Cultivating the Mind: A Dialogue with Namo Amituofo

The Sovereign of All Existence

During the morning walking meditation on June 4, 2017, Practitioner Su shared a profound insight regarding the nature of our existence. She explained that the universe is governed entirely by this heart. Because the heart is the most important element of our being, the essence of our practice lies in cultivating this very heart. If we wish to be free from spiritual attachment, we must look inward and ask ourselves: are we truly practising unconditional compassion and the great empathy of oneness? Those who are preoccupied only with their own physical bodies, personal feelings, and selfish desires cannot possibly care for this heart properly. The vastness of the void is entirely directed by the heart; therefore, the greater our mind-capacity, the better. Namo Amituofo, witnessing the countless beings seeking Spiritual Deliverance during the meditation, offered this discourse to guide us.

The Heart as the Universal Master

The heart is the master of all things. There is nothing in the universe that can escape its influence. Within the laws of the universe, this is the primary truth. If you can become the master of your own heart, you will be able to command all phenomena. Whether one is an ordinary person or a common labourer, a king in a palace or a noble, wealthy or poor, foolish or wise, the heart is capable of containing everything.

Although I, Namo Amituofo, do not step out of the door, I know all things in the world. If you possess a pure heart, you do not need to read newspapers to understand the affairs of the world. However, if you possess a defiled heart, you rely on newspapers and magazines, and you only know the events of the present moment. This is merely worldly knowledge. To know one thing is to know only one; to know two is to know only two. If you attain a flawless heart, you can contain everything.

True Wisdom Versus Worldly Knowledge

If you attain a flawless heart, you can contain the events of this world and other realms, as well as the occurrences of this life and countless past lives. You do not need to study anything externally; if you wish to know, you will know immediately. This is what we call the spirit-knowing heart, also known as the infinite heart or the true self. Everyone possesses this inherently; not a single person lacks it.

Everything in the universe possesses a heart, without exception: all beings within the six realms of existence and the ten directions, every celestial body and planet in the cosmos, all extraterrestrial life forms, every flower, blade of grass, and tree, every grain of sand and speck of dust, and all creatures that fly, crawl, or move. Even inanimate objects contain within them a myriad of spirits, and each possesses a heart. The heart is inherently an infinite treasury, yet it has been covered by layers of defilement and impurities that have continued without interruption.

Returning to Your Original Nature

When will your original nature manifest? If you are a person with true karmic affinity, these words will enter your heart. It is easy for words to enter your eyes or ears, but it is rare for them to enter the heart. If you can believe even a few of these words, you will receive infinite benefits. You must not engage in discrimination, nor should you compare yourself with others. There is no such thing as being superior or inferior; everyone is a treasure, and the Buddha-heart is equal in all.

We are currently trapped in the cycle of rebirth and the suffering of the six realms of existence only because we have created various karmic causes. These are all illusions. In the blink of an eye, everything changes, and impermanence is always present. Once you know your original nature, you should feel joy, for you will realise that you, too, possess the original heart of the Tathagata. You only need to be diligent in your practice to wash away all your defilements.

The Path of Righteous Practice

To address your karmic creditors, you must be sincere in your repentance before the Buddha. You also need a true spiritual friend to help you properly adjust your mental notes, your speech, and your behaviour. If you have strayed from the path, correcting your actions is also a form of righteous practice. The words of the Buddha are true words; every sentence is free from lying. If you can believe in them, both your blessings and your wisdom will flourish.

Time has its sequence, and space exists between this world and others, but the true heart is not limited by these. It transcends both the present and the past. The Buddha’s teachings have no other purpose than to express this truth. Those who see these words should apply them to their own lives and use them to help resolve the suffering of all beings. Remember, you are also one of these beings. For the sake of all, forget yourself. Protect the Dharma and protect this life. Above all, protect your heart. Do not let it become stained or cluttered. By chanting Namo Amituofo, you will purify your heart. If you have the affinity, you can help others leave suffering behind and assist your karmic creditors in being reborn in the Western Pure Land. Namo Amituofo.