The Essence of Buddha Dharma Beyond Words
Words of Namo Amituofo
Recorded on 20 August 2023
Words of Namo Amituofo, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.
The Buddha’s teachings are not merely a collection of profound academic terms or static written words. Instead, the is a living reality that must be verified through your own dedicated, personal practice. Because people have become accustomed to interpreting meaning through written characters and using language to express their thoughts, they often approach the education of the Buddha’s teachings in the same way. Consequently, they rely on words to convey the lessons and truths they wish to share with others.
Beyond the Surface of Words
To all of you in the , please do not be limited by words. While words can serve as a bridge for communication, helping you gain an initial understanding and recognition of the Buddha’s teachings, you must never mistake the finger pointing at the moon for the moon itself. The Buddha’s teachings are not just what is written on a page; they are far more profound than that.
The Buddha’s teachings are, in essence, the Dharma of the Heart. The heart is infinitely vast and boundless; it can give rise to all phenomena and manifest all things. It is not something that can be fully exhausted or captured by language and text alone.
The Boundless Nature of the Heart
When we translate teachings between different languages, we strive to select the most accurate expressions to preserve the original intent without losing its essence. This is the fundamental principle of translation. However, there is often a subtle gap between the truth as perceived by those with clear vision and the literal meaning of the words used to describe it. Within this gap, we hope that you can grasp the meaning that is closest to the truth.
Therefore, the expression of words is inherently limited. What is most important is that you develop deep Faith in the teachings, make sincere Vows to reach the of Ultimate Bliss, and engage in true Practice, verifying the teachings through your own experience to gain real, tangible benefits.
The Path of Pure Land Practice
The Zen school teaches the transmission of the without relying on written words, pointing directly to the core of one's true self. This is the most direct method of transmitting the Dharma. In contrast, the Pure Land path relies on the support of two powers: your own power through sincere practice and dedication, and the Buddha’s power through the compassionate support of Namo Amituofo’s original vows.
By chanting Namo Amituofo and receiving the blessing of his vows, you can continuously remove impurities and undergo purification. This allows your true self to manifest. It is the fastest and most effective method to save yourself and others, reaching the Western Pure Land and finding one's own Buddha nature, and leaving suffering and gaining happiness.
Skillful Means for Saving Beings
Words are also used in Pure Land education as one of the many skillful means to lead beings toward . They can help elevate your practice and improve your spiritual quality. They are necessary when giving lectures, spreading the Dharma, and saving beings. The key is simply not to become attached to the words themselves.
The methods used to teach and transform beings are not fixed; this is the flexible, lively, and unobstructed nature of the Buddha’s teachings. Words are merely one of the many tools used to teach. If you use them skillfully, they become powerful instruments for saving beings, allowing the written word to exert its greatest possible influence for the benefit of all.
Namo Amituofo
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library