The Kindness of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas (I)

From the moment a person first encounters the Buddhadharma until finally attaining buddhahood, at least half of one's karmic obstructions—even the greater part of them—are borne and eliminated by the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. In fact, even the fact that each sentient being has the conditions to learn Buddhism is the result of the blessings and protection of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. If one relied solely on oneself, with such deep and heavy karmic obstructions, it would already be extremely difficult to even encounter the Buddhadharma, let alone practice it, let alone avoid going astray, let alone achieve small accomplishments, and even more so attain liberation.

Even bodhisattvas of equal enlightenment and wondrous enlightenment still need the protection and mindfulness of the Buddhas in order to smoothly attain buddhahood, let alone each ordinary sentient being. Without relying on the blessings and protection of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, every step taken would be fraught with difficulties, beset with thorns, making it impossible to move forward, with nowhere to set one's feet.

The kindness of the teacher is vast and mighty. Therefore, we should truly be grateful to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, always harboring a heart of repaying kindness, believing the Buddha's words, honoring the Buddha's teachings, upholding the Buddha's precepts, doing no evil and practicing all good. Taking the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas as our teachers, we should never betray our teacher or abandon the teachings. Making great vows, benefiting ourselves and benefiting others, eliminating afflictions, purifying our own minds, and dedicating all the wholesome deeds, wholesome vows, and wholesome dharmas we cultivate to all sentient beings throughout the Dharma realm—thereby repaying the kindness of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas for their salvation.