The Arising of Compassion
Teachings from Namo Amituofo
Recorded by Venerable HaiZe on February 25, 2023
Teachings from Namo Amituofo:
is an inherent quality of your true self. It is something that every single being possesses from the very beginning. However, in this world, this precious quality is often obscured, hidden away until it seems to have vanished entirely. In its place, we have developed a strong instinct for self-protection. We cling tightly to our own views and positions, often adopting a rigid, commanding, and unyielding attitude in our speech and conduct.
The Illusion of Control
You may believe that by forcing others to yield to your will, you have achieved a victory. But ask yourself: even if the other person retreats, is their heart truly at peace? More importantly, is your own heart truly at ease? Do you not often feel a lingering, hidden sense of anxiety surrounding you? If the other person is able to be tolerant and accept your reactions and attitudes, then perhaps there is still a way out of the conflict. However, if your behaviour causes the other person to lose their peace of mind, leading them to create negative through their Body, Speech, and Mind, then you have truly committed a grave error.
The Power of Chanting
When compassion arises, Wisdom follows closely by its side. A practitioner who lives with compassion becomes a person of gentle countenance and a calm, quiet heart. By the power of chanting Namo Amituofo, you can subdue your delusions, anger, and confusion, preventing them from manifesting. Through persistent practice, you can eventually eradicate these afflictions entirely, allowing your original, pure nature to shine forth.
When compassion arises, a sense of pity for others naturally emerges. You will find yourself able to tolerate the shortcomings and flaws of others. You will no longer allow the words or actions of others to stir up afflictions within you. To remain unmoved when facing difficult circumstances is a clear sign that your heart has become bright and clear.
Saving Beings Through Diligence
When compassion arises, you see the suffering of others and recognise the suffering of all beings. You understand that karma weighs heavily upon and that your are also suffering. This realisation drives you to engage in active and persistent practice. Only by achieving this level of personal purification will you have the ability to:
- Save and resolve the conflicts of the karmic creditors and spiritual attachments residing within your own body.
- Accept the need for to help these spirits find peace.
- Gain the capacity to help all suffering beings leave suffering behind and find happiness.
- Work tirelessly and directly to guide them toward the of Ultimate Bliss.
Transforming
When compassion arises, everything perceived by your Six Roots can be transformed into Goodness. Even when you encounter something that is not good, you are able to remember its potential for Goodness. This is how purification begins from the heart. When compassion arises, you become acutely aware of the suffering caused by . Therefore, you will:
- Refrain from creating negative causes, forming negative connections, or reaping evil consequences with others.
- Strive to create good causes, form good connections, and reap good fruit with everyone you meet.
- Avoid creating enmity, making discriminations, being overly calculating, or holding onto attachments.
- Release your insistence on your own views and instead accept the kind words and counseling offered by others.
- Treat others with patience and love, ensuring that your interactions are filled with harmony.
When compassion arises, you will no longer use a commanding tone to force others to obey you. Instead, you will express your position with an attitude of respect, inviting others to cooperate with you. A person who embodies compassion is someone whom everyone is happy to draw near to and learn from. Compassion is the fundamental virtue of all practice.
Namo Amituofo
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