Awakening Must Lead to the Practice of Compassion
The Three Buddha Bodies teach that one awakening appears in three forms. The Dharma Body is the place of the originally pure mind. The Reward Body is the form of wisdom that brightens that mind through practice and merit. The Transformation Body is the compassionate activity by which that awakening benefits beings in the world.
Therefore, practice does not end with realizing the original place of our own mind. Awakening must become bright as wisdom, and that wisdom must again lead to compassionate action. Its meaning is fully revealed only when it does not remain inside, but appears as a life that helps and benefits neighbors in the world.
Within us too, there is an originally clear and pure mind. To know that mind rightly, steadily cultivate it, brighten wisdom, and finally live through compassion: this is the Buddha's path.
Today, may we not forget the originally clear mind, share as much as we have cultivated, and carry awakening into the practice of compassion.
The Three Buddha Bodies mean the Dharma Body, Reward Body, and Transformation Body: the essence of truth, the maturing of wisdom, and the practice of compassion. Practice begins with realizing the original mind, then brightening wisdom, and finally living with compassion in the world. Today, may we protect the clear mind and share as much as we have cultivated.
