The Heart and the Mind: Teachings from Namo Amituofo

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

The Essence of Our Intentions

When you possess a heart and a mind, you must ask yourself: what is the true purpose of your every thought and intention? If everything you think and contemplate is dedicated to the benefit of all beings rather than your own self-interest, you are practising the path of selflessness and no-self. By chanting the name of Namo Amituofo with this pure intention, your practice will be in sync with the Buddha. This is the key to transforming your karma and eventually leaving the cycle of rebirth behind.

Conversely, if your thoughts and contemplations are focused solely on matters related to yourself—seeking personal gain rather than the welfare of others—you are trapped in a cycle of selfishness. This is the heart and mind of samsara, where you remain entangled in karma, making it extremely difficult to find a way out.

The Harmony of Body-Mind-Spirit

Your heart has the power to influence and drive your body and your spirit. It is also closely related to your every mental note. The relationship between your Body-Mind-Spirit is one that can either be mutually supportive or mutually disruptive.

When your heart is selfless and dedicated to all beings, your Body-Mind-Spirit can function in clear, mutual support:

• Your heart leads the actions of your body.
• Your heart maintains the stability of your spirit.
• You remain protected from the interference of external spirits and internal crowds.
• Your Body-Mind-Spirit works in harmony, which helps you break through states of being drowsy and entering space.

Overcoming Spiritual Obstacles

If you are currently struggling with the problems of being drowsy or entering space, you must summon your willpower. You must change your ways, transform your thoughts, and embrace a state of selflessness and no-self. You must sincerely make a vow to live for the sake of all beings, not for yourself, and commit to this with your full effort. Only then will you see genuine improvement.

If your heart remains focused on yourself and your own desires, you will find yourself in sync with your karmic creditors, attached spirits, and demon crowds. This attracts karma and causes these beings to manifest and interfere with your practice, effectively scattering your attention. Because these karmic creditors, attached spirits, and demon crowds exist in a state of spirit, they can manifest as the very people, objects, or matters that you are attached to, think about, or cannot let go of.

Protecting the Soul

These spirits can lure your soul out of your body, causing your physical form to become drowsy or to enter space. If your soul returns to your body, you will wake up. However, if your soul does not return and remains trapped in that space, your spirit will appear unable to concentrate, your mind will be unable to focus, and you may manifest signs of physical weakness or premature aging. If your main soul is pulled out entirely, you are left without a master within your body, which leads to the elements separate and the end of life.

You must diligently protect your heart and your thoughts. Overcoming the states of being drowsy and entering space is an act of compassion toward yourself and all beings. Only through diligent practice can you find the strength to succeed, and only then will Awakening be within your reach. Follow the teachings of the Buddha, Practitioner Su, and the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre as we work to save the world, rescue beings, and travel toward the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Namo Amituofo