The Essence of the Buddha-Heart

Amitabha Buddha's discourse, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

On this day, the twenty-first of February, 2025, Amitabha Buddha offers these profound teachings to all beings.

The Great Transformation of the Heart

Before one attains the state of an awakened being, the heart is primarily driven by the force of karma. We possess a mind and a consciousness that have not yet been transformed. Our karmic heart has not yet been transmuted into the Buddha-heart, and our ordinary consciousness has not yet been refined into the pure Wisdom of the Buddha.

However, if you, as a sentient being, keep the Buddha within your heart, then the Buddha truly dwells there. When you possess the Buddha-heart, your own heart becomes one with the heart of the Buddha. The Buddha-heart is defined by the universal vow to help all beings leave suffering behind. By aligning your heart with this vow, you are able to save yourself while simultaneously working to save others, thereby achieving your own ultimate liberation.

Steadfastness Amidst the Storm

When you possess the Buddha-heart, your mind becomes stable, calm, and unmoving. You are no longer easily swayed or deluded by external circumstances. Your mind attains a state of deep meditative concentration. You come to realise that your habitual personality traits are a dangerous environment that leads you to create karma. Therefore, you must work diligently to change your personality traits. Do not allow these traits to stain your heart, and do not let the interference of demons cause you to change your resolve, retreat from your path, or abandon your vows.

If you can chant the name of Namo Amituofo, keeping every thought focused on the Buddha without ever straying, you will find that:

• Your mouth is filled with the Buddha's name.
• Your ears are filled with the Buddha's name.
• Your eyes perceive the Buddha in all things.
• Your Six Roots are entirely immersed in the Buddha, never separated from Him.

Through this practice, you will truly come into sync with the Buddha.

The Luminous Path of Purification

When you possess the Buddha-heart, your mind is settled and unmoving, much like a tranquil, mirror-like sea. In this state, karma has no place to manifest, and you are freed from the suffering caused by past sins. As you hold the Buddha-heart, the radiant Buddha-light shines upon you. This light gradually removes the stains of your heart, washing away all impurities. Bit by bit, the light of your own true nature begins to emerge. When these mental stains are entirely removed, the light of your heart will be fully revealed, and you will reach the state of an awakened being.

Embodying the Virtues of the Buddha

The Buddha-heart is the source of all supreme virtues. When you cultivate this heart, you naturally embody:

• Compassion: A deep desire to save all beings and help them leave suffering behind.
• Wisdom: The clarity to shatter the illusions of ignorance.
• Joy: The ability to find happiness in the practice and in the success of others.
• Generosity (Giving): The willingness to share the Dharma and give freely to all.
• Mind-capacity: The vastness to embrace others, even when they have faults or shortcomings.

Students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, do you truly believe in the Buddha? Is the Buddha truly present within your heart? If you possess the Buddha-heart, then how far are you from becoming a Buddha? Let us continue to chant Namo Amituofo with sincerity and unwavering faith.

Namo Amituofo