The Infinite Nature of the Mind

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

During the first session of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony held on 25 January 2025, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju provided these profound teachings on the nature of infinity.

The Boundless Origin of the Heart

Within the infinite, there is yet more infinity. You may ask, where does this boundless expanse originate? It arises entirely from your own heart and this very moment. When your heart rests in a deep meditative state, it reveals your true self in its original form. It is as immovable as a mountain, untouched by any external force. By upholding the Precepts, you cultivate meditative concentration. This meditative concentration allows you to stabilise not only your own heart but also the hearts of the countless beings residing within your body.

Stabilising the Principal Retribution

The beings residing within your body represent your dependent retribution, while your physical form is your principal retribution. As the principal, you must first establish firm meditative concentration. You must remain undisturbed by the chaos within or outside of your body. Only then can you transform the hearts of the beings within you. When you can transform the hearts of infinite beings and invite them to join you in chanting the Buddha-name, you are truly a practitioner of Wisdom. You are taking charge of your principal retribution.

The Infinite Wisdom of the Buddha-Name

When every thought you have is immersed in the Buddha-name, and everything is seen with absolute clarity, you are manifesting infinite Wisdom. Your mind-capacity is infinite, vast enough to contain the entire void. Your Dharma Body is infinite, capable of saving endless beings. Your compassion is infinite, helping all beings leave suffering behind. Your joy is infinite, sharing happiness with all. When you can let go of your attachments, you gain the infinite. In this state, your Body-Mind-Spirit merge into a single, harmonious whole.

Merging into the Universal Buddha

Your true self is as infinite as the void, and all truths are contained within the silence of this realisation. Namo Amituofo is the Universal Buddha, whose work of saving beings never ceases. His compassion is endless and beyond measure. Having already saved countless beings, he continues his work without pause. Let us hold infinite gratitude within our hearts for this boundless grace.

Namo Amituofo