Words of , recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe
March 1, 2025, First Session
Namo Amituofo’s discourse:
The Duality of Existence
The false self and the true self—at this very moment, are you living as your true self, or are you lost in the illusion of a false self? In the Buddha’s teachings, the distinction between the true and the false is fundamental. That which is eternal and indestructible is called the True Self, while that which is subject to birth and death, being impermanent, is known as the False Self.
The Buddha’s teachings often speak of True Cultivation—using the false to cultivate the true. This false self refers to your physical body, which is also a false self. It is subject to birth, aging, sickness, and death, and it is trapped within the endless cycle of reincarnation. In this state, you are not the master of your own destiny; you live a life governed by and the causes and effects of birth, aging, sickness, and death. You are transformed from one lifetime to the next, unable to be the master of your own life, instead being controlled by , , attached spirits, and demon crowds.
The Eternal Essence Within
The True Self is your self-nature. It is the 'I' found within the state of 'Permanence, Bliss, True Self, and Purity.' This is the essence of your being—a state of constant, eternal and absolute purity. Those who have realised their true nature live a life that is authentic and indestructible. They are no longer subject to the cycle of reincarnation and possess the ability to be the masters of their own lives.
When an awakened being enters the six realms of existence, it is to observe causal conditions. When the conditions for sentient beings to be saved have matured, they return to the world to save sentient beings. Their lives are not governed by the dictates of karmic forces; rather, they are guided by their own self-nature, free from the control of karmic creditors, attached spirits, and demon crowds.
The of the True Self
If the physical body is used to rediscover -nature, one becomes an awakened being. In this state, you are free from aging, free from illness, and your spirit never dies. The natural abilities of an awakened being manifest through the : eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind. These Six Sense Organs are the natural abilities of the True Self, which is eternal and destined for rebirth in the .
Why is it so vital to understand the difference between the true and the false? Only by grasping this distinction can you understand the true purpose of your existence in this world. You will realise the importance of True Cultivation. Do not mistake the false for the true any longer. You must seize this magnificent and rare opportunity to practise, find your true self, and finally leave behind the sufferings of birth, aging, sickness, and death.
The Purpose of Our Journey
Every single sentient being possesses this self-nature and has the opportunity to realise their true nature and attain Buddhahood. This is an absolute truth. However, your self-nature has been covered by the dust of confusion accumulated over countless lifetimes. You must undergo the process of purification through diligent practice to remove this dust of confusion so that your self-nature may be revealed.
The purpose of your practice is to reclaim your true self so that you may truly be the master of your own life. By using the false to cultivate the true, you will no longer be deceived by the illusions of the physical body. Once you have realised your true nature and saved yourself, you will be able to help other beings reach the Western Pure Land.
The Path to Ultimate Liberation
To the fourfold assembly of disciples: keep the Buddha in your heart. Chant Buddha's name at all times and never forget the Buddha. Through your own efforts, combined with the power of the Buddha’s grace, you will be assisted in finding your self-nature sooner.
