From Now On: The Power of the Present Moment

The Illusion of the Past

From this very moment forward, the past has already vanished. It is no longer a reality that you can grasp or hold onto. Every single moment that arises is a fresh opportunity for rebirth and renewal. We must realise that there is no past to cling to; there is only the present. Even the moment that existed just a heartbeat ago has already slipped into the past. Every instant, every fleeting fraction of a second, is the present moment.

The Depth of Meditative Concentration

The true measure of your meditative concentration lies in how finely you can capture these subtle moments. Can you perceive the infinitesimal gaps between thoughts? If you can capture these moments and successfully stop the flow of wandering thoughts, you have achieved a profound depth of meditative concentration. The more finely you can grasp the present and halt the arising of thoughts, the more effectively you can prevent the birth of subtle mental impulses. By avoiding the creation of these consciousness-based thoughts, you prevent the accumulation of negative karma and the cycle of cause and effect. This is the key to maintaining a pure mind.

The Infinite Power of the Holy Name

If you find it difficult to stop your thoughts or reach a state of no-thought, do not despair. Instead, turn your focus immediately to the recitation of Namo Amituofo. This pure, virtuous Buddha-name carries the immense, majestic power of the Buddha’s energy. It embodies the vow to achieve rebirth in the Western Pure Land. When you chant, this holy name acts as a powerful force that purifies all your scattered, impure, and habitual thoughts. Everything you need for liberation is contained within these six characters. This is the true purpose and utility of chanting the name.

A Call to Constant Awakening

Therefore, you must put this into practice right now. Do not wait for a more convenient time. You must maintain this practice 24/7, never letting the Buddha-name slip from your mind. Do not forget it, even for a moment. Be awake to this truth, and be cautious with every thought that arises. This is the path to true liberation and the way to honour your original nature.

Namo Amituofo