The Passage of Time and the Return to the True Self
Amitabha Buddha's Discourse
Day 13 of the Global Prayer Assembly for Disaster Relief, 22 September 2019
Throughout your many lives, you have wandered through the cycle of rebirth. In this current lifetime, time continues its relentless march, never pausing for anyone. It flows like a river, carrying you from one moment to the next, yet often leaving you wondering about the deeper meaning of your existence.
The Erosion of the Original Heart
What does this life truly represent to you? As you reflect on your journey, consider how your heart has changed. The heart of a child, once pure and open, has been altered by the passage of years. Do you still possess the same you felt when you first encountered the Buddha? The experiences of time have caused your heart to drift away from the Buddha, and you no longer feel in sync with the teachings. Even your own true nature, which should be the most intimate part of your being, has become a stranger to you.
The Loss of Your Original Identity
When you no longer recognise your own original heart, you must ask yourself: are you still truly yourself? This loss of connection is the source of much suffering. To find your way back, you must understand that your current state is a result of the following:
- The accumulation of karmic habits that cloud your perception.The influence of the , which obscure your innate wisdom.The distraction of the , which pull your focus away from the path of .
Because you have forgotten your true self, you have become lost in the illusions of the world. Rediscovering this original heart is of the utmost importance for your spiritual journey.
The Journey Home
As time continues to pass, your heart must learn how to return to its source. You might wonder, where is the place from which you came? It is the of Ultimate Bliss, the home of your true nature. To return there, you must cultivate the following virtues:
- Gratitude:
- Recognise the kindness you have received from all beings and the Buddha.Repayment:
- Actively work to repay these kindnesses through your practice and .Dedication: Focus your mind on the goal of rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
By living according to the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, you will find the strength to return to the shore of liberation. Do not let another moment pass in vain. Namo Amituofo.
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Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
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