The Conduct of the Wise

Teachings from Namo Amituofo, recorded and transcribed by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable Fa Hui.

On the ninth of February, 2025, during the first session, Namo Amituofo offered these profound teachings on the conduct of the wise.

The Selfless Heart

A wise person acts with clarity and purpose. They never engage in actions that benefit themselves at the expense of others. This is because they understand a fundamental truth: they are but one part of the vast collective of beings. To work for the benefit of all beings is, in essence, to work for oneself. When one acts out of selfishness and ego, even if a task is completed, it is easy to plant negative causes that will inevitably lead to evil consequences. Conversely, when one acts without a self-centred agenda, the work performed becomes a virtuous cause that will surely bear good fruit.

Returning to the True Self

The wise person understands that the ultimate goal of practice is to return to one's self-nature. This is the only way to put an end to suffering once and for all; it is the fundamental solution to the cycle of rebirth. By diligently sweeping away all the dust and defilements of the mind, and by ensuring that one does not violate the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, one finally gains the opportunity for Awakening. In this state, everything is done for the sake of all beings, never for the sake of the self.

Seeing the Buddha in All

The wise person serves the community without making any discriminations. This means they do not view beings through a lens of hierarchy, nor do they judge them as being more or less important. Every single being is, in their essence, a Buddha. This truth does not change regardless of the passage of time or the limitations of space. It remains constant whether one is in this world or another. This is the reality of the universe.

The Virtues of the Awakened

Those who have realised their true nature embody specific qualities. They know that the path of the wise is defined by:

• Purity of heart
• Compassion for all
• Wisdom
• Vast mind-capacity
• Inclusivity
• Joyfulness
• The ability to let go of attachments

They understand that they must act according to these virtues. They avoid the traps of the ego, such as being stained by worldly desires, selfishness, and ego-attachment. They do not allow themselves to be small-minded or to prioritise their own needs above others. When they encounter the faults of others, they do not succumb to anger or the inability to forgive. They do not try to possess things for themselves. They know that such behaviours are distractions that lead to the suffering of aging, sickness, and death, and they know these behaviours are driven by the Seven Emotions and the Five Desires. Because these things pull one far away from their true self, the wise person chooses not to engage in them.

A Magnificent Opportunity

The wise person recognises that Namo Amituofo has descended to this world and truly abides at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Goombungee, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. This is an extraordinary event that is incredibly difficult to find. Recognising this, the wise practitioner works with diligent practice, never daring to be lazy. They follow the teachings of Namo Amituofo to change their ways, hoping to reach Awakening as soon as possible. Their goal is to join Namo Amituofo in the work of saving countless suffering beings. This is also the heartfelt wish of Namo Amituofo.

Namo Amituofo