Are You Truly the One in Control?

The Signs of a Wandering Mind

My dear children, why is it that during your morning chanting or when you are performing Chao Du, you feel so heavy, drowsy, and unable to remain alert? It is because your heart is devoid of the Buddha, devoid of the Buddha-name, and devoid of a master. Without a heart, without strength, you fall into a state of confusion and lethargy. This manifests as a lack of inner strength, a feeling of being mentally clouded, the presence of deep-seated anxiety and doubt, and persistent worries that pull you away from the present moment. Your mind becomes scattered and easily distracted.

When Karmic Creditors Take the Lead

These are all instances where your karmic creditors have found an opportunity to manifest within your body—appearing in your eyes, your body, or your face. This allows those with open eyes or Practitioner Su to witness the truth. When this happens, it is not you who is in control; it is the karmic creditor who has taken the lead. Even if this person opens their eyes and looks directly at another, what those with open eyes see is the gaze of the karmic creditor, not the gaze of the person themselves.

Reclaiming Your True Nature

If your heart is firm in your practice and your desire to save beings, if you are without doubt or worry, and if you believe in yourself and believe in the Buddha, the karmic creditors will naturally retreat. You will find that you are once again the master of your own actions. Whether you are listening to the sutras, hearing the Dharma, performing prostrations, chanting the Buddha-name, or engaging in Chao Du, you will be fully present, and your practice will remain free from interference.

Placing Namo Amituofo at the Centre

Most importantly, my children, keep the Buddha in your heart at all times. Never be apart from the Buddha. No matter what you encounter, no matter who you face, and no matter what problem you are resolving, place the Buddha first! Place the Buddha in the foremost, most important position. In this way, the Buddha can bless you at any time, and your heart will be free from fear and unease. You can avoid the states of drowsiness and distraction, and the situation where your eyes are not your own and you cannot be the master of your own mind. Namo Amituofo.