Realising the True Self: Words of Namo Amituofo

The Duality of the Self

While both the true self and the false self reside within your existence, they are fundamentally distinct in their essence. The true self is your original nature, possessing the inherent capacity to master your own life and attain the state of Awakening. Yet, this state is not attained through mere desire; it demands diligent effort to purify the karma accumulated throughout your past lives.

To achieve this, you must rely on the power of chanting Namo Amituofo. Through the Buddha's blessings, your purification becomes possible. When you are fully immersed in the name of Namo Amituofo, you transcend the limitations of the past and the future. In every thought, you remain with the Buddha, never departing from the light of his compassion.

The Radiance of Inner Purification

You are not alone in this body. Within you reside countless cells and various beings who are also in need of salvation. I encourage you to invite them to join you in chanting Namo Amituofo with one voice. By doing so, you facilitate a profound process of purification:

• Purifying the cells: As you chant, the very fabric of your physical form undergoes a deep cleansing.
• Purifying the beings within: By extending your practice to the spirits and karmic creditors residing within your body, you help them find peace.
• Continuous refinement: Through repeated purification, you move from impurity to purity, and from goodness to even greater goodness.

Ultimately, this diligent practice allows your true nature to manifest. When both your physical cells and the beings within you reach a state of Awakening, your body will become transparent, and the Buddha-light will shine through you. You will then be equipped to save yourself, rescue other beings, and propagate the Buddha’s teachings, joining the Buddha in the work of saving the world and ensuring your rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

The Shadows of the False Self

In contrast, the false self is not real and lacks the ability to truly master its own destiny. It is constantly controlled by karmic appearances, causing you to be swayed by the shifting tides of joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness. Life is governed by the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death, which is the nature of impermanence. Many beings are trapped in this cycle, suffering from illness or being influenced by external forces:

• Karmic creditors: These are spirits who seek to settle past debts and may attach themselves to your body.
• Demon crowds: These are negative influences that seek to take control of your mind and actions.

If you are a practitioner of the Buddha’s teachings, you must be vigilant. If you find it difficult to chant, perform prostrations, or recite the Sutras, you are likely being hindered. When you distance yourself from these practices, your mind becomes filled with deluded thoughts, and you may fall into a state of drowsiness or enter into illusory spaces.

The Unwavering Path to Awakening

You must have the awareness to let go of the false self. This false identity is a great affliction; if you cling to it, your practice will not only fail to progress but will likely regress, leading you back into the cycle of being reincarnated. Therefore, you must be cautious and never neglect your daily lessons:

• Chanting Namo Amituofo: Keep the Buddha’s name in your heart at all times.
• Prostrations: Bow to the Buddha to humble the ego and purify your karma.
• Reciting the Sutras: Study the teachings to gain wisdom and clarity.

By walking this path with your feet firmly on the ground, you ensure that you make progress every single day. This is the way to combine your own efforts with the Buddha's blessings. It is how you save yourself, and it is how the Buddha is able to save you. It is how you liberate yourself, and it is how the Buddha is able to liberate you. Maintain your diligent practice without interruption. If you can ensure that every thought contains the Buddha, and if your chanting, prostrations, and recitation lead to true insight, you will reach the time of awakening and seeing one's true nature.

Namo Amituofo