When you encounter obstacles in your spiritual journey, do not lose heart. As long as you possess this physical form, you have the opportunity to transcend your limitations. The path of practice is not always smooth, but it is always filled with potential for those who are willing to look inward. By letting go of arrogance and ego-attachment, and by listening to the guidance of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, you can achieve true growth and breakthrough. Progress is not merely a destination; it is the very process of learning how to reach your ultimate goal. It is the sacred journey of removing defilements and attaining purity, and the sincere effort to reveal your original, pure nature.
The Necessity of Transformation
For many, the greatest barriers to are a deeply ingrained personality and a stubborn sense of self. To make real progress, you must be willing to change your personality traits and actively practise removing your ego-attachment. In the current age, we see many people engaging in spiritual practices, yet those who achieve genuine spiritual achievements are rare. This is because many practitioners today find it difficult to see their own faults. They are often blind to the very personality traits that hinder their progress. At such a critical juncture, the reminders and guidance from Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, ancestral masters, and true spiritual friends are essential. They act as a mirror, pointing out our errors and leading us toward the path of correction.
The Perils of Blind Practice
If you engage in blind practice—following your own whims without the guidance of the —you not only lose the opportunity for progress but also invite significant danger. Without a clear understanding of the right path, you may easily attract ghost deities who can cause spiritual attachment. When this happens, your Body-Mind-Spirit becomes controlled by these external forces. It is like adding new layers of upon your existing ones, making it even more difficult to regain control of your own life and mind.
The Power of the Two-Power Method
The path is known as the Two-Power method. It relies on two forces working in harmony: your own diligent practice and the compassionate of . This is the ultimate shortcut for practitioners in this age of the Dharma’s decline. However, because this method is so accessible and convenient, many practitioners become complacent. They fail to put in the necessary work, neglecting their daily lessons of prostrations, chanting the Buddha's name, and reciting the Sutras. You must remember that convenience is not an excuse for laziness; it is an invitation to be even more diligent.
The Supreme Name
The six-character name, Namo Amituofo, is the king of mantras. This is because Namo Amituofo is the most honoured among all lights and the King of Buddhas. Therefore, when you chant the holy name of Namo Amituofo, you are effectively chanting the names of all Buddhas. This practice encompasses the essence of Zen, Pure Land, and Esoteric traditions simultaneously. This is the magnificent benefit of chanting the Buddha's name and receiving the Buddha's blessings. It is an indispensable practice for anyone seeking success in the Pure Land path. Furthermore, for those who have already achieved some level of success in their practice, this is the very place where you must put in the work to break through your current obstacles and reach a higher level of .
Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe
