A Dialogue with Namo Amituofo: The Small Soldier Achieves Great Merit
Teachings from Namo Amituofo
Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Shi Faxin, on September 19, 2017
The Gentle Rain of the
On the nineteenth of September, 2017, the disciple Shi Faxin respectfully invited Namo Amituofo to provide compassionate teachings for the benefit of all beings. Namo Amituofo responded with a discourse on the nature of our spiritual journey.
Like gentle raindrops falling from the sky, the Dharma clarifies our hearts and washes away the impurities of the world. We must understand that the timing of our spiritual progress is governed by Causal Conditions. While these conditions may appear to vary, they manifest exactly when the time is right for our growth. In the midst of these manifestations, we may only grasp a small portion of the truth, yet the Buddha knows the worries and burdens held within our hearts. When there is no brilliance or light to be found, one must take responsibility for the state of one's own mind and transform the landscape of the heart from within.
The Path of Steady Resolve
Step forward with stability and steady resolve. Do not fear the wounds or hardships you encounter along the way, for there is no need to be overly attached to your emotional reactions. These sentiments are merely illusory, transient affairs arising from a mind that has not yet found stillness. By letting go of these false , you begin to see the path more clearly, gradually washing away the dust and stains that have accumulated over countless lifetimes.
It is through the process of adjusting your mistakes that you truly learn how to practise. We often stumble, but it is precisely within these errors that we gain the wisdom to correct our course. Keep your heart level and calm, understanding that, in the ultimate sense, all worldly phenomena are empty. When you step into the waters of the Dharma, you will find a refreshing sense of ease and freedom, allowing you to swim through the currents of life with grace.
The Wisdom of the
Everything you do should be performed within the presence of the Buddha. When you let go of the concept of 'having' or 'possessing,' the illusion of the no-self naturally dissolves. If you can perceive the vastness of the void, you will realise that you are but a tiny speck of dust within the infinite universe.
The concept of the 'small soldier achieving great merit' refers to the humble practitioner who remains dedicated to the path. This success is achieved only through continuous practice within practice—a relentless commitment to refining one's conduct and thoughts. As you take each step forward on the path of , remember that it is only in a state of pureness that your practice can truly flourish. By maintaining this purity, you will find the strength to leave suffering behind and find true happiness, ultimately fulfilling your vow to reach the of Ultimate Bliss.
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