Living in a World of Gratitude

Teachings from Namo Amituofo, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

Midday Offering, June 1, 2024.

Namo Amituofo’s discourse:

The Power of Immediate Gratitude

When you receive the bits and pieces of help and kindness from others, you must be aware of it in the present moment. To feel gratitude immediately is to ignite positive energy within your heart. If you can deepen this sense of gratitude and maintain this awareness at all times, you will truly understand the nature of every moment. This constant state of appreciation is the foundation of a clear and awakened mind.

Gratitude for Correction

When someone points out your improper behaviour, your incorrect speech, or your interference with others, you must listen with awareness. You should feel gratitude toward them immediately. Why is this so important? Because they are helping you to recognise your faults and change your ways. By doing so, you can:

• Turn your wrong paths into the right path.
• Resolve the interference you have caused.
• Cease the creation of negative karma.

This is the resolution of negative situations, and it is a profound reason to be grateful.

The Practice of Letting Go

After you have acknowledged your faults and corrected them, you must let go of the matter. Do not let it linger in your heart. This is how you maintain a peaceful mind and return to the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. By letting go, you ensure that you remain clear and present in every moment. Living in a world of gratitude means being aware at all times and letting go at all times.

Transforming the Spirit

If you can sustain these positive actions, speech, and energy, and integrate them into your daily life, you will be able to resolve negative behaviours and never repeat them. This process elevates the quality of your body, mind, and spirit. By constantly transforming your thoughts and actions, you prepare the necessary conditions for progress in your practice and for becoming an awakened being. Those who understand gratitude will naturally experience contentment, satisfaction, joy, and a smile.

This is because a heart of gratitude is like a warm current. It flows through your entire body, reaching your cells, your internal organs, your blood, and your meridians. It even reaches your karmic creditors, your attached spirits, and the demon crowds. It sweeps away the grey, heavy feelings in everyone's hearts and clears the dust from their minds. It provides energy and light to those exhausted cells and to the beings who have come to seek revenge and repay grievances. To live in a world of gratitude is to live in a world of compassion and Wisdom (Prajna). Namo Amituofo.