Recorded and transcribed by ’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe
December 22, 2023
Words of Namo Amituofo:
The Buddha does not possess a heart in the way we understand it, yet the Buddha-heart is boundless and infinite. It encompasses the entirety of existence, holding within it the most profound qualities of the universe.
The Boundless Qualities of the Buddha-heart
The Buddha-heart is defined by a collection of virtues that are essential for the salvation of all beings. These qualities are not merely abstract concepts but are the living, breathing essence of the Buddha's presence in our world. They include:
: A deep, unwavering love that seeks to alleviate the pain of others.
Wisdom (Prajna): The clear, unobstructed understanding of the nature of reality.
Purity and Goodness: A state of being that is untainted by the defilements of the world.
: A profound sense of happiness that arises from the liberation of beings.
Constancy: An eternal, unchanging commitment to the path of truth.
Mercy: A gentle, forgiving nature that embraces all who are lost.
Mind-capacity: A vast, all-encompassing awareness that excludes no one.
Fearlessness: The courage to face the darkness of samsara without hesitation.
Fierce Diligence: An unstoppable energy directed toward the salvation of all beings.
When we speak of these qualities as being 'great,' we mean that they are truly boundless. They are the expressions of the Buddha's Prajna Wisdom and the fierce, diligent power that drives the work of salvation.
The Equality of All Beings
The Buddha-heart resonates with the suffering of all beings. It manifests naturally and spontaneously to respond to the needs of those who are trapped in the cycle of rebirth. The Buddha-heart never abandons any being, regardless of their current state or form.
We must understand that the physical size or shape of a being is merely a result of their body. Whether a being appears as a large creature or as small as a speck of dust, they are all subject to the laws of and cause and effect. Even a single grain of sand is a being with a spirit. When that grain of sand sheds its physical form, its spirit remains exactly as it was—neither increasing nor decreasing. Its true self and its Buddha-nature remain perfectly intact. Therefore, we must learn to respect even the dust, for it too possesses the potential for Buddhahood.
The Path of the Practitioner
A Buddha is one who has realised their true nature and attained Buddhahood. The Buddha-heart is the manifestation of this awakened spirit. When a practitioner possesses a physical body, they must allow the Buddha-heart and the Buddha-vows to shine through their actions. By doing so, they become a vessel for saving the world and teaching beings. The Buddha-heart cannot bear to see beings suffer; therefore, when a practitioner witnesses this suffering, they must be moved to act.
To truly help others, one must first strive to leave suffering behind. This requires a process of purification, and then more purification. One must be fiercely diligent in seeking the moment of . Only by first achieving liberation oneself can one gain the true capacity to help others escape their own suffering.
The Ultimate Deliverance
The core of the path is to teach beings to arouse the mind and single-mindedly recite Namo Amituofo. By chanting the name of the Buddha, one can be reborn in the of Ultimate Bliss. This is the very heart of Namo Amituofo’s Forty-eight Great Vows.
When the spirit of a being enters the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, they have finally reached the ultimate destination. It is there that they find true liberation from the cycle of rebirth, realise their true nature, and attain Buddhahood. This is the most wonderful and effective method for all beings.
