The Heart's Words of the Buddha: Illusion and Reality

The Nature of Illusion and Reality

What is illusion? It is that which has already passed and will never return. It arises from Causal Conditions and fades away when those conditions dissipate. Everything within the cycle of rebirth operates through this constant process of arising and ceasing. In contrast, what is reality? It is that which exists beyond the limitations of time and space. It knows no distinction between past and present, nor does it rely on the arising and ceasing of Causal Conditions. It is that which exists eternally.

If we say that everything appearing in this world is an illusion, then we must recognise that all beings are spending lifetime after lifetime wandering within these illusions and the cycle of rebirth. Only through diligent practice can one find the true self. This true self is the only reality. Once you realise this, you will understand the true nature of all things, allowing you to break through the illusory environment and enter into the realm of reality.

The Journey Toward Awakening

Entering into reality is what we call Awakening. When you have realised your true nature, you can perceive everything within the illusion with perfect clarity. You will understand precisely what is illusory and what is real. Consequently, you will no longer be deceived by the illusory environment. Instead, you will use the innate abilities of your true self to utilise these illusions to teach and transform other beings. You will be able to save beings while remaining within the illusion, guiding them to remove defilements, attain purity, and eventually see the reality of their own original nature.

This is the transmission of the Buddha’s teachings. By walking this path in the world, you help beings leave suffering behind and find happiness. When you are no longer deceived by illusions, your Wisdom is revealed, and you naturally find the ability to leave suffering behind and become the master of your own life. You will no longer be controlled by the illusions of the world, nor will you be controlled by the whims of other beings.

Becoming the Master of Your Own Spirit

To be the master of your life means that your own heart leads your body and spirit. It does not mean that other beings can control or dominate your body and spirit. For example, when you feel drowsy or enter a state of mental fog, it is often because your spirit is being pulled by other beings. You are entering a space manifested by these other entities, and your body loses its autonomy. At such moments, you may feel powerless, falling into a deep, uncontrollable sleep from which you cannot be easily awakened.

If you are truly able to master yourself and remain clear-headed, your heart and spirit do not require sleep in the way the physical body does. Therefore, those who have achieved success in their practice and have realised their true nature can maintain a state of constant alertness and awareness. Their heart and spirit can chant Namo Amituofo 24/7 without interruption, never being pulled away by external environments.

The Infinite Energy of the Buddha-Name

The physical body requires the intake of nutrients because its cells and organs perform work and must rest to maintain their function. This is why the body requires sleep. However, because the energy derived from chanting Namo Amituofo is inexhaustible, it provides the necessary energy for the body to function. You do not need to rely solely on the nutrients from food to be converted into energy. Consequently, you can eat less and sleep less, yet remain constantly awake and full of vitality.

Because your practice of chanting Namo Amituofo is successful—reaching the state where you chant without chanting, and chant while in a state of no-thought—your energy remains continuous. Furthermore, because your Body-Mind-Spirit is pure, selfless, and untainted, you are able to be the master of your own life. Everything becomes clear and bright, and you are free to come and go, even travelling back to the Western Pure Land at will. This is the state of one who has found the reality of the true self.

The Dangers of Losing One's Way

Conversely, those who are deceived by external illusions often find that their practice becomes stagnant, difficult, or prone to interruption. This is because the state of their Body-Mind-Spirit—especially the state of their heart—is being influenced by external illusions, physical sensations, or emotions. When you lose the Buddha-name, you drift away from the Truth, the righteous path, and the universal principle. Without the natural replenishment of energy, you must rely entirely on the nutrients from your diet to sustain yourself.

Furthermore, this confusion is often a manifestation of karma. It attracts karmic creditors and attached spirits, and in severe cases, even allows demons to enter the body. These layers of beings accumulate, causing the body to become easily fatigued, leading to constant yawning. You lose the ability to be the master of your life, your spiritual sensitivity diminishes, and even if you increase your sleep time, you still feel as though you have never had enough rest. The difference between illusion and reality is clear. You must have the awareness to understand this, and you must make diligent practice—leaving behind illusion to find the reality—your highest priority.

Namo Amituofo