Purity and Defilement: Teachings from Namo Amituofo

During the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, we invite the spirits to join us in the noon offering. This teaching, recorded by Venerable HaiZe on 26 June 2020, offers profound insight into the nature of purity and defilement as revealed by Namo Amituofo.

The Stillness of the Unmoved Heart

What you perceive before your eyes is exactly as it is. Do not be deceived by the appearance of things. If you believe you possess everything, you are truly empty-handed. Conversely, if you let go of all attachments, you will find that you possess everything that truly matters. Keep your heart still, pure, and undisturbed by the external world. When you stop chasing the illusions of the world, you will find the peace that has always been within you.

Transcending the Dust of the World

Awakening may seem infinitely far away, but it is closer than you think. When your physical body interacts with the dust of the world—the sights, sounds, and sensations—you feel the weight of defilement. It is inevitable that your mind will receive these impressions. However, you must realise that these defilements are fundamentally empty and non-existent. They are merely ripples on the surface of a calm lake. By understanding their empty nature, you can prevent them from taking root in your heart.

The Direct Path to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss

Our illusory movements and attachments create a false sense of existence. We must turn away from these illusions and focus on the Truth, the one path to liberation. Within the treasure of Namo Amituofo, you are free to be yourself. This is the direct, unwavering path to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. By maintaining your focus on the Buddha-name, you ensure that your journey leads directly to the home of Namo Amituofo.

Namo Amituofo