Spiritual Practice Is One’s Own Matter and Cannot Be Substituted by Others

The karmic retribution of sentient beings must be resolved by the beings themselves. The key lies in resolving the mind, for only when the mind is resolved can karmic retribution be resolved. To resolve the mind, relying solely on the blessings of the Buddha is insufficient; one must actively cooperate, transform one's own mind, and eradicate ignorance—only then can karmic retribution be resolved. If you have the karmic retribution of killing, and the Buddhas or Bodhisattvas resolve it for you, but you still harbor the intention to kill, you will create evil karma again in the future—then how can the karmic retribution be resolved? Who can resolve the karmic retribution of poverty for you? Merits and virtues are cultivated individually; others cannot cultivate them for you. Meditative concentration is cultivated by oneself; others cannot cultivate it for you. Precepts are upheld by oneself; others cannot uphold the precepts for you. Realizing the Mind is achieved by oneself; others cannot realize the Mind and perceive the true nature for you. Buddhahood is attained through one's own practice; others cannot attain Buddhahood on your behalf.