Skillfully Adjusting the Heart

Words of Namo Amituofo, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable Fa Hui.

On the fourteenth of March, 2025, during the noon offering, Namo Amituofo provided the following guidance on the importance of refining one's inner state.

The Vigilance of a True Practitioner

In the journey of spiritual practice, the most vital task is to constantly monitor and adjust the movements of your heart. You must be aware of your thoughts at every moment. If you allow improper thoughts to take root, they will inevitably lead to improper actions, which in turn create heavy karma and bring forth suffering. This level of awareness and sensitivity is the fundamental requirement for any practitioner who wishes to walk the path of awakening.

How can you maintain this vigilance? You must treat your mind as a garden that requires constant tending. When a weed of negative thought appears, you must pull it out immediately before it can grow and choke the seeds of your spiritual progress. This is not a task for once a week or once a month; it is a moment-to-moment commitment to the purity of your own heart.

The Compass of the Universal Principle

To navigate the vast ocean of samsara, you must have a clear and unwavering direction. Your life should be guided by the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. These are the pillars upon which your practice rests. When you align your thoughts and actions with these higher truths, you are no longer drifting aimlessly; you are moving with purpose toward the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Within the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, the temple rules serve as the practical application of these truths. They are not mere restrictions; they are the protective walls that ensure your spiritual achievements remain secure. By observing these rules, you protect yourself from falling into the traps of your own ego and prevent yourself from committing grave mistakes that would hinder your progress for lifetimes to come.

Cultivating the Seeds of Goodness

If you find that your direction has drifted, you must adjust it immediately. Bring your heart back to a state of uprightness and goodness. The most direct and powerful effect of this adjustment is that it halts the creation of new karma and prevents the manifestation of karma. Only when the mind is settled and pure can your good roots begin to flourish.

You must also learn to nurture compassion within yourself. Compassion is the water that allows your good roots to grow. As you expand your mind-capacity through the practice of compassion, you will find that your original nature begins to reveal itself. When you encounter the anger or hostility of others, do not react with your own anger. Instead, respond with compassion and patience. Keep your heart still and do not be swayed by the emotions of others. This stillness is the key to stopping the cycle of karma and allowing your wisdom to shine through.

Returning to the True Nature

Many people suffer because they mistake the temporary, physical body for their true self. They cling to the false, believing it to be real, and because of this attachment, they become trapped in the cycle of rebirth, experiencing the suffering of the six realms. When you are lost in this confusion, you become drowsy and disconnected from the truth.

To remedy this, you must understand the reality of your existence. Do not let your mind be clouded by false perceptions. The most effective way to adjust your heart and return to the truth is to chant Namo Amituofo. By chanting Namo Amituofo all the way, you are effectively cleansing your heart and aligning your actions with the Buddha’s light. Do not let your mind be deceived by the illusions of this world. Instead, be diligent in your practice, cherish every moment, and use this life to find your way back to your true nature. Namo Amituofo.