The Art of Letting Go
Teachings from Namo Amituofo
Recorded on November 26, 2023
Words of Namo Amituofo, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe:
The Essence of True Release
To truly "let go" is a profound shift that must occur within the heart, rather than being merely an external appearance or a change in outward behaviour. It is the act of releasing the deep-seated attachments that bind your spirit to the illusions of this world.
How, then, does one achieve this? You must realise that all things are illusory. Once a moment has passed, it is gone forever. Consider the experiences you have had, the people you have met, and the various circumstances you have encountered throughout your life. These have all occurred within the flow of and the causes and effects. They are governed by the law of impermanence. Even if you were to live for another lifetime, the nature of these experiences would remain the same.
The Illusion of Time and Attachment
The past mind is unattainable, the present mind is unattainable, and the future mind is unattainable. Why is this so? It is because all three are defined by impermanence. They are like floating clouds and a light breeze, constantly shifting and never remaining in one state.
If you look around you, you can see the suffering of birth, aging, sickness, death at any time. Given this reality, should you not truly let go? Only by letting go can you leave suffering behind. If you do not let go, your remains, and the cycle of impermanence continues to bind you.
The Reality of Our Journey
The physical body is often the source of our afflictions. Our time in this world is limited. When impermanence arrives, the karmic consequences of our past actions will manifest. We come into this world with nothing, and we leave with nothing. This is the absolute truth of our existence.
What happens to the people, the things, and the environments we cling to? You cannot take any of them with you; only your karma follows you. When this karma manifests within , it brings forth endless suffering. Even for a spirit without a body, this karma remains, manifesting within the spirit and causing it to endure countless forms of suffering.
The Power of the Buddha-Name
The only path to true liberation is to engage in diligent practice by chanting Namo Amituofo. Within the Buddha-name, there resides the power of merit, majestic power, and the compassionate support of the Forty-eight Great Vows. The sacred name of Namo Amituofo is the king of mantras. This supreme benefit is waiting for those who can chant Buddha's name with a single, focused heart.
When you maintain this practice, keeping the Buddha-name in your mind continuously, you are truly letting go. As you chant, you are releasing your attachment to the world and aligning yourself with the infinite of Namo Amituofo.
through , Concentration, and Wisdom
Through the practice of Precepts, meditative concentration, and wisdom, wisdom will naturally arise. This wisdom has the power to shatter all forms of ignorance and confusion. Without this wisdom, one remains trapped in the darkness of delusion, wandering endlessly through the cycle of reincarnated existence. One might even fall into the lower realms, such as the animal realm, where it is incredibly difficult to escape the cycle of rebirth.
It is only through the cultivation of Precepts, meditative concentration, and wisdom that you gain the clarity to "see through" and "let go." Only then can you transform karma, perceive the truth, and successfully find your way back to your true self.
Namo Amituofo
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Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
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