Dialogue with Namo Amituofo on the Infinite

On the thirtieth of August, 2017, a disciple approached Namo Amituofo with a question regarding the nature of the universe. The disciple remarked, "Namo Amituofo, I have come to realise that within space itself, there exist further spaces—infinitely layered and boundless. Within these spaces, there are countless sentient beings. It is truly inconceivable! My Buddha, your compassion is vast; you open these spaces to save all sentient beings and guide them back to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. I humbly request your compassionate teachings on the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way."

The Infinite Layers of the Dharma Realm

Namo Amituofo provided the following discourse: The truth of the universe is that it is infinitely layered, with no end and no beginning. Wherever you cast your gaze, you will find this infinite nature. Within the infinite, there is yet more infinite, and all of it is filled with sentient beings. Where is there a place without spirits? Every spirit possesses consciousness. This remains true unless one has reached the state of an awakened being.

To understand this, one must grasp the process of transforming consciousness into wisdom. People speak of the Eight Consciousnesses, which include the five sensory consciousnesses—sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch—the sixth consciousness, which is the mind, the seventh, the Manas consciousness, and the eighth, the Alaya consciousness. Beyond these, there are many more layers, all differing according to one's karma. When the Six Sense Organs: eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind are incomplete, the Eight Consciousnesses are difficult to fully manifest. This is often the case for those trapped within the three evil realms. Conversely, those in the three good realms or the Four Sacred Realms possess clearer consciousness. The higher the spirit, the fewer the obstacles, and the more clearly the Six Sense Organs: eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind and consciousnesses are revealed.

The Practice of the Six Roots in Daily Life

Even when the Eight Consciousnesses are clear and pure, they are still merely consciousness. The superior strategy is to let go of consciousness and instead utilise the root-nature itself. Consider the stories carried on the wind or the nature of the mind-root; when you can grasp these things naturally, every action becomes a manifestation of the Dharma.

Take, for example, the preparation of food in the temple kitchen. When one is cooking, the colours, aromas, and flavours are all present. If you use the root-nature of your Six Sense Organs: eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind, everything is revealed in its true light. Therefore, the merit gained from service in the kitchen often surpasses other forms of practice. Do not compare yourselves to one another, nor calculate who is doing more or less. Do not dwell on gain or loss, or judge things as high or low. If you can use your efforts wisely, your work will be transformed into Blessings. If you practise with a pure heart, the merit is immeasurable. When you give of yourself, you will never be in debt to the universe.

The Awakening of the Dharma Body

What is the use of the body-root? It is used by the root-nature to transcend time and space, reaching into the infinite. When your eyes see, your ears hear, your nose smells the fragrance of the Dharma, and your tongue tastes with sensitivity, you are using the body to manifest the truth. Your thoughts are infinite because they are rooted in the body, allowing the truth to appear.

When your root-nature is obstructed by karma, it becomes limited. As your karmic obstacles are eliminated, your body and roots will function with increasing clarity. You will gradually become pure, and the truth will become manifest. When you use your body and roots in unison, you are fully present in the here and now. The spirit also has its own root-nature. Even without a physical body, the Six Sense Organs: eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind of the spirit are even more sensitive. When one reaches the state of an awakened being, the Six Sense Organs: eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind are integrated. Everything is done for the sake of sentient beings, and one flows naturally with the Dharma, unconstrained by time or space.

The Universal Compassion of Namo Amituofo

This is the Dharma Body—infinitely layered, without limits, and functioning without a self-centred mind. Everything you touch becomes a manifestation of the Dharma. The truth of the universe is that the Dharma is infinite. Where is there a place without sentient beings? They are everywhere, appearing in different forms, with different frequencies of sound and different lifespans. Whether in this world or others, they fill the void of the universe.

How can we know that all are one? Regardless of their form, their location in time and space, or their age, all sentient beings suffer. All have their own karmic obstacles, their own good and evil, and their own levels of existence. They are all caught in the cycle of the six realms of existence, and all possess a spirit that experiences pain. They all have their own desires, and they all share one common goal: they all wish to leave suffering behind and find happiness. Namo Amituofo, in his infinite compassion, understands the hearts of all beings and works to rescue them from their difficulties, satisfying their needs. The magnificent Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is exactly this—a place of refuge. As we walk the path of the morning, we see that the number of beings is immeasurable and boundless. Through this magnificent Dharma affinity, we all travel together to the West.

This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

Namo Amituofo