In the End, Deliver Yourself Too

📖Master’s Reading

Many think "deliverance" is only a rite held for the dead; in truth it is a sacred lesson for the living. The truth of the dharmadhātu is: "Deliverance is not only for the dead. 'Deliver' means to transcend — do not linger in this place; that is deliverance, transforming, guiding you to another, better world." When you understand that "transcend" is transcending worldly clinging and "deliver" is transforming inner affliction, you know: "Delivering the past changes this life's thinking; delivering this life changes your future self."

On the path of practice, one must learn deliverance. Many want to deliver beings yet forget those closest around them. "The first to deliver is your father and mother — those who gave you birth matter most; you must truly deliver them, or they become the greatest problem in your practice." If kin still suffer in another world, karma tightly entangling both, how can you liberate with peace of mind? To first deliver kin and let them attain liberation is the key to untying life's ties.

Yet the ultimate goal of practice is: "True practice is delivering yourself; being able to deliver kin well, this merit-power is enough." When we have soothed the attachments and karma around us, we must finally return to ourselves. Delivering yourself was never selfish but letting the soul thoroughly transcend worldly clinging, fear and affliction.

Helping others matters, but never forget your own heart. While being compassionate to beings, do not forget to be compassionate to yourself. When you learn to deliver past wounds and this life's clinging, the soul is unobstructed and moves toward true freedom and great completeness.

🌱Reflection for Daily Life

• Deliverance is not a rite only for the dead.
• First deliver your parents to untie the ties.
• True practice lies in delivering yourself.
• The soul, unobstructed, moves toward complete freedom.
• True practice is delivering yourself.