Are You Truly Yourself?

Words of Namo Amituofo, recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe.

November 12, 2022.

My child, at this very moment, I ask you: are you truly yourself?

The Qualities of Your True Nature

To understand whether you are truly yourself, you must look at the qualities that define your original, unblemished nature. When you are acting from your true self, you embody the virtues of compassion, wisdom, joy, and selfless giving. You are not selfish; rather, you are dedicated to serving others. You practise compassion and patience without ever complaining, remaining gentle and avoiding harm to any living being.

When you are truly yourself, you do not insist on your own views. You are open to accepting the perspectives of others, expressing yourself with gentleness to reach a consensus rather than forcing your will. Even if someone approaches you with an unpleasant expression or treats you with anger, you remain unmoved. You do not let your heart fluctuate or become agitated; instead, you open your mind-capacity, responding with compassion, tolerance, and kindness.

The Trap of External Influences

Treating others with compassion is, in truth, the same as treating yourself with compassion. When you respond with anger, you allow your karmic creditors to manifest. You trap yourself in a painful space, a cycle of suffering created through your own past actions. You must not allow external spirits or demon crowds to enter your body and use your physical form to create more karma.

Do not let anger arise within your heart. When you treat others with a hateful face, you are essentially setting fire to your own forest of merit. This is a grave mistake. By doing so, you not only harm yourself by destroying your accumulated virtues, but you also cause others to feel unhappy, thereby harming them as well. This is not the way of a practitioner.

Returning to Your Original Self

This state of anger is not your original face. It is a sign that you have been stained by the evil heart of hatred. It is a sign that you are struggling to be the master of your own life, and that you are being controlled by your karma and your karmic creditors. You must change this immediately.

My children, remember that taking a step back is like opening up a vast, clear sky. For a practitioner, this is the essential foundation of compassion and mind-capacity. This should be your natural state. When you return to this state, you will find that you possess a pure, stable, and calm heart. It is within this stillness that your spirits can truly ascend. Seek to find yourself again. When you do, you will realise the Buddha nature within you, experiencing coolness and freedom. You will transcend the ego through no-self, selflessness, and no-thought, fulfilling your vow to save yourself and others through Compassion, Joy, and Selfless Giving, embodying the ultimate characteristics of your awakened state: permanence, bliss, true self, and purity.

Namo Amituofo