Neglecting to Guard the One Single Thought, the Entire Substance is razed (Issue 291)

This dharma door of non-duality is such. If we wish to return to the home of the Dharma King and set foot inside the main door, and to never go stray again, there is only one way. What is this one way? What is this Dharma Door? It is to cultivate our self-nature. What is our self-nature? We must be cognizant of our self-nature and cultivate it ourselves. If our buddha nature has fallen, we have to rescue it and return it to its original form. We can only do this by cultivating and saving oneself.

Creating offenses occurs in the span of one single thought. The Venerable Master often say, “neglecting to guard the one single thought, the entire substance is razed.” Starting with one single thought, when that thought goes off course, and we keep going without realizing we have gone astray, we will just go further and further off course. The further we go off course, the more karmic offenses we create. The more karmic offenses we create, the more wayward we become. Everything starts with that one single thought, and we have to be extremely conscientious and attentive on how to guard this one single thought. It is like trekking along the edge of a cliff or walking on thin ice. The less karmic offenses we create, the less retribution we have to undergo. Then, we would not lose the human form, we will not lose the chance of encountering the proper dharma and draw near a good and wise advisor. If we do a precise and accurate reckoning, we will see that we are still ahead. What keeps us ahead is upholding the precepts and to abide by the rules; do not commit offenses, allow restoration of our self-nature to its original brilliance and purity. This is the best deal. Therefore, do not allow our thoughts to go astray. Wish everyone will strike up your spirit, be a good influence for yourself and motivate yourself. Amitabha!