Recognising the True Direction of Practice

The Compass of the Soul

Recognising the true direction of our path is a matter of utmost importance for every practitioner, and it is especially vital for those who have chosen the monastic life. We must pause and reflect deeply: Why do we choose to practise the Dharma? Why have we chosen to leave the secular world behind to become monastics? From ancient times until the present day, these questions have served as the fundamental compass for every Buddhist practitioner. To enter the path of practice or to take the vows of a monastic is to commit oneself to a journey of profound transformation. Yet, many still find themselves lost because they have not yet clearly recognised this direction.

The Dissolution of the Self

Why is it that the fourfold assembly—monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen—still find it so difficult to let go of the self? The answer is simple yet challenging: it is because they have not yet fully recognised the direction of their practice. Once you have entered the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre and have stepped onto the path of practice and monastic life, the concept of a separate, independent self must cease to exist. There is no past to cling to, and there is no future to anticipate. There is only the present moment, and within that moment, your sole duty is to chant Namo Amituofo all the way.

The Buddha-name as a Sharp Sword

Whenever you feel that a subjective sensation or a personal feeling has arisen, you must immediately recognise it for what it is. Do not allow these feelings to take root. Instead, you must immediately raise the Buddha-name and let go of the sensation. Whenever the self—with all its subjective views, attachments, and ego—begins to manifest, you must immediately raise the Buddha-name again. Do not allow the self to reappear. Whenever the fires of anger arise, whenever you begin to judge others as being bad, whenever you crave more than you need, or whenever you find yourself lost in idle speculation, you must immediately awaken your awareness. Do not continue down that path of thought. Stop it instantly, and replace it with the Buddha-name. You must chant Namo Amituofo all the way, and you must practise until the Buddha-name becomes second nature to you.

Walking the Path to the Western Pure Land

Only the Buddha-name has the power to stop the self, to halt the wandering mind, and to help you let go of fleeting sensations. If you follow the teachings correctly and practise with a single, undivided heart, the Buddha-name will fulfil all your vows. However, you must remember that to have faith in the Buddha is to have faith in your own true nature. Making the Buddha-name familiar is the most important lesson in your Pure Land practice. Recognising this direction—that there is no self—is the only way to continue moving forward on the path of Pure Land practice. Those who can let go of the body and mind at any moment to chant Namo Amituofo and enter the Western Pure Land have truly succeeded in their practice. They have not wasted their time in this human world, and their journey to the Pure Land will be complete. Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

Namo Amituofo