The Direction of the Heart

The Mind as the Source of All Phenomena

Teachings from Namo Amituofo: recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

The direction of your heart determines the realm into which you will be born. From the six realms of existence to the Four Sacred Realms, the entire ten directions of the Dharma Realm are formed by the movement of the heart. The universe, the Milky Way, and every star and planet that appears in this world or in distant realms—all of these are born from the mind.

When you exist within a state of having a heart, a sense of self, and the presence of delusions, discriminations, and attachments, you are subject to the workings of karma. Within the distinction between collective karma and individual karma, all earthly creatures—from the beings in the high mountains to those in the depths of the oceans—are born because of the mind. Truly, the mind has the power to create all phenomena.

The Two Paths of Creation

Beings driven by karma exist within a state of an impure heart. They create all phenomena based on karmic conditions and the causes and effects. These phenomena are also born from karma; they possess the characteristics of arising and ceasing, and thus they are known as the phenomena of birth and death.

However, the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, the patriarchs and venerable masters, and those who have realised their true nature operate differently. Within a state of a pure heart, a heart of no-self, and a heart free from defilement, they create all phenomena for the sole purpose of saving beings. These phenomena are boundless and infinite; they flow forth from the true self of those who have attained this state of liberation.

This is precisely why Namo Amituofo established the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. For the past ten kalpas, Namo Amituofo has been leading infinite beings from the ten directions of the Dharma Realm into that glorious land.

The Final Thought at the Moment of Departure

The direction of your heart is of the utmost importance. At the moment of your passing, your final thought will determine which path you enter. Therefore, for those who practise the Pure Land path, it is essential to maintain the right focus.

You must "arouse the Bodhi mind and single-mindedly recite Namo Amituofo." In your daily life, 24/7, you should ensure that your recitation of the Buddha-name continues without interruption. When you reach the end of your life, if your final thought or even your final ten thoughts are focused on the holy name of Namo Amituofo, you will be in sync with the heart of the Buddha.

Because of this direction of your heart, Namo Amituofo will manifest before you to lead you into the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Aligning with the Universal Principles

To follow the Universal Principles, Truth, and the Right Path is to be a practitioner of Ethics and Morality. Those who do so are in sync with their true self. Therefore, any practitioner who desires to realise their true nature must be a person who upholds these moral foundations. You must be one who never violates the Universal Principles, Truth, and the Right Path.

By keeping your heart directed toward the Buddha and your actions aligned with the Truth, you will leave suffering behind and find happiness. This is the path of the true practitioner, the path that leads directly to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Namo Amituofo