Do Not Think of Yourself: Teachings from Namo Amituofo
Recorded by Venerable HaiZe on November 2, 2024
Teachings from Namo Amituofo, recorded by Venerable HaiZe on the second of November, 2024.
The Burden of
When we speak of the 'self,' we are speaking of the ego. As long as there is an 'I,' there is . This karma is the very engine that drives our movement through the six realms of rebirth. When you think of yourself, you are effectively activating your karmic history. You are bringing the 'self' of your past lives into the present moment, which inadvertently invites your and attached spirits to manifest.
In the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, there is no opportunity for karma to operate. This is because the Western Land is a place where all superior beings gather in one assembly. In that pure environment, negative karma has no conditions under which it can manifest.
The Illusion of Worldly Gains
Within this world, everything that we claim as 'mine' exists only because of past karma. It is the result of causes sown in previous lifetimes, which have now matured into the fruits we experience today. Consider the nature of worldly life:
- Wealth: The material abundance we possess is merely a karmic fruit.
- Fame and Status: The recognition we receive from others is a karmic reflection.
- Power and Position: The authority we hold is a manifestation of past actions.
If there were no 'self,' there would be no fruits to manifest. Without the 'I,' both good and evil consequences would have no ground upon which to appear, and there would be no opportunity for the mind to be disturbed by waves of desire or aversion.
The Purest Path to Liberation
For the practitioner, the most vital instruction is this: do not think of yourself. Instead, focus your mind entirely on Namo Amituofo. By chanting the six-character name, 'Namo Amituofo,' you are engaging in the cultivation of pure karma. Why is the recitation of the Buddha’s name considered 'pure karma'? It is because, although the mind is still active, this activity is focused on the most sublime and virtuous object possible—the sacred name of Namo Amituofo.
If you can replace the thought of 'self' and the constant focus on 'I' with the recitation of Namo Amituofo, you are effectively transforming your karma into purity. This is the precise moment when your practice begins to transcend the cycle of rebirth.
Melting the Stone of Ego
Do not think of yourself. This is the starting point for changing your personality and habits, for the 'self' is filled with personal ego and selfishness. We can also say that thinking of yourself is what allows your negative habits to manifest and obstruct your spiritual progress. When you think of yourself, it is as if you have created a massive stone that blocks the path of your practice.
The sacred name of Namo Amituofo is the wonderful remedy that can melt this great stone. Only this medicine has the power to dissolve the obstacles that have already appeared, or to prevent such obstacles from arising in the first place.
The Promise of Namo Amituofo
Do not think of yourself. Think of Namo Amituofo, chant Namo Amituofo, and let every thought be of Namo Amituofo. This is the supreme and subtle . To all disciples and those with karmic affinity, I hope that you will place your deep faith in Namo Amituofo and diligently recite the six-character name, 'Namo Amituofo.'
By sowing this cause, you will certainly receive the of Namo Amituofo. You will be able to achieve the following:
- Purification: Your body, mind, and spirit will be cleansed of deep-seated impurities.
- Growth: You will nurture your , Wisdom, and mind-capacity.
- : You will attain the fruit of Awakening.
- Longevity: You will not grow old, not get sick, and the spirit does not die.
- Rebirth: You will be reborn in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
Namo Amituofo
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Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
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