By Ru Yin

What exactly is a Buddha? The world knows a Buddha as the wise one, the enlightened one. But wisdom to what extent, and enlightenment to what extent? A Buddha is also called the “Tathāgata,” likened to the sun that illuminates the world.

The Commentary on the Mahāvairocana Sūtra explains that the wisdom of the Tathāgata differs from sunlight:

“It pervades all places, radiating great illumination, with no distinction between inside and outside, day and night.”

This means that the Buddha’s wisdom shines upon all without differentiation, beyond the bounds of time and space.

Guang Huan Mi Zong reveres this all-pervading wisdom in the form of the Five World Buddhas, with Mahāvairocana Buddha as the Main Deity in the center.

Holy Master Ziguang Shang Shi, as His representative, imparts the supreme truth of the Dharma Realm at the Holy Mountain Buddha Land. During the sacred birthday ceremony of the Eastern Medicine Buddha, who is deeply venerated among the Five Buddhas, Holy Master revealed a profound “definition” of a Buddha:

“A Buddha sees an object and knows its essence, sees a person and knows his heart.”

To define something requires deep insight into its domain, only those who truly comprehend a subject are able to do it. Just as a layperson cannot define “blockchain,” “adverse possession,” or “entropy.” Moreover, definitions are not absolute; they have boundaries. When learning Buddhism, understanding and forming cognition is a gradual process, achieved through hearing the Dharma and attaining realization.

Only the representative of the Buddha can truly define what a Buddha is. This is an act of compassion—both from the Buddha and from Holy Master Ziguang Shang Shi to provide an extraordinary instruction for the Dharma seekers with immense guidance. It helps them discern the true nature of the Buddha they seek, the purpose of their devotion, and the meaning of studying Buddhism. Through this understanding, they can distinguish genuine Dharma from the many false teachings that falsely claim the name of the Buddha.

Holy Master’s revelation also aligns with a precious teaching from the sutra Guang Huan Mi Zong Supreme Dharma:

“If One sees the dependent origination, he sees the Dharma; if one sees the Dharma, he sees the Buddha.”

This single phrase acts as a guiding light, helping Buddhist disciples clear their doubts, increase their wisdom, and remove obstacles. Such is the unfathomable power of the Buddha.

At the Holy Mountain, we listen to the sound of the Tathāgata, contemplate the myriad aspects of life, and practice the ancient esoteric teachings. This is a place where the doors are open to those who sincerely seek the true Dharma. Here, Holy Master Ziguang Shang Shi awaits those yearning to transcend the illusory world and embark on the path to enlightenment.