The Great Strength of True Cultivation

Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

In this world, events are marked by their urgency and importance. People experience cycles of fortune and misfortune, and every life is bound by the inevitable reality of birth, aging, sickness, and death. If you wish to achieve success in your spiritual practice, you must possess Great Strength.

The Unwavering Resolve of the Spirit

What is this Great Strength? It is the unwavering resolve to complete your spiritual journey. It is the courage to face difficulties and obstacles without fear, and the determination to break through the barriers that hinder your progress. When you are truly committed to your path, you will find the strength to move forward, no matter how steep the climb may become.

Great Strength manifests in your fierce diligence to see your true nature. It is found in the practice of True Cultivation, where you learn to distinguish between what is real and what is merely an illusion. Only when you can truly see through the transient nature of this world and let go of your attachments to the past can you begin to use this physical body as a vessel for goodness. You must learn to let go of the self, and in doing so, you will find the wisdom to use this life for a higher purpose.

Purifying the Senses and the Soul

Great Strength is also required when your Six Roots interact with the Six Dusts of the world. As you move through your daily life, your eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind are constantly bombarded by external stimuli. With the power of your practice, you can ensure that the nature of your Six Roots remains pure, untainted by the pollutions of the world and unhindered by the obstacles of desire. You must remain vigilant, ensuring that your senses do not lead you astray.

You will inevitably encounter various tests on your journey. These may come in the form of Buddha tests, demon tests, or the tests presented by other sentient beings. When you face these challenges, do not run away. You must confront every gate with courage. Even if a gate is difficult to pass, you must persevere until you have broken through. Use your strength to overcome these hurdles and continue your advance toward the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

The Heart Aligned with the Buddha

Great Strength is essential for your chanting practice. When your Buddha-recitation becomes continuous and you achieve a state of deep peace and wisdom, you will find that you are chanting 24/7. In every moment, your heart is filled with the Buddha, and you never depart from Him. Once you have awakened to your true nature, this strength allows you to resolve conflicts, perform Chao Du to help suffering souls, and dedicate your life to saving beings so that they may leave suffering behind and find rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Finally, Great Strength is needed to propagate the True Teachings without fear of interference. Your heart must be upright, your actions must be righteous, and your words must be true. This strength comes from the heart—a heart that is sincere, selfless, fearless, and impartial. When your heart understands the truth of all situations, you will act with purpose and direction. By following the right faith and right understanding in Buddhist education, you will align your Buddha-heart, Buddha-vow, and Buddha-actions with the path of the Buddha. In this way, you will join the Buddha in the noble work of saving the world.

Namo Amituofo