” indicates the genuine Dharma; which means showing truth.
Everyone has these four virtues, yet we unconsciously mistake illusions as truth, are thus captivated by our illusions, then see everything with a judgmental ego; and, therefore endlessly wander in a self-perpetuating cycle of the suffering sea of life and death…
The purpose of holding this summer camp is the hope that the participants can gradually gain the influence of Dharma and achieve the final goal: retrieving the inner self or the Buddha nature. The camp will inform people that since the beginning-less time, we have:
An undying Buddha nature.
A carefree and complete Buddha nature.
An unmoving, birthless and deathless Buddha nature.
A pure, solemn and boundless Buddha nature.
If everyone has these concepts, then it shall be known that there is no difference between our mind, the Buddha, and all sentient beings. The whole universe is in one unity, just as a family who can live harmoniously together.
Therefore we should learn how to have a heart of gratitude and repay other’s kindness at all times; always be happy to help others, constantly stay in an egoless and selfless impartial mind-state, and show loving-kindness to all beings. We should lift up our mind and let it be constantly in a pure and solemn state. When facing the ever changing conditions we still can remain immutable in essence; when going along with the changeable trend we still can retain the pure inner self…
We should educate the public in convenient situations with flexible teachings, and wear a happy, carefree smile at all times in order to bring good influence to everyone. Yet, we should always retain a pure and solemn heart without asking for any fame, profits, or the reward of virtue.