The Heart of Peace and Tranquility

Teachings from Namo Amituofo, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe, on the 21st of April, 2024.

The Unmoved Heart

No matter how the external world shifts and changes, a heart that remains unmoved is truly at peace. You have been walking the path of practice for many decades now. It is time to reflect deeply upon your journey. Have you truly recognised your faults and taken the steps to change them? Have you successfully transformed your personality and refined your deep-seated habits? If you can answer these questions with a clear conscience, you are truly blessed. This transformation is the foundation that brings the reward of peace.

The Power of Fearlessness

Peace is the reward of fearlessness. It is the state of having a heart that has found a true refuge, relying entirely on the protection of Namo Amituofo, our compassionate Father. When you practise, you must understand the synergy of the two powers:

• Self-power arises: Your own sincere effort and dedication to the path.
• Buddha's blessing: The infinite support and light provided by Namo Amituofo.

When these two forces combine, your practice will surely advance. You must be careful never to violate the laws of karma and cause and effect. Creating negative causes will inevitably lead to suffering in this physical body. This body is a precious vessel; it can either be the vehicle through which you attain the Buddha's path, or, if you are not careful, your spirit may fall into the realms of suffering to endure the consequences of past actions.

Settling the Body and Mind

Everything depends on how you settle your body and mind. How do you ensure that your spirit does not remain trapped in the cycle of rebirth, but instead finds its way back to the Western Pure Land? Your heart is originally the Pure Land itself. It is only through the accumulation of worldly pollution that it has become a defiled land. By working diligently to move from impurity to purity, you will eventually see your true self. To see your true self is to be at peace. This is the ultimate goal of your practice.

The Path of Selfless Service

To be at peace is to know the suffering of all beings and to vow to save them from that suffering. When you have reached a state where there is not a single thought for yourself—where you have transcended the ego—you have found true peace. This is the essence of no-self. To save others is to save yourself. If you can bring peace to the beings residing within your own body, you have truly mastered the skills of practice. You must continue to advance step by step, following the example of the Buddha, and join in the great work of saving the world and all suffering beings.

Namo Amituofo