I then came to realize the true meaning of believing in the Buddha. Comprehending and practicing the Buddha s teachings in our daily lives means that we believe in the Buddha. Lacking the understanding of the truth and not practicing his teachings means that we do not believe in the Buddha. We then come to realize that there are many who wear the attires of monks and nuns and live in learning centers, but do not believe the Buddha and do not practice his teachings. This applies not only to monks and nuns, but to laypeople as well.
Belief includes vow and practice.
Without vow and practice, there is no belief. Belief embodies understanding, practice and attainment. Understanding is to clearly comprehend the principles and methods of Buddha s teachings, as well as the state in the different realms. Practice is to apply the Buddha s teachings in our daily lives while attainment is to achieve the level of cultivation. The application of what we believe and understand in our daily lives will enable us to attain the true benefits of Buddhism.