Before one has achieved true spiritual success, one should not engage in idle thinking. People are deeply accustomed to thinking only of themselves. They constantly dwell on the needs of their physical bodies, their personal , and their endless desires. They spend their days making plans for the present and the future, and almost everything they think about is tied to their own ego.
Because of this, they inadvertently stir up their own . This mental activity attracts to manifest before them, and it invites spiritual attachments to enter their bodies. Consequently, their body, heart, and spirit are forced to endure various forms of suffering. When your mind is filled with these worldly concerns, you are not truly practising; you are merely feeding the cycle of rebirth.
The Radiant Path of the Buddha-Name
The most effective way to transcend this is to chant . By leaving behind all other thoughts and focusing solely on the Buddha-name, you can find true peace. You must focus entirely on the name, chant one Buddha's name to the end. This practice is the key to purifying , heart, and spirit.
As you continue this practice, you will eventually reach a state of chanting without chanting, and without chanting, there is still chanting. In this state, the deliberate effort to chant disappears, yet the Buddha-name arises naturally within you, orbiting your entire being. This is the manifestation of a mind that has begun to align with the Truth.
the Heart of
If you find that you must think, then you should redirect your focus toward the greater good. Instead of thinking of yourself, you should:
Reflect on the suffering of countless beings and consider how you can achieve spiritual success to save them.
Contemplate the conduct of the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and the ancestral masters who have dedicated themselves to saving beings.
Remember the grace of Namo Amituofo, the ancestral masters, and Practitioner Su, who have all worked tirelessly to guide you and all beings.
When you keep gratitude in your heart, you will naturally become more diligent and put your faith into actual practice. When your practice achieves success, you are truly repaying the Buddha's kindness. Reflect on the magnificent dignity of the of Ultimate Bliss, and let this inspire you to make the vow for rebirth in the Western Pure Land. Once there, you will continue your practice until you attain Buddhahood.
Transcending the Realm of Suffering
The practice in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss differs significantly from the practice in the human world. The Western Pure Land is a spiritual world. In that environment, which is free from suffering and filled with immeasurable life and light, you can practise with and ease. There, you will elevate the quality of your spirit until you realise one's true nature and attain Buddhahood.
In contrast, the human world is a place where we possess a . We must use this temporary body to find the eternal truth. You must understand that this body is the result of karma created since time immemorial, combined with various conditions. You must be able to endure, face, and break through the various tests that this temporary body brings.
The Path of Eternal Truth
If you can even go so far as to offer this body to the Buddha, the Buddha will be able to save the immeasurable and boundless beings residing within you. When you do this, the quality of your spirit will naturally elevate. This will assist your practice in achieving success sooner, allowing you to follow the Buddha and save countless suffering beings. Namo Amituofo.
