..续本文上一页tva, one must first develop the mind of Bodhi (mind of enlightenment). With the mind of Bodhi one can then step into the practice of the Bodhisattva. This is the stage that emphasises the importance of faith and determination.

　　ii) After the initiation of Bodhi mind, one progresses in practice. The practice of the Bodhisattva emphasises benefitting others. The accumulation of virtues and wisdom is not only for oneself. This is the stage that emphasises compassion.

　　iii) When one is equipped with virtues and wisdom, and balance in the practice of compassion and wisdom, one then attains the wisdom of equanimity and non-discrimination. This is the stage of Prajna (wisdom of emptiness).

　　The above are stages along the Path of Prajna. The realisation of the wisdom of emptiness in the Path of Prajna represents the development of the mind for the Path of the Skilful Means. This is the supreme mind of Bodhi. It is the unification of faith and wisdom-the pure attainment.

　　iv) From then on, the Bodhisattva put great emphasis on relieving the sufferings of all living beings and the adornment of a pure land. This is the practice of loving kindness and compassion with wisdom.

　　v) At the stage of perfection, one realises the supreme Bodhi the wisdom of all wisdom.

　　The order of progress along the Path of Skilful Means includes the development of the supreme Bodhi mind, the practice and attainment of perfect wisdom. Together with the Path of Prajna, there are five stages. These are stages that a Bodhisattva must go through in the process of practice, and it is something that those who are practising the Path of the Bodhisattva should always bear in mind.

　　The Path of Prajna

　　To develop the Bodhi vow

　　To practice loving kindness and compassion

　　To attain the wisdom of emptiness

　　To abide with equanimity in faith and wisdom

　　The Path of Skilful Means

　　To develop a pure and joyful mind

　　To adorn and purify the pure land in all matters

　　To attain the perfect fruit of enlightenment

　　These two paths and five stages can be summarised into three: the first is the development of the mind, the middle three are the practice (the practice of compassion to wisdom in the Path of Prajna, and wisdom to compassion in the Path of Skilful Means), and the last one is the attainment of Buddhahood. They are the stages of practice from worldly beings to Buddhahood, which is in fact the purification and improvement of the three virtues (three virtues of the Buddha, perfection in detachment, compassion and wisdom) to the state of perfection.

　　In summary, the worldly beings are ignorant, impure and full of desires. From the state of a worldly being, one arouses one”s faith and determination in pursuing Buddhahood, through the practice of loving kindness and compassion one progresses towards the attainment of the wisdom of emptiness. The wisdom of emptiness is also the Bodhisattva”s faith and determination (the pure mind of supreme joy). It is the unification of faith and wisdom.

　　With this faith and determination (no yet perfect), one continues the practice of compassion and loving kindness more broadly until one attains the perfect stage of wisdom. This is also the time when one”s wisdom, loving kindness and compassion, faith and determination attain perfection. The practice of the Bodhisattva is boundless and profound. For one to practice the perfection of Bodhisattva from the stage of a worldly beings, one must always hold on to these Three Essentials as the guiding principles of practice.

　　5. The Three Essentials and the recitation of the Buddha”s name, vegetarianism, and sutra chanting

　　The various ways of practice in the countless methodologies introduced by the Buddha boil down to the practice of the Three Essentials. They are very broad and profound. Now, let…

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