Clearing the Heart and Reducing Desires

Teachings from the Teacher, recorded by Chief Writer Venerable HaiZe

February 19, 2023

The Foundation of a Pure Heart

To clear the heart and reduce desires is the fundamental duty of every practitioner. If your heart is clouded by turbidity and your desires are heavy, you will inevitably be filled with complex thoughts, delusions, and messy thoughts. This state of mind is the exact opposite of true practice. How, then, can one hope to achieve success on the path to awakening?

When your heart is clear, bright, and free from afflictions, you naturally cultivate a heart of contentment and few desires. This state is perfectly in sync with your true self. In fact, this is the original, unblemished face of your true self.

The Daily Practice of the Buddha-name

As practitioners, we must maintain our focus 24/7. To ensure our progress, we must adhere to the following principles:

• Take the Precepts as your foundation:
• Discipline provides the structure necessary for spiritual growth.Keep the Buddha-name constant:
• Let the name of Namo Amituofo never leave your heart, your mouth, or your ears.Integrate practice into all activities: Whether you are walking, standing, sitting, or lying down, ensure your mind remains in a state of purity, goodness, and meditative concentration.

By living in this way, you remain in sync with your true self. This is the original, unblemished face of your true self.

The Abundance of Simplicity

Clearing the heart and reducing desires may seem like a life of lack, but in reality, it is a life of profound abundance. When you simplify your existence, you become one with the myriad things in nature. The simpler, more straightforward, and less complicated your life becomes, the more easily you will remain in sync with purity and goodness.

Looking Inward to Find the Truth

In all things, you must learn to look inward. By turning your gaze toward your own heart, and by dwelling within the state of a cleared heart, reduced desires, purity, goodness, and meditative concentration, you will find it much easier to see the truth of reality. You will gain a clearer understanding of the situations affecting your Body-Mind-Spirit. This clarity allows your keen awareness to manifest, keeping you in sync with your true self. This is the original, unblemished face of your true self.

Namo Amituofo