In Buddhist teachings and the teachings of Master Hsuan Hua, those on the path of spiritual practice are guided to experience the benefits of "physical sanctity" (i.e., abstaining from lust, refraining from sexual activity, and purifying body and mind). The core of this guidance lies in seeing through illusions, transforming energy, and recognizing one's true self. Master Hsuan Hua once clearly pointed out: "The cycle of rebirth in the six realms is rooted in lust; the transmigration of the three realms is based on love and desire." For believers who are halfway through their spiritual practice and easily torn between worldly desires and the path to liberation, we can teach them step-by-step from the following four levels and with their respective benefits:
I. Recognize that "the body is a temporary dwelling," and do not become a slave to this "false form."
Those who are halfway through their spiritual journey often mistake the "body" for their true self, thus pursuing physical pleasures.
Buddhist teachings: Master Hsuan Hua taught that the mind is the true master, and the body is merely a "house" formed by the coming together of causes and conditions. Living in the house doesn't mean you are the house itself.
The benefits of holiness and purity: When you keep your body pure and do not indulge your desires, you are the "master" of this house, not the "slave". By not clinging to the sensual pleasures of this physical body, the mind can attain true freedom and ease, freeing itself from the torment of burning desire.
II. Understanding that the loss of "essence, energy, and spirit" is the bankruptcy of spirituality and wisdom.
Spiritual practice requires resources, and the body's "essence, energy, and spirit" are the most precious energy sources.
Buddhist teachings state that when the Master spoke about "the power of eliminating all defilements (the sixth of the six supernatural powers in Buddhism, referring to the highest level of realization that one has completely eradicated all afflictions and karmic obstacles and escaped the cycle of birth and death)," he mentioned that the very thought of a man desiring a woman or a woman desiring a man is "leaking." If one indulges in lust, it will "corrupt all bodily functions and cause one to lose one's spirit and well-being."
Benefits of holiness and purity: Maintaining bodily holiness and purity can guide the public to "refine essence into qi, refine qi into spirit, and refine spirit to return to emptiness".
Worldly benefits: enhanced memory, better physical health, a refreshed mind, and increased vitality.
Benefits of transcending the world: Only by preserving one's vital energy can one gather energy and attain enlightenment in meditation. The *Surangama Sutra* states, "Without eliminating lustful thoughts, one cannot escape the dust of the world." A pure body is the fundamental foundation for attaining enlightenment and transcending the three realms.
Third, transform the fire of desire into the fire of wisdom: "Lust" is originally a cause of purity."The nature of defilement/desire is originally the seed/cause of our pure Buddha-nature." (From the *Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch*)
For believers who are struggling with lust and feel discouraged, it is important to offer them faith and teach them to "transform" rather than "suppress" it.
Buddhist teachings: When explaining the *Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch*, Master Hsuan Hua said, "Lust is originally the cause of purity; eliminating lust is purifying the body." A person with strong desires possesses great energy, like the Vajra with Fire Head (Ucchusma) in the *Surangama Sutra*, who originally had extremely strong lustful desires, but through practice transformed his lustful fire into the fire of wisdom, becoming a Dharma-protecting Vajra.
The Benefits of Holy Purity: The holiness and purity of the body does not mean destroying the body, but rather "transforming thoughts." It means transforming evil thoughts and wrong views into the pure nature of right views and right understanding. Once energy stops flowing downwards, it can rise upwards, transforming into immeasurable wisdom and great compassion for spreading the Dharma and benefiting all beings.
Fourth, master the specific and convenient methods of "preventing problems before they arise" in practice. Master Hsuan Hua advocated that spiritual practice must be personally put into practice. For believers who waver along the way, specific personal Dharma tools should be provided:
Dietary adjustments (avoiding stimulants): Avoid meat, and avoid the five pungent spices such as onions, garlic, and leeks. The Master emphasized that "those who eat meat have strong desires; those who eat vegetarian food have clear desires." A light diet naturally reduces the consumption of the body's "true energy."
Compassionate Contemplation (Changing Mindset): When lust arises in the presence of someone of the opposite sex, immediately contemplate, "All men are my fathers, all women are my mothers." Elders should be seen as parents, peers as brothers and sisters, and younger generations as children. With a thought of filial piety and compassion, lust will naturally subside. When one feels filial piety and compassion, lust will naturally be extinguished.
Keep in mind (change your mindset): When desires arise, do not follow them and weave fantasies. Instead, "be aware of the thought as soon as it arises, and when you are aware of it, it disappears." If you keep thinking about it, it will never be eradicated.
💡 A word of advice to those who are still practicing Buddhism: When teaching believers with Buddhist teachings, you should compassionately tell them that it is normal to experience ups and downs and trials of desire on the path of practice (as the Master said, "Obstacles are trials"). The benefit of maintaining physical purity is not to conform to some rigid precept, but to avoid wasting the "golden energy" of your life, and to use your most precious essence, energy, and spirit to attain enlightenment and benefit all sentient beings. This is the greatest way to cherish one's own life and show filial piety.
