Recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
Human life is a rare and precious opportunity. Time slips through our fingers like sand, and every second is invaluable. Because of this, you must strive to maintain awareness at all times. You must be awake in the present moment, for it is only in the present that you can truly practise and transform your life.
Where does this awareness reside? It dwells within your sensitive, intuitive perception. It is the clarity of your spirit that allows you to see beyond the surface of things. You must ask yourself: what is it that I am truly aware of?
Seeing Through the Illusory World
You must realise that this world, and everything you encounter within it—the people, the events, and the circumstances—are all illusory. They are like floating clouds or a passing dream. If you become attached to these things, or if you take them to be absolutely real, you will inevitably suffer. Attachment is the root of your pain.
When you encounter the manifestation of , how should you face it? You must understand that the laws of and the causes and effects are precise and unwavering. Every and every sorrow you experience today is the result of causes you planted in the past. The world is filled with concepts of Goodness and evil, right and wrong, but these are all part of the illusory environment. Do not be deceived by these illusions, and do not create new karma by reacting with ignorance.
Resolving Karmic Debts
When your past karma manifests, you must learn to follow the conditions to resolve old debts without creating new ones. You should sincerely invite Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su to assist you. By doing so, you can resolve the grievances with the beings residing within your body, allowing them to accept and find liberation.
Even if you are suffering under the weight of , you must remain steadfast. Do not harbour resentment or anger. Instead, accept the situation directly to exhaust your old karma. At the same time, you must be diligent in your practice:
Prostrations: Bowing to the Buddha to humble the ego.
Chanting: Reciting the name of Namo Amituofo to purify the mind.
Reciting the Sutras: Studying the teachings to gain wisdom.
If you create new karma while your old karma is manifesting, you are merely piling burden upon burden. When will such a cycle ever end? Therefore, you must be extremely cautious with your Body, Speech, and Mind. Ensure that everything you do is rooted in Goodness, and do not commit any evil. You must be willing to change your personality traits so that you no longer attract the manifestation of old, negative karma.
The Path of Constant Practice
In every moment, you can practise self-reflection. Ask yourself:
Am I being led into suffering by my , , , and ?
Are my heart and actions in sync with the Buddha’s vow to save countless suffering beings?
Am I truly in control of my own mind?
Is my chanting of Namo Amituofo continuous?
Never forget to chant. Keep the Buddha-name in your heart at all times, 24/7, without interruption. Every thought should be of the Buddha. Chanting is the cause, and becoming a Buddha is the result. If you notice that your chanting has been interrupted, pick it up immediately. Keep the Buddha-name with you always to purify your intentions.
When you feel the suffering of other beings, remember that you are also a being. If you still experience suffering, it is because your attachments are heavy. You must strive for Body-Mind-Spirit purification. Simply chant Namo Amituofo. There is no past, there is no future; there is only the present moment. You must chant one Buddha's name to the end.
