Words of , recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
October 20, 2023.
The Driving Force of
In this world and in other realms, how do sentient beings conduct themselves? When we look at the lives of ordinary beings, we see that their actions are rarely under their own control. Instead, their Body, Speech, and Mind are driven by the powerful force of karma. They move through life, acting in accordance with the fruits of their past good karma and the consequences of their negative karma.
Because they are unaware of the deeper Truth, they are like leaves caught in a strong wind, tossed about by the momentum of their own past deeds. They believe they are choosing their path, yet they are merely following the patterns etched into their by previous lives.
The Path of Selflessness
When we turn our attention to the path of practice, the nature of our actions changes significantly. If a practitioner performs deeds solely for their own benefit, they are acting out of selfishness. This creates a heavy burden on the heart, making it difficult to find peace. Consequently, their progress will inevitably stall, and they may even retreat from the righteous path.
Conversely, when one acts for the sake of all beings with a selfless heart, the mind becomes clear and luminous. This is the true way to make progress in one's practice. This distinction between selfish action and selfless service is a fundamental aspect of the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way.
The Boundless Nature of the Universal Principle
The operation of the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way is not limited by time or space. It is an absolute Truth that governs all existence. If a person’s understanding is skewed, biased, or corrupted by evil thoughts, they are not aligned with the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. Such individuals enter a space of distorted perception, leading to actions that are contrary to the natural order. As they continue on this path, they drift further and further away from other beings, eventually becoming like strangers to the Truth.
The Unchanging True Self
Even for those who have strayed far, their true self remains perfect and complete. It is never diminished, no matter how far they wander. It is always present, like the sun behind thick clouds. The only difference is that their true self is obscured by layers of dust—the accumulation of ignorance and negative karma—which grow thicker and thicker over time. Yet, their spirit remains the same as that of all other beings: it is unborn and undying. This, too, is a fundamental aspect of the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way.
The Law of Cause and Effect
The laws of karma and cause and effect are absolute. If the seeds a being sows are rooted in goodness, they will naturally reap good fruit. If the seeds are rooted in negative causes, they will naturally harvest evil consequences. This is how the universe functions. Why does the Buddha speak so often of the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way? It is because this is the factual reality of our existence. The Earth itself is but a small part of the vast universe, and it must also follow these same laws of cause and effect.
Through Impermanence
Therefore, if you wish to advance in your practice, your thoughts must be pure and filled with goodness. You must not allow even the slightest evil thought or negative intention to take root. Any such thought is a form of contamination that clouds your spirit. You must be extremely cautious in your conduct!
Life is defined by impermanence. When you are pressed by the suffering that arises from this impermanence, let it be a signal for you to awaken and gain insight. Do not engage in negative thoughts, speech, or actions. These are all obstacles to your liberation and should be abandoned entirely. Namo Amituofo.
