On the twenty-second of April, 2022, Namo Amituofo provided these profound teachings regarding the nature of the mind.
The Restless Nature of the Ordinary Mind
How many of us truly understand the nature of our own minds? The ordinary mind is a restless, shifting thing. It is constantly in motion, changing from one moment to the next. It is easily influenced by the world around us, and its state fluctuates based on the conditions we encounter, the environments we find ourselves in, the people we interact with, the events that unfold in our lives, and the material objects we possess.
Because the ordinary mind is always looking outward, it is never still. It is a mind that is perpetually reacting to external stimuli, never finding a moment of true peace. It is a mind that is always in flux, driven by the winds of circumstance.
The Unchanging Stillness of the Buddha-Heart
In contrast, the Buddha-heart is singular and unwavering. It is the mind of one who has attained true Meditation (Concentration). The Buddha-heart does not change according to external conditions, nor does it rely on shifting circumstances to define itself. It does not fluctuate because of people, events, or objects. Instead, it remains constant, forever dwelling in a state of profound stillness.
Yet, this stillness is not empty. It is filled with infinite , , and selfless giving. Because the Buddha-heart is rooted in the essence of Meditation (Concentration), it can observe all things clearly. It can adjust to the needs of all beings, providing exactly what is required at any given moment. Because the Buddha-heart is infinite and boundless, it can manifest in countless ways to satisfy the needs of all beings throughout the vastness of the Realm.
The Manifestation of the Six Realms
The ordinary mind, by its very nature, is dynamic and unstable. Because it lacks the foundation of true concentration, it is subject to the law of impermanence. It is limited, finite, and bound by borders. As the ordinary mind moves within the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, it naturally manifests the six realms of rebirth. We find ourselves caught in this cycle, turning endlessly through the various states of existence: the hells, the realm of hungry ghosts, the animal realm, the human realm, the heavenly realms, and the realm of asuras.
All of these realms are manifestations of the mind. The state of your heart determines your future destination. Whether one enters the six realms of rebirth or the four holy states, it is all a reflection of the mind. The vastness of the Dharma Realm is no different; all phenomena, from the wealth and poverty of the human world to the myriad creatures of the earth, arise from the heart. When there is a mind, there is a manifestation of all things.
The Path to
To transcend this cycle, we must turn our hearts toward the Six Perfections: Generosity (Giving), Discipline (), Patience (Endurance), diligent practice, Meditation (Concentration), and Wisdom (Prajna). These are the practices that guide us toward the true self.
These practices are the direction of the heart and the actions of the practitioner. By engaging in them, we purify our body, mind, and spirit until they become transparent and clear. Only then can we enter the state of and no-thought. Only then will we see our true nature, achieve the great task of (Enlightenment), and encompass all phenomena with absolute clarity. Everything will be understood, and the Truth will be revealed before you. This is the path that awaits all of you as you move forward.
