Dialogue with the Buddha: The Cultivation of the Heart
Teachings from Namo Amituofo
Recorded on 28 June 2017
The Vastness of the Realm
The majestic light of the Great Dharma permeates every corner of the universe. Its power is truly vast, bestowing its grace upon all beings under heaven. In the vast emptiness of space, all things are subject to constant change. The cycle of formation, abiding, decay, and emptiness is the eternal rhythm of existence, occurring at every moment. In the eyes of the Buddha, there is no discrimination. All beings are of the same body, and the Dharma Realm is boundless. Every change we perceive is merely a manifestation of the spirit.
Cultivating the Heart's True Nature
The direction of your heart is determined entirely by your cultivation. There is no fundamental difference between you and the Tathagata. When we speak the sounds of the Dharma and transmit the heart of the Dharma, there is no separation; it is all true and identical. When your heart is clear and luminous, you perceive your true self-nature. You must respond to the needs of the moment and teach the benefits of the Dharma accordingly. By diligently practising the teachings, your virtue will spread in all directions. Even as you reside in this dusty world, your spirit remains one with the Dharma.
The Infinite Capacity of the Mind
In this present age, the hearts of people are often led astray by the pursuit of worldly gains. They are entangled in the consequences of their own actions, caught in a complex web of spiritual obstacles. The magnificent power of the Dharma lies in your steadfast faith. You must balance your understanding with your practice, keeping your vows firm and unwavering. Do not let any opportunity pass by in vain. Every being is a Buddha in the making; every being has the potential to become a Tathagata. While your may seem as vast as Mount Sumeru or as deep as the great ocean, this is not the ultimate truth. It is neither real nor false. How you cultivate your character and how you nurture your will determine your path. The void contains all things, and the spirit is pure wisdom. Everything is clear; do you know whose heart this is? The great ocean and Mount Sumeru are merely measures of capacity. If you possess the emptiness of the void, you become boundless. This is infinite cultivation, infinite nurturing, infinite compassion and wisdom, and infinite Prajna.
Returning to the Original Self
Your heart can encompass the entire universe, and your capacity can reach every corner of the world. This is the power of the Buddha’s teachings, the great compassion, and the wisdom of virtue. Future generations will seek this true wisdom. Reflect on the verses of the ancestors, which describe the true self-nature so clearly: 'How unexpected that the true self-nature is inherently pure! How unexpected that the true self-nature is inherently unborn and undying! How unexpected that the true self-nature is inherently complete! How unexpected that the true self-nature is inherently immovable!' Great wisdom often appears as foolishness. Even in the simplest tasks, such as pounding rice or gathering firewood, one can see the light of the awakened being and strengthen the heart. When you see the truth and the principle, you will not deviate from the path. Even when faced with emotions, your heart will remain unmoved. The Buddha’s teachings are truly vast.
Steadfastness on the Path to Buddhahood
When your position is upright and your heart is firm, even if demons or evil forces attempt to disturb you, you will remain calm and clear. Because your heart is like the Tathagata, you are the Tathagata. You have nothing to fear, for you are inherently fearless. In this world, there are many schools and paths, each with its own methods and teachers. There are thousands of paths, but which one is the strongest? If you can achieve unity of heart, that is the true achievement. The Buddha’s teachings are truly effective, and I hope all disciples will study them well. These morning words are real and not empty. Every word contains profound meaning, and this pure stream of sound is meant to awaken your wisdom and guide you back to the source. The wonderful Dharma of the Tathagata, with its wonderful wisdom and wonderful grace, is what future disciples will use to define their names. At Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre, the magnificence of the Dharma is beyond words. It does not depend on the passage of time, but on the strength of your great cultivation. This discourse was recorded by the Buddhist disciple Shi Faxi.
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library