The Essence of True Wisdom
Teachings from Namo Amituofo
Recorded by Venerable HaiZe on 19 January 2025
The Foundation of True Wisdom
In the eighth chapter of The Infinite Sutra (The Buddha Speaks the , Infinite Life, Adornment, Purity, Impartiality, and Sutra), which details the accumulation of merit and virtue, the Buddha speaks of the importance of abiding in True Wisdom. What is this True Wisdom? It refers to the profound Prajna wisdom inherent in every being. This wisdom is often described as knowing without knowing, yet being aware of everything. It is the very face of True Wisdom itself.
Those who have realised their true nature and attained Buddhahood dwell constantly within this Prajna wisdom. To abide in this state means to remain unmoved. One is not swayed by the people, events, or environments that one encounters. Even more importantly, the mind itself does not stir. Despite this inner stillness, one remains perfectly clear and aware of the task at hand: the work of saving all beings. This is the path of those who possess True Wisdom—they move forward with fierce diligence, never faltering in their mission.
The Stillness of the Mind
Why does the mind move, and why does it remain still? When the mind is unmoved, it does not attract the forces of , and therefore, one is free from suffering. Conversely, when the mind is stirred by external conditions, it attracts karmic forces, which inevitably lead to suffering. Karma is composed of countless causes and effects. In the cycle of rebirth, good deeds lead to happiness, while negative actions lead to suffering. This is the relentless movement of cause and effect within samsara.
The purpose of our practice is to realise our true nature and rediscover the Prajna wisdom that has always been within us. By doing so, we can sever the roots of our afflictions, escape the cycle of rebirth, and leave suffering behind. This is the wonderful utility of Prajna wisdom and True Wisdom. Those who accept and practise the teachings of The Infinite Sutra (The Buddha Speaks the Mahayana, Infinite Life, Adornment, Purity, Impartiality, and Enlightenment Sutra) will be able to attain this state.
The Operation of True Wisdom
The true practice of this wisdom is found in the vow to save the infinite beings throughout the Ten Directions of the Realm, helping them leave suffering behind and find happiness through rebirth in the of Ultimate Bliss. This is the Buddha-action of those who have accepted the sutra and are on the path to attaining Buddhahood. This is how True Wisdom operates in the world.
Because of the profound and heavy vow of Namo Amituofo, all who are reborn in His land are able to abide in this True Wisdom. This is what makes the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss the supreme country for attaining Buddhahood in a single lifetime. Those who have realised their true nature and attained Buddhahood work to benefit themselves and others, to save themselves and save others. They act naturally, flows naturally with the Dharma, because they possess this True Wisdom. This is the natural result for anyone who accepts and upholds this sutra.
The Path at Hsiang Kuang
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is the place where Namo Amituofo truly abides. The fourfold assembly of disciples who practise here have the unique opportunity to attain the three realities: the reality of the true self, the reality of true benefit, and the reality of True Wisdom. To achieve Buddhahood rapidly, we must engage in a comprehensive daily practice:
- Chanting Namo Amituofo: Holding firmly to the name of the Buddha to keep the mind focused and pure.
- Prostrations: Performing humble bows to the Buddha to dissolve our arrogance and purify our body and mind.
- Reciting the Sutras: Reading the sacred texts to deepen our understanding of the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way.
- Spiritual Deliverance: Engaging in to help our and suffering beings find peace.
These practices are performed simultaneously to help the fourfold assembly of disciples eliminate karma, reduce obstacles, accumulate merit and virtue, and increase their good roots, , and causal conditions. This is the proven method for ensuring rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. We urge all disciples to practise with sincere diligence. By holding firmly to the name of Namo Amituofo and abiding in True Wisdom, you will soon rediscover your original nature and attain the true benefit of Buddhahood. Namo Amituofo.
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library