Rediscovering the Original Clear Heart

The Luminous Nature of the Buddha-heart

What kind of heart is truly clear, bright, and free from shadows or dark spots? It is the heart of an awakened being, the true Buddha-heart. This heart is inherent in every single person; it is our original nature. However, over countless lifetimes, this clarity has been gradually obscured by the dust of worldly attachments, creating shadows within our spirit. It has been stained by the filth of our desires, leaving behind dark spots that cloud our perception of reality.

The Heavy Burden of Accumulated Filth

As we journey through the cycle of rebirth, the layers of dust accumulate, growing thicker and heavier with each passing day. The filth we collect stains our heart, turning it darker and more opaque. If we do not stop this process in time, our hearts become shrouded in darkness. This state of being stands in stark contrast to our original, clear heart. When our inner light is dimmed, our actions, our intentions, and our desires all shift away from the path of wisdom. We find ourselves frequently creating karma, caught in a cycle of confusion that has persisted for lifetime after lifetime.

The Sacred Journey of Return

It is a great tragedy to live life after life in such a state of bewilderment, having forgotten the brilliance of our own nature. Yet, today, you have finally recognised this problem. You have realised that you must find your way back to your original, clear heart. This realisation is the first step on the path of practice. To reclaim this clarity, you must commit yourself to a life of diligent practice:

• Prostrations: Bowing to the Buddha to humble the ego and purify the body.
• Chanting Buddha's name: Reciting Namo Amituofo to align your heart with the infinite compassion of Namo Amituofo.
• Reciting the Sutras: Engaging with the sacred texts to nourish your wisdom.
• Listen to sutras and hear the Dharma: Absorbing the teachings to deepen your understanding of the Truth.
• Internal Reflection: Practising silence and looking inward to observe the movements of your own mind.

Purification and the Awakening of Light

Through this diligent practice, you are actively working towards purification. You are stripping away the layers of dust and grime that have hidden your true nature for so long. Every moment spent in this practice is a step closer to finding that original, clear heart and returning to your true, awakened state. Do not let these moments pass in vain. By staying focused and sincere, you will eventually clear away the shadows, allowing the light of your Buddha-heart to shine forth once more. This is the ultimate goal of your practice: to return to the clarity that has always been yours, and to live in accordance with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way.

Namo Amituofo

Recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe