Removing Impurities to Attain Purity

Teachings from Namo Amituofo, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable Fa Hui.

On the ninth of August, 2024, during the midday offering, Namo Amituofo provided the following discourse regarding the nature of our spiritual journey.

The Origin of Our Impurities

Where do these impurities truly come from? As we journey through this world, our karmic burden grows with every passing year. Our six sense organs (eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, mind) are in constant contact with the Six Dusts: sights, sounds, smells, tastes, touch, and phenomena.

When the Five Aggregates (form, feeling, perception, impulse, consciousness) enter our consciousness, they solidify into karma. This process creates a cycle of cause and effect (Karma) of good and evil, leading to the accumulation of what we call karmic impurities. These impurities are not external; they are generated and sustained through every thought and intention and fluctuation of our minds.

The Cycle of Cause and Effect

We must understand the nature of the seeds we plant. When you plant a good cause, you will inevitably reap a good fruit; however, such fruits only lead to the rewards of the Three Good Realms. Conversely, if you plant an evil cause, you will reap an evil fruit, which manifests as the suffering of the Three Evil Realms.

Practising good deeds and accumulating blessings may bring you human or heavenly rewards, but this does not lead to liberation from the cycle of rebirth. If you wish to truly transcend this cycle, you must chant Namo Amituofo and cultivate pure karma. This is the only way to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss and leave the cycle of rebirth behind forever.

The Art of Purification

True practice is the act of living a life that removes impurities and attain purity. It is a process of constant refinement:

• Removing the Five Desires and the influence of the Six Dusts to attain a state of purity.
• Replacing karmic habits with pure, virtuous actions.
• Moving from a mind filled with attachments to a state of no-mind.
• Transcending the illusion of the self to reach the state of no-self.
• Replacing selfishness with a heart of selfless compassion.

Rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is the ultimate expression of pure karma. While it is true that one can be reborn while carrying karma, the karma you carry must be your old, past karma. If you fail to subdue your current afflictions, your karmic production will never cease.

Seizing the Opportunity for Awakening

Even if you make a vow to chant Namo Amituofo and seek rebirth, if you allow your afflictions to remain unchecked, you will face obstacles at the time of your passing. You may find yourself unable to chant, or unable to maintain the single-minded focus required to keep your thoughts on Namo Amituofo. If you cannot maintain a continuous, uninterrupted flow of mindfulness—even for just one to ten thoughts—you will lose the precious opportunity to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

At Hsiang Kuang: A Sacred Sanctuary, Namo Amituofo is truly present to assist all disciples in chanting, purifying their karma, and achieving the Awakening of their true self / self-nature. You must cherish this period. Be diligent, and then be even more diligent.

Purify the six senses, and your spirit will also become pure. When your body, mind, and spirit are all purified, you will finally see your true self / self-nature.

Namo Amituofo