It Is Originally So: The Path to Returning to Your True Nature

Teachings from Namo Amituofo, recorded by Venerable HaiZe on the second day of February, 2025.

The profound truth of "It Is Originally So" can be illuminated through the three dimensions of our existence: the body, the mind, and the spirit.

The Sacred Vessel of the Physical Form

In terms of the body, we must recognise that this physical form is a karmic body, composed of the four elements: earth, water, fire, and wind. By engaging in True Cultivation, letting go of our attachment to the physical self, and focusing on the truth, we can transform our very appearance. Before the onset of aging, sickness, and death, we must enter the state of purity to skilfully transform our karma, thereby transcending these inevitable sufferings.

Through this practice, we can attain a state where we do not grow old, do not get sick, and the spirit does not die. This allows us to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss and diligently practise the Buddha's path to attain Buddhahood. When we remain in a deep meditative state for long periods, and before the process of aging takes hold, we must align our lives with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. In this state, every cell in our body receives the nourishment of the Truth. This allows pure goodness to manifest, fills us with Dharma joy, and effectively halts the process of aging, preventing it from taking hold of our physical form.

Furthermore, when faced with the prospect of physical pain, we must not allow ourselves to fall into deep thought, delusions, or messy thoughts. Instead, we must focus solely on chanting Namo Amituofo. This prevents us from attracting karmic creditors. Chanting the Buddha's name can stop the accumulation of karma, subdue the deluded mind, and even transform the minds of other beings into pure goodness. If this body can become a vessel of pure goodness, then our practice will be successful, and the hope of becoming an awakened being will be within reach.

The Serene Clarity of the Mind

Regarding the mind, we must subdue our deluded thoughts and false perceptions. When the mind becomes pure, it naturally enters a state of meditative concentration, and Wisdom will manifest. The Three Learnings of Precepts, Concentration, and Wisdom are the essential tools that allow the mind to drive the transformation of the body and spirit. Through these, we can maintain discipline, achieve concentration, and allow our innate Wisdom to shine forth.

The eight consciousnesses and fifty-one mental factors within our consciousness can be transformed through the Three Learnings and the practice of chanting Namo Amituofo. Under the blessings of the Buddha, we can purify the three karmas of body, speech, and mind. This subdues the activity of our consciousness, helps the mind remain still and unmoved, and allows us to stop and transform our karma.

The Harmonious Resonance of the Spirit

Regarding the spirit, we must ensure that our three hun souls and seven po souls remain stable and do not move due to delusions. We must change our personality traits and overcome our deep-seated habits. With boldness, determination, and the power of our vows, we must refuse to be led astray by karma or karmic creditors. By doing so, we can overcome the states of drowsiness and the tendency to drift into other spaces.

This not only stabilises the karmic beings within our body but also helps our three hun souls and seven po souls to reside peacefully within this form. This allows our spirit to become concentrated and unified, which is essential for achieving the state of an awakened being. In truth, the stability of our body, mind, and spirit is originally so; it is only because of our confusion and karma that we suffer so greatly.

Returning to the Source of Eternal Purity

Now that you are practising at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, you must strive to return to your original state. This process requires you to listen to the sutras and hear the Dharma, overcome your personality flaws and the tendency to fall into drowsiness or drift into other spaces, and face your own emotions and the changes occurring within your body, mind, and spirit.

If you listen to the teachings and practise diligently, you will see clear progress. You will be able to move forward step by step until you finally realise your true nature and attain Buddhahood. Namo Amituofo.