Everything is Original: Returning to Your True Self
Words of Namo Amituofo
Recorded by Venerable HaiZe on August 13, 2022
Photography by Zhuo Jinping
Words of Namo Amituofo. Recorded by Venerable HaiZe on August 13, 2022.
The State of Your Heart
My children, what is the state of your heart today? Is it a heart that drifts aimlessly, caught in the relentless cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death? Do you feel the weight of impermanence, where and suffering alternate like the changing seasons? Perhaps you have searched in every corner of this world, seeking a way out, and have finally found a path that allows your body, mind, and spirit to find true rest.
In this state of stillness and stability, you are now learning to transcend the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death. You are working to free yourself from the control of karmic forces. You have developed the resolve to study the Buddha's teachings, to engage in diligent practice, and you have made the sacred vow to be reborn in the of Ultimate Bliss.
The Path to True
Alternatively, is your heart one that has begun to reveal its true nature? This is the heart of an awakened being, one that has transcended the limitations of the physical world. When you reach this state, you possess the following qualities:
- Mastery over life and death:
- You are no longer a slave to the cycle of rebirth or the heavy burden of .Autonomy of spirit:
- You are no longer controlled by the winds of impermanence.Unwavering focus:
- No matter what environment you find yourself in, you remain undisturbed by external interference.Steadfastness:
- Even when faced with the seven emotions and , you remain unmoved.Clarity of vision: Even when demon crowds attempt to distract you with various illusions, you remain unmoved, for you know that these are but phantoms, not the truth.
You have come to realise that what is false is not real, and what is perceived as suffering is not true happiness. This is the condition of one who has realised their true nature. It is the original face of all beings.
The Indestructible Treasure Within
This true nature is inherent in everyone; it is complete and lacking nothing. Even if you have wandered for hundreds of thousands of eons, or travelled through countless lifetimes, this nature remains untouched. Whether you are cycling through the six realms of existence, suffering in the hells, or enjoying the fleeting pleasures of the heavens, your true nature remains pristine. It is never diminished, and it remains perfectly intact within the heart of every single being.
This heart of awakening is a treasure beyond all price. It possesses the qualities of eternity, bliss, true self, and purity. It is a rare and precious jewel that is indestructible, immovable, and eternally pure, untainted by the dust of the world. Everything is original; everything is already within you. You do not need to seek it outside, for even if you searched the entire universe, you would not find it there. It is only by looking within, through self-reflection and the cultivation of pure goodness, that you can truly find it.
Walking the Path of Deliverance
My children, here at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, you are using this limited human life to engage in the work of purification. Through your practice, you are finding your way back to your true self. You are walking in the light of the Tathagata, walking alongside Namo Amituofo, and advancing together with Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju and Practitioner Su. You are walking upon the great path of saving the world, helping all beings leave suffering behind, and guiding them toward rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Namo Amituofo.
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library