My dear children, do you still find yourselves dwelling on the people, events, and circumstances of your past? Do you still feel the lingering echoes of , sorrow, grief, or happiness when you look back at the years that have already slipped away? It is important to understand that all these past experiences are composed entirely of . They gather together when the Causal Conditions are ripe, and they disperse just as surely when those conditions fade away. You must not cling to these memories, nor should you constantly reminisce about what once was. In truth, the past is gone; it no longer exists.
If you wish to make real progress on your spiritual journey, you must focus on the present moment. When you lift your heart to chant the name of , you are actively engaging in the purification of your thoughts. This is the only practical path forward. All worldly ties should be treated with a sense of detachment; as you grow in your practice, you must learn to transform these emotional entanglements into ties. By doing so, you shift your focus from the transient world of the ego to the eternal truth of the Dharma.
The True Meaning of Filial Piety
Many practitioners wonder how they can best honour the immense kindness of their parents. The greatest way to repay the grace of those who gave you life, nurtured you, and guided your growth is to achieve success in your practice. You must strive to realise your true nature and eventually attain Buddhahood. When you reach this state, you transform this physical body into a vessel of great utility—a tool that can be used to save not only yourself but also countless other beings. This is the ultimate expression of gratitude.
All those unforgettable, joyful moments you once cherished were also subject to the same law: they gathered when the Causal Conditions are ripe and dispersed when they faded. They are no longer here. You must grasp the work that is before you in this very moment, rather than chasing after shadows of the past. When you indulge in memories, you easily fall into the trap of emotional attachment. This creates internal turbulence, which in turn attracts and allows old illnesses to manifest. It can even lead to states of or the dangerous phenomenon of entering other spaces. For a practitioner, these are obstacles that must be avoided at all costs.
The Power of an Unmoved Mind
If you can cultivate your practice until you reach the state of an unmoved mind, you will no longer be swayed by any person, event, or object. When your heart is truly still, everything you do will naturally align with the Dharma. You will know when to speak and when to remain silent; you will know when to act and when to be still. This is the essence of —helping others to leave suffering behind and find happiness.
At this stage, you will truly understand that the past is gone. You will no longer chase after memories, for you will clearly see that they are illusions, not reality. You will no longer allow your mind to be moved or agitated by these illusions. This is the path of truth. In place of emotional attachment, you will find the presence of compassion and Wisdom. With this Wisdom, you will be able to perform for the beings trapped within these illusions. You will be able to help them listen to the sutras, hear the Dharma, and learn of the of Ultimate Bliss. You will guide them to chant the name of Namo Amituofo, make vows for rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, and successfully reach that destination. By helping these beings find liberation in this very life, you are truly fulfilling your purpose. Transforming emotional ties into Dharma ties is the highest form of Wisdom. When everything is conducted in accordance with Causal Conditions, you will find the true freedom of the unmoved mind. Namo Amituofo.
