Embracing Hope on the Path to Awakening

Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable Fa Hui.

Words of Namo Amituofo:

The Turning Point of Every Breath

As long as you still draw breath, there is always an opportunity for transformation. You must understand that through the act of repenting, you can change your path. By living each minute and second with a sincere heart, you will naturally find that if you can maintain meditative concentration, your heart will transform, and the world around you will transform as well.

Clearing the Roots of Crisis

The crisis of this physical body lies in the manifestation of the Five Poisons—greed, anger, delusion, arrogance, and doubt—along with the five desires: wealth, lust, fame, food, and sleep. These are the roots of the hells. Therefore, you must cut them off to eliminate the crisis within your body.

The Precious Vessel of True Cultivation

Before you have successfully transformed your karma, you must hold onto hope for this impermanent body. The preciousness of this body lies in its ability to serve as a vessel for True Cultivation, allowing you to see your true nature. Thus, your practice must be active and persistent; you must strive diligently to see your true nature. Before your karma is transformed, hold onto hope for this impermanent mind. It is this mind that leads the body and the spirit. Through diligent practice, you can elevate the quality of your spirit and move steadily toward becoming an awakened being.

Before your karma is transformed, hold onto hope for this impermanent spirit. I hope you can see through the illusions, let go of your attachments, and stop grasping tightly to things that do not serve your liberation. Allow your three hun souls and seven po souls to settle peacefully within your body. When your spirit finds stability, you will elevate the quality of your spirit and advance toward the state of an awakened being.

The Radiance of Hope and Positive Energy

Look well, think well, and act well. Always embrace hope, and never give up. Because you hold onto hope, the world becomes a beautiful place. Regardless of whether your hopes are fulfilled exactly as you wish, letting every moment be filled with positive energy is the very force that helps you transform. It guides you to make changes in a positive direction. Because you know that changing for the better is not easy, you must always keep hope alive in your heart. Wear a smile of hope and walk forward with your feet firmly on the ground. Let your actions, your understanding, and your heart work in harmony. Believe in yourself, believe in the Buddha, and move forward.

Namo Amituofo