The Heart of the Buddha: Relying on the Buddha

Words of Namo Amituofo, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

30 June 2024

Every single being possesses the true self and Buddha-nature. However, because of our deep-seated delusions and attachments, we are unable to realise this truth. Many Buddhist practitioners believe in this statement; they can speak of it and understand its meaning intellectually. Yet, the crucial question remains: can you truly and earnestly face this reality, overcome your obstacles, and break through these barriers? This is the very essence of whether one can attain Buddhahood through their practice.

The Synergy of Two Powers

In the Pure Land path, one’s own self-power must arise first; only then can the Buddha's blessings truly manifest and support you. At Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, we understand that the Buddha is not merely an external figure. The Buddha is Namo Amituofo, it is Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, it is Practitioner Su, and it is also the Buddha nature within you that resides in every member of the fourfold assembly.

The Buddha Nature at Hsiang Kuang

This Buddha nature is currently covered by layers of dust and has not yet been revealed. When your own true self and Buddha-nature are revealed, just as they are in Namo Amituofo, that is the moment of awakening. That is when you see the Buddha nature within you. The manifestation of this inner Buddha is achieved through the dual support of your own diligent practice and the Buddha's blessings.

The True Meaning of Buddha Recitation

You must rely on yourself to engage in diligent practice, undergoing purification, and then more purification. By subduing your thoughts and severing your delusions and attachments, you will realise the truth. You must see the facts of reality clearly, ensuring that you are not deceived by the illusions of this world. When you see through the false to the real, you will see the Buddha nature within you.

You are, in essence, a Buddha. To realise one's true nature and attain Buddhahood is to see this Buddha within. This is the true meaning of attaining Buddhahood through Buddha recitation. When you chant Namo Amituofo, you are chanting to the Namo Amituofo within your own true self. If you chant without interruption, you will sweep away the dust and pollution of the world, awakening the Namo Amituofo within you and seeing your true self.

Consequently, in every action—whether walking, standing, sitting, or lying down, and in every aspect of your daily life—you are always with the Buddha, never apart from Him. To save the world and help all beings, you must rely on the Buddha and on the Namo Amituofo within your own true self. Follow Namo Amituofo in your actions, make vows like Namo Amituofo, and cultivate a heart like Namo Amituofo. This is the true practice of Namo Amituofo.

Namo Amituofo