Recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
The manifestations of our Body, Speech, and Mind are entirely dependent upon the state of our heart. Every physical action we take, every word we speak, and every thought that arises within us serves as a clear expression of what lies deep within our hearts.
The Heart as the Source of All Actions
When the heart is filled with Goodness, our Body, Speech, and Mind will naturally manifest that Goodness. Our actions will be virtuous, our words will be kind, and our thoughts will be pure. Conversely, if the heart harbours bias or distortion, our Body, Speech, and Mind will inevitably reflect those same imbalances through our conduct, speech, and mental patterns. If the heart becomes hardened, aggressive, or malicious, our physical actions, words, and intentions will likewise lean toward hostility, causing harm to others and creating suffering for ourselves.
The heart is the driving force that directs our Body-Mind-Spirit and determines the trajectory of our Body, Speech, and Mind. Therefore, we must recognise that the heart is the root of our entire existence.
The Journey from Impurity to Purity
The process of purifying our Body, Speech, and Mind is a transformative journey. It is the path of moving away from the stains of our past and toward the state of absolute purity. This purification manifests as:
A pure body, which acts with and restraint.
Pure speech, which brings harmony and truth to the world.
Pure intentions, which are free from the of greed, anger, ignorance, arrogance, and doubt.
True purity is not merely limited to an external appearance of goodness or the avoidance of harsh words. It is the reflection of a heart that has been cleansed, shining through every action and every word we offer to the world.
True Purity Beyond the Surface
If one possesses a pure heart that has attained meditative concentration, that person will remain untainted even when surrounded by a world filled with impurity and chaos. Their heart remains like a lotus flower, rising above the mud without being soiled by it. However, if the heart is filled with attachments and lacks the stability of meditative concentration, one will find it difficult to remain calm even in the most serene and pure environment. The mind will remain restless, anxious, and unsettled.
This is why, as practitioners, we must make it our priority to maintain a pure Body, Speech, and Mind in every situation we encounter, whether we are facing difficult people, challenging events, or complex circumstances.
The Power of the Buddha-Name
To chant Namo Amituofo all the way is the most effective method for purifying our Body, Speech, and Mind. At the beginning of our practice, we focus on purifying our physical actions, our speech, and our thoughts. As we deepen our practice, we reach a stage where our entire Body, Speech, and Mind are merged with the Buddha-name. Eventually, we enter a state of profound stillness where we let go of the attachment to this body, where there is no more idle speech, and where no wandering thoughts arise. Everything proceeds naturally, in perfect harmony with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way.
Through our own sincere vows and practice, we naturally receive the compassionate support and empowerment of Namo Amituofo. We must constantly reflect upon our progress, be willing to correct our mistakes, and remain humble in receiving teachings. This is the essential key to making true progress on the path of practice.
