Opening the Heart to the Infinite
Teachings from Namo Amituofo
Recorded by Venerable HaiZe on April 9, 2023
The Original Vastness of the Heart
Every sentient being originally possesses a heart capable of containing the vastness of the Realm. You have the inherent mind-capacity to embrace and comfort all sentient beings. However, due to the accumulation of confusion over accumulated lifetimes and the cycle of being reincarnated within the six realms of existence, your heart has gradually shrunk. Your mind-capacity has diminished, becoming increasingly narrow and restricted.
This contraction has reached a point where you may find it unbearable to endure even a single word that is spoken without basis or that is difficult to hear. You may react strongly to an unkind look or a minor gesture. You hold onto these fleeting tightly, unable to let them go, which ultimately causes harm to both yourself and others.
The Purpose of Spiritual Practice
The process of practice is designed to help you reclaim what has been lost. It is a journey to reopen the heart that has been closed for so long and to unlock the mind-capacity that has been sealed away. These qualities are not external; they are already contained within your true self. By seeking and finding your true self, you will naturally possess these qualities that belong to everyone.
You must learn to open your heart. Do not allow yourself to enter into conflict with other beings or with the people, events, and environments around you. Do not create negative . Because we live in a human world defined by impermanence, everything can change in a single instant. Why would you allow your mind to be disturbed by matters that are inherently uncertain and unsettled? Why would you create negative karma over such things?
Transforming Suffering into Wisdom
For those who are suffering from severe illness and are finding it difficult to maintain control over their body and mind, you are truly experiencing the reality of suffering and tasting its bitter fruit. When you find yourself in such a state, you must act quickly:
- Change your personality traits to help your body and mind recover.Recognise that suffering is a result of past negative karma.Understand that you must change your ways to prevent this suffering from manifesting again.Practise repentance, and resolve not to repeat the same mistakes.
As long as you are still in this body, keep your practice of chanting Namo Amituofo continuous and uninterrupted. You must learn to see through and let go of all worldly attachments, preparing yourself and all beings for rebirth in the . Open your heart, and begin this transformation from this very moment.
Namo Amituofo
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library