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38 EASTERN HORIZON | TEACHINGS

they are, he/she can develop the seven
factors of enlightenment and eventually How to Study
realizes the four Noble Truths, dependent
origination and the three characteristics
of existence. This is the final result of Buddhism
observing objectively, phenomena as
By Venerable Master Hsing Yun
phenomena. This is why the Buddha
once said, “This Dhamma itself is to be
abandoned” (Dhammāpi pahātabbam).
These are not to be grasped as ours. So
there is nothing to be attached to in the
world (naca kiñci loke upadiyati).

At the end of this Sutta, giving a full
assurance of attainment, the Buddha said,
“Monks, whoever is practicing these four
establishments of mindful observation for
seven years, he can attain enlightenment
(Arahant-hood) or if residue remains the Venerable Hsing Yun was born on August 19, 1927 and is
attainment of the stage of Non-returner the founder of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order as well
(anāgāmi). Then reducing the time frame, as the affiliated Buddha’s Light International Association
the Buddha said that one would be able (BLIA) in Taiwan. Venerable Hsing Yun is considered to
to attain enlightenment even within six
be one of the most prominent proponents of Humanistic
years, ... five … , four …, three …, two …,
Buddhism and also one of the most influential teachers of
one year or with in half of a year. Finally
modern Chinese Buddhism. Through his teachings, hundreds
the Buddha said, “Monks, if one would
of Buddhist monasteries and centers have been established
practice this objective observation of
throughout the world.
the four establishment of mindfulness
properly one would attain enlightenment
within seven days.”
When the Buddha taught the Dharma, he gave the world an
inexhaustible gift: the ability to find true freedom. The Dharma
Therefore, let us all understand these four
is a mirror that reflects the truth within us and shows us how
objective observations (establishments of
to free ourselves from our own delusions. This truth is the same
mindfulness) and strive to observe things
truth that governs the universe. As we examine our minds in
whether internal or external objectively
the mirror of the Buddha’s teachings, we will discover a certain
so that we all can realize the real nature
wisdom that has always been present.
of things, both in ourselves and the
universe.
The value of learning the Dharma is not something that can be
easily measured. The first step we must take when we enter the
May we all realize real peace, real
gate of the Dharma is to look at ourselves. We must decide that
happiness of Nibbāna ! EH
we want to change, that we want to learn, and that we will really
try to apply the Buddha’s teachings in our daily lives. The moment
we embrace the Dharma, our lives will begin to change. The
Dharma is like a light that dispels the darkness.