Opening the Heart to the Infinite

Words of Namo Amituofo, recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe.

April 24, 2022.

My child, have you ever truly realised the preciousness of your own heart? In the very moment you shift your thoughts, your entire inner world shifts along with them. Almost instantaneously, you find yourself in a completely different reality. You may move from joy to sorrow, or from sorrow to joy, as your heart navigates the endless cycle of emotions, birth, aging, sickness, and death. These experiences weave together to form the unique story of your life.

The Fluidity of the Heart

The vast majority of people remain trapped within the cycle of being reincarnated, living out their lives as mere characters in a repetitive story. However, there is a rare few who choose a different path. They possess the wisdom to transform their heavy karma into the power of a vow. By successfully transmuting this karmic energy, they develop natural abilities that are entirely different from those of ordinary people in this world. It is important to understand that these abilities are not meant for one's own personal benefit or enjoyment. Instead, they are meant to be shared for the benefit of all, serving the purpose of saving the world and rescuing infinite beings.

The Path of the Four Great Vows

To truly open your heart, you must embrace the first of the Four Great Vows: the vow to save infinite beings. Once this vow is firmly established in your heart, the other three vows will naturally follow and progress alongside it:

• The vow to end infinite afflictions: By committing to the path of liberation, you resolve to clear away the endless obstacles that cloud your true nature.
• The vow to learn infinite Dharma: You dedicate yourself to studying the vast teachings of the Buddha, ensuring your wisdom grows without limit.
• The vow to attain supreme Buddhahood: You set your sights on the ultimate goal, the highest path of the Buddha, which is the culmination of all your efforts.

You must remember that you are also one of these beings who needs saving. Therefore, you must engage in diligent practice, developing concrete abilities and taking real action. Only by saving yourself can you effectively save others, and only by saving others can you truly realise this vow.

Living the Vow in Daily Practice

The fourfold assembly of disciples must be awake and active in their practice. You must first open your heart, allowing your vow to save others and your actual practice to advance in unison. You must replace the weight of your karma with the strength of your vows and the sincerity of your actions. By choosing to practise in this way, you can truly transform your karma and ensure that you are no longer controlled by its heavy influence.

Open your heart to accept and face every challenge that comes your way. In this very lifetime, you have the opportunity to complete the Four Great Vows and find your way home to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Namo Amituofo