The Language of the Universe: Teachings from Namo Amituofo

The Laughter That Awakens the World

Words of Namo Amituofo, recorded by Venerable HaiZe.

Across the vast expanse of the universe, a single, resonant laugh echoes forth. This laughter is a profound call intended to awaken the countless beings who remain lost in the depths of confusion. We live our lives within this state of bewilderment, oscillating between tears and laughter, caught in the cycle of our own making. In truth, all that we experience is illusory, yet we persistently mistake these fleeting shadows for reality.

We cling to the belief that our world is solid and enduring. However, within this perceived existence, everything eventually returns to nothingness. Within that emptiness, we find that every corner of our world is but a dream, a phantom journey through a transient life. Only by seeing one's true nature can one touch what is truly real.

Distinguishing the Real from the Illusory

Those who have realised their true nature stand as the pillars of the Dharma. Throughout the universe—across every star system, within the six realms of existence, and throughout every world—all life arises from illusion. If everything is an illusion, what then is real? Only the realisation of one's true nature is real.

Those who have realised their true nature possess a purity and Goodness that transcends the ordinary. Their perception is not limited by the common senses. They do not fall into the traps of the six realms of existence, nor are they ensnared by illusory environments or false appearances. Instead, they enter the realm of the Truth. This state is truly real, yet it is also empty, encompassing all things while remaining in a state of eternal tranquillity.

The Infinite Records of Space

Within the universe, space is infinite. Every space we encounter is a remnant of the past, a trace left behind by history. These spaces are continuations, legacies, and legends passed down through time. Since all of this is born of illusion, everything contained within these spaces is also illusory: the beings are illusory, the demons are illusory, the environments are illusory, and everything we see and hear is illusory.

Since all is illusory, must we still save these beings? Yes, we must. At this very moment, the bodies of all beings and the spirits of the earth are caught in this illusion. Because their bodies and spirits cannot take charge of themselves, they are bound by karma. This, too, is an illusion. Must we save them? Yes, we must.

The Compassionate Mission of Salvation

The process of salvation begins by helping beings leave suffering behind and fulfil their wishes while still within the illusion. Once this is achieved, we must then break through the illusory appearances themselves. By helping a spirit awaken and realise the truth, that spirit becomes a Buddha. This entire process is the path of saving beings and helping them leave suffering behind.

During this process, one must observe the potential of each being and teach them accordingly. Because the potential of each being differs, one must employ various methods to dismantle their specific illusory perceptions. Therefore, those who undertake the work of salvation must be those who have realised the truth—those who have realised their true nature. They must be constant in their compassion, pure in their intent, and stable in their meditative concentration.

Only then can they resolve the confusion of the masses without being led astray by that same confusion. Only then can they see the illusory environment clearly without becoming trapped within it. Only then can they perceive impurity without being tainted by it, and observe the turbid world without being drawn into its depths. To save beings and help them leave the illusion to see the truth is to attain Buddhahood. This is the state of eternal happiness, free from all suffering.

Transcending the Demonic Realm

When dealing with those who have fallen into the state of a demon, the saviour must act with great care. They must ensure that those who are already amidst impurity are not led further into it, and that they do not fall deeper into turbidity or evil, thereby creating more negative causes and suffering the resulting evil consequences.

A demon, trapped within impurity, cannot see the truth. They mistake the illusion for reality, sinking deeper into the dream and living within it, finding it difficult to escape. The demon itself is also part of the illusion, existing within space, performing magic, and living within a demonic realm. Those who have realised their true nature are capable of breaking through these illusory environments and demonic realms. They can resolve the illusion and subdue demonic enemies. They can subdue demonic enemies and attain the subtle and wonderful Dharma. This spirit must be saved; we must raise them up until they attain Buddhahood. Namo Amituofo.