The Art of Self-Reflection: Examining Your Own Heart

Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

In our daily lives, we often find ourselves habitually looking outward, casting our gaze upon the world around us. We are particularly prone to focusing on the perceived shortcomings of others. We judge these individuals through the narrow lens of our own standards and personal perspectives, creating a complex web of dualistic distinctions: high and low, good and bad, right and wrong, superior and inferior, advantages and disadvantages, and before and after.

Have you ever paused to consider whether others are simultaneously examining your own faults and mistakes? In the very process of scrutinising others, we generate countless thoughts and mental constructs. We must ask ourselves: are these thoughts rooted in goodness, or are they tainted by negativity? Regardless of their nature, once a thought is born, it becomes a seed. When the conditions are right, the fruit of that seed will inevitably manifest in our lives.

The Karmic Weight of Our Thoughts

When we focus on the faults of others, we are essentially planting negative causes. This inevitably leads to the ripening of evil consequences, which we must then endure. The vibrations we emit through such critical thoughts are predominantly negative. By harbouring these judgements, we directly attract the presence of our karmic creditors—those whom we have harmed in the past because we viewed them with disdain or failed to see their value. Furthermore, this negative state of mind invites attached spirits to manifest, and in severe cases, it can even lead to possession by demon crowds.

The Path of True Practice

What, then, is the essence of true practice? It is the restrain the six roots. We must turn our gaze inward, examining ourselves rather than the world outside. We must impose strict requirements and discipline upon our own minds. This is the fundamental duty of every practitioner. Whether we encounter goodness or evil, right or wrong, or strengths and weaknesses, we must realise that these are all results of causes we planted in the past. They are the fruits we are destined to receive, and no one else can bear this burden for us.

Transforming Karma Through Self-Correction

There is no need for us to act as a third-party judge of others, as doing so only causes us to fall into the traps of ego-attachment, subjective bias, and narrow-mindedness. Unless one holds an official duty that requires such intervention, one should refrain from such judgements. Instead, we must focus on the following:

• Looking inward: Constantly examine your own heart and mind.
• Transforming thoughts: Shift your perspective from confusion to awakening.
• Changing personality traits: Diligently work to refine your the "self," personal ego, and selfishness.

Only by doing this can we truly transform karma, improve our current circumstances, and continue our journey forward. This is the path that every sincere practitioner must follow. Namo Amituofo.