The Changeless Truth Within the Changing World

Words of Namo Amituofo, Chief Writer: Venerable HaiZe

July 23, 2022

Words of Namo Amituofo:

The Illusion of Constant Change

The world we inhabit is a realm of constant flux. Everything around us—people, events, objects, landscapes, and environments—is in a state of perpetual transformation. Some changes occur with startling speed, while others unfold with a subtle, slow grace. Even those things that appear static are, in reality, shifting; they simply change at a pace that eludes our immediate perception. There is not a single thing in this world that is not subject to change. Because of this, humanity suffers from a profound lack of inner peace. We live in constant fear that the things we possess today will vanish, leaving us with nothing.

Returning to the Original State

Yet, consider the truth of our arrival: when we first entered this world, we brought nothing with us. When we lose things, we are merely returning to our original state of emptiness. Because we cannot find anything eternal in this world, we begin to search for the Truth. Now, you have come to know that your true self is inherently stable, inherently complete, and inherently perfect. This is why you must begin the search for your true self.

The Journey Inward

The Buddha teaches that the true self is not found by looking outward, but by looking within. Therefore, you must stop the restless pursuit of external desires. Instead, focus on the following steps:

• Earnestly change your ways to correct past mistakes.Cultivate the habit of thinking good thoughts.Speak words that are kind and beneficial.Perform actions that are righteous and helpful to others.

Do not worry about how quickly the days pass; simply continue to walk this path with sincerity. In this steady progress, you will naturally gain profound insights. When you are unsure of how to navigate the days ahead, simply follow the current situations and continue your diligent practice. Do not act for the sake of your own ego; act for the sake of all beings. In the act of serving others, wisdom will naturally arise.

The Path of Diligent Practice

There is no need for excessive speech or complex explanations. Many things are clear at a glance to those with an awakened eye and to true spiritual friends. When you see the path, simply walk it. The Truth and the righteous path are not obtained from thin air. You must put in the work to remove defilements and attain purity. Only then will you be able to see the reality of the world, accept the necessity of looking inward rather than outward, and find the willingness to engage in further diligent practice.

Awakening the Inner Treasure

By looking inward, through introspection and inner observation, you will eventually discover the treasure of your true self that resides within your heart. Allow the light of your true self to manifest, sweeping away the darkness and illuminating all things. This is the changeless Truth, and it exists within the heart of every one of us. Namo Amituofo.