In our journey of practice, we must understand the profound principle of using the false to cultivate the true. While we possess this physical body, we must realise it for what it is: a temporary vessel, a physical form that is not our ultimate reality. Yet, it is precisely through this body that we must engage in our practice to rediscover our true self. Our true self is the only reality that endures.
How vital this body becomes when we realise its purpose! Without this physical form, it would be immensely difficult to engage in the practice required to see our true nature. However, we must also learn to let go of this body. This does not mean we should neglect it or treat it with disdain. Rather, it means we must not be deluded by the various that this body brings into our lives, which often lead us to create further karma.
Understanding the Five Aggregates and Eight Consciousnesses
The Five Aggregates—form, feeling, perception, , and —are all formed through the existence of and its actions. We must clearly understand the intention of using the false to cultivate the true, and in our hearts, we must truly let go and be willing to release our attachments. Letting go of this body does not mean abandoning it to be controlled by karma or allowing it to be ravaged by the sufferings of ageing, illness, and death. Instead, it means to thoroughly release the Five Aggregates from our hearts.
We must let go of the body and all the emotions, , thoughts, and persistent behaviours that come with it. This includes the Eight Consciousnesses: the six consciousnesses formed by the interaction of and —the eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind consciousnesses—along with the seventh consciousness, the Manas consciousness, and the eighth, the . Furthermore, we must release the identities, social status, roles, academic achievements, careers, wealth, physical beauty, or perceived flaws that are tied to this body, as well as the inevitable processes of ageing and disease. To practise is to overcome these traits and circumstances, ensuring that we are no longer influenced or defined by them.
The Path of Purification and Diligent Practice
Another profound meaning of letting go is the active purification of this body through diligent practice. For those following the general path of the , this involves the diligent practice of the , Concentration, and Wisdom, and the extinguishing of greed, anger, and ignorance. For those of us on the path, our practice extends beyond the Ten Good Deeds to include the Six Perfections. We must engage in our daily practice, which includes chanting , performing prostrations, and reciting the Sutras.
We must ensure that our Body, Speech, and Mind are aligned with goodness: think good thoughts, look upon the world with kindness, perform good deeds, and speak words of wisdom and . By cultivating a good heart, speaking kind words, performing good deeds, and striving to be a good person, we naturally give rise to all and achieve the fruit of . This process helps our six fundamental abilities to manifest.
The Power of Namo Amituofo
The meditative concentration achieved through is an indispensable condition for progress in Pure Land practice. Therefore, you must put in the work in your chanting. A diligent practitioner is one who chants Namo Amituofo all the way, 24/7. Even our personality traits can be naturally transformed and dissolved through the Buddha's received during our chanting.
Cultivate compassion and a heart full of gratitude. Live in a world of gratitude: be grateful to Namo Amituofo, be grateful for the existence of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, and be grateful for the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, Practitioner Su, and the Western Land of Dharma Nature, where I also reside. If you can truly let go of this body and follow this path, you will gain the opportunity to transform your karma and achieve . Namo Amituofo.
Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
