On the ninth of June, 2017, a disciple approached with a question regarding the fifty trillion cells that constitute the bodies of the fourfold assembly (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen) at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre. Through the boundless of Namo Amituofo, these cells have been fully purified, becoming as innocent and clear as those of a young child. The disciple asked, "How should we, as practitioners, diligently lead and teach these fifty trillion cells? How does the state of our heart directly influence the manifestation of our own being? We humbly request the Buddha's compassionate teachings."
Namo Amituofo responded with a profound discourse:
Practitioner Su possesses the great wisdom to transform the universe. By opening up space and achieving purification, one truly begins the work. You speak of the fifty trillion cells of the body, yet in truth, the number is far greater than that. Within the smallest particle, the entire void is contained, and within that void, there is an endless, inexhaustible expanse.
These infinite realms are all contained within this very body. Within the body, the spirit and the physical form coexist in harmony. They see, hear, smell, taste, touch, and perceive together. When the body manifests its various functions, the spirit simultaneously reveals its state through Body, Speech, and Mind. This may manifest as a harmonious and gentle presence, or it may appear as rigid, closed, and defensive. All of this resides within the heart; there is no substitute for your own cultivation.
The Mind as the Architect
Whatever is present in your heart will inevitably manifest in your life. The qualities of sincerity, purity, and equality are the true manifestations of the Right . Conversely, arrogance and self-abasement are states that one must constantly avoid, for they are the pathways that lead to the hells. Everything is created by the heart and performed by . If one is truly awakened, there is no distinction between self and other; one views all beings as equal to oneself.
There is no discrimination between high and low.
There is no separation between this world and other realms.
Everything is contained within your own heart.
Your heart can be as small as a grain of sand, or as vast as Mount Sumeru. It may be marked by the scars of past suffering, or it may be as pure as freshly fallen snow, free from any impurity. Why is this so? It is not because of external factors, but because of the state of your own heart. Within the overlapping layers of space, everything can be connected in an instant. When one thought of goodness arises, all thoughts become good; when one thought of evil arises, all thoughts become evil.
Transcending the Illusion of Duality
Right and wrong, good and evil—all are experienced by the whole. There is no distinction of status, no "you" or "me," and no "other." There is only the state of the one heart. To leave suffering behind and gain happiness, you must purify your heart. You have already travelled more than half the journey of this life. Now, you must decide whether to continue at a slow, gradual pace or to surge forward with renewed vigour. This choice rests entirely upon the state of your heart.
Keep your thoughts pure and clear at every moment. Often, when we encounter obstacles, we find it difficult to be joyful. However, when arises from the heart, all becomes one. In this state, you can perceive the . The Buddha’s teachings are not separate from reality; they permeate every moment and every place. There is no distinction between this world and other lands, no concept of size, distance, or separation. There is no need to pause or to look back, for all is contained within the infinite treasure house of the universe.
Returning to the Western Land
Who can say what is truly large in this universe? Within the large, there is always something larger. Who can say what is truly small? Within the small, there is always something smaller. Between the large and the small, there is no absolute boundary. Only the heart, when it is clear and luminous, can reflect the truth. The past, the present, and the future all manifest in this very moment. This place and other times are all revealed here. Originally, there is no space and no time; there is only the myriad fragrances of the spreading throughout the Dharma Realm, filling the heart.
If your heart is set on following the Buddha, you will surely attain liberation from the cycle of rebirth and return to the Western Land. Constantly reflect upon your thoughts as they arise. Do not allow impure or scattered thoughts to take root. Keep your body and mind cool, clear, and free from idle thoughts. Let every thought be of Namo Amituofo, and let every position be a manifestation of Samantabhadra . When your heart is in this state, you are already in the Western Land. Why, then, would you need to look far away to contemplate Namo Amituofo?
Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
