When we speak of a life that is truly renewed, we are referring to a profound transformation that begins deep within the heart and manifests in every action we take. As practitioners, we must understand that the ability to change our ways is the cornerstone of our spiritual journey. Whenever you genuinely commit to correcting your past mistakes and letting go of old habits, you will find that your heart and your actions begin to take on a completely new, radiant quality.
It is a fundamental truth that appearance arises from the mind. When your heart is renewed and purified, your very countenance will naturally follow suit, reflecting that inner clarity and freshness. This renewal is not merely superficial; it is a powerful force that drives a fundamental change in your body, your mind, and your spirit. When your heart and your actions are in perfect harmony, you demonstrate a state of true sincerity and authenticity, which is an essential condition for achieving success in your practice.
The Weight of Every Thought
We must be vigilant, for when our thoughts and our actions are not aligned, we are inadvertently creating negative . In the teachings of Buddhism, every single thought and intention we harbour is a form of action that leaves an imprint. If your thoughts are good, you create good karma; if your thoughts are malicious or selfish, you create negative karma. Regardless of whether the karma is good or bad, it is still karma, and it will inevitably bring about a corresponding result, all of which is stored within your .
However, the practice of chanting is unique. Even though the act of thinking about the Buddha, remembering the Buddha, and initiating the recitation involves the movement of the mind and enters the consciousness, it serves a higher purpose. If you can keep your recitation pure and unstained, free from the interference of delusions and messy thoughts, and chant Namo Amituofo all the way, you will reach a state of profound clarity. If you can reach the stage where you recite without the conscious effort of reciting, and where your recitation is effortless yet constant, you will no longer need to consciously trigger the thought of chanting. The Buddha-name will arise naturally from within your heart, no longer entering the storehouse of karmic consciousness.
The Continuous Flow of Purity
It is of the utmost importance that you do not interrupt your recitation at this stage. On the contrary, you must be even more diligent. At this point, your heart is transitioning from a state of impurity to a state of purity. Only then can the Buddha-name be recited in a continuous, unbroken stream. If your heart remains clouded by defilements, the Buddha-name will be obscured, and you will be unable to maintain that vital, continuous flow of .
Understanding the benefits of chanting and recognising its importance is what we call right faith and right understanding in Buddhist education. However, if this understanding does not translate into actual practice and personal verification, it remains empty. You will not be able to receive the true benefits of the . Only when you combine this understanding with active, consistent practice will you reach the moment where you verify the truth for yourself and reap the full rewards of the Dharma, aligning yourself with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way.
Moving Toward
You must deepen your Faith, Vows, and Practice. Arouse the mind and single-mindedly recite Namo Amituofo, and ensure that you put these teachings into actual practice every day. Through a process of purification, and then more purification, your body, mind, and spirit will be cleansed of all defilements. You will surely emerge as a person who is entirely renewed.
This state of renewal is the mark of a practitioner whose skills have matured. It signifies that your heart is in sync with your true self, and you are steadily moving forward toward the realisation of your true nature. Through this constant, dedicated purification, you are walking the path that leads directly to the of Ultimate Bliss.
Namo Amituofo
Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe
