To recite the mantra is not enough and we have to develop Bodhicitta. One has to do that not only for oneself but also for others. Bodhicitta is a kind of motivation. “Bodhi” means “enlightened” and “cita” is “heart”. “Bodhicitta” is “enlightened heart”. What is “enlightened heart”?
Once you transfer your consciousness as syllable SHRI into Amitabha’s heart, Amitabha’s mind, then you dissolve into Amitabha’s heart, you are not here anymore.
At the same time, when you meditate on Guru Rinpoche, or Guru Yoga, “yoga” also means “practice” or “meditation”. So “Guru Yoga” is meditation on Guru. It’s high meditation.
You can say more specifically: “I take refuge in Guru, I take refuge in Yidam, I take refuge in Dakini.” And “Buddha” does not mean only “Buddha Shakyamuni”, but there are many Buddhas. Guru Rinpoche, for example, is also a Buddha.
In a very general way when we say “Take refuge” then [the question is] “Take refuge in which?” We take refuge in the Three Jewels.
What can Dharma do? To make our mind better. Why does our mind need to be better due to Dharma as remedy. As I said earlier, our mind is not perfect. It has impurity. So, it has much chance to mistake.
Kẻ làm trò, điều quan trọng nhất là phải lắng nghe (văn) và tư duy quán chiếu (tư). Phải hết lòng trân quý những gì nghe được và đưa vào áp dụng trong cuộc sống hàng ngày (tu). Lấy đó làm phương thuốc quý chữa lành phiền não trong tâm. Đó là điều trọng yếu.
Tất cả những thứ này là chướng duyên khiến ta có tu cũng không tiến. Ta phải rất cẩn trọng và tỉnh giác. Phải có phương cách đúng đắn để sửa đổi lối nghĩ, lối tu học của mình. Chỉ như vậy mới hòng mong chuyển hóa được tâm.
This time I also mentioned the important points to practice Dharma well. And those necessary conditions to practice Dharma well and for one to accomplish good result on the Path from your practice always are: faith, sincere devotion, is the most important. And then diligence, and knowledge.
Therefore, harmony is very important. Harmony is important for any community, including Buddhist community.
