Dialogue with Namo Amituofo on Arrogance

The Illusion of Superiority

On the fifth of July, 2017, the disciple Shi Faxi respectfully invited the Buddha to provide teachings. Namo Amituofo offered this guidance on the nature of arrogance, a poison that obscures the path to wisdom.

Many people believe themselves to be superior, acting as if they are the only ones who matter. They live in a world of constant discriminations, categorising everything they encounter based on their own limited perceptions. Because their eyes do not see the Truth, they see only illusions and delusions. Great arrogance is often paired with deep insecurity, and because of this, one cannot truly know oneself.

In the eyes of the Buddha, all things are equal. There is no inherent good or bad; these are merely labels we attach to the world. Only when you reside in the middle path can you truly awaken. When you are trapped in the extremes of arrogance or self-abasement, you lack equality, and consequently, you lack true compassion.

The Erosion of Virtue

The arrogant person often faces failure in their endeavours. Few people are willing to follow or support those who are consumed by pride. Furthermore, arrogance erodes one's own virtues, making it difficult to accomplish anything of true significance in the Buddha’s gate. If you spend all your time observing others and never looking within, how can you cultivate true compassion? Without this, your practice will be difficult to sustain.

To study the Buddha’s teachings, you must have a pure heart, pure wisdom, and a pure mind. Regardless of your past status, your height, or your worldly achievements, once you enter the Buddha’s gate, you are a practitioner. We are all here to leave the cycle of rebirth behind. As long as you practise well, you will not stray from the path, but if you cling to the dust of your past, you will remain lost.

The Danger of Pride in Practice

There is a distance between you and the Buddha’s gate if you do not let go of greed, anger, delusion, and arrogance. If these remain, you are not truly within the Buddha’s gate, nor are you a true disciple. Such attitudes corrupt the atmosphere of the Dharma. To all the seven groups of disciples, listen well to these words: the discipline of the Buddha’s teachings is equal to the Tathagata himself. As a disciple, you are here to serve; you cannot be arrogant. You must be humble and yielding, for there are no truly capable ones—there are only those who work hard.

Your life of wisdom requires diligent service. If you indulge in delusions and believe you hold a high position, you are truly foolish. You are only cutting off your own wisdom. By judging yourself based on empty concepts, you will eventually manifest illness. Old ailments may return, and new ones may arise. Your face may age, and your body may weaken. If you lose your original, humble state, your body may become distorted or your actions may become unwholesome, making it difficult to follow the Dharma.

Returning to the Original Nature

Do not destroy the Buddha’s teachings. Keep your heart empty and serve with humility. Through this, you can realise your true nature and wait for the conditions to mature. You must continue this practice until the very end of your life. The spirit has no birth or death; only the body is subject to decay. Eventually, it returns to the earth, recovering its original state. But who is this original self? In truth, there is no one to be found.

Even the names of great virtuous monks are merely illusions. If you call out to them, there is no one to answer. Where does the Truth go? This is the true path. Your practice is precious; do not let it be destroyed by falling into failure and impurity. Observe your own thoughts and actions. Are your steps filled with pride? Is your tone of voice filled with arrogance? These subtle points are crucial to recognise. If you do not know you are wrong, you cannot attain true Awakening.

If your words have no logic, you cannot see your true nature. If your awareness has no vision, how can you attain the path? The dust of your past must be cleared away. Do not look back; look only to the West. The path is one of service. Do not seek to possess anything, and you will naturally have everything, yet you will be attached to nothing. This is the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. Follow the true principles and walk the path with humility. True practice lies within yourself. Cultivate what you desire, and let your virtue shine in this world. Through this, you will walk the same path, share the same labour, and dwell in the same Buddha-light as all the Buddhas.

Namo Amituofo