Traveling through time and space.

Chapter 66: Ups and downs and breakthroughs in spiritual practice (20) "Through much hardship and hardship, transformation into a great being"

On a winter day in Lingxu Mountain, the wind was biting, the snowflakes were flying, and the whole world seemed shrouded in a pure white veil. Amin sat alone in his meditation room, the charcoal fire in the hearth emitting a faint glow, barely shielding him from the bitter cold. His face looked slightly haggard, but his eyes revealed a depth and tranquility that came with the vicissitudes of life.

Looking back, Ah Ming is filled with emotion. When he first embarked on the path of practice, he was just a young man, curious and confused about Buddhism. Back then, he was like a traveler groping in the dark, yearning but often troubled by various confusions.

In the early days of his practice, Ah Ming suffered a severe illness. A sudden, severe illness left him bedridden, his physical weakness preventing him from engaging in his usual spiritual practices, such as chanting sutras and meditating. Lying on his sickbed, he felt the fragility and impermanence of life, his heart filled with pain and struggle. He couldn't help but ask himself, "I'm so devoted to Buddhism, why am I suffering so much? Is my practice not sincere enough?" However, amidst the torment of his illness, he gradually learned to look inward. He began to examine his heart and discovered that many thoughts of greed, hatred, and delusion still lingered in his practice. He realized that this illness might be a reminder, a test on his spiritual path, prompting him to gain a deeper understanding of the true meaning of Buddhism.

As his condition improved, Amin returned to his practice. But soon, he faced misunderstandings again. Some believed his practice was too unconventional, not following traditional methods. They gossiped about him behind his back, even slandering him. Hearing these rumors, Amin's heart was inevitably rife with emotion. He felt wronged and helpless. After all, his innovative practice, aimed solely at a deeper understanding of the Dharma, was misunderstood as heresy. But he quickly adjusted his mindset, understanding that in this world, people's perceptions and perspectives differed, and he couldn't give up his spiritual exploration just because of misunderstandings. He viewed those who misunderstood him with compassion, silently praying for them to overcome their prejudices and grasp the true meaning of the Dharma.

Throughout his practice, Ah Ming encountered numerous difficulties. Sometimes, no matter how hard he tried, he struggled to break through a bottleneck in his practice. During meditation, he was often disturbed by distracting thoughts, unable to achieve a deeper level of tranquility. In his understanding of Buddhist teachings, he would encounter obscure passages, leaving him bewildered and lost. However, each difficult situation became an opportunity for growth. Through constant self-reflection, discussions with other eminent monks, and seeking answers from daily experiences, he gradually overcame these obstacles.

During a conversation with his disciples, Amin shared his own experiences: "Disciples, the path of spiritual practice is by no means smooth sailing. I have experienced the pain of illness, which made me realize the impermanence of life and made me cherish my time for spiritual practice even more. I have suffered misunderstandings from others, which taught me to face worldly prejudices with compassion and tolerance. I have also encountered difficulties in my practice, but it is precisely these difficulties that have prompted me to continue exploring and reflecting, thus gaining deeper wisdom."

Disciple Hui Neng was deeply moved and said, "Master, your experience has made us understand that spiritual practice is not just about pursuing comfort and success, but about tempering ourselves in adversity and constantly growing."

Amin nodded and said, "That's right. In the practice of the Yogacarabhumi Sutra, we begin with the 'ground of seeking and observing' and, through constant inquiry and reflection, gradually enter the 'ground of no seeking and no observing', transcending attachment to the outside world and inner thoughts. And in this process, suffering and tempering are indispensable. Just like the phoenix's nirvana, only after experiencing the burning flames can it be reborn and display an even more brilliant brilliance."

Ah Ming continued, "Today, I have gradually grown from a naive practitioner to someone who has gained some understanding of Buddhism. But I know deeply that this is far from enough. The ultimate goal of our practice is to reach the realm of 'Bodhisattva' or even 'Buddha', saving all sentient beings with vast compassion and wisdom. This requires us to continuously accumulate merit and elevate our practice."

To help young practitioners better understand the hardships and growth that come with spiritual practice, Amin decided to hold a spiritual experience sharing session at the monastery. He invited some young practitioners to attend, hoping to share his own experiences and offer them encouragement and inspiration.

At the sharing session, a young practitioner asked, "Venerable A-Ming, I often encounter difficulties in my practice. Sometimes I feel discouraged and don't know how to persevere. Do you have any suggestions?"

Amin smiled at him and said, "Young man, spiritual practice is like climbing a mountain. You will inevitably encounter various difficulties and obstacles along the way. When you feel discouraged, it's worth recalling your original intention. Why did you choose to practice? Was it to pursue inner peace or to save sentient beings? Once you clarify your original intention, you will find that these difficulties are only temporary. Every setback is an opportunity for growth. You must learn to maintain inner observation and awareness in difficult situations, examine your heart, discover your shortcomings, and strive to improve."

Amin also shared a story: "There was once a practitioner who encountered great difficulties in his practice and was almost ready to give up. But in a dream, he met a bodhisattva, who said to him, 'Everything you have experienced is arranged by fate, all to make you a better person. Only after enduring numerous trials can you shoulder the responsibility of saving all sentient beings.' From then on, the practitioner regained his resolve and ultimately achieved great success in his practice."

The young practitioners were deeply inspired by Amin's sharing and expressed their desire to follow Amin's example, bravely facing difficulties in their practice and persevering in pursuing higher spiritual realms.

As time went by, Amin's transformation in practice became increasingly evident. His wisdom shone like a bright beacon throughout the Lingxu Mountain monastery, guiding his disciples in their spiritual practice. His compassion, like warm sunshine, permeated every corner of the monastery, allowing everyone to feel his care and tolerance.

At a monastery Dharma meeting, Amin stood on the podium, delivering a lecture to the disciples and worshippers. His voice was resonant and powerful, each word imbued with profound Buddhist wisdom. He expounded on the essence of the Yogacarabhumi Sutra and shared his insights gained from years of practice. The audience listened with rapt attention, moved by Amin's wisdom and compassion. Many experienced a gradual dissipation of their worries and a deeper understanding of the Dharma.

Ah Ming knows his spiritual journey is still long, with many challenges ahead. But he remains undaunted, confident that as long as he perseveres and constantly sharpens himself through adversity, he will surely reach a higher state of spiritual practice in the future, truly shouldering the bodhisattva's mission and dedicating his full strength to the promotion of Buddhism and the well-being of all sentient beings.

Despite this cold winter, the monastery at Lingxu Mountain is filled with vitality and hope. Amin and his disciples continue on their path of cultivation, their figures remarkably resolute amidst the dancing snow, as if declaring to the world that no matter how difficult the road ahead, they will forge ahead courageously until they reach the other side of their spiritual journey.