Overcoming the Bottleneck of the Self

Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

During the second session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony held on the 27th of April, 2024, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided essential guidance on the nature of our spiritual obstacles.

The Illusion of the Separate Self

In our human world, we often place the self at the centre of everything we do. We are driven by a constant need to distinguish ourselves from others, which manifests through our ego-attachment, our narrow views, and our subjective opinions. We cling to our own perspectives, believing them to be the absolute truth. However, true practice is the process of adjusting this heart and mind. It is the path toward no-self and selflessness, where we exist only for the sake of all beings.

We must realise that the beings within our bodies are also part of this collective. When we truly practise, we merge into one with these beings and with all sentient beings in the universe. We must let go of all personal attachments and individual intentions. Our hearts and minds should be focused entirely on the welfare of others, holding a single, continuous mental note of compassion for all.

Understanding the Spiritual Bottleneck

When you attempt to transform your thoughts and your actions, you will often find that they differ from your past habits, your deep-seated attachments, and your subjective views. This process is further complicated by the various "situations" we encounter in this life, such as the tendency to compare ourselves with others, the fear of loss and the desire for gain, and the emotional reactions and physical sensations that arise from our bodies.

When these factors collide with our desire to change, we encounter what we call a bottleneck. It is vital to understand that this bottleneck is not an external force; it is a limitation that we have imposed upon ourselves. You must see clearly that the world you have inhabited until now is merely the world of the self. If you continue to hold onto this self during your practice, your past karma will inevitably manifest and obstruct your progress.

The Path of Letting Go

You must learn to let go of the self. Consider the things you once chased after to satisfy the desires of your body. Where are those things now? They have all changed; they are no longer what they once were. You must let go of the self and stop being deluded or confused by the demands of your physical desires.

To let go of the self means to stop thinking about yourself and to cease having thoughts centred on the ego. Any thought related to the self will inevitably draw out the karma associated with that self. This is why, when you encounter a bottleneck in your practice, you must be even more diligent.

Chanting as the Ultimate Release

The first step in overcoming any obstacle is to let go of the self. Chanting Namo Amituofo is the most effective method to achieve this. It is the best way to prevent the recurrence of self-centred thoughts, self-centred feelings, and self-centred perceptions. By focusing entirely on the name of Namo Amituofo, you dissolve the ego and allow your true nature to shine through. Do not let your practice be hindered by the shadows of the past; instead, commit yourself fully to the path of the Buddha, leaving suffering behind to find true and lasting happiness.

Namo Amituofo