Beyond the Burden of Pressure

Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

Namo Amituofo’s discourse:

Pressure is a term frequently used by people in the modern world. In truth, it is a manifestation of karma. When we cling to the concept of a self—this illusory body that is bound by the laws of karma—we inevitably experience pressure.

The Roots of the Discriminatory Mind

Pressure arises from the mind of discrimination. It is born when we become entangled in the following states:

• The desire for gain or the fear of loss.
• The habit of comparing ourselves to others.
• The tendency to judge situations as high or low.
• The tendency to label experiences as good or bad.

When we reach the state of no-self, our responsibility is to save countless suffering beings. We do our best to relieve their suffering without the weight of personal gain or loss. We simply follow the conditions as they arise, acting with diligent practice and sincerity.

The Weight of the Ego

Pressure begins in the heart, affects the body, and eventually manifests in our outward appearance. It occurs when we feel we have failed to meet our own expectations. If we allow this pressure to accumulate and expand, it forms a negative energy that leads to negative behaviour, oppressing our Body-Mind-Spirit and causing various discomforts and problems.

When our personality traits manifest, or when we strengthen the attachments of our false self, we become polluted by our own selfish views and opinions. In the context of our practice, these are polluted states. They obstruct our diligent practice and can even cause us to regress, making it difficult to move forward on the path.

Transforming Pressure into Responsibility

Therefore, practice should not be a source of pressure. Instead, we should release this pressure and be skilful at transformation, turning it into a sense of responsibility—both for ourselves and for all beings. We need Wisdom (Prajna) to face this responsibility.

If we can distribute this responsibility among everyone in the community, and if each person does their part with sincerity, then we are truly being responsible. This is compassion for oneself, and it is also compassion for all beings.

Returning to the Pure Source

Chant Buddha's name more often. Do not dwell on your own feelings, and the pressure will naturally dissolve. In the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, a world of absolute purity and Goodness, there is no such thing as pressure. It does not exist in our true self-nature either.

Thus, we must realise that the process of practice—of removing impurities and returning to purity—is not about enduring pressure; it is about simply doing our best.

Namo Amituofo