The Essential Practice of Letting Go

This discourse was recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe, on the twenty-fourth of September, 2023. Namo Amituofo offers these essential teachings to guide us on the path of true practice.

The Sacred Foundation of True Practice

In the journey of spiritual cultivation, the most vital lesson you must learn is to let go of the 'self'. This is not merely a suggestion; it is the fundamental requirement for progress. You must be willing to let go of your ego, your attachments, and your sense of self-importance until you are completely empty of these obstructions. Only when you have achieved this state of total surrender can you truly realise your true self and see your true nature.

For most people, this is an incredibly difficult task. You have become so accustomed to placing the 'self' at the centre of your world that you view everything through the lens of your own desires and needs. You believe that your personal comfort, your reputation, and your feelings are the most important things in existence. This habit is deeply ingrained, and it acts as a thick veil, preventing you from seeing the truth of the universe.

The Perilous Trap of the Ego

This attachment to the 'self' becomes most apparent when you face physical illness or when your life is threatened. In such moments of vulnerability, you will instinctively do anything to protect your physical body. You become desperate to ensure that your body suffers no further harm. However, this intense clinging often leads to negative mental states.

If you allow feelings of anger, resentment, dissatisfaction, or complaint to arise during your illness, you are only creating more obstacles for yourself. Every time a negative thought manifests through your Body, Speech, and Mind, you are essentially inviting your karmic creditors to return. These negative thoughts act as a beacon, drawing forth the karmic debts you have accumulated over countless lifetimes. Instead of finding relief, you find that your physical condition worsens, making it increasingly difficult to recover. This is what it means to pile karma upon karma, leaving you trapped in the cycle of suffering, old age, sickness, and death.

Navigating the Threshold of Life and Death

When you are in a state where you cannot master your own mind, it becomes nearly impossible to maintain the practice of chanting Buddha's name. Even if you have been diligent in your daily practice, the intense fear and pain that arise during the final moments of life can cause your focus to falter. If your chanting is interrupted at this critical juncture, you lose your connection to the Buddha’s light.

At this point, you are left at the mercy of your karmic creditors. As the elements separate and the spirit enters the intermediate state, you are swept away by the momentum of your past karma. You are no longer the master of your own destiny, and you drift helplessly into the next cycle of rebirth.

The Noble Path of the Fragrant Light Practitioner

However, if you can remain the master of your own mind, you will be able to hold onto the Buddha-name even in the face of death. With a firm vow and unwavering perseverance, you can overcome the suffering of the body and the pain of illness. This is your opportunity to break through the obstacles of your practice and transform karma.

What, then, is the duty of a practitioner at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre? It is to live by these core principles:

• Listen: Follow the teachings of the Buddha with an open and obedient heart.
• Diligent practice: Apply yourself to your spiritual work with consistency and vigour.
• True Action: Do not merely talk about the Dharma; put it into practice in every aspect of your life.
• Purification: Constantly cleanse your Body, Speech, and Mind of the Five Poisons.
• Chant Buddha's name: Maintain the practice of chanting Namo Amituofo to stay connected to the light of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
• Dissolve karma: Work to clear the debts of the past through sincere repentance and merit-making.
• Let go of the 'self': Serve all suffering beings with a selfless heart.
• See your true nature: Strive to see your true nature and help others do the same.
• Spreading Dharma: Dedicate your life to sharing the truth with those who are lost.

By distancing yourself from being drowsy and the distractions of the space around you, you can focus entirely on the path of transformation. This is the only way to truly realise your true self and fulfil the purpose of your existence. Namo Amituofo.