The Nature of the Heart

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

May 10, 2024

Amitabha Buddha's discourse:

The Boundless Nature of the Heart

Where does the heart reside? Many of us search for it within the physical confines of our bodies, yet the true heart is not limited by space or form. It is everywhere, and it is nowhere. It is omnipresent, and it pervades the entire Dharma-realm and empty space. When one realises their true nature, they see that the heart is as vast as the mountains and rivers, yet as subtle as a passing breeze. It is the fundamental essence of all existence.

The Buddha-heart is a state of being that is truly profound. It is often described as having no heart at all, for it is perfectly integrated with all sentient beings. It does not stand apart from the world; rather, it is one with the vastness of the Dharma-realm. It exists in harmony with the physical world—wishing to be as free as the wind, mountains & rivers. To be in this state is to be at ease, perfectly natural, and free from the constraints of the ego.

The Versatility of the Awakened Mind

The heart of an awakened being possesses an incredible, fluid nature. It is not fixed or rigid, but rather adapts to the needs of the moment. We can understand this versatility through its many manifestations:

• It can be vast enough to encompass the universe or small enough to focus on a single grain of sand.
• It can be round or flat, high or low, heavy or light, long or short, depending on the conditions it meets.
• It can follow the environment, adapting to external circumstances, or it can transform the environment through the power of a settled mind.
• It can be empty, free from attachment, or it can be full, actively engaging with the world to benefit others.
• It can respond to the needs of all things, acting with purpose and compassion.

When one is truly in touch with this original nature, they remain at peace regardless of the situation. They are not shaken by the changing tides of life.

The Roots of Suffering

Why, then, do we experience so much pain? Suffering arises because of our confusion. When we encounter the external world, we allow our minds to become clouded. We begin to make discriminations, and from these discriminations, our sense of self is born. We start to categorise and judge, and this is where our troubles begin.

You must be careful not to divide the world into fragments. Whenever you create a discrimination, you create a source of suffering:

• Discriminations create a sense of high and low, leading to arrogance or inferiority.
• Discriminations create a sense of strong and weak, leading to conflict and struggle.
• Discriminations create a sense of 'you' and 'me', leading to separation and loneliness.

As long as we hold onto these divisions, we remain trapped in the cycle of being reincarnated, unable to see the underlying unity of all things.

The Path to Peace

The only way to return to a state of balance is through the practice of chanting Namo Amituofo. When you chant, you bring your heart to a state of stillness. Your mind becomes calm, like a lake without ripples. In this stillness, the waves of emotion subside, and the true light of your nature begins to shine. Through this practice, you naturally cultivate the Precepts, meditative concentration, and Wisdom (Prajna). Everything becomes clear, and you see the world as it truly is.

For countless lifetimes, we have been driven by confusion, and from this confusion, suffering arises. We were born without suffering, yet now we find ourselves caught in the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, death. We are bound by the karma we have created, and it is difficult to break free from this heavy burden. Even in the spiritual realms, where there is no physical body, it is still difficult to be the master of one's own fate. Spirits drift, wandering east and west, unable to find a place of true rest.

This is why you must invite the Buddha into your life. Please chant Namo Amituofo. The Buddha has the power to settle the hearts of all beings, but you must do your part. You must chant with sincerity, for only then can you receive the Buddha's blessing. By chanting, you align yourself with the infinite compassion of Namo Amituofo, and in that alignment, you find the path home.

Namo Amituofo