Venerable Master Hsuan Hua often said, "The Dharmakaya is the true nature (Tathatā), and the true nature (Tathatā) is formless and without characteristics." What is the relationship between this Buddhist principle and us ordinary people?

Master Hsuan Hua's saying, "The Dharmakaya is the true nature (Tathatā), and the true nature (Tathatā) is formless and without characteristics," appears on the surface to be a profound Buddhist teaching beyond the world, but in reality, this principle is extremely closely related to our secular lives. Simply put, its application in secular life teaches us not to be misled by external appearances, but to see the true nature of things, thereby attaining spiritual freedom and happiness. Here are four core connections between this Buddhist principle and ordinary people:

1. Breaking Free from Attachment to Material Possessions and Fame

Worldly people often pursue external appearances, such as wealth, luxury cars, mansions, beauty, and social status.

Buddhist wisdom: These are all tangible and have form, but "all forms are illusory." Things with form are inevitably subject to birth, death, and decay (wealth will be lost, appearance will age, status will change).

Relationship with you: When you understand that "true reality (tathatā) is without form," you won't bind the entire value of your life to these impermanent external material things. You can still earn money and live, but you understand that these are merely temporary tools. You won't be ecstatic about gaining them, nor will you be devastated by their loss. This greatly reduces anxiety in worldly life.

2. Resolving "Labels" and "Prejudices" in Interpersonal Relationships

In secular society, we are accustomed to judging a person by their outward appearance, such as their education, income, gender, or even a few offensive remarks.

Buddhist Wisdom: Everyone's inner "Dharmakaya" (that is, their pure nature, Buddha-nature) is formless and equal for everyone. Those who are bad-tempered, selfish, or hurt us are merely having their true nature obscured by temporary afflictions (delusions and attachments).

Relationship with You: Understanding this principle allows you to see beyond appearances when observing people and events. When others criticize or express dissatisfaction, you understand that it's merely an "illusory appearance," not representing your true worth. This helps you let go of some "face-saving and self-esteem issues," fostering genuine tolerance and compassion for others, and reducing arguments with family and workplace conflicts.

3. "Adversity Relief" in the Face of Life's Difficulties

Secular life is full of suffering, such as birth, aging, sickness, death, separation from loved ones, and encountering those one hates. When suffering occurs (such as unemployment, illness, or heartbreak), we often feel it's a catastrophe.

Buddhist Wisdom: All suffering and difficulties are also a kind of "phenomenon." Since it's a phenomenon, it's not the eternal, unchanging essence (true reality); it will inevitably pass with the changing circumstances.

Relationship with You: This gives us a transcendent perspective of "cultivating truth through illusion." When faced with adversity, you'll know, "This is just a scene in the script of life," and suffering is a temporary illusion. Your true nature (tathatā) hasn't diminished in the slightest because of this illness or failure. In this way, you can maintain inner peace and stability amidst the turbulent waves of worldly life.

4. Rediscovering True Self-Worth

One of the greatest sufferings of modern people is living in the eyes and evaluations of others (such as likes on social media, praise or criticism from others).

Buddhist Wisdom: The evaluations of others are tangible sounds and words, ever-changing. Your Dharmakaya (true reality) inherently possesses all wisdom and merit, needing no external labels for proof.

Relationship with You: This helps you regain inner security. You no longer need to beg for approval from others. You learn to observe your own thoughts inward. When you are no longer swayed by external praise or criticism, you truly become the master of your own destiny.

In summary, Master Hsuan Hua's teaching is not about telling worldly people to escape reality and ignore everything; rather, it is about having a more "calm awareness" when facing worldly matters such as daily necessities, fame, and fortune.

In worldly terms, "Only by seeing through things can you truly let go; only by letting go can you truly take up." Only by understanding that reality (tathatā) is formless can you enjoy yourself and live freely in the secular world without being harmed by its rules.

The five precepts

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_precepts

Buddhist Beginner's Guide：Q&A

https://www.cttbusa.org/vajrastrikes/q_and_a_contents.asp.html

What is Buddhadharma?

https://www.drbachinese.org/online_reading/dharma_talks/kaishrlu-1/volume1-ce-28.htm