Dharma Is Truth, Also Known as the Ultimate Reality

Dharma is the truth and reality, the ultimate truth. Therefore, when Bodhisattvas expound the Dharma, they must speak the truth and reality, the ultimate truth. The truth and reality of each thing is singular. If observed accurately from each individual's perspective, the perceived truth and reality must be identical—there is only one truth and reality. If the conclusions drawn by different observers differ, it indicates that many have made errors in their observation; they have not observed correctly. The reasons for incorrect observation vary among individuals, but the common characteristic is insufficient power of observation.

Since expounding the Dharma means speaking the truth and reality, it is best if this truth and reality has been personally verified by the speaker, making the exposition most convincing and relatable. If one can only cite the words of others when expounding the Dharma, they must possess considerable discernment to verify that the cited words indeed represent the truth and reality. Currently, we can only be certain that everything spoken by the Buddha is truth and reality, yet we lack the ability to personally verify it. Our faith is merely based on reverence and devotion to the Buddha's sacred words—it does not yet constitute right faith or true faith. True faith requires the experiential realization of the truth. Therefore, placing faith based on reverence and devotion in anyone other than the Buddha carries certain risks; only right faith, verified faith, and true faith are reliable. However, achieving verified faith is extremely difficult. Thus, most sentient beings in the Dharma-Ending Age possess faith based on reverence, blind faith, or devotion—not right faith, verified faith, or true faith.